McLaren F1 worth HK$160m spotted on Hong Kong streets

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22nd February 2026 – (Hong Kong) One of the world’s most legendary supercars — the McLaren F1 — has been sighted on the streets of Hong Kong, with its estimated value of around HK$160 million prompting astonishment among onlookers.

Photographs circulating online show the ultra-rare British-built machine navigating city roads, drawing crowds of admirers. Social media users reacted with disbelief at the spectacle, with one commenting that it was akin to “driving an entire luxury flat out on the street”.

The McLaren F1, developed by the Formula One team McLaren and first unveiled in 1992, remains one of the most celebrated road cars ever produced. Conceived by chief engineer Gordon Murray and styled by designer Peter Stevens, the car was built as the ultimate expression of a road-going sports car, inspired by McLaren’s racing pedigree.

Production ran from 1992 to 1998, with just 106 units manufactured, including various special editions. Its rarity alone has helped cement its extraordinary market value, with surviving examples now commanding sums equivalent to prime property in Hong Kong.

Powered by a specially developed 6.1-litre BMW S70/2 V12 engine, the F1 achieved global fame in 1998 when a prototype reached 240.1 mph (386.4 km/h), earning the Guinness World Record as the world’s fastest production car at the time. It also secured its place in motorsport history when a racing variant won the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright in 1995 — a remarkable feat for a car not originally designed purely for competition.

The F1 was revolutionary in design. It was the first production vehicle to feature a full carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, contributing to its light weight and structural rigidity. Uniquely, it seats three, with the driver positioned centrally and slightly forward of two passenger seats — an arrangement intended to maximise visibility and driving focus.

Over the years, the model has received widespread critical acclaim. Motoring publications have described it as one of the greatest road cars ever built, while television rankings have placed it at the top of lists celebrating automotive excellence. High-profile owners have included celebrities, collectors and racing drivers, further enhancing its mystique.

Given its limited production and historic significance, the appearance of a McLaren F1 on public roads is an exceptionally rare event anywhere in the world. Its recent sighting in Hong Kong — where space is scarce and property prices are among the highest globally — has only amplified public fascination with a vehicle whose price tag rivals that of luxury real estate.