Key Features
- Authentic McLaren MP4/2 nosecone raced by Niki Lauda
- Crash damaged during practice at the 1985 Detroit GP
- Designed by John Barnard, his last McLaren before joining Ferrari
- Features the number 1 livery from Lauda’s Championship defence season
Location
Northampton, United Kingdom
Story
This authentic McLaren MP4/2 nosecone was raced by Niki Lauda and carries visible crash damage from the 1985 Detroit GP. Marked with the scars of competition and the iconic number 1 livery, it represents a rare chance to own a piece of World Championship history.
The Last of Barnard’s McLarens
The MP4/2 was the final McLaren designed by John Barnard before he left to join Ferrari, where he later transformed the team by convincing them to build a development centre in the UK. His McLaren design was already groundbreaking, combining advanced aerodynamics with incredible speed to dominate the field.
Porsche Power and Engineering Excellence
Beneath the bodywork sat a TAG-Porsche turbocharged engine developed under Hans Mezger, one of motorsport’s most influential engineers. Mezger was the mastermind behind many of Porsche’s most successful racing engines, and his work on the MP4/2 helped create one of the most formidable cars of its era.
The Champion’s Car
The MP4/2 debuted in 1984 and carried Lauda to his third World Championship. As reigning champion, he began the 1985 season racing with the number 1, making bodywork from this period particularly rare and sought after. This nosecone, displaying that famous number, provides a direct link to Lauda’s final years at the very top of Formula 1®.
The Detroit Crash
During practice for the 1985 Detroit GP, Lauda crashed, and the impact damaged the front wing supports on this nosecone beyond repair. The marks remain visible today, adding to its authenticity and making it a striking piece of motorsport history.
A Rare Opportunity
Race-used McLaren bodywork from the turbocharged era is hard to come by, especially from a reigning champion. With its unique damage and Championship-winning provenance, this nosecone is a true centrepiece for any collection.
Key Features
-
Authentic McLaren MP4/2 nosecone raced by Niki Lauda
-
Crash damaged during practice at the 1985 Detroit GP
-
Designed by John Barnard, his last McLaren before joining Ferrari
-
Powered by the Hans Mezger-designed TAG-Porsche turbocharged engine
-
Features the number 1 livery from Lauda’s Championship defence season
-
A rare and historic piece of McLaren and Lauda heritage
Please note that this item has been consigned to this auction from a private seller. All consignors are members of our database and are vetted for authenticity.
Features
- Authentic McLaren MP4/2 nosecone raced by Niki Lauda
- Crash damaged during practice at the 1985 Detroit GP
- Designed by John Barnard, his last McLaren before joining Ferrari
- Features the number 1 livery from Lauda’s Championship defence season
Auction Buyers Guide
Our team's primary aims are to source the most unique items for our auctions and to make participating in our online events enjoyable and easy for our buyers. We endeavour to do this whilst offering a personalised service to all.
Step 1: Register to Bid
To register as a bidder, create an account on our account. You'll be asked to provide your credit card details, and a temporary charge will be placed on the account for the duration of the auction to minimise fraudulent accounts from interfering with the bidding process.
Step 2: Place Your Bid
Items at auction may be sold with or without a reserve price, and will be clearly identified as such during the auction.
For a sale to be successful a bid must equal or exceed the reserve. In the event that you are the highest final bidder, but the total bid remains under the reserve price the item will not sell.
Items that are sold without a reserve will be clearly identified as such during the auctions. In their case the highest final bid will always win the item.
Items that do not meet reserve or do not receive any bids will not sell. Upon the closure of the auction these will be removed and managed independently by our specialists. Interested parties are invited to engage with our private sales team to make an offer.
Step 3: Make Payment
We pride ourselves in offering our customers a variety of payment options to satisfy their preferences. Upon conclusion of the auction the F1® Authentics sales platform will automatically issue a payment link to the winning bidder.
Payment is due in full by the end of the first business day following a sale. Proof of payment will be required and requested by our specialists.
Auction hammer price is exclusive of buyer's premium and sales tax, and exclusive of import duties and VAT.
All invoices and payments will be in Great British Pounds (GBP).
Step 4: Lot Shipment
Memento Exclusives operates with several reputable logistics experts. Our partners have experience coordinating the worldwide shipment of valuable and delicate vehicles and collectibles and will ensure products are treated with the utmost care.
Upon conclusion of a sale our specialist will contact the winning bidder to discuss delivery options. Air and sea freight quotes can be produced for items.
Shipping Times & Costs
We ship memorabilia to collectors and companies worldwide, with expert packaging to ensure your item arrives in perfect condition. Standard delivery times and updated shipping costs are listed by region below.
Standard Shipping Costs & Delivery Times
- United Kingdom
• Delivery Time: Next Day
• Cost: £25
- Europe Zone 1
Includes: Ireland, Channel Islands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Monaco
• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £30
- Europe Zone 2
Includes: Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden
• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £35
- Europe Zone 3
Includes: Norway, San Marino, Switzerland
• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £35
- Europe Zone 4
Includes: Romania, Turkey, Malta, Latvia, Estonia
• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £60
- USA & Canada
• Delivery Time: 10 working days
• Cost: £45
- Australia
• Delivery Time: 10 working days
• Cost: £50
- China & Mexico
• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £45
Note: These are estimated delivery times. Actual times may vary based on availability, custom framing, or pre-order status.
Large Items: Showcars, Racecars, Chassis, and Similar
If you are bidding on or purchasing a showcar, racecar, chassis, table, large bodywork or other oversized item, please be aware:
- The item’s location will be clearly stated on the product or auction page.
- Our logistics partner will provide a shipping quote based on your delivery location and will be invoiced separately.
- Failure to plan or accept shipping does not excuse non-payment or cancellation
- Arrange your own courier, but an admin fee of £150 will apply to coordinate the collection, documentation, and handover process.
Additional Shipping Notes
- Orders are dispatched Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (UK time). Orders placed after hours will be processed the next working day.
- Some items may have longer dispatch lead times, clearly noted on product pages.
- Oversized items may incur additional surcharges, listed on relevant product pages.
- If your order includes multiple items with different lead times, dispatch will occur once all items are ready.
Customs & Duties
- Unless otherwise stated all shipments are dispatched from the United Kingdom.
- International buyers are responsible for all applicable customs duties, taxes, and import fees.
- Our carrier will contact you directly if any additional charges are due upon arrival in your country.
Contact Us
For shipping updates, delivery estimates, or further assistance:
Use our AI chat to speak to check your order 24 hours.
Message our team via our chatbot Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (GMT time)
We aim to respond within 2 working days.
Returns & Refunds
Returns & Refunds Policy – Auction Items
All auction sales are final. We do not accept returns or offer refunds on any items won at auction.
Each lot is described as accurately as possible, with detailed photographs and specifications provided. By placing a bid, you acknowledge and accept:
- The item is sold as seen, with no warranty or guarantee expressed or implied.
- No cancellations, returns, or exchanges will be accepted after a bid is placed and the auction has ended.
- It is the bidder’s responsibility to carefully review the item description, imagery, and any notes regarding condition, provenance, or location prior to placing a bid.
- Any questions or requests for clarification must be made before the auction ends.
We aim to be fully transparent, and we encourage all bidders to make informed decisions. If additional information is required before bidding, please contact us at: info@f1authentics.com
LOT 022 - Niki Lauda 1984 McLaren MP4/2 Nosecone – Crash Damage 1985 Detroit GP
Official F1® Licensed Partner
Guaranteed Authenticity
One of a Kind Memorabilia
Featured Lots
