VIN: Crash Test Beauty - the second McLaren F1 Prototype chassis XP2
History of chassis XP2
XP2 was the second of five prototype McLaren F1s completed with the XP chassis prefix.
Prior to the quintet of XP cars, McLaren had used the non-running F1 Clinic Model at a number of presentations and motor shows.
McLaren sacrificed XP2 as a crash test mule to gain type approval.
The bright blue F1 was delivered to the Motor Industry Research Association in Warwickshire during the second week of December 1993.
Upon arrival, XP2 was subjected to the mandatory 30mph crash test which it passed with ease.
The regulations permitted 127mm of steering column travel; XP2’s moved just 14mm. Both doors remained fully operational and damage was light enough that the car could have been driven away.
XP2 was the first road car with a carbonfibre chassis to be crash tested. Thanks to the F1’s intricate front impact structure, the monocoque itself was completely undamaged.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Motor Industry Research Association
