VIN: the works / Nick Mason McLaren F1 GTR chassis 10R
History of chassis 10R
Chassis 10R was the first of nine 1996-spec. F1 GTRs built.
Initially McLaren’s press and development car, it was painted red with yellow 96 GTR graphics and matching yellow wheels.
Unveiled during the first week of February, 10R went on to accrue several thousand test miles and often appeared in the paddock during the BPR GT Championship events.
During the week prior to the Jarama 4 Hours in early April, McLaren took 10R to Barcelona for a twelve hour test as preparation for Le Mans.
The car subsequently saw competitive action when it attended Le Mans Pre-Qualifying over the weekend of April 27th and 28th. Now in a plain red livery with graphite wheels, 10R ran under a Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing entry. Factory driver David Brabham set 20th fastest time overall and went eighth quickest in the GT1 class. For the Le Mans 24 Hour race in June, the entry slot of Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing was used by chassis 11R run by the Franck Muller-backed Giroix Racing Team.
10R’s trip to Le Mans was followed by more track work at Paul Ricard in mid May. However, on this occasion the test had to be cut short after David Brabham crashed out.
When 10R’s useful life had come to an end, McLaren sold it to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason for his Ten Tenths collection.
Mason had the car converted for road use by Lanzante Motorsport.
It was registered K40 MCL and has since appeared in several magazine road tests.
Notable History
McLaren Cars press and development car
Red with yellow 96 GTR graphics
Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing
Red livery
28/04/1996 IND Le Mans Pre-Qualifying (D. Brabham) 20th oa, 8th GT1 class (#53)
Sold to Nick Mason
Converted for road use by Lanzante Motorsport and registered K40 MCL
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia & McLaren - https://www.mclaren.com
