McLaren F1 — BTS with DTS

n its day, the McLaren F1 seized headlines for its record-breaking top speed, but in reality, that was never one of the car’s performance objectives and it is actually one of the least interesting features of the car. In this video, Derek Tam-Scott discusses many of the more interesting parts of the F1. Such as the fact that the car’s designer, Gordon Murray, tried to be allowed to sit in the car while it was crash tested. Or the fact that it’s almost exactly the same size as a Porsche Boxster. And 10 inches shorter than a modern 911, 2.5 feet shorter than an XJ220, and 700 pounds lighter than either. Or the fact that the production manager for the car once spent an entire weekend going to grocery stores looking for the perfect eggplant (well, aubergine) to match its color at the request of the customer who had ordered a car. And much more. The car is of course one of the most revered and desired cars of all time. Derek asks (and answers) whether it’s overhyped or whether the car truly does deserve the attention it receives. He also explores the origins of the car, starting with Gordon Murray’s Formula 1 cars at Brabham and McLaren, and on through the development of the F1, including why the car is powered by a BMW Motorsport engine. In the course of this discussion, he reveals the almost innumerable reasons why the car is so unlike any other car before or since, a key part of its enduring legacy. This car is for sale on issimi.com. BTS (behind the scenes) with DTS: Derek Tam-Scott