McLaren just launched the first factory service for authenticating McLaren F1 supercar. The first certified car is a 1997 F1 GTR Longtail, fully restored by McLaren Special Operations and displaced at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance over the weekend.

the MSO team spent 18 months on chassis number 25, built as one of three Longtail cars for the Gulf-Davidoff team. MSO especially used brand new old-stock GTR parts stored at the factories 20 years ago, so that it is restored to ‘as new’ condition and returned to its 1997 Le Mans glory. Other than the famous Gulf-Davidoff team livery, the ‘tall’ Le Mans gearing and the blue roof identification lights are two highlight areas that go back to its root.

Chassis 25 competed at the Fuji Speedway in 2005 and became the last F1 GTR ever to race in a contemporary series. After being displayed in Japan for years, the current owner brought it back to the UK for the factory restoration exercise. In addition to getting a certificate for guaranteed authenticity of the F1, owners joining the scheme will also receive a bespoke illustrated book documenting the history of their car. 106 McLaren F1s built between 1993-98, for the roads or the tracks, are all eligible for the scheme.