VIN: Tony Smith's McLaren F1 chassis 020
History of chassis 020
Chassis 020 was the 18th McLaren F1 road car built. Manufactured in 1994, it was registered that November to British rock band manager, Tony Smith.
During the classic rock era of the 1970s, Smith became the manager for Genesis whose line up comprised singer Peter Gabriel, bassist Mike Rutherford, keyboardist Tony Banks, guitarist Steve Hackett and drummer Phil Collins.
Tony Smith was a promoter for Charisma records when Genesis asked him to become their manager in 1972. With the exception of Peter Gabriel, Smith would also become manager for the group member’s solo projects.
In late 1972, Atlantic Records purchased Charisma specifically so they could sign Genesis.
In 1975, Collins replaced Gabriel as the band’s front man.
Although mainstream success came slower than anticipated, by 1978, Genesis were playing international arena tours.
Over the next 15 years, the band achieved remarkable sustained success and became one of the biggest acts in the world.
During this period, Genesis achieved album sales in excess of 100 million. Phil Collins’ solo work was similarly successful and Tony Smith was hailed as among the best managers in the business. The royalties flowed in and enabled him to indulge his passion for rare and exotic motor cars.
Tony Smith ordered chassis 020 in Mid Blue Pearl and registered the car on his private plate, 13 MAC.
It was frequently seen at circuits in the UK and Europe as Smith was a keen historic racer. In addition to a Maserati 300 S, he regularly participated in single seaters like his Maserati 250 F, Alfa Romeo P3 Tipo B, Ferrari Dino 246 and Cooper T51.
In the early 2000s, Smith returned chassis 020 to McLaren. By this time, the car had racked up more miles than perhaps any other.
It was uprated by the factory to LM specification which included the addition of a High Downforce Kit. The colour was changed to Carbon Black with a red coachline.
In this configuration, 020 was driven by Murray Walker for a 2003 episode of Top Gear.
2007 saw Tony Smith became the co-manager of Pink Floyd.
By this time, chassis 020 had been re-registered F1 TOO.
It remains one of the few McLaren F1s still with the original owner.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
