VIN: the Tag Heuer Japan McLaren F1 chassis 012
History of chassis 012
Chassis 012 was the twelfth McLaren F1 production car built and one of 25 completed in 1994.
It was commissioned by the President of the Japanese importer for Tag Heuer who specified Dark Silver paint and a black driver’s seat with red insert. Grey leather was used for the rest of the upholstery and the carpet was coloured to match.
As the car would serve mostly as a promotional tool (the purchaser did not actually have a driving licence), it was configured with Tag Heuer graphics applied to the nose, flanks, rear spoiler and tail fascia. A Tag Heuer shield was also fitted to the steering wheel.
012 was dispatched to Tokyo in August 1994. During its time in Japan, the car starred in a series of Best Motoring track tests at the Tsukuba circuit (depicted above).
It returned to the factory in February 1995 when the pedals and steering wheel were adjusted, extended seat runners were fitted and all the latest updates carried out.
In addition to Tag Heuer, 012’s owner was the importer for Head sports equipment. Accordingly, at one stage the car appeared with promotional Head graphics emblazoned all over it.
By the year 2000, chassis 012 had covered little over 1000km. However, it was regularly serviced by Japanese McLaren agent, COX Incorporated.
The first owner retained chassis 012 until 2011, at which point it was sold to a Swiss collector. The low mileage car has since gone through the hands of a couple more private custodians.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Best Motoring
