Known for his womanizing, partying ways as much as his brilliance behind the wheel of an F1 car, James Hunt was a racing icon. He's being further immortalized in the upcoming Ron Howard movie Rush, showcasing his battle with Niki Lauda during the 1976 season. Now, Hunt's 1977 McLaren M26 race car is going up for auction.

The specs on a 36-year-old F1 car are still impressive today, though they've fallen into the realm of the supercar: 525 horsepower from a Cosworth DFV 3.0-liter V-8 spinning at 10,600 rpm. That gets the M26 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 195 mph. An aluminum monocoque chassis holds everything together.

This particular car was the vehicle for Hunt's last win in Formula 1 at the 1977 Japanese Grand Prix. It has never been offered at auction before.

Hunt's McLaren will go up for auction at the RK Motors Collector Car Auction at the Charlotte Convention Center October 31-November 3. Contact RK Motors for more information.

James Hunt's 1977 McLaren M26 F1 race car. Photos via RK Motors.

James Hunt's 1977 McLaren M26 F1 race car. Photos via RK Motors.