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Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi to offer rare Murciélago, future F1 car, and McLaren F1

Abu Dhabi auction features trio of major McLaren and Lamborghini highlights

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2026 McLaren MCL40A on the track.
RM Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s continues to feature the finest and most interesting collector cars this year. Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi auction on December 5, 2025, is putting three standout performance cars in front of bidders, each with its own claim to rarity and significance. The event features a 2006 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster, a future 2026 McLaren Formula 1 car that has yet to race, and a 1994 McLaren F1 valued at more than 21 million dollars. It’s a mix that spans generations of engineering and represents vehicles that rarely surface in public sales.

The auction runs as part of Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, staged with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. While the wider program includes exhibitions and motorsport-related events, these auction lots are likely to draw the most attention thanks to their limited production, provenance, and unusual availability on the open market.

2006 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster

006 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster .
RM Spotheby’s

One key lot is a 2006 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster offered without reserve, estimated at $500,000 to $600,000. It is believed to be one of only 38 first-generation US-market Roadsters equipped with a manual six-speed transmission and one of 69 manual cars worldwide. Finished in Ibis White over black leather, it has 18,900 miles on the odometer, according to the auction catalog. The Murciélago launched in 2001 as Lamborghini’s first new model under Audi, powered by a 6.2-litre V12 with 572 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The Roadster variant arrived in 2004 with a design aimed at open-air driving. The car has major servicing in Dubai in 2023, including a new clutch and work on the brakes, with further repairs completed in November 2025. Its manual configuration and low production numbers place it among the rarest early Murciélagos.

1994 McLaren F1

1994 McLaren F1.
RM Sotheby’s

Also offered is a 1994 McLaren F1, chassis number 014, one of just 64 road-specification cars. Originally delivered to the Brunei Royal Family in Titanium Yellow, it was later rebuilt by McLaren in 2007, repainted in Ibis White, and fitted with a High-Downforce Kit that added a fixed rear spoiler, revised front bodywork, and LM-style features. The interior was upgraded to LM specification with additional carbon fiber. The car has 13,711 miles and includes its original Facom tool chest. With its provenance and limited production, it is positioned as one of the marquee entries in the sale.

2026 McLaren MCL40A

1994 McLaren F1.
RM Sotheby’s

A world-first sale will offer a future 2026 McLaren MCL40A Formula 1 car directly from the McLaren team. The winning bidder will receive either Lando Norris’ or Oscar Piastri’s chassis, delivered in 2028 with a 2026-spec hybrid V6 power unit. The package includes access to McLaren facilities and race hospitality. As modern F1 cars rarely enter private ownership, and none have been previously sold before competition, the listing marks a notable moment for collectors.

Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown
Former Contributing Editor
Bruce Brown Contributing Editor   As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce… Read Full Bio
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