The Ultimate Intersection of Rock and Roll and Automotive Excellence

When you think of Pink Floyd, you likely imagine psychedelic soundscapes and legendary stadium performances. However, for drummer Nick Mason, the passion for rhythm extends far beyond the drum kit and into the high-octane world of elite supercars. In a move that is sending shockwaves through the collector community, Mason is parting with a crown jewel of his personal collection: a one-of-a-kind 1996 McLaren F1 GTR.

This isn’t just any supercar; it is a piece of automotive history that has been meticulously preserved for nearly three decades. Set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey, this machine is poised to redefine the market for luxury vehicles.

A Rare Breed: The Story of Chassis No. 10R

The McLaren F1 is widely regarded as the blueprint for every modern high-performance vehicle. While the road-going version is legendary, the GTR variant was built for the brutal demands of international racing. After motorsports teams clamored for a competitive version, McLaren released the GTR, which famously secured the overall victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Nick Mason’s specific vehicle, chassis no. 10R, is exceptionally rare for several reasons:

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• Limited Production: Only 28 GTR examples were ever produced.
• Exclusive Bodywork: It is one of only two examples featuring the coveted “short-tail” body.
• Unique Aesthetics: This is the only F1 GTR to feature a factory-original livery—a striking scarlet and yellow design inspired by 1990s pop art.

Under the Hood: Raw Power and Precision

At the heart of this beast lies a BMW-sourced 6.0-liter V-12 engine. In its original racing trim, the engine produced 591 hp, slightly lower than the road version due to required air restrictors for racing regulations. However, since Nick Mason acquired the car directly from McLaren in 1999, it underwent a professional conversion to make it street-legal.

The conversion process included:

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• Removal of air restrictors to unlock more power.
• Adjusted suspension for increased ground clearance on public roads.
• Installation of mufflers and passenger seats for enhanced comfort.

A Record-Breaking Investment

The automotive world is bracing for a historic price tag. RM Sotheby’s estimates that the McLaren F1 GTR will sell for in excess of $35 million during the annual Monterey sale, taking place from August 12 to August 15.

If these estimates hold true, this vehicle will officially become the most expensive McLaren ever sold, easily surpassing the 1994 F1 that fetched $25.3 million last year. For the right buyer, this isn’t just a car—it’s a fusion of Pink Floyd’s cultural legacy and the pinnacle of 20th-century engineering.

Whether you are a fan of legendary rock drumming or an aficionado of rare V12 engines, the sale of Nick Mason’s McLaren is an event that cannot be missed.