Chassis No. SBM11AAB4CW000764

The McLaren MP4-12C marked a watershed moment when it was announced in 2010, representing not merely a new supercar but the renaissance of McLaren as a dedicated series-production manufacturer. While the British company had previously created the seminal F1 in the 1990s, Bruce McLaren's experimental M6GT, and had engineered and manufactured the SLR McLaren for Mercedes-Benz at its Woking headquarters, the MP4-12C stood as the inaugural offering from the newly established McLaren Automotive division.

The model debuted with a modern design, originally penned by Pininfarina contracted designers and finalized by Frank Stephenson. Its innovative carbon fiber construction and groundbreaking technology outperformed rivals like Ferrari's 458 Italia across multiple performance metrics. With production limited to approximately 3,500 examples (of which the majority were Spiders)-compared to over 18,000 Ferrari 458s-the MP4-12C established itself as both exclusive and technically superior, delivering extraordinary performance from its 592-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 (which would eventually benefit from a factory software upgrade to 616 horsepower) and introducing design elements that would become trademark characteristics of the McLaren Automotive brand.

This exceptional McLaren MP4-12C bears the distinguished provenance of being ordered, configured, owned, and driven by 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button. Both Jenson and then-teammate Lewis Hamilton had been involved with the development of the 12C, where their feedback was captured during a test day of a prototype car at Goodwood Circuit. He went on to configure his MP4-12C at the McLaren Technology Centre alongside Hamilton to be used as a promotional video for McLaren's communications launch-with Hamilton selecting a Volcano Red exterior while Button initially chose black for his example.

Interestingly, Button's first configured car featured in the video never reached his personal ownership. When production was completed, he reportedly offered the vehicle to McLaren for developmental purposes, specifically to test a prototype version of the IRIS navigation system. Instead, Button placed a revised order with the factory with updated specifications resulting in the stunning example presented here, possibly inspired by the white Brawn GP livery he had previously represented in his championship-winning season.

The exterior showcases Elite Pearl White paint complemented by optional Stealth-finished five-spoke forged alloy wheels housing red brake calipers. A copy of the original McLaren Monaco configuration sheet also lists extensive carbon fiber elements including the mirror casings, engine covers, engine bay panels, and diffuser, while the front spoiler was specified in body color-widening the car's visual presence and evoking the original P11 design concept.

Like Lewis, the interior presents a striking Harissa Red and Black combination, with Button choosing leather whereas Hamilton elected for Alcantara. Thoughtfully integrated carbon fiber elements adorn the sill panels and seatbacks of the electric and heated sports seats. Unlike Hamilton's specification, Button opted for additional carbon fiber for both the interior trim and steering wheel, creating a more aggressive, racing-inspired cabin ambiance.

The car remained in Button's ownership through late 2013, after which it entered a private collection in the United Kingdom where it currently holds its title. Having covered over 12,438 kilometers recorded at cataloging and benefiting from a recent service from McLaren Monaco, this MP4-12C is offered uniquely and publicly for the first time ever alongside the MP4-12C of Button's seven-time World Champion teammate Sir Lewis Hamilton. It presents a rare opportunity to acquire a cornerstone piece of McLaren Automotive history with documented Formula One champion provenance, with its exceptional condition and unique specification making it a compelling addition for any collector of contemporary supercars.