DRIVING AMBITION - LE MANS EDITION

One of just 59 examples produced; this ‘Le Mans Commemorative Edition’ of Doug Nye’s opus on the McLaren F1 is presented in outstanding condition, and is an incredible opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare book.

In 1999, Virgin Publishing released ‘Driving Ambition: The Official Inside Story of the McLaren F1’ to great acclaim. This was a comprehensive tome on the conception, development, testing, production, and racing of what remains one of the most coveted supercars in the world.

As part of the book’s release, a Limited Edition version was also produced, restricted to just 1,000 copies. The leather-bound slipcase contained an extended version of Nye’s book, stretching to 408 pages, printed in the highest quality art paper and using enhanced inks. Images not featured in the standard book were included, as well as some fantastic transparent overlay sections, and even more written detail on the development of the car and the F1 GTR’s motorsport success.

In 2005, to mark 10 years of the anniversary of the ‘Ueno Clinic’ McLaren F1 GTR’s outright win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an even rarer ‘Le Mans Commemorative Edition’ was released. Just 59 copies were created, matching the racing number of the 1995 GTR.

Like the Limited Edition, they came in a foam-lined presentation box, complete with a pair of white gloves to keep finger marks off the pages, and hand-signed by the four founding directors: Mansour Ojjeh, Ron Dennis, Gordon Murray, and Creighton Brown. They featured two numbered plaques - one denoting the book’s position in the original run of 1,000 special versions, and another showing them as a genuine ‘1 of 59’ release.

This book is number 51 of the 59 ‘Le Mans’ editions published, and number 491 of the original 1,000 limited-run items. It was collected by the vendor in person from the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. As seen on the road cars themselves, the books also featured the ‘McLaren Track Record’ metal plate, listing the marque’s incredible motorsport achievements. They also came with a full-size blueprint drawing of part of the car.

Unique to the 59 ‘Le Mans’ editions was an extended director's cut of the film ‘McLaren's at Le Mans’ on DVD, a special ‘Anniversary Lapel Badge’, plus a numbered print titled ‘Total Domination’ of the Le Mans-winning GTR, which was also hand-signed by Ron Dennis.

This ‘Le Mans Commemorative Edition’ of Doug Nye’s incredible ‘Driving Ambition’ book has been safely stored in its original presentation box, and is accompanied by the white gloves, numbered art print, lapel badge, director’s cut DVD, and the full-size blueprint drawing. The McLaren F1 is one of the most iconic road and race cars of all time, and is considered by many to be quite simply the greatest car ever made. It is an exceptionally rare collector’s item, which remains in superb condition.

Please note: due to the value and rarity of this item, it must be collected directly from the vendor, with their preference being a recorded courier service where delivery can be tracked. If won by an overseas bidder, then again the seller requests that they arrange for secure, international tracked collection and delivery service.

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