Classic Cars
8 min read

‘The Silicon F1’: 1997 McLaren F1 to Be Offered for the First Time in Over a Decade via Sealed Auction at RM Sotheby’s

Published on
July 15, 2025
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Sharon Obuobi
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Akosua Kissiedu
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Hai Ngan Bui
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Known as the Silicon F1 and delivered new to Oracle founder Larry Ellison, this McLaren F1 has remained California-registered since new, with just three Bay Area owners over 27 years. With fewer than 6,500 miles and upgrades by McLaren Special Operations, it is offered through RM Sotheby’s Sealed, with cryptocurrency accepted as a form of payment.

  • RM Sotheby’s Sealed presents one of just seven McLaren F1s delivered new to the US, and is available for purchase with cryptocurrency.
  • Delivered new to Oracle founder Larry Ellison, with just three private Bay Area owners and fewer than 6,500 miles from new.
  • Retains its matching-numbers engine, original Magnesium Silver paint, and factory black leather interior with gray driver’s seat insert. Accompanied by original owner’s manuals, tool roll, fitted luggage, service laptop, and more.
  • Bidding opens August 13 at 10 a.m. PDT via RM Sotheby’s Sealed.

BLENHEIM, Ontario, July 14, 2025 - RM Sotheby’s announces the upcoming sale of a remarkably original 1997 McLaren F1, one of just seven US-delivered registered new. Finished in Magnesium Silver and showing fewer than 6,500 miles, the car has remained California-registered since new and has had just three private owners who are all based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A longtime fixture in the heart of the tech world, the car embodies the forward-thinking engineering that has long resonated with Silicon Valley collectors. Now, in another nod to its modern relevance, the F1 is available to purchase with cryptocurrency through RM Sotheby’s Sealed, with bidding set to open on August 13 at 10 a.m. PDT and close on August 16 at 1 p.m. PDT.

The car will also be on display during RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2025 auction preview, offering interested bidders and enthusiasts the chance to view the F1 in person.

"The Silicon F1 has been carefully preserved by passionate owners in the heart of Silicon Valley since day one. The car has always lived at home, among the very people who recognized how ahead of its time it really was. With its analog driving experience and extremely powerful powertrain, the McLaren F1 remains the fastest of its kind and, for many, the most important supercar ever built,” said Shelby Myers, Global Head of Private Sales, RM Sotheby's. “I’m sure the original owners would appreciate that this car can now be purchased with cryptocurrency. It fits perfectly with the spirit of the Silicon Valley boom, when tech pioneers were the ones buying these cars.”

The Silicon F1 retains its matching-numbers engine and original Magnesium Silver paint over a black leather interior with a gray driver’s seat insert. It is accompanied by its factory-delivered tool roll, owner’s manuals, fitted luggage, service laptop, and its original exhaust system, which has been complemented by a sport exhaust installed by McLaren Special Operations. Additional MSO upgrades include enhanced air conditioning, aluminum fuel tanks, and upgraded radiators. Most recently serviced by McLaren Philadelphia in late 2023 and 2024, the car received a transmission rebuild, new tires, updated fuel system, and a new battery ensuring it remains in top mechanical condition.

(Press Release)