GRR

Video: Gordon Murray on the mission to power the McLaren F1

26th December 2023
Ethan Jupp

There’s nothing quite like watching and listening to an artist muse about his creation. That’s what we’re doing with today’s video, though there’s no paint nor canvas to be found. The art is the McLaren F1, widely hailed as the greatest motorcar of all time. The artist is of course, Gordon Murray, although he’d prefer to be known as its architect.

For he didn’t dictate the look of the McLaren F1. Rather, he set out the specifications of every parameter of the car. In this video, he talks us through the process of getting an engine for the F1, from the goal of surpassing 100hp per litre, to the necessity for a natural aspiration and multiple cylinders – preferably 12 – for the ultimate in response and sound. When you have the kind of race-honed discipline of Gordon Murray, the results are bound to be astonishing. And of course, they were. A Le Mans win, a long-standing speed record and universal adoration have driven the McLaren F1’s rise to being one of the most valuable motorcars on Earth.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Wrestling a single seater at the Nürburgring… in the snow!

  • Video

  • Elevenses

  • McLaren

  • F1

Shop the latest layers essentials in the Motor Circuit Collection

Shop Now
elevenses-mclaren-f1s.jpg

Formula 1

Video: This pack of McLaren F1s is scarcely believable

08th June 2022

mclaren-f1-onboard-ride-v12-sound-engine-video-goodwood-28042021.jpg

Formula 1

Video: The raw sound of McLaren F1’s V12 is sublime

28th April 2021

elevenses-tony-kanaan-drives-ayrton-senna-mclaren-mp46-sonoma.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Tony Kanaan fires Senna’s ’91 McLaren around Sonoma

13th November 2023

murray-walker-mclaren-f1-review-video-main-goodwood-03112021.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Murray Walker reviews the McLaren F1

04th November 2021

Video_Hakkinen_Imola_2000_qualifying_elevenses_Goodwood_12082024_list.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Häkkinen qualifying masterclass at Imola

12th August

elevenses-martin-brundle.png

Formula 1

Video: F1 driver vs supercar collection

08th December 2020

elevenses-pato-oward-mclaren.jpg

Historic

Video: Pato O’Ward sends it in Hamilton’s McLaren F1 car

29th November 2023

jenson-button-mclaren-mp4-26-fos-2014-sutton-mi-video-goodwood-13102020.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Jenson Button flying in his McLaren MP4-26

13th October 2020