Tom Talks: Inside the History of McLaren F1 Chassis 009

For our first video of 2026, we take a closer look at the McLaren F1 we currently have in stock, and we are delighted to have filmed this episode at McLaren, where it has been undergoing servicing for the last couple of months. In this episode of Tom Talks, Tom is joined by Michael Wrigley, Heritage Manager at McLaren Special Operations, and they discuss the full life of McLaren F1 chassis 009, including its most recent service work at McLaren Special Operations. Chassis 009 is one of the earliest F1s ever built and, although numbered 009, this car was in fact the eighth McLaren F1 produced. It was originally finished in Magnesium Silver and was, interestingly, the only F1 delivered new to Australia. From day one, the car has been maintained without regard to cost, including its most recent comprehensive service back at the factory. Tom and Michael also discuss the F1’s unique characteristics and the bespoke nature of all McLaren F1s, including the seating and pedal configurations tailored to each individual owner. Chassis 009 has its own unique story: the role it played in enabling centre-drive registration in Australia, plus an in-period accident that resulted in a full factory rebuild, with the chassis returning down the original production line to ensure it was rebuilt to exact original specification and standard. The conversation also covers the recent major works carried out by McLaren Special Operations, during which the engine was removed to allow for the installation of a new aluminium fuel tank and a complete fuel system refresh. During this process, the clutch was replaced, the gearbox rebuilt, the dampers overhauled, age-related components attended to, and new tyres fitted, before the car was put through a full shakedown at Millbrook to ensure it was performing perfectly. Benefitting from just two custodians from new, super-low mileage, and offered complete with its original books and build records signed by Gordon Murray, along with its tools and accessories, chassis 009 represents a rare opportunity to acquire such a complete and unbroken-provenance McLaren F1 that is now totally on-the-button. A big thank you to McLaren Special Operations and the wider McLaren team for allowing us to film at the Technology Centre, and to Michael Wrigley for sharing his knowledge, insight, and time. Enjoy the episode, and as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!