Auction Premier for a McLaren Speedtail at RM’s Arizona Sale


 

Blenheim, 4th January, 2021

On January 22, 2021 RM Sotheby’s will be the first auction house to bring a McLaren Speedtail to auction — #36 of only 106 produced.

When unveiled to the global public at Monaco’s Sporting Club on 28 May 1992, the McLaren F1 was heralded as the ultimate development of a roadgoing supercar. Collectors and critics alike fawned over the F1’s distinctive design, revolutionary construction, and record-breaking performance. Nearly thirty years on, the McLaren F1 is still the undisputed pinnacle of any collection fortunate enough to retain one of its 106 examples produced between 1992 and 1998.

Yet technology is constantly progressing, and a company like McLaren certainly cannot afford to rest on its laurels; to do so would not be in its character, to say nothing of its long-term interest. Drawing on the spirit of the F1, and incorporating everything the Woking, England-based automaker has learned in the intervening decades, the 2020 McLaren Speedtail once again pushes the automotive envelope. Limited to just 106 units, the same as its predecessor the F1, the futuristic Speedtail is an exclusive offering on the cutting edge of 21st century hypercar performance.

Reinterpreting a Legend: From F1 to Speedtail

Like the F1, the Speedtail is built around a lightweight, carbon fiber tub. This time, the composite material is reinforced with titanium strands and sculpted into a more dramatic “teardrop” shape surmounted by a one-piece glass canopy. The F1’s signature three-person seating configuration and vertical-dihedral doors have also carried over to the 2020 design, this time making full use of lighter materials unavailable to McLaren in 1992.

Despite the reverence for its predecessor, the Speedtail is unreservedly a car of the 21st century. Nowhere is this revelation more evident than its hybrid powertrain. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine 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 over 750 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 312 horsepower; the dielectric cooled and insulated 1.647 kWh battery was, at its debut, the most power-dense unit ever fitted to a production vehicle. Total system output is a formidable 1,035 horsepower, propelling the Speedtail to a reported top speed of 250 mph.

The Speedtail’s sleek, elongated carbon fiber bodywork is underpinned by an adjustable, multi-link suspension composed of aluminum alloy. This system works in tandem with the Speedtail’s cutting-edge active aerodynamics (which include remarkable deformable carbon fiber ailerons), distinctive static wheel covers, bespoke Pirelli tires, and carbon ceramic brakes to keep the 16.8-foot-long vehicle glued to the ground. The design’s incredibly low drag coefficient maximizes the Speedtail’s fuel efficiency, especially when paired with its regenerative braking system.

As with the F1, the central driving position of the Speedtail offers an uncompromised driving experience unlike anything else on the road. From the central seat, the driver has an unobstructed view of their surroundings; with both A-pillars out of their line of sight, they can more accurately place the car on the roadway. A defining feature of the F1, this central driving experience is uniquely implemented by McLaren and feels entirely natural. In addition to offering optimal visibility, the central driver’s seat allows for two additional passengers to enjoy the exhilarating ride of the Speedtail.

Further, the Speedtail replaces side mirrors with hideaway cameras, which retract back into their respective panels during activation of the Speedtail’s exclusive “Active Velocity” mode—which lowers the car several inches and changes the aerovane configuration, thus streamlining the silhouette for extreme stability at high speeds. The mode was on full display on 19 December 2019 with a McLaren Speedtail prototype reaching 250 miles per hour over 30 times during testing at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds—part of the NASA’s Space Shuttle Landing Facility in Orlando, Florida.

All told, the Speedtail is the fastest, most aerodynamic, and most technologically advanced McLaren ever made, pushing the frontier of what is possible in a road car. On public roads, its futuristic design and length of 16.8 feet give it a presence like nothing else. More than its exclusivity or any styling similarities, it is this that makes it a true successor to the legendary F1.

Speedtail Number 36

The Speedtail being offered by RM Sotheby’s is the 36th example produced; it is a uniquely presented specimen which presents with over $170,000 (137,711 GPB) of bespoke and optional equipment, as confirmed by the McLaren Automotive Order Confirmation document. Ordered on 20 July 2020, it was delivered new to McLaren of Philadelphia in the fall of 2020.

This chassis’ dramatic exterior is clad in a bespoke shade of MSO Heritage Atlantic Blue, further enriched by a set of Bespoke Exterior Painted Pin stripes which are color-matched to the lightweight alloy wheels and cost £39,711 (~$53,600 USD). The front wheel covers have been specified in Gloss Visual Carbon fiber, while the engine cover and brake calipers have been paired with black paint. The Speedtail’s exhaust system, which is integrated into the rear diffuser and nearly hidden, wears the aptly named “Stealth Titanium” finish.

A comprehensive suite of Zircon trim and Satin Visual Carbon Fiber flourishes add a uniform appeal to both exterior and interior. Inside, the Speedtail’s next-gen dashboard and distinctive three-seat cockpit are trimmed in stunning vintage tan Aniline leather finished with bespoke contrast stitching. The Satin Visual Carbon Fiber steering wheel is appointed in matching upholstery; it fronts a suite of five digital displays and the two elements are interceded by a steering hub clothed in Alcantara and a pair of billet titanium paddle shifters.

