This model represents the prototype of the 1997 racing version of the McLaren F1. To homologate the extended nose and tail for racing, McLaren had to offer a road going version of the car for sale. Only three were built for sale and are therefore probably the rarest of all McLaren F1's. The street versions did not have the rear wing of the racing version, as they had the fan assisted ground effect aerodynamics of the original road car. They also were equipped with all the luxury equipment of the standard car, including CD player, air-con and leather seats.
This model, the prototype GTR long tail racer, was initially used as McLaren's development car before being sold to Team Lark of Japan for racing. When Gordon Murray (the chief designer) first saw this jet black car testing, he said "that's it! We've finally turned the F1 into a true racing car!".
The extended tail was there to allow the rear wing (which the regulations stated must be located within the plan view of the car when seen from above) to be mounted further back from the rear axle, where it could exert more leverage and therefore more downforce.
In 1997 (the last year McLaren provided full factory support to the racing versions of the F1) the main competition was from the newly introduced AMG Mercedes CLK GTR's. The new F1 was more than a match for the Porsche 911 GT1's which prompted it's development, but the Mercedes provided stiff competition all year. Eventually, the McLaren just failed to win the GT1 Championship, but managed to finish 2nd overall at LeMans (1st in the GT1 class).
As with all UT McLaren F1s, this model is hard to find at present (January 2006) as UT ceased production in 2000 after being taken over by AUTOarts parent company and the McLaren F1 line was not re-released as an AUTOart as other UT models were. Licensing for the model is no longer available primarily as BMW do not wish for it to be made anymore. This is because McLaren is now closely linked with BMWs arch rivals Mercedes-Benz (who make the engines for McLaren's F1 cars and had McLaren engineer and produce their new supercar the SLR).
Certain aspects of this model show it's age compared to the latest 1:18ths from AUTOart, Kyosho, Minichamps and so on. Their is only the most basic attempt to replicate the brakes, with painted discs that have no callipers, a plain interior and engine and crude front headlights. It is a good looking model despite those faults and is the best 1:18th model of the McLaren F1 made to date.
