Owning 2 McLaren F1's, breaking down in F1 GTR! | Chris Palmer Interview Part 1 | Supercar Driver

Welcome to part 1 of our interview with Chris Palmer!
Chris Palmer has owned most, if not all of the greatest cars from the 80s, 90s and 2000s including two McLaren F1s, multiple F40s including an F40 LM, Pagani Zonda S and road legal Porsche 962 to name just a few.
He owned these cars in period when they weren't quite as priceless as they are now and used and drove them all as intended.
In this 4 part mini-series, we sit down with Chris, wind the clock back and find out what it was like to own these legendary cars and dig deep into some of his most fond memories.
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#SupercarDriver #McLarenF1GTR #McLarenF1

[@NicholasTJR]

This is one of those videos that no one asked for but everyone appreciate being made. What a collection.. Very happy to see a poster of a E46 M3 CSL in the background amongst all the hypercars and all time greats supercars... Thanks for making this interview! looking forward to more stories.

[@scd]

Kind of you to say so 🙌🙌 it’s one we’ve wanted to do for a while so a big thanks to Chris for sharing his ownership experiences and stories of these legendary cars 🏁 we own a csl hence the print 😍

[@Make-Asylums-Great-Again]

I’ve asked for it 307 times.

[@pauln0371]

I remember seeing him in the Orange F1 GTR many years ago on the the M1 just south of Sheffield. He was turning off at the Meadow hall slip as we continued up towards Leeds. Looked immense 👍👍

[@scd]

Wow! Epic

[@davidyates8880]

Great interview. Last year, when I was out having one of my many lockdown walks, Michael Andretti's ex bright red, McLaren F1, stopped at a set of temporary traffic lights right next to me. It's not everyday you see an F1 on the road, in fact, it's the only time I've ever seen one driven on the road. It looked amazing, and such a small footprint compared to today's cars.Great to see it being used.

[@scd]

I’ve seen that very car in the wild too! Nearly crashed 🤣

[@davidyates8880]

@@scd luckily for me, there were no lamp posts nearby for me to walk into 😄.

[@philrob110]

I've seen that car in the wild too, however going the opposite direction to me. Jaw dropping

[@philipapplebywestdowntradi654]

7 GSM? I've seen that one at Wilton House. Seen 16R too at Goodwood. I'm on eight spotted cars so far. Only 92 to go!

[@davidyates8880]

@@philipapplebywestdowntradi654 chassis number 28 was the one I saw, in Essex.

[@keithdownie8006]

Great interview. I was lucky to sit in Chris's F1 roadcar when he took it to Goodwood . I was a fellow Yorkshire man! The GTR has always been my favourite & now it's back in its race livery,had the pleasure of that seat at another Goodwood event with the current owner. Nearest I will ever get to owning one! Nice one Chris

[@scd]

The best seat in town! A cool story that

[@markzawada5927]

My pal worked at MacLaren building these incredible machines , me & two others we able to join my mate on an all expenses paid trip to Le Mans 95/96 , an experience I’ll never forget . My pal made me an F1 keyring out of a part that failed inspection, it’s just an oval carbon disc with MacLaren F1 stamped on it , will treasure it forever . Absolute legend Chris for talking so candidly about actually owning & using an F1 rather than just looking at it . Top man .

[@themidlandsangler1005]

That’s incredible mate lucky bloke 🤣

[@ambersykes1419]

I really enjoyed watching this. I recall seeing your F1 and Enzo on 5th Gear when it was originally broadcast. So seeing this all these years later was nice. Amazing to watch this and the other videos to see you’ve had not only these two, but some of the most iconic cars made. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with these and the other cars you’ve owned.

[@joaari1]

Like a Christmas present we never knew we needed! Thanks so much for doing this!!

[@petebungay953]

At one point, my first Mini (1976 plate), had a broken odometer and fuel gauge, so I can relate to the running out of fuel in the F1 GTR anecdote. Just on a slightly different level!

[@0liverGM]

11:36 - 11:39 The GTR LT #42 in the back is AMAZING! I saw it in Norway back in 2019. I took about 1000 photos of it and wish I took even more! The only car I am proud to have seen! And I have seen ALOT!

