VIN: the Ron Dennis McLaren F1 chassis 003
History of chassis 003
Chassis 003 was the second F1 road car built and the first constructed in 1994.
Painted Carbon black, it was equipped with a unique interior that featured burgundy alcantara upholstery for the upper dash, upper door panels and passenger seat centres. The driver’s seat had a burgundy leather insert and the rest of the upholstery was grey.
Another unique feature was a steering wheel with a black alcantara instead of leather rim.
First registered K4 MCL in May 1994, chassis 003 was retained by Ron Dennis as his personal car. Over the next couple of years, it also served as a promotional vehicle.
In June 1995, 003 was displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed which took place the weekend after McLaren’s famous win at the Le Mans 24 Hours. 003 was driven up the hill and was also on show as part of the victory corral.
In 1996, McLaren sold the car to a Japanese customer, at which stage it was refreshed by the factory to as new condition. Work carried out included a full repaint, new interior and mechanical overhaul. The original colour combination was retained.
In 2008, chassis 003 was exported to the USA where it was sold by Symbolic Motors in La Jolla, California, to its third owner.
003 was subsequently returned to the factory and given a new grey interior with blue driver’s seat centre.
The car has since been seen at various F1 owner’s reunions.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
