The McLaren F1 has been voted as Britain’s favourite supercar after being unveiled as the winner of a massive online poll at this year’s Classic & Sports Car Show, which kicked off at Alexandra Palace earlier this morning.
More than 17,000 votes were cast, with the shortlist of 10 finalists all forming a stunning Century of Supercars central display at the event. The McLaren F1 remained hidden beneath silk sheet before being unveiled by John Surtees to rapturous applause from the crowd.
The F1 beat a host of exotic classics ranging from a Bentley Blower through to its cutting-edge stablemate, the hybrid-engined McLaren P1. Lamborghini’s Miura and Mercedes-Benz’ 300SL ‘Gullwing’ were also beaten to the top prize, along with Ferrari’s F40, Bugatti’s Veyron and Jaguar’s XK120.
“With incredible looks, engineering nous and exclusivity that’s the envy of other supercar owners, it’s no surprise that the one-time fastest production car in the world has been hailed as the best supercar of all time,” said Classic & Sports Car’s James Elliott. “The real winners today are visitors who, as a result of this poll, have been able to see 10 of the world’s best supercars under one roof. It’s not every day such a mesmerising group of cars is gathered in the same place!”
After unveiling the winning supercar, Surtees took to the Live Interview Stage to share stories from his life on two wheels and four with Henry Hope-Frost and a crowd of eager listeners. Top artist and the man responsible for the show’s artwork, Tim Layzell, was also on hand to give visitors a fascinating insight into the processes involved in creating his motorsport pieces.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC