Today I had a ride in a Maclaren F1 ! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Adam · 25th November 2001, 01:00

Dear all

Well where to start!
My pa and I decided this morning that we should head out to goodwood racetrack...it is about half an hours drive from where we live..there are some nice twisties and some longish straights for the beast to stretch its legs

And we like going to goodwood to see if there are any cars racing around like a modena or 996tt...so we arrive at goodwood and this Gorgeous Maclaren F1 Gtr is parked about 100 yards away!

I lept out of the car ran up to the F1 and just stood there gobsmacked for a while as the realisation sunk in that I was staring at a Maclaren F1!Anyhow a really nice guy come up to me and starts chatting to me and my pa... this guy is called henry and has to be one of the nicest people on earth...he looks after the car hes the caretaker..in other words he drives it!Though sadly it was on static displayand we started chatting all about it.. he asked me if i'd like to sit inside it of course i lept in and (with difficulty you see the rollcage was quite substantial!) on the dash there was an array of buttons and switches and a small tv screen for the 3 cameras in the rear to aid parking procedures!)there was also a really nice little plaque stateing which car it was...it was maclaren F1 gtr 10R and the owner has had it changed so that it can be used on the road!... anyone with the book on maclarens this car was the developement mule for the second year gt cars for 96(I think)

Anyhow we had to leave im afraid(we were going to go onto my grandparents house) and also we didnt have a camera so I asked henry how long he would be around...he said till 4pm great i said could we come back later and take some pics with the m5 next to it?He was delighted and said of course!

Ok so after some photos taking Henry asks me if I would like to be driven in it..I can honestly swear that i nearly fell over!Hehhee

So we clambered aboard...Firstly the passenger seats are a stroke of pure genius...they look terribly uncomforable when you just looking at them but when you sit on them they fit you like a glove!
Henry fired the V12 up and Wow i heard it outside but never inside with the gullwing doors closed!It reverberates inside the cabin..its almost as if the car is alive...the sound is just amazing the start up is like a deep throated bark as the 12 cylinders clears its throat then it sits on the rev limiter idling at 1000rpm.Henry slots it into 1st and we glide out of the parking place...ok the car was here as a static display as you know so it shouldnt actually be driven(also because of the sound restrictions on the track as well) but the car park had no such restrictions hehehe the goodwood car park is really nice its length runs along the tracks straight so we line up henry slots it into second and depresses the loud pedal at first you are hit by two things something invisible in your gut hits you hard and then presses oneself into your seat then the sound hits you!What noise!A cacaphony of mechanical sweetness an orchestra ensemble that would make mozart blush!I tell maclaren could sell the noise on CD and be no1 for years!...the acceleration lasted for 2 seconds but we were already catapulted from around 10mph to 50-60 in a blink of an eye...we slowed down turned around sailed back to the parking place where we parked next to the beast(using the rear camera) well thats my story needless to say I invited henry to the board and also would like to say another BIG thank you to henry for his generosity and kindness for taking a manic car nut out for a blast!
anyhow all the best everyone!
Adam

Gustav · 25th November 2001, 01:02

OH MY GOD!

What is happening? IvanDias gets crazy, Adam rides not only in a McLaren F1 but a F1 LM! Super rare?

What is the next topic? Alien lands in Gregs back garden?

God, I'm stuck to the site this evening!

Adam · 25th November 2001, 01:05

Gustav in a way it was an LM but it was actually a gtr for the road...soo i guess it was an LM hehee!

Gustav · 25th November 2001, 01:13

Oh, sorry I'm too "upset" commenting it. Hmm, I have to read through more, I thought I knew McLarens, obviously not

In anycase, hope "henry" signs on the board and give some comments about driving the F1. Incredible!

I can't look enogh on the pictures, amazing!
PS: If henry need a stand-in I'll fly over

Adam · 25th November 2001, 01:14

Henry was one off the nicest guys!He was a real car nut with the coolest job in the world!

all the best
Adam

AndyMenard · 25th November 2001, 01:15

OMG!!! I am sooooooo jealous!! Must have been a real treat!! Man, is that the understatement of the day!

Thanks for sharing the pics and the experience! I can only dream that one day I will get to drive one of the world's most impressive cars!!

Adam · 25th November 2001, 01:15

Gustav i have some more pics do you think i should post them?

If so ill get scanning right away

Adam

Adam · 25th November 2001, 01:17

My pleasure Andy!

Oak · 25th November 2001, 01:20

WOW! How exciting! Once in a life time opportunity! I would like to experience the Goodwood Festival sometime.

TCM · 25th November 2001, 01:24

Adam:

That is great. You are one lucky man!

Please post more pictures, I would greatly appreciate it. Wait till you tell your freinds. Today I rode in a M5 to the track then got a ride in a McLaren F1! Wow! Congrats on a wonderful day.

Adam · 25th November 2001, 01:27

TC

I tell ya dream come true dream come true!

all the best
Adam

Gustav · 25th November 2001, 01:33

OF COURSE

More more more please

Thanks for the GREAT photoes!

Quote:

Originally posted by Adam
Gustav i have some more pics do you think i should post them?

If so ill get scanning right away

Adam