A Piece of Automotive History Says Goodbye

I’ve always had a soft spot for the McLaren F1—those sleek lines and that roaring V12 engine that turned heads wherever it went. For years, Australia was home to a rare gem: the only road-going McLaren F1 on its soil, known as Chassis 009. But as of this week, that chapter has closed. This iconic supercar, one of just 64 built for the road and 106 including race versions, has packed its bags and headed back to the UK, leaving Aussie car lovers with a mix of pride and a touch of sadness.

A Car with a Story to Tell

Chassis 009 isn’t just any car—it’s a rolling tale of triumph and tribulation. Back in the ‘90s, it rolled into Sydney, delivered straight to Dean Wills, the bigwig at Coca-Cola Amatil. Wills wasn’t one to let it gather dust; he put it through its paces at his private track north of the city, keeping it in tip-top shape. But its life Down Under wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 1997, a BMW mechanic took it for a spin during routine maintenance and ended up in a nasty crash, leaving the car battered and the headlines buzzing.

The Rollercoaster Life of Chassis 009

After that dramatic wreck, Chassis 009 took a trip back to McLaren’s home base in Woking for a major overhaul. The repair bill? A cool $1 million, a figure that raised eyebrows at the time. While they were at it, the team gave it a fresh coat of paint—a darker grey than its original Magnesium Silver—giving it a new lease on life. From there, it moved south to Melbourne in 2005, landing with Tony Rafits, who held onto it for a year before passing it to businessman Barry Fitzgerald. For the next two decades, Fitzgerald became its guardian, often spotted cruising Melbourne’s streets with this million-dollar beauty.

Another Bump in the Road

The car’s adventurous spirit didn’t stop there. In 2016, during a driving tour in New Zealand, it took an unexpected detour off the road, picking up some minor damage. True to form, it was patched up and back on the move, proving its resilience despite its sky-high value. Seeing it zip around Melbourne became a local thrill, a reminder of the golden age of supercars.

The Big Sale and Departure

Fast forward to now, and Chassis 009 has changed hands again. Exotic car dealer Tom Hartley Junior scooped it up after it hit the market with a jaw-dropping AUD$37 million price tag. Efforts to find an Aussie buyer fell flat, leaving the car’s future in foreign hands. On August 18, it was spotted being loaded onto an Emirates flight, sparking rumors it might head to the Middle East. Instead, it touched down at Stansted Airport in the UK, marking the end of its Australian adventure.

A $37 Million Farewell

That $37 million figure isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to the car’s rarity and history. With only 64 road-legal F1s ever made, this one’s story of crashes, repairs, and loyal ownership made it a collector’s dream. Sadly, its departure means Australia’s car scene loses a shining star, unlikely to return to these shores.

Reflecting on a Legacy Lost

Watching Chassis 009 leave feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. For years, it was a symbol of what’s possible when engineering meets passion, weaving its way through Sydney, Melbourne, and even New Zealand. Now, as it settles into its new chapter in the UK, we can only hope its story continues to inspire. For Aussie car enthusiasts, it’s a bittersweet moment—a reminder to cherish the legends while they’re still around. (Image Source- whichcar.com.au)