McLaren F1 by yvesvidal - FINISHED - Paul's Model Art - 1/12 - Restoration

[yvesvidal]

In July 1992, was announced the fastest and most extraordinary car ever produced: the McLaren F1.

 

 

That incredible piece of technology was designed by two seasoned racing engineers, Gordon Murray and Ronald Dennis. It was the first Supercar to reach 231 MPH (374 KM/H), was limited to 100 units worldwide and sported the hefty price tag of 540,000 Sterling Pounds or slightly shy of $1 million in the USA, when you could get one. That car received a standing ovation and was probably the most reviewed and incensed car ever published in the professional and trade press, worldwide.

 

A luxurious book was sent by McLaren in 1992, to potential customers and some extra copies were printed for the commoners. Unfortunately the $500 price tag of the original brochure made it also, difficult to acquire. instead, in 1999, Virgin published an incredible and very comprehensive book called: Driving Ambition.

 

 

That book was more affordable and I would highly recommend it if you can find it in the used market (Virgin having folded, unfortunately, their books, videos and music division). We will be using pictures out of this book to illustrate the real car with the model.

 

Around the mid-90's, Paul's Model Art, a small German manufacturer of exquisite car models, produced a limited series of 350 (if I am not mistaken) McLaren F1 in the scale of 1/12. The model is made of metal, rubber and plastic injected parts. It is absolutely beautiful and is probably as of today the best rendition of an F1 ever made. My brother was fortunate enough to find one of these rare pearls in a specialized shop in Toulouse, in the south of France. Despite the hefty price tag, I asked him to purchase it, knowing full well that the real car would never be an option for me.

 

 

After a few years, that model has aged and is now in need of a a little refurbishing. The paint on the front wheels is peeling and one of the front hubs is broken, causing the car to sag on one side. In addition, some dust has made its way into my model and I decided to tackle the restoration of that expensive and rare model.

 

 

Stay tuned for more details on this incredible car and model.

 

Yves

 

 

[yvesvidal]

The enthusiasts of that specific car often wonders who owns one of these marvels. I have heard of the following people (most of them being located in England) and was privy to see an F1 in my entire life, once and only for a couple of seconds.... As we mentioned earlier, the car was produced at 100 units (107 to be exact) and production was halted in the late 90's when the induced recession (Bush era and burst of the Tech bubble) hit the world.

 

The street car was produced at 64 units. Five units were destroyed for the crash testing and tests, and the remainder were turned into racing machines with an enormous success (LM, GTR, GT).

 

Among these 64 street units, the following persons owned at one point or another, an F1: 

 

- Roger Waters, singer and bass player of the Pink Floyd band.

- George Harrison from the Beatles band.

- Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) who crashed his McLaren F1 and sold it later on: 

 

 

- Jay Leno...? Yes, of course, a black F1. He has the McLaren P1 and a couple of others, too.

- On the west coast, one former Vice President of Cisco, great car enthusiast and a frequent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance participant, added an F1 to his collection of exotic cars. Generously, he shared his passion with us (employees) one day by bringing three of his stallions for colleagues and employees to admire: 

 

 

 

 

 

What the High-Tech bubble wealth could provide you....

 

Yves 

Edited January 18, 2021 by yvesvidal

[yvesvidal]

The first thing was to clean and repaint the front wheels. I have looked at various models of this car on the WEB, and most of them have flaking paint on the front wheels. The rear ones are doing better and are not affected by this defect. It is a good thing as the rear wheels are inserted in force, on a steel shaft and I could not separate them from the chassis.

 

 

The front wheels are given a bath of Purple cleaner in an ultrasound cleaner. After about 40 minutes of soaking, there are devoid of paint: 

 

 

A coat of automotive primer and the wheels are ready for painting. The original 17 inch rims are made of Magnesium to reduce the non-suspended weight  and in an attempt to reach the incredible goal of 1,000 Kilo-Grams for the entire car. After trying different paints, I made my choice on the Tamiya XF-16 (Chrome Silver) which is practically identical to the rear wheel, with a little bit less shine, making them even more realistic.

 

 

The tires are installed, following the pictures of the real car (asymmetric tires). Now, we can move to the front axle and its broken hub.

 

Yves

[Old Collingwood]

Was thinking of doing somthing similar  to a Lotus Esprit  S3 Turbo  as Model Art  do a few differnt  colours  just not the  Red colour like  so nearly owned  years ago, my idea  was to get on and mask and respray it  - then I changed my mind due ot using rattle cans.

