In 2024, RM Sotheby’s made its UAE debut at Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai’s contemporary arts hub. The sale was such a success that it graced the city again in December, this time at the prestigious grounds of the Emirates Golf Club, where another showstopping auction resulted in several record-breaking acquisitions. Chief among them was a rare Aston Martin Valkyrie purchased by a longstanding client of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, bridging the world of luxury automotives and high-end real estate.
Abu Dhabi has stepped forward to bask in some of the limelight enjoyed by its more widely known neighbor in 2025. This year’s RM Sotheby’s sale swaps out the verdant environs of the golf course for the golden shores of Saadiyat Island - Abu Dhabi’s cultural heartbeat. The sale will be the culmination of the first Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, a series of talks and exhibitions centred on the art of collecting.
RM Sotheby’s will be showcasing a stunning and limited collection of lots at their inaugural Abu Dhabi sale, headlined by an iconic 90s Mclaren model. The auction house has also entered a unique partnership with McLaren that will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own three as yet unreleased and unraced vehicles. Featuring cutting-edge engineering and technology, these cars will represent a new chapter in the marque’s celebrated legacy. We take a look at the exciting cars up for bid below.
1994 McLaren F1
Celebrated F1 designer Gordon Murray and his team set out to incorporate racing technology and engineering into a road car during the 90s, adamant that his creation would be only for the road and not the track. The goal was a simple one - to create a supercar that would redefine the driving experience. The result, however, was a vehicle that found its place in racing legend as a modified GTR version was ultimately produced. Making its grand debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, the modded racecar clinched first place and led a McLaren-heavy top 5 finish (only missing out on 2nd place). Specs that included a naturally aspirated 6,064-cc BMW V12, a gold-lined engine bay and a streamlined three-seater design helped the car hit a top speed of 391 km/h, which was more of an exciting byproduct than a planned result.
Only 64 versions of the road-specific version were made, with Chassis 14 being commissioned for the Royal Family of Brunei in a stunning Titanium Yellow with black leather interiors. It was later purchased by former McLaren director David Clark and then by a longtime F1 enthusiast from the United States. In 2006, a long-term owner would acquire it and send it back to McLaren headquarters for a complete refit. The original yellow was replaced by Ibis White, the interiors were converted to LM specification, and Chassis 014 became the last of eight F1 to be modified with the popular High-Downforce Kit. Other upgrades included new headlights, a racecar-style driver’s seat, and more use of exposed carbon fibre. More than $500,000 was spent on the entire process, catalogued through an extensive series of photographs.
Most notably, the car had been signed by Michael Schumacher in 1996, two days after the Australian Grand Prix. The repainted chassis bears the signature of Sir Lewis Hamilton during his rookie season.
The rebuilt car saw plenty of use on US roads over the next decade, which has made it something of a North American icon. Combined with its royal provenance, impressive performance specs and association with a historic period for McLaren, Chassis 014 is bound to be the centrepiece of any collection.
2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A
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In 2026, F1 cars are going to see a major change with all-new specs: 20cm shorter, 10cm narrower and 30kg lighter. Additionally, new systems will be implemented for generating more downforce, and the already advanced power units will be made fully sustainable.
Following an incredible 2025 season, McLaren has no intention of letting regulatory changes slow it down. The MCL40A is expected to be the new crown jewel of the marque’s racing ambitions for next year. Fitted out to all necessary specifications, it is powered by a hybrid unit designed by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. The car will officially be unveiled at the start of 2026, but one lucky bidder will be able to acquire it ahead of its debut.
In order to keep McLaren’s engineering secrets away from prying eyes, only a non-working show model will be delivered to the winner of the auction in December. The actual car - raced by either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri during the season - will only be handed over in early 2028.
Included in the sale is a chance to meet the F1 Racing team and to tour the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking prior to the start of the season. The new owner will also be able to attend the official launch of the car and two races, plus other bonuses.
2027 McLaren United Autosport WEC Hypercar Team LMDh
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It has been three decades since McLaren achieved its historic win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (led by the race version of the top car on our list). Unveiled for the 2027 season, the LMDh hypercar will be the marque’s entry for the FIA World Endurance Championship, comprising eight endurance races including Le Mans. It features a Dallara chassis driven by a hybrid V-6 twin-turbo engine, with further specs naturally kept under wraps for the time being.
Like the MCL40A, the LMDh will also be delivered to its new owner early in 2028, decked out in its season livery. The buyer will also receive a book cataloguing the car’s track history and an autographed suit worn by one of the team’s drivers who will take the wheel in 2027. Other extras include an exclusive tour of the McLaren Technology centre, 4 VIP tickets to Le Mans, two tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix and Indy 500, plus two tickets to every 2027 WEC race - all complete with a hospitality experience.
2026 Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team Dallara-Chevrolet DW12
McLaren made its debut at the Indianapolis 500 in 1970 and, after a decade of races, turned its attention to the F1 Grand Prix. In the late 2010s the marque returned to the Indy 500 track and joined forces with Arrow Schmidt-Peterson Motorsport to create the unstoppable Arrow McLaren, achieving its best-ever performance in 2025.
The entrant for the 2026 season is a Dallara-designed chassis powered by a Chevrolet engine running on 100% renewable fuel. Like the others, this car will also be delivered in early 2028. Extras include four VIP Indy 500 tickets that includes a ride around the speedway, as well as a visit to the brand new Arrow McLaren facility, dinner with President Kevin Thimjon and 2013 winner Tony Kanaan, plus a set of overalls worn and autographed by 2025 runner-up Pato O’Ward.
