Within a $70 million McLaren vault that is set to be opened | Carscoops

      Most of the cars are unused, and one even lacks a McLaren emblem.

      13 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      A set of 20 McLarens, including models like the F1, P1, Senna, Speedtail, Sabre, and Elva, is currently for sale.

      These showroom-quality vehicles belonged to the late Mansour Ojjeh, co-owner of McLaren and head of TAG.

      For many, possessing a single supercar is a fantasy typically associated with lottery winners or those navigating midlife crises with ample financial resources. However, owning a curated collection of 20 McLarens, each meticulously tailored down to the last detail, is quite another matter. The private McLaren collection of the late Mansour Ojjeh, a key figure in the brand's history, is now on the market and is expected to fetch over $70 million.

      After succeeding his father as CEO of Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG), Mansour Ojjeh entered the high-speed realm of Formula 1. TAG became a sponsor for Williams in 1979, and by 1984, Ojjeh had taken a significant ownership stake in McLaren.

      His tenure with the team marked a remarkable period, leading to seven Constructors’ and ten Drivers’ Championships. Additionally, he played a vital role in McLaren’s venture into road cars, collaborating with Ron Dennis and engineering icon Gordon Murray.

      A Collection That Tells a Story

      Mansour’s enthusiasm for McLaren went beyond the racetrack. He gradually formed what is now known as “the most significant McLaren road car collection ever.” Each supercar features the final chassis number for its model, intentionally chosen to make sure the cars incorporated every technical advancement made during their production.

      The F1 is the centerpiece of the collection and one of the most sought-after examples, being the last one ever produced. It has only 1,800 km on the odometer and remains in impeccable condition. The three-seater supercar is painted in Yquem, an exclusive shade inspired by a rare dessert wine. This color was later rebranded as Mansour Orange, which is exclusively applied to every car in the collection.

      In addition to the F1, the garage resembles a McLaren greatest-hits compilation. It includes a P1, a Senna, a Speedtail, and the rare Sabre. The collection also features Longtail and Le Mans variants of more common McLarens such as the 650S and 720S. Even the roofless Elva speedster is included, despite its arrival following Ojjeh’s death in 2021. Notably, it displays Mansour emblems rather than McLaren’s.

      The collection's value is heightened because, aside from the F1 and the P1 GTR, all the other vehicles are unused. These supercars have been preserved under direct guidance from McLaren, meaning they are essentially in showroom condition.

      One Seller, One Hopeful Buyer

      The sale of the 20 McLarens has been entrusted to UK dealer Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd, the same firm that previously managed the sale of Bernie Ecclestone’s collection of 69 historic Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars earlier this year. Hartley Jnr likened Mansour Ojjeh’s McLarens to “Enzo Ferrari’s Ferraris or Ferdinand Porsche’s Porsches” and expressed hope that the entire collection will be acquired by a single buyer.

      Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, commented: “Mansour was a founding father of McLaren as we know it today. A deeply passionate racer and automotive enthusiast, he was truly devoted to McLaren. His collection is extraordinarily remarkable; I’m not aware of anything that compares to it.”

      Kathy Ojjeh, Mansour’s widow, emphasized that the collection represents much more than just a group of luxury cars. For her family, it is a profoundly personal legacy. “McLaren held immense significance for Mansour,” she said, noting that his passion transcended mere business. Every vehicle was meticulously crafted to his specifications, showcasing his “exceptional eye for detail” and the deep enthusiasm he had for the brand over the years.

      Although letting go of the collection is challenging, she feels that it is time for it to be transferred to someone who truly appreciates its worth and will care for it as thoughtfully as Mansour did.

      The bronze bust that McLaren unveiled in 2023 to honor Mansour Ojjeh (1952-2021).