 

OC.

[yvesvidal]

So, the next delicate phase was the repair of the front hub wheels. One of them was completely broken and had lost its lower connection to the suspension arm and the connection to the steering rod. Using a drill of 1.5 mm and a tapper bit of 2 mm, I carefully and delicately drilled and prepared two holes for the lower pivot and steering rod. The new anchoring system using 2 mm stainless steel bolts, is much sturdier than the plastic pins originally provided with the model: 

 

 

Strong of the success on the damaged hub, I decided to break the other hub and performed the same modifications. 2 mm x 10 mm for the lower arm pivot and 2 mm x 6 mm for the steering knuckle. Below is the hub, with the tapped holes:

 

 

The front axle can then be re-assembled: 

 

 

Close view on the modified hub. That stuff is now solid and will allow the car to be rolled.

 

 

Yves

[yvesvidal]

Next, I have to put together the chassis of the F1: 

 

 

As you can see, Paul's Model Art took a lot of liberty and went with a flat platform, which is quite different from the real car. I guess we cannot blame them for this shortcut, as it makes the model a lot easier to assemble and probably reduce the already expensive cost of the product.

 

Below is a close-up on the famous transmission developed specifically for the McLaren F1. You can see the two strange "cobras" of aluminum hoses used to extract the heat from the rear brakes. McLaren has a patent on this feature.  

 

 

 

Close-up on the exquisite BREMBO brakes, with etched/Stamped (?) steel rotors and the central locking nuts for the wheels: 

 

 

Hub and brake assembled: 

 

 

For comparison, here is a picture of brakes on the F1: 

 

 

The brakes took a lot of efforts during their development. Gordon Murray was adamant about using Cast Iron brakes despite their heavier weight. It was the only way to stop a car running at 200 MPH, on a short distance. The pads were a lot more difficult to select and multiple combinations were tested. Finally, 4 pads made of Carbon Fiber were retained for the final car. The F1 being a driver car with a future for competition, was not equipped with Power brakes servo nor ABS. That decision was taken to save weight and allow a better feel of the brakes by the driver.

 

Gordon Murray was inflexible on the 1000 KGrs weight of the final car and reluctantly accepted the 18 additional KGrs of the cast iron rotors, taking his precious creation to 1,018 KGrs. On a side note (and that is only my opinion), the lack of ABS may be the reason why our Mr. Bean wrecked his F1 on wet pavement. Switching from an ABS equipped car to a non-ABS/non-powered brakes car can be disconcerting at times, if you are not fully focused on the driving.

 

Time to re-assemble the front axle and the wheel and here is the skate board: 

 

 

 

 

 

Yves

 

 

 

Edited January 17, 2021 by yvesvidal

[mtaylor]

This is an impressive beast.   The design and building of it is amazing what they accomplished.

[yvesvidal]

Moving on with the front compartment, where Audio and A/C systems are located: 

 

You can see in the frunk, the four bottles of brake fluids (Red) with its two independent circuits, Clutch Fluid (Yellow) independent of the brakes circuits, contrary to most modern cars and the windshield washer fluid (Blue). The KENWOOD system is capable of changing 10 CDs and was designed specifically for the F1 by Kenwood. There is no provision for Radio FM/AM in the F1, as Gordon Murray is an audiophile and refuses to listen to low quality radio stations. The entire audio system weights less than 8 Kgrs.

 

The A/C system was developed in house by McLaren and weights less than 15 Kg, as compared to 30 Kgrs found in most vehicles.

 

The model depicts very precisely and accurately that part of the car, down to the various stickers on each part: 

 

 

The tool pouch is also present. The original tool were designed by French tool manufacturer FACOM, and were cast in titanium for extra light weight and ultimate toughness. I am certain that none of the F1 owners, ever used these tools for any kind of maintenance.

 

Yves

Edited January 24, 2021 by yvesvidal

[yvesvidal]

I am trying to clean up and add some details to the interior, which is already extremely nice from the factory: 

 

 

The left of the driver seat (central), are the AUDIO controls for the CD changer and amplifiers, hand brake lever, as well as the control of the left window. To the right of the driver, we have the ignition buttons, gear shift lever, right window buttons, climate control and mirrors controls.

 

 

The massive stainless steel exhaust system. The kit is not too bad, but it is unfortunate that they did not represent the enormous muffler in full size. Only the top is shown and that is probably okay, since you cannot see anything else. That is where those desk top models stop short, when you compare them with a real plastic kit. I am adding some carbon fibers decals around the engine compartment.

