One to Buy: ex-Parabolica Motorsport / Team Lark 1997 McLaren F1 GTR
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McLaren’s response to purpose-built GT1 challengers from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz was the F1 GTR 97 which featured an array of radical upgrades, the most obvious of which was its dramatic new bodywork.
Stretched, widened and equipped with a next generation aero kit, the 1997 GTR also underwent a major weight reduction programme and featured an X-trac sequential transmission plus heavily revised suspension and brake systems. Footing the bill for the lion’s share of this major development programme was McLaren’s engine partner, BMW Motorsport.
In total, ten copies of the 1997 GTR were assembled. Of these, four apiece went to BMW Motorsport and GTC Motorsport while the prototype was retained by McLaren.
The only example sold to a privateer outfit was supplied to existing customer David Morrison for his Parabolica Motorsport operation. Between March 5th and 12th that car, chassis 27R, will be going under the hammer in a sealed bid auction with RM Sotheby’s.
Following a victorious debut outing at the 1997 British GT Championship season opener around Silverstone, 27R was campaigned in the FIA GT Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours. Best results were a trio of sixth place finishes at the Silverstone, Nurburgring and Spa 4 Hour races with Chris Goodwin and Gary Ayles behind the wheel.
Famously, in addition to running in Parabolica’s yellow and blue colours, 27R made three outings in the stunning Rocket Pink and Obsidian Grey livery made famous by Team Lark who leased the car for 1997’s Le Mans 24 Hours.
We recently featured 27R when it was on offer with Girardo & Co. in its Parabolica colours. However, since then the car has been wrapped in Team Lark livery as it appeared at Le Mans. Entirely reversible, the car’s Parabolica-type paintwork remains underneath.
Following its sale to the consigning owner in 2018, 27R has participated in some of the world’s most prestigious motoring events to include the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
In February 2025, the car was the subject of a comprehensive service by Lanzante Limited which included the renewal of its fuel tank and ancillary fuel system components, engine bay heat shield material, fire suppression system and installation of a new starter motor. During prior ownership, Lanzante converted 27R to road trim and obtained UK registration.