It is safe to say that the revolutionary Speedtail’s saga is only getting started; like its predecessor the F1, the Speedtail is predicted to capture the public’s attention for decades to come. With each of the 106 examples being purchased by pre-selected customers before the model’s announcement, the availability of this Speedtail, number 36, offers an exciting opportunity to partake in the most advanced roadgoing vehicle that McLaren has built to date. The Speedtail is an engineering triumph combining the best of McLaren’s past with extraordinary technology of the present. Its moment in the spotlight has just begun.

Now offered showing just 30 miles at the time of cataloging, this 2020 McLaren Speedtail is accompanied by its Order Confirmation document, a fitted suitcase front trunk, as well as serialized, lightweight gold-colored titanium tool set. Lot 175 is estimated at $3,500,000-4,500,000. The auction will be held on 22 January at Scottsdale’s Otto Car Club as a hybrid live-streamed auction, with limited in-person attendance.

 

 

 

Lot

Description

s/n

Estimate

Result
 incl. Buyer’s Premium

105

Shelby Series 1 Prototype Design Model

 

$30,000 - $50,000

 

106

1954 Piaggio Ape Calessino

AB2T 18211

$20,000 - 30,000
(NR)

 

107

1959 Moto Guzzi Ercolino

HFD 38

$20,000 - 30,000
(NR)

 

108

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

VC56F 046783

$60,000 - 70,000
(NR)

 

109

1959 Spartan Imperial Mansion

9460318140

$125,000 - 175,000
(NR)

 

110

1972 Ford Bronco Custom

U15GLP61760

$120,000 - 160,000

 

111

1962 Chevrolet Corvette

20867S110789

$50,000 - 70,000
(NR)

 

112

1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8)

H-BJ7-L/21153

$70,000 - 80,000
(NR)

 

113

2001 Bentley Continental T Mulliner

SCBZU25E31CX
67517

$165,000 - 185,000

 

114

1970 Chevrolet Nova SS

114270W312450

$60,000 - 70,000
(NR)

 

115

1932 Pierce-Arrow Model 52
Custom Club Berline

3075021

$175,000 - 225,000

 

116

1971 Range Rover Suffix A Convertible

35501347A

$40,000 - 50,000
(NR)

 

117

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

47191

$250,000 - 300,000

 

118

1968 Shelby GT350 Fastback

8T02J115340-
00098

$90,000 - 120,000
(NR)

 

119

2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello

119838

$150,000 - 200,000

 

120

1954 Jaguar XK 120 SE Roadster

S 674424

$160,000 - 200,000
(NR)

 

121

1991 Lamborghini Diablo

ZA9DU07P7MLA12362

$140,000 - 160,000

 

122

1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk 1

B9471139 LRXFE

$120,000 - 140,000

 

123

1933 Packard Eight Cabriolet

719-177

$160,000 - 180,000

 

124

1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe

818.740 004012

$30,000 - 40,000
(NR)

 

125

1983 Audi Ur-quattro

WAUDC0850DA
900421

$40,000 - 50,000
(NR)

 

126

1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG 6.0 Wide-Body

WDB1260451A
436448

$175,000 - 225,000
(NR)

 

127

1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution (E30)

WBAAK07050AC
79122

$125,000 - 150,000
(NR)

 

128

1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II 146

WDB2010361F
735977

$175,000 - 225,000
(NR)

 

129

1995 Lancia Delta HF Integrale

ZLA831AB000
585110

$90,000 - 110,000
(NR)

 

130

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

9113600460

$500,000 - 575,000

 

131

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster

875155

$160,000 - 200,000

 

132

2019 Ford GT 'Lightweight

2FAGP9CW1KH
200033

$900,000 - 1,200,000

 

133

1957 Cadillac Eldorado

5770072802

$80,000 - 120,000
(NR)

 

134

1932 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Coupe

14-157

$750,000 - 850,000

 

135

1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

5LBX76

$225,000 - 350,000

 

136

1931 Cadillac V-8 Roadster

809130

$100,000 - 125,000
(NR)

 

137

1965 Shelby GT350

SFM 5S047

$350,000 - 400,000

 

138

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

198.042.75.
00592

$1,000,000 - 1,200,000

 

139

1993 Cizeta V16T

ZA9V16T00MMD
38101

$600,000 - 750,000

 

140

1969 Iso Grifo

7L 930256

$500,000 - 600,000
(NR)

 

141

1955 Jaguar D-Type

XKD 518

$5,750,000 - 7,500,000

 

142

2008 Shelby GT40 Mk II 85th Commemorative Edition

GT40 P/2243

$225,000 - 275,000

 

143

1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano

0613GT

$1,200,000 - 1,400,000

 

144

1959 Lotus Elite

1159

$60,000 - 70,000
(NR)

 

145

2019 McLaren Senna 095/500

SBM15ACA4KW
800095

$1,000,000 - 1,300,000

 

146

1939 BMW 328 Roadster

85351

$475,000 - 550,000

 

147

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta 092/448

124070

$300,000 - 350,000

 

148

1953 Porsche 356 Coupe

50947

$150,000 - 180,000

 

149

1952 Bentley Mark V

B 465 NY

$125,000 - 150,000
(NR)

 

150

1937 Bugatti Type