McLaren F1 1992-1998 reliability

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Is the McLaren F1 reliable?

McLaren's seminal supercar is exceptionally well built and is generally a reliable car that shouldn't suffer from any major issues.

That being said, the F1 requires a very high level of maintenance that can only be carried out by McLaren, hence the cost to run one is eye-wateringly expensive. 

Gearbox: The six-speed manual ’box is a robust transmission that can easily handle the 627bhp V12, but run it up through the gears and make sure shifts are smooth.

Clutch: The carbonfibre item isn’t unreliable, but it doesn’t like to be slipped. Replacement is a labour-intensive job that will cost around a five-figure sum.

Brakes: Standard-fit pads and discs are good. Pads should be replaced every 15,000 miles. MSO Heritage has refined the pad material over the years to improve pedal feel.

Interior: Check the bolster on the lefthand side of the driver’s seat for wear – it is likely to have been caught by an owner climbing in. 

Body: Check for any scuffs to the body work: repairs to the carbonfibre body or tub will cost an eye-watering amount.

Gold foil was added to the engine bay and bonnet to act as a heat shield, reflecting heat away from the fuel tank and protecting the body from the heat created by the engine and exhaust. It is often replaced when the engine is out for a service and takes up to 18 hours to complete.

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Servicing: A routine service can take in the region of 85 hours and is painstakingly thorough: the engine is removed and the fuel tank, fuel hoses and other components are replaced. The engine, gearbox and ancillaries are then all surgically cleaned, and the suspension is retuned. The car then goes to Millbrook Proving Ground for a sign-off test.

McLaren will also replace the dampers every 10 years as part of a service.

An Owner's view

Ray Bellm, former owner and F1 GTR racing driver: “I ordered chassis number 46 after attending the launch event in Monaco in 1992 and planned to convert it into a racing car. Ron Dennis said I couldn’t and offered to build me a one-off racer for £1 million, but I didn’t have the money.

"He told me to go and find three other customers who wanted a racing car, and he’d charge us £650,000 plus VAT. I found two other buyers and took delivery of the car at the same time as my road car, so I had two McLaren F1s .”

Also worth knowing

How do you get in? Enter from the left-hand side, sit on the corner of the passenger seat, put one leg in the driver footwell, support your body by placing an arm behind your back, place your other leg in the foot well , grab the seat ’s side bolster, lift yourself across and slide in. Simple.

If you do buy an F1 , make sure i t comes with the factory tool chest and the leather case that contains the service book.

The F1’s fuel cells need to be replaced every five years, but British engineering firm Lanzante can supply and fit an aluminium cell that will last for the rest of the car’s life. Winner.