A truly exceptional assembly of McLaren automobiles, once owned by the influential French-Saudi entrepreneur Mansour Ojjeh, is now entering the market. This remarkable collection, curated with meticulous attention to detail by Ojjeh himself, represents a significant chapter in McLaren's history, reflecting his profound impact on both the racing team and the automotive division. Many of these automotive masterpieces are in factory-fresh condition, highlighting the late businessman's discerning taste and the unparalleled care these vehicles received directly from McLaren.
In a significant development for the global automotive community, the private McLaren car collection of the esteemed Mansour Ojjeh is being offered for sale. Ojjeh, who passed away in 2021, was a pivotal figure in McLaren's journey, especially during the Formula 1 team's dominant eras in the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his contributions to the racing world, he played a crucial role in the establishment of McLaren Automotive in 2010, naturally leading to his acquisition of an impressive fleet of the brand's most coveted vehicles.
Now, four years following his passing, this extraordinary assortment of McLarens is being presented to the market by the renowned British specialist dealer, Tom Hartley Jnr. The collection features an array of McLaren's most iconic and limited-production models. Among the highlights are a Speedtail, a P1, two 675LTs, an open-top Elva, and no fewer than three Senna GTRs. A particularly noteworthy inclusion is the 16th and final Sabre, a model originally planned for only 15 units exclusively for the US market. While not pictured alongside the other vehicles at the Bahrain International Circuit, a track-only P1 GTR is also reportedly part of this unparalleled offering.
The undisputed centerpiece of this collection is a magnificent McLaren F1, distinctively finished in a unique shade of orange commissioned by Ojjeh himself. This bespoke color, initially christened 'Yquem' in homage to a fine French dessert wine, was later officially renamed 'Mansour Orange' by McLaren, a testament to his enduring legacy. This particular F1, the oldest car in the collection, stands out as the sole model predating the inception of McLaren Automotive. Remarkably, almost every vehicle in the collection remains in pristine, unused condition, having received consistent, direct maintenance from McLaren – a privilege reportedly not extended to any other private collector. The only exceptions are the F1, with a minimal 1,125 miles on its odometer, and the P1 GTR, which has seen limited use during exclusive McLaren-organized track events.
Kathy Ojjeh, Mansour's widow, fondly recalled the collection as a family treasure, emphasizing her late husband's extraordinary talent for detail and his unwavering passion for McLaren. While pricing details remain undisclosed, the sheer exclusivity and condition of these vehicles suggest an astronomical value, truly placing this sale in the realm where cost is no object for prospective buyers.
The sale of Mansour Ojjeh's McLaren collection serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connection between visionary individuals and the automotive masterpieces they help shape. From a journalist's perspective, this event underscores not only the rarity and desirability of these high-performance machines but also the personal stories and meticulous dedication that go into curating such a collection. It highlights how a deep-seated passion, like Ojjeh's for McLaren, can transcend mere ownership and become an integral part of a brand's narrative. For enthusiasts and collectors, this is more than just an auction; it's an opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history, a tangible link to a legend who significantly influenced one of the most prestigious names in the industry. It prompts us to consider the enduring value of craftsmanship, innovation, and the personal touch that elevates a car from a machine to a work of art.