[@adamweir6338]

What a great interview! Can’t wait for the next instalment. What a complete legend Chris is as well 👍

[@poplaurentiu4148]

Wooaaw.. seeing now this clip with all explanations detailed with old pics i do remember that i did watched & enjoy so much this very man i thought he was a bit crazy to give Tiff Needell cars keys to review both of his super-expensive rare cars (F1-GTR papaya & Enzo) but after that episode years passed by, i forgot and then nobody hear anything from him until now.. anyway he did change his facial looking so much from back then obviously but he still is such a enjoyable person a great story teller, lucky & fortunate enough at least to share with all of us, his awesome owner experience about his epic rare cars.. So, definitely.. can't wait for next clip in this series.. ;0)

[@ozeskiman]

I can recall walking into the workshop that Tony Raftis was a part owner in. It was tucked under the rail line in Burnley, Melbourne and inside were an F40, an F50, and 2 McLaren F1. The orange GTR was one of them.

[@matthewrajan9248]

Just the thought of the next 3 videos in the series was enough for me to subscribe! Great work guys - can't wait for the rest. Thanks to Chris Palmer as well for giving his time and thoughts.

[@scd]

Thanks and welcome Matthew 🙌

[@AtypicalDriver]

LOVE these stories! Thank you for making this video. I've met Simon Kidston, the new owner of 007, a couple of times during Monterey Car week -- hell of a cool story that he was the auctioneer and now owns the car he auctioned to Chris.

[@snakespeer2982]

What an amazing video , This guy is a living legend ....thank you sooooooooooooo much for sharing this video with us.

[@spacetraveler1gone713]

That Mclaren GTR is such a beast. Im glad he keeps them running and letting us live vicariously through him by doing so.

[@Sokol_]

Thank You! Very nice to hear such a story from this nice guy! Cant wait for 2nd part

[@scd]

Glad you enjoyed it! Part 2 is awesome!

[@ssoffshore5111]

I could listen to Chris talk about this stuff all day, thanks for sharing!

[@jesperrud]

Excellent video. I just love these stories. Thank you

[@isaacbutterworth3740]

Lives just up the road from my parents, I remember doing my paper round before school to earn a pittance of a wage, luckily for me as a young enthusiast of all things on wheels. I had the delight of passing this legendary garage, having a quick peer through the gates and hearing the cars idle. Have to say it was one of the best perks of the job. Made everything worthwhile to see these wheeled art pieces being used in the fashion they were intended. Props to Chris for keeping motoring history alive.

[@sprintermaximus]

This is fantastic. More of this would be a great addition. Such great cars of the era that brought me into supercars. Thanks

[@scd]

Thanks! We’d love to do more but suspect not many people are as open as Chris

[@sprintermaximus]

@@scd I'm confident that is true, unfortunately. But it's great to hear people's stories with their cars. At the end of the day, it's just a vehicle. Though, a nice one. Regardless, thanks for this. Awesome.

[@rickybobby0314]

Thank you so much for the video series of the best vehicles ever made!!!! 👏👏👏

[@scd]

Glad you’re enjoying it! 1 more to come!

[@MrReniks]

This channel popped up out of nowhere with some of top content hard to find on youtube! thank you

[@scd]

Why thank you 🙌

[@gavstenhouse8857]

Great video could sit and listen to Chris all day he’s had some incredible cars looking forward to more videos

[@scd]

More to come!

[@primozkrajcar4144]

Great stories and nice interview. Chris is a gentleman with a fine taste for cars I must add. Can't wait for next part in the series.

[@scd]

He's a great guy! Lots more stories to come, in 3 more episodes!

[@dayalanvelan3070]

Awesome interview, and what a great collection of classic cars. The Mclaren F1 will always be the greatest to me. Happy New year.

[@scd]

Same to you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Carsaddiction]

Had seen the last instalment and was hooked to see part 1 and eventually subscribe.

[@Kolinu2]

Fabulous interview with Chris. Very interesting. Thanks

[@scd]

Thanks for watching

[@ianfreestone292]

A great interview with a very rare humble Hypercar owner. It's nice to see these cars actually appreciated and driven. Although I can see the issues of driving the GTR now with the value and insurance complications.

