You won’t believe the wild and unexpected tale behind Rowan Atkinson’s McLaren F1 — the car he owned, drove, and famously crashed multiple times, only to sell it for an astonishing price that left the automotive world in shock.

Rowan Atkinson, best known for his iconic role as the bumbling Mr. Bean, is also a well-known car enthusiast, and his McLaren F1 is the stuff of legend. A car like no other, the McLaren F1 was once the fastest production car in the world, and it was the epitome of automotive engineering excellence. But what truly makes Atkinson’s ownership of this machine so remarkable is the tumultuous journey it endured.

Over the years, Atkinson drove his McLaren F1 like a true enthusiast, putting an incredible 40,000 miles on the odometer — a rare feat for such an ultra-rare and expensive car. However, his love for the car would come at a cost. In 1999, Atkinson was involved in a high-speed crash that left the car severely damaged. But that wasn’t the end of the story. A few years later, in 2011, another crash occurred, this time a fire that further threatened the F1’s perfection.

Despite the damage, Atkinson didn’t give up on his prized possession. Instead, he sent the McLaren to the world-renowned specialists at McLaren’s own factory, where they meticulously restored it to its original glory. After years of repairs, the car was returned to pristine condition, ready for its next chapter.

And then came the stunning twist. In 2015, Atkinson sold his McLaren F1 for a jaw-dropping price — a record-breaking £8 million, making it one of the most expensive McLaren F1s ever sold. What’s even more incredible is that despite its history of crashes and repairs, the car sold for far more than any of the other, perfectly intact McLaren F1s on the market. It was clear that the legend of Rowan Atkinson’s McLaren F1 had only grown stronger through the years.

The story of Mr. Bean’s McLaren F1 isn’t just about a celebrity’s love for an iconic car. It’s about passion, persistence, and the unpredictable journey that comes with owning a true masterpiece. From crashes to restoration, from fire to profit, Atkinson’s McLaren F1 remains an unforgettable chapter in the history of the automotive world.