The Originals Were Obliterated Years Ago, Yet This V12 McLaren Persists | Carscoops

      An Ultima chassis featuring an authentic McLaren F1 engine pays tribute to the prototypes that helped create a legend.

      The recreated Ultima kit utilizes a genuine McLaren F1 engine as a homage to the prototypes that were lost.

      The original Ultima Mk3s, named "Albert" and "Edward", were used to test the F1's gearbox, brakes, and V12 engine.

      To safeguard their secrets, McLaren destroyed the prototypes, yet their impact played a crucial role in the F1's legacy.

      In the early 1990s, the automotive development process took considerably longer than it does now, and McLaren's journey with the F1 exemplifies this. Prior to Gordon Murray's masterpiece earning the title of the fastest production car globally—a title it held until the Bugatti Veyron was launched decades later—the company relied on a modest British kit car to steer its future.

      More: Gordon Murray Perfectly Captures the Modern McLaren F1, Leading to Someone Purchasing All Five

      That car was the Ultima Mk3, and two extensively modified versions, nicknamed Albert and Edward, acted as test beds for various components such as gearboxes and brakes. A man has now recreated one of these test vehicles, and it is nothing short of extraordinary.

      Two years before McLaren completed the carbon tub chassis for the F1, testing essential elements required a hands-on approach. This included testing the planned V12 engine, the brakes, and the central driving position intended for the F1.

      A Pair of Test Beds

      To facilitate this, McLaren acquired two Ultima Mk3s from Noble Motorsport. Chassis 12, known as Albert, was equipped with a Chevy V8, while its counterpart, chassis 13, referred to as Edward, featured an authentic BMW-designed 6.1-liter V12. After completing the tests, McLaren destroyed both prototypes.

      This new version of Edward now emerges. Constructed by Lanzante using a V12 engine that Paul Lanzante purchased directly from BMW, it is a genuine labor of love. Commissioned by John Stafford of Mouse Motors, this final product closely resembles the original vehicle. Lanzante utilized photographs of the original car, historical documents, and parts directly sourced from Gordon Murray to achieve this.

      Paul mentioned that the team has spent two years on this project, describing it as a nightmare. Not only did they have to modify the Ultima chassis to accommodate the engine, but even achieving a functional setup for the exhaust and front engine mounts presented significant challenges. Ultimately, this car—valued at approximately $120,000—features an engine worth ten times that amount hidden within.

      Credit: Top Gear