• The legacy of McLaren’s F1 reimagined for the 21st Century
• McLaren’s fastest road car, with a top speed of 403 km/h and 1,055 brake horsepower
• A masterpiece of automotive engineering with a central driving position and three-seat configuration
• Numbered “030”of only 106 examples produced
• Bespoke McLaren Special Operations paint finish with XP Green at the front fading into black at the rear
• Only one registered owner; as new condition
• Odometer reads only 114 kilometres at the time of cataloguing

The word “iconic” is one of the most overused in the world of prestige cars, but it is perhaps inevitable that this is how the McLaren Speedtail will be described in the decades ahead, and rightly so. It is the only fitting description for a model that draws inspiration from one of the most revered cars ever created, the McLaren F1.

Revealed in 1992, the F1 was heralded as the ultimate development of a road-going supercar thanks to its distinctive design, revolutionary construction and record-breaking performance. More than 30 years on, its legacy is undimmed and securing one remains the pinnacle for many collectors.

In 2020, McLaren dramatically rekindled the spirit of the F1 with the launch of the futuristic Speedtail, an exclusive machine at the cutting edge of 21st Century hypercar performance that, like its predecessor, was limited to only 106 units.

As with the F1, the Speedtail is built around a lightweight carbon fibre tub and features the same signature three-person seating configuration as well as vertical dihedral doors. The similarities are clear, but elsewhere the advances in technology that have emerged over the past three decades are evident.

This is particularly true of the hybrid powertrain, which lies at the heart of the Speedtail’s exhilarating performance. The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V-8 is an evolution of the McLaren P1’s engine and features a revised piston design along with enhanced cylinder head cooling, enabling it to produce 747 brake horsepower.

The Speedtail’s electric motor and battery, meanwhile, are both units developed by McLaren’s Formula E technology group. The motor smooths out power delivery at low engine speeds, providing an additional 308 brake horsepower for a total output of 1,055 brake horsepower. This results in a thrilling top speed of 403 km/h. The dielectric cooled and insulated battery is also a lesson in innovation and was hailed at its launch as the most power-dense unit ever fitted to a production vehicle. It is charged via an inductive pad located under the car.

The focus on delivering an unforgettable drive is also aided by the sleek, elongated bodywork and adjustable, multi-link suspension composed of aluminium alloy, which work in tandem with the Speedtail’s cutting-edge active aerodynamics (including deformable carbon fibre ailerons). When combined with the central driving position, they produce an uncompromising driving experience unlike anything else, with the unobstructed view allowing the car to be more accurately placed on the road. Those who want to up the ante even further can activate Velocity mode, which lowers the car and changes the aerovane configuration while retracting the rear view digital cameras, streamlining the silhouette for enhanced stability at high speeds.

The Speedtail was only made available to customers pre-selected by McLaren, and this particular example—numbered “030” in the production run of 106—is in impeccable, as-new condition throughout, having had only one registered owner (in Germany) and covered a mere 114 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

The uniqueness of the car is exemplified by a bespoke McLaren Special Operations (MSO) paint finish, with XP Green at the front fading towards the back as it blends into black. This is complemented by a vivid orange perimeter pinstripe and MSO Bespoke wheels fitted with black callipers, while the exhaust, which is integrated into the rear diffuser and nearly hidden, is finished in appropriately named Stealth titanium. Inside, the Speedtail is trimmed in full Aniline leather with contrasting bespoke stitching, while driver and passenger seatbelts in McLaren Orange add a splash of colour. The car is presented with its McLaren manuals.

One other obvious parallel with the F1 is the attention that every Speedtail commands, a scenario unlikely to change for years to come. As such, the availability of serial number "030” presents an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the most advanced road car McLaren has created to date—a machine that showcases the extraordinary technology of the present while paying tribute to the engineering excellence of the past.

Please note that this lot is subject to VAT on the full purchase price (both on the hammer price and commission).

Veuillez noter que ce lot est soumis à une TVA assise sur son prix d'achat total (prix d'adjudication + commission)

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa23.