The Mansour Ojjeh Collection: A Unique Offering of McLaren Road Cars

An extraordinary selection of 20 McLaren road cars, once owned by the late Mansour Ojjeh, is set to hit the market. Ojjeh, a notable French-Saudi entrepreneur and former shareholder of both TAG Heuer and the McLaren Group, passed away in June 2021, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the automotive world. The sale of this exclusive collection has been entrusted to Tom Hartley Jnr, a renowned classic car dealer known for his expertise in high-value vehicles. Earlier this year, Hartley made headlines by selling Bernie Ecclestone’s historic collection of 69 Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars for an impressive $600 million.

A Collection Like No Other

The Mansour Ojjeh Collection features the final chassis numbers of each model, showcasing some of McLaren’s most iconic creations. Among these vehicles are the Speedtail, P1, Senna, and the famed F1, which is often regarded as the crown jewel of the collection. Notably, the last F1 ever produced was finished in a distinct color that McLaren dubbed ‘Mansour Orange’—a special shade that was exclusively used for Ojjeh’s cars.

Impeccable Condition

Every vehicle in this remarkable collection is in pristine, factory-delivered condition, having been meticulously maintained. With the exception of the F1, which has a modest mileage of just 1,810 kilometers, and the P1 GTR, which was utilized occasionally for McLaren track days, all other cars remain unused. They have been preserved under the direct care of McLaren, a service that is unparalleled in the collector community. This level of attention ensures that each vehicle retains its original charm and performance capabilities.

Ojjeh’s Impact on McLaren

During Mansour Ojjeh’s tenure, McLaren achieved significant milestones, securing seven Constructors’ Championships and ten Drivers’ Championships. His influence extended beyond racing; he played a pivotal role in the establishment of McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Applied Technologies division, solidifying McLaren’s reputation as a leader in innovation and engineering excellence. His contributions were deeply rooted in a passion for motorsport and a vision for what McLaren could become.

A Family Legacy

Kathy Ojjeh, the widow of Mansour Ojjeh, expressed the deep emotional connection her late husband had with McLaren. She stated, “McLaren meant so much to Mansour. It was more than business; it was pure passion, and it was in that vein that he curated this unique collection of McLaren road cars.” Kathy reflected on the personal significance of the collection, describing it as a family treasure that serves as a reminder of the countless hours they spent together, witnessing Mansour design each car to his specifications.

Her sentiments highlight the meticulous attention to detail Ojjeh possessed, a skill that was a direct reflection of his enduring passion for McLaren. “Parting with this very personal collection is not easy, but it is time for it to go to its new custodian, one who truly ‘gets it’ and will cherish owning and caring for it the way Mansour did,” she added, emphasizing the importance of finding the right buyer who understands the value of this unique collection.

Recognition from Industry Leaders

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, acknowledged Ojjeh’s instrumental role in shaping McLaren as we know it today. He described Mansour as a foundational figure of the modern McLaren, highlighting his immense passion for racing and automotive excellence. “His collection is very special; I’m not aware of anything else that compares with it,” Brown remarked, underscoring the uniqueness of the Mansour Ojjeh Collection.

Tom Hartley Jnr, the dealer entrusted with the sale, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the Ojjeh family in this significant undertaking. He noted, “I had the privilege of meeting Mansour on a few occasions, and his attention to detail and appreciation for the finer things in life are clearly reflected in the collection that remains today.” Hartley believes that the sale of this collection is extraordinary, not only for its contents but also due to its association with one of the pioneers of McLaren Automotive. He emphasized that this connection makes the collection truly irreplaceable.

The Significance of the Collection

The Mansour Ojjeh Collection is more than just a group of luxury vehicles; it represents a rich history and a personal narrative intertwined with the legacy of McLaren. Each car embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that McLaren stands for, while also serving as a testament to Ojjeh’s deep commitment to the brand.

The collection can also be seen as a celebration of automotive artistry and engineering prowess. With each vehicle meticulously crafted and maintained, they stand as examples of what is possible when passion meets precision. Collectors, enthusiasts, and fans of the McLaren brand will undoubtedly see the value not only in the cars themselves but also in the story they tell about a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of automotive perfection.

Conclusion of Sale

As the sale process unfolds, there is a palpable excitement surrounding the Mansour Ojjeh Collection. It is a rare opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire a piece of McLaren history, a collection that is not only significant in its composition but also in its connection to one of the automotive industry’s most passionate figures.

The anticipation builds as potential buyers understand the unique opportunity that lies before them—an opportunity to own a collection that encapsulates the essence of McLaren, designed and curated by a man whose life was closely tied to the brand’s legacy. This is more than just a sale; it is a chance to carry forward the passion, dedication, and vision that Mansour Ojjeh infused into each vehicle, ensuring that his legacy continues to thrive in the world of motorsport and automotive excellence.

In conclusion, the Mansour Ojjeh Collection stands as a remarkable tribute to a life dedicated to the art of automotive engineering and design. The legacy of Ojjeh is deeply woven into the fabric of McLaren, and this collection is a tangible representation of that legacy, waiting for a new custodian to cherish and uphold its significance for generations to come.