[@Andrew4181975]

Back around 2000 , I remember seeing one parked and even getting into it that looked just like this car. It was in the racing livery at Pikes Peak International Raceway where BMW was celebrating however many years of M division and the launch of the then new E39 M5. The Dealership I worked for gave me an M roadster to drive down there and represent them, It was so cool.

[@jameso1959]

Loved this interview, the McLaren F1 remain an overall master piece. It is pure 'Art' because of the feelings it evokes, worthy of dinner guest of the 250GTO, Jaguar XJ 13, Porsche GT1 and Mercedes CLK GTR waited on by a Disco Volante et all and hosted by a Bugatti SC 57

[@arsalanahmed6063]

this guy is living life with cheat codes enabled. living the dream

[@MRkriegs]

This was amazing, thanks Supercar Driver and Chris Palmer for the sitdown chat!

[@danielmarshall4587]

What an AWESOME interview, many thanks to you and Mr Palmer for sharing this with us PRAISE BE.

[@scd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chekolevski7273]

Thanks for sharing Chris

[@Edward135i]

Chris is a cool guy, glad you could catch up with him all these years latter after the Fifth Gear video. Probably my all time favorite Fifth Gear videos of all time, glad he let Tiff drive the cars, and made such a huge impression on me at a young age.

[@darrenstone3693]

Such a decent down to earth bloke. I could listen to his stories over a few pints👍

[@KiddinaSweetShop]

Loved that! Fantastic insight

[@scd]

🙌🙌🙌

[@garysimpson8860]

Fascinating listening to these owner’s stories and what a bloke to 👍

[@Tisala]

Wow. Not sure how this come across my recommendations but so glad it did. Fantastic story and interesting chap. Thanks for the upload.

[@scd]

Glad you enjoyed it! 3 more episodes to come!

[@jongib6096]

Great guy! Love these chats

[@praddzzz]

I remember watching that Fifth gear episode on KZbin somewhere around 2006. Had it downloaded on my ipod too. Was like my favourite video of that time. Imagine owning & driving those cars. Truly insane!

[@scd]

Same here!

[@BobbyGeneric145]

This series is going to be awesome! Please continue on!

[@scd]

It sure is! Thanks for your interest

[@dermo7916]

What a great interview really enjoyed that!

[@scd]

Thanks for tuning in 🙌

[@salimpatel4620]

What an interesting conversation 6-8 mpg oh my goodness me that's thirsty . The 220S is beautiful. Good to see Chris actually drove his cars no point them gathering dust in a garage or warehouse. The Enzo is a beauty it's lines are just so enticing when it was released

[@royd72]

Yes, loved that, looking forward to part II, worth a watch with subtitles on, KZbin was struggling with Chris’ accent 😂

[@scd]

You’ll love part 4 too Royd 🙌

[@and79]

Genuinely interesting interview, Chris actually has stories/experiences worth listening to.

[@scd]

He does! 2 more on the way!

[@mouse5178]

I remember seeing the 220S on the M40 back in the early 2000’s and the whistling turbos as it slowly overtook me. Mental. I am lucky enough to own an F1 steering wheel CF center cap

[@davidburton8351]

Strange as it’s naturally aspirated

[@kieranalves3384]

His stories and the story’s of these very expensive car auctions in the uk would really make a good film

[@petewatson4093]

Amazing, thank you 😊

[@damienhostey7804]

Really enjoyed watching this a great interview and very interesting

[@scd]

Glad you enjoyed it! 3 more to come!

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

Cracking this, chris seems like a sound bloke too - id love to hear more about that Honda hiding on the left of this video :P

[@Christopher-rt1jq]

loved this epic story, i still remember that Fifth Gear ⚙️ episode

[@R-Tap]

I'm with Chris on the 220, gorgeous looking, especially the rear.

[@JackScooter17]

been following this guy for ages! super interesting

[@scd]

This is just the start!

[@ShoelDaniel]

What a car and what a guy! Cant wait for part 2!

[@scd]

Parts 2 and 3 are now available! 🙂

[@ShoelDaniel]

@@scd Just watched them. Now waiting for part 4!

