McLaren Speedtail hypercar heads to auction for the first time

The RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 sale will feature a McLaren Speedtail, marking the first time the 250 mph road car has come to auction.

First McLaren Speedtail auction

An example of McLaren’s fastest-ever production car will be heading to auction in January 2021.

The RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 sale will include the 1,035 hp McLaren Speedtail amongst a wealth of impressive cars. 

As McLaren approved all 106 buyers of the Speedtail’s production run, this is the first time the wider public will have the chance to buy one.

Ultimate hybrid performance 

First McLaren Speedtail auction

McLaren designed the Speedtail to be a tribute to the original F1 road car, even down to the central driver’s seat. Yet this is far more than a simple anniversary edition, and is instead the most extreme McLaren created.

Powering the Speedtail is a 4.0-l twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, combined with an electric motor as used in the Formula E series. The internal combustion engine produces 750 hp alone, with the electric motor boosting this to a gigantic 1,035 hp.

Active aerodynamics, and an adjustable suspension system that lowers the car at speed, allow the Speedtail to hit an incredible 250 mph.

Front wheels with distinctive aero covers help the Speedtail’s performance, whilst carbon ceramic brakes ensure it stops from high speed.

All that glitters is (probably) gold

First McLaren Speedtail auction

The Speedtail being offered at the Arizona sale was the 36th example to be built. Despite costing $2.25 million (£2.1 million) when new, the original owner still found a further $170,000 (£137,711) to spend on options.

Bespoke painted pinstripes on the MSO Atlantic Blue paintwork added $53,600 (£39,711) alone. The front wheel covers are finished in gloss carbon, with the engine cover and brake calipers painted in black. A ‘Stealth Titanium’ finish has been used for the sports exhaust system.

Contrasting with the blue paintwork is a three-seater interior finished in vintage tan Aniline leather upholstery. Bespoke stitching has been added, along with plenty of carbon trim and metal detailing.

The factory supplied titanium tool kit, finished in gold, is included along with fitted luggage.

Limited numbers, limited mileage

First McLaren Speedtail auction

Ordered in July this year, Speedtail number 36 was delivered to the McLaren of Philadelphia dealership a few months later. Despite the Speedtail not being strictly street legal in the United States, more than one-third of the 106 examples sold headed to America. 

US-based Speedtail owners are limited to 2,500 miles a year, making use of ‘Show and Display’ rules. Having covered only 30 miles from new, this particular example is still box fresh.

As the first of such an exclusive car to be auctioned, Speedtail 36 will set the market for future sales. Interested buyers will only have to wait until 22 January 2021 to place a bid on this immense hypercar.

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John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

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