It is hard to believe but the McLaren F1 is celebrating its twentieth birthday. The team that was to create the legendary supercar first came together in 1990. Two years later, on 28th May 1992, the F1 was unveiled to the world in Monaco. With its central driving position, clever packaging and carbon fibre structure it attracted plenty of praise in the motoring press even if the £540,000 price tag (before tax) raised a few eyebrows.
Although not designed as a competition car to start with the F1 GTR race version was produced in response to demand from owners and won both the 1995 FIA GT1 Championship and Le Mans that year. A further competition version came in the form of the 1997 GTR with longer nose and tail sections for increased downforce.
As part of the anniversary celebrations owners past and present were invited to a dinner at the company's Woking headquarters. McLaren Automotive will also exhibit the F1 and the MP4-12C together at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed (2-4 July).
John Lambert - 28 May 2010