James Hunt‘s iconic 1977 McLaren M26 will be put up for auction for the first-ever time at the RK Motors Collector Car Auction at the Charlotte Convention Centre from October 31 to November 3.
The M26 earned Hunt his last ever Formula 1 win at the 1977 Japanese Grand Prix, a comfortable victory over Ferrari’s Carlos Reutemann. The car is expected to generate some interest thanks to Hunt’s 1976 World Championship-winning season being immortalised in Ron Howard’s critically-acclaimed film Rush.
The car on offer, chassis number 3, is powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV V8 that delivers 525 horsepower at 10,600rpm. The M26 has been preserved and is race-ready, capable of 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 195mph.
“We’re proud to present this unique investment opportunity for any collector who is passionate about one of the world’s most remarkable chapters of racing history,” said Bill Mathews, vice president of auctions, RKMCCA.
“With Rush scheduled for national release later this month, the adrenaline-charged saga of Hunt and rival Lauda will no longer belong only to motorsports enthusiasts – it will introduce new generations to the pure joy – and the agony – of racing.”
You can find out more about the auction here.