[@kashiskash]

Superb bloke, what a lucky man!

[@brynmusselwhite481]

What a surprise! I worked for a car mag in the late 90s and we used to have a stand at the Doncaster Show - Chris rolled in with chassis No.007 early on the first day and parked up alongside us. I remember him telling me the story of the auction and how after he'd won it, they then asked how he was going to transport the 6ft tall roll cab of tools home! He was hilariously laid back about it all, I always wondered who he was or what became of him. Now over twenty years later I stumble across the story hidden inside this film, thanks SCD!

[@scd]

Haha no way! Glad we could bring the story to light!

[@GeneralKato]

If you’ve seen it?! Fellow, i’ve seen that part art least a hundred times! Tif and you talking about a pint of paint for that Mac, £35k i believe? And everything about costs looks like telephone numbers, you are not into horses so this will do, Tif in the Mac noticing the LM has a huuuge steering circle, the headsets in the car to talk to each other, so loud are the mechanics… interview was as i see it done in the same room, i saw the thumbnail and thought, nice that video with tiff and the Mac. My favourite. So i clicked again only to find out it’s an update! More joy and many many thanks for doing what you did with Tiff and his team. So generous!

[@93sal]

Really interesting interview, nice to have an insight of the ownership experience

[@scd]

Super interesting! There’s more to come 🙌🙌

[@93sal]

@@scd I’m looking forward to it

[@KuyaArbee]

this dude a LEGEND! that review from TIFF NEEDELL is amazing reviewer! this review is incredible

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Love the fact he sounds like such a down to earth guy you'd meet in a pub and have a natter with... And what a collection...

[@MRVSKIN]

Stunning

[@BlueDevil1986]

Awesome interview!

[@scd]

Thanks! 3 more on the way!

[@BarryMakariou]

This guy is great. You don’t always have to wear your money no one should judge anyone based on 1st appearance. Nearly not being let in to the auction then buying the car is priceless

[@scd]

Isn’t it just? 🙌🙌

[@RoadRaceRally]

Superb guys! Carrera gt looking unbelievable under the portraits

[@scd]

Thought you may appreciate the view 😎

[@leevancleefe988]

What a marvelous unpretentious and down to earth Englishman. I really thought that men like him did not exist anymore. He deserves lots of good fortune.

[@petop8290]

Saw the one of the prototypes XP F1's being tested at Longcross Test Track many years ago. I was there testing another vehicle so sharing the track and it hammered past us on numerous occasions.

[@scd]

What an experience that must of been!

[@dubvalver]

Living fairly local to McLarens HQ, i remember the buzz as a kid as rumours floated around about this car that was due to come out. My dad managed to get one of the original press pictures of the car from someone that worked there. It was from the rear so you couldnt see the whole car but i was in love instantly. I've only ever seen one on the road and that was K8 MCL. i saw it on the A31 hogsback in mid to late 00's, it was travelling in the opposite direction from me so i couldnt follow it which was annoying, but still a special moment for me. I was also at silverstone the year chris's F1 was racing.....i didnt know that till i watched this video. I have some pictures somewhere as i pretty much only took shots of the F1 i loved it so much. Sorry for waffling. i just love this car so much.

[@rallymouse1]

Great episode. Thank you...

[@scd]

Thanks! 3 more to come!

[@ogunleyetolu]

Thanks for making this video

[@scd]

No problem!

[@jwb5032]

Great interview👏🏻

[@scd]

Thanks!

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

The mclearn f1 is an absolute legend of a car that still looks amazing today.

[@couchwarrior7091]

Hands down this is the Best car content on KZbin/social media.

[@scd]

Why thank you 🙏

[@BASEJPR]

Amazing story!

[@pegitt1]

I was lucky to visit the owner F1 after Chris sold the car. Such an incredible bit of kit. Great down to earth interview.

[@scd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marc8321]

Damn nice man 👌🏼👍🏼 and a really cool documentary thx

[@rhyswilliams4893]

"Used it as my wedding car. The car lasted longer than my time with the wife" Never have I heard a more car guy quote.

