McLaren F1, Porsche 911 GT1, Mercedes CLK GTR: 90s Holy Trinity
Carfection’s Henry Catchpole takes us on a epic three-part journey comparing some of the most legendary (McLaren included) cars out there.
Sometimes a selection of vehicles is almost too special. Special like you need a 24/7 security detail just for that section of the garage. Today, we bring you that level of awesomeness with some absolutely timeless vehicles.
The McLaren F1, Porsche 911 GT1, and Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR are without a doubt some of the most special vehicles every built. Even better, their developments are all directly intertwined and lead to a battle of epic proportions.
Thanks to the blessed host of Carfection, Henry Catchpole, we are graced with seeing these three legends spin a couple laps around the iconic Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
Carfection will be releasing this film as a three-part series, so don’t miss out on the next two episodes. We will cover the details of the first part here, the McLaren F1.
McLaren F1 – The Golden Standard
If there was a first of the trinity, it would be the McLaren F1. This vehicle set the standard for automotive excellence.
Many have described it as being the greatest car ever created along with a handful of other lofty titles. We understand why. It really is that special.
The design, the engine, the aerodynamics, the technology involved- all were unprecedented. Completely innovative, yet elegant and simple, it was truly timeless vehicle from first glance.
The “ultimate road car” seen in this video is chassis number #037 and the only model in existence to have an original full alcantara interior. Along with the original silver paint, this is one of the rarest examples available.
627 HP from one of the most responsive V12 BMW-powered engines of all time- its power potential was undeniable. This lead it to world record top speed of 240+ mph back in 1998.
Obviously, this car was destined for competition as a result its nimble lightweight design, even though it was built from inception as strictly a road car. This later led to the creation of the specialized F1 GTR.
Legends of the ’90s: The BPR Global GT Series – Group GT1
McLaren would introduce several F1 GTR’s to the field during the opening season of the BPR Global GT series (later known as the FIA GT Championship). They would prove to be utterly dominant.
The GTR would go on to win both the 1995 and 1996 season. Including a historic 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place finish at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Porsche, who up to that point had retained heavy dominance in sports car racing, clapped back with their brand new 911 GT1.
They shockingly decided to build a purpose-built prototype racer, instead of a race version of the 911. As you could see, they weren’t happy losing.
A “road compliant” race car had to be built for it to be homologated for the series, which is the car you see that graces us in the video. We are glad they built it.
Although not extremely successful during the regular season, the Porsche would go on to win Le Mans in 1998 after some extensive design changes.
The GT1 only shared the front and rear lights from the production 993 911 model, not a single other design similarity. However, that passed the rule book standard so they ran with it.
Mercedes also would build their own homologation special in response, the CLK GTR. It would also manage to secure a dominant performance in the 1997 and 1998 FIA GT Championship.
This desperate and expensive battle to produce the best homologation vehicle led to every other manufacturer except Mercedes from withdrawing from the next season, effectively killing the GT1 class.
Undeniable Trio Built for Competition
Racing allowed for each of these models to be created. Manufacturers successfully skirting of the rules of needing a “road legal” car to base their race cars off of led them to making race cars for the road instead.
Let’s call it reverse engineering. This process graced us with some of the most memorable “road cars” of all time.
Catchpole states “this is the lengths that Porsche and Mercedes went to in order to beat the McLaren F1.” The F1 truly was the benchmark to beat.
Maybe it was the “meticulous attention to detail and its use of the best possible materials” that lead to vehicles this level of excellence. Either way, we are glad these few examples exist.
For those that dream of race cars built for the road, these three vehicles are held to the highest adoration. We’ll never production cars quite like these ever again.