 

 

The racing pedals.

 

 

An overall view of the full cockpit.

 

Before putting all the interior together, I will describe the engine in the next post.

 

Yves

 

Edited January 25, 2021 by yvesvidal

[Old Collingwood]

I love the Three seater arrangement  - that so should have passed on to other super car makers.

 

OC.

[yvesvidal]

I have not posted for a few days, but a few progress have been made.

 

First, the engine:

 

 

 

 

 

 

When McLaren (Gordon Murray and his team) were creating the F1, they looked for an engine that would produce about 600 HP (this is early 1990's) and be incredibly light (less than 250 KGrs). Honda was first envisioned (Gordon Murray used to drive an HONDA NSX) but later on the choice moved to BMW, which had an incredible V-12 engine that may fit the bill. To obtain such amazing performances and such light weight on a normally aspirated engine, required Magic. And this is exactly what happened when McLaren contacted the Wizzard of Bavaria, the legendary Paul Rosche, the only man in the world capable to extract more than 100 HP for each liter of displacement on an internal and normally aspirated engine. In a record time, BMW Motorsport division adapted their terrific V-12 for the F1, and presented to McLaren, a marvel capable of 620 HP for just above 6 liters of displacement and a weight less than 250 KGrs.

 

 

 

 

A special 6 speeds manual gearbox was created to fit the power plant: 

 

 

 

 

Yves

Edited February 1, 2021 by yvesvidal

[yvesvidal]

The original air intakes are not decorated as carbon fiber. Actually, there is a very subtle scrubbing of the plastic, but it does not render the appearance of Carbon fiber. It took a little while, but I finally received some Carbon Fiber decals from Tamiya.

 

 

I have to say that Tamiya products are expensive, but the quality is amazing. These decals with some Solvaset are hugging the original plastic parts, like there is no tomorrow. Some clear coating on top, and the appearance of the polished carbon fiber parts is revealed in full.

 

 

Now, one can admire the beautiful color patches of carbon fiber, gold foils, stainless steel and rubber parts. 

 

Trivia question: McLaren did not have a crumpling zone for the rear of the car and were having problems with the Transportation Safety office. They decided to modify and enlarge the enormous muffler, which then became the crumpling safety device. When rear-ending a McLaren, you'd better have a really good insurance with a one million dollar full umbrella attached to it.

 

 

 

Yves

Edited February 7, 2021 by yvesvidal

[yvesvidal]

The cockpit - The unique feature of the F1 is its three seats arrangement. To my knowledge, only FIAT with its Multipla model, is the only manufacturer of modern cars, that tried the 3+3 arrangement for seating people. The central position of the driver in the F1 and the incredible and panoramic view, devoid of A pillars, was and still is an incredible asset, when driving this automobile.

 

 

The model provides a very faithful rendition of the original car:

 

 

 

Missing on the model, are the two LCD displays, located on each side of the steering column. These displays have a yellowish backlit, typical of the early 90's displays. I added them with two small pieces of evergreen, painted with Tamiya clear yellow.

 

 

 

Yves

 

 

 

 

[yvesvidal]

The Body - Now is time to put everything back together. The original car is entirely made of carbon fiber parts, assembled together in the following way: 

 

 

The model is of course, different and simplified. Instead of carbon fiber, Paul's Model Art is using some kind of alloy metal, relatively heavy. The casting is very precise and clean provides an incredibly precise appearance of the real car: 

 

 

 

 

 

All the parts are polished with fine grit Meguiars 250 polishing cream. Fortunately, most of the body is perfect and no full repaint is required. One door is showing some traces of slight corrosion under the paint, but we will live with it.

 

Yves

Edited February 7, 2021 by yvesvidal

[yvesvidal]

Assembly - Putting together all the body parts is actually the most delicate part of the restoration. Doors and panels have only one will: to get open!

 

The windshield is glued back to the main frame, as in the real car. I use acrylic glue (Gator) which gives me plenty of time to position the "glass".

 

 

 

This view show all the doors and panels put together. The gold coating in the rear is what McLaren used to protect the Carbon Fiber body from the intense heat generated by the 620 HP V-12 engine. Close to one ounce of laminated gold was used on the real car. I tried to glue real gold foils on the various parts but had no success and fell back to Tamiya Gold Leaf paint.

 

 

The model is absolutely beautiful and the casting of the body is incredible.