[@rickypatel5591]

Amazing collection Chris . Such a epic car the f1

[@scd]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rabmc]

Shout out to the m3 csl in the background after all the cars Chris has experience of, unfortunately I couldn’t afford a csl and a number of years ago I bought a manual silver grey e46 m3, genuine csl wheels and induction kit and some very subtle modifications, it is also a manual so to the untrained eye it’s pretty much quite close.

[@faz_s]

I'm sure it looks amazing. Still my fav M3! Congrats

[@user-ek2me3hp7b]

This is the exact antithesis to the Flemke McLaren thread on PistonHeads. One wants to be seen as some reverential academic who understands life and cars on a different level to everyone else. This guy sees the cars for exactly what they are. Fantastic interview and looking forward to the next.

[@scd]

Thanks Robert! You’re clearly a PHer like ourselves 🙌

[@71sgh]

I think you borrowed one of my photos in this - the one shown at around 11mins 12 sec. It looks very much like one I took at the Silverstone Classic in 2007. Didn't half stand out in the paddock. Saw it later in the queue to get into Le mans

[@oldschoolopeltreter2477]

he`s a owner of so many supercars and in the back there`s a photo of a m3 csl...... and i`m looking even on mine ;) and love the car

[@virgos6603]

He traded his Zonda and F40 and some money for a F1 GTR... very tough trade

[@GTSCarLife]

Always great when people drive their dream cars!

[@technique275]

Great interview.

[@scd]

Thanks! 3 more to come!

[@almotor18]

The Hamilton portrait in the back, as well as the CGT are goals.

[@cunojensen]

Just amazing 🙂

[@michaelgakanga]

I love these stories really much

[@scd]

So do we!

[@redtestarossa]

Surprisingly, I’ve seen multiple McLaren F1s driving and parked on the streets around Palo Alto, CA. They seem to be very useable for groceries and errands. I guess they are so rare and desired that regardless of miles and condition, the value is really in the VIN as the McLaren factory will still rebuild and restore them to factory specs.

[@smartsouler]

really genorous from those mcl technicians. LOL Everbody does it, Ferrari, Porsche etc Money making with building cars, at least in Germany is nothing special since135 Years. In USA they proudly invented the lefthand corners.

[@GaIvatr0n]

Amazing! Subbed.

[@scd]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Quattro_Joe]

Its so nice to hear actual petrol heads owning these types of cars and using them.

[@ap31988]

What a legend!

[@guilhermecaiado5384]

Mclaren F1 is my all time favorite car. And the Jaguar 220 is one of the most good looking ever.

[@rdh2593]

I was working in Barnsley Town centre (2006 I think) and was amazed when the F1 and Enzo drove past me!! The only time I have seen either of these cars on a public road!! I realised when the 5th Gear episode was broadcast that they must have been filming when I saw them. Preferred the F1!

[@Tain950]

This guy seems so cool. He’s extremely knowledgeable on some pretty special cars.

[@scd]

He is 🙌

[@obi-wankenobi7160]

Great content!

[@scd]

Thanks for tuning in 🙌

[@sidewayssam]

Fabulous video. 10/10

[@scd]

3 more on the way!!

[@markwatson4106]

Great video can’t wait for the rest. How did Chris make his money?

[@fmparkour]

He used to sell hand bags on Barnsley market n made his money tht way now owns clubs n pubs all over the town

[@markwatson4106]

@@fmparkour thanks sounds like a interesting journey

[@markwatson4106]

Just read about his business history. Bit embarrassed I’m born and bread in Barnsley and never heard of him. Can’t wait for next episode. Cheers

[@matthewbenson8006]

@@fmparkour his dad used to sell handbags and cakes chris grew up with it

[@MuhammadDinath]

Great interview. Notably not many collectors will openly criticize cars as not to miss out on the ‘next special edition’ , perhaps try and persuade François Perrodo to do an interview? Seems as if he couldn’t be bothered and always speaks his mind (that is between his hectic racing schedule)

[@scd]

Would love an hour or two with Francois! He’s very open about his cars on Instagram. Fingers crossed

[@andypresland]

@@scd what’s his Instagram? Thank you!

[@donnawelsh1835]

What a collection