 

Yves

 

 

[yvesvidal]

The finished model - After carefully inserting the rear engine in the body and locking the numerous screws, we can finally admire the model, fully restored: 

 

 

 

 

The view below shows the rear air brake designed by McLaren to slow down the "rocket" from 240 MPH to a more civilized speed. The on-board computer is in charge of the air brake and will not deploy it under 40 MPH. However, certain owners knowing that it was lined up with pure gold foil, intended to show their wealth, even when stopped at a red light. By tweaking the Computer program, you could actually deploy the brake even while standing still and simply by pushing the brake pedal..... 

 

 

 

 

Showing the Gold....

 

 

The most common view of the McLaren F1 on the road, at least for a second or two....

 

 

Above is the electrical and luggage compartment. McLaren was offering (or proposing) a set of luggage that would fit both compartments and allow a couple of people to go on a weekend trip. You could even place a golf bag, by using one of the passenger seat.

 

 

The door articulation and mechanism is directly inspired of the Toyota Sera (not sold in Western countries): 

 

 

 

Sliding in the middle seat requires some agility and a good back.

 

 

 

Notice the two mirrors, since the rear middle section of the car is used for the air intake.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the step by step restoration of the precious and rare model. It will now it with my small 1/12 collection of motorcycles.

 

Yves

 

[lmagna]

Impressive model restoration. Hopefully it will be many years before you need to do it again. Thanks for bringing us along.

[Canute]

That's a stunning car, Yves. Thanks for showing the restoration.

[yvesvidal]

Final trivia question for the McLaren F1: What is the least expensive part on this car?

 

The side mirrors ! They are sourced from the 1990's Volkswagen Corrado.

 

Yves

[Old Collingwood]

6 hours ago, yvesvidal said:

Final trivia question for the McLaren F1: What is the least expensive part on this car?

 

The side mirrors ! They are sourced from the 1990's Volkswagen Corrado.

 

Yves

Same with the Early Lotus Esprit models  - the door  entrance handles came of a very basic British sallon car  - the Austin Montego.

 

OC.

[popeye the sailor]

great job on the restoration...... it came out very nice  

[Landlubber Mike]

Fantastic work Yves!

[PedroX AKA TinMan]

Hi Yves, 

 

nice job on the F1.

I too have a Silver one, but possibly a later 1:12 version as it says Minichamps on the box.

One of my front suspension arms was broken and i need to repair it but my modelling skills are not the best...

Thought of 3D printing the parts but not sure how feasible that would be.

Would be great to chat if and when you have a moment.

I'm in the United Kingdom.

 

Kind regards 

Pedro

 

[yvesvidal]

Pedro,

 

You should post a picture of the defective part. People in this forum have a lot of good ideas and they may be able to help you out.

 

Yves

[PedroX AKA TinMan]

 

 

 

 

[PedroX AKA TinMan]

Thanks for the reply Yves.

Please see the pics above. It is the front left bottom brace. I have glued it previously and then put the car back together again and within a few mins, it broke again... these models are not exactly light.

The strut on the same side, but rear has also broken. I will have to re-glue it and then put the spring back on it.

The model had been in pieces for a while as i just havent had any time to work on it. In fact, i thought i'd lost two of the tyres, but they were inside the cockpit.

This was my only 1:12 scale model, as i collect 1:18. 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and guidance.

regards

Pedro

 

[Canute]

Do you have enough material to pin the joint? Clean up the old glue, insert a pin to line the parts up and reglue.

[yvesvidal]

I would install two pins to hold these parts together. The plastic used does not glue easily and pinning it may be the only solution you have left.

 

Yves

[PedroX AKA TinMan]

14 hours ago, Canute said:

Do you have enough material to pin the joint? Clean up the old glue, insert a pin to line the parts up and reglue.

I think so...... i guess i'm going to have to drill a small hole and insert said pin. Then on the other piece drill another hole for the other end of the pin to go into. Glue them together and jobs a goodun!

 

I may glue another pin below the strut to give extra support. will have to paint it black to match the other parts.

 

regards

Pedro

[CDW]

On 1/16/2021 at 9:47 AM, yvesvidal said:

In July 1992, was announced the fastest and most extraordinary car ever produced: the McLaren F1.

Just to look at this car today, it's impossible to believe this technology is now more than 30 years old. Wow.

You did an outstanding restoration of the model. I have a few nice collectible models of a similar restoration needs and this inspires me to put it on the "to-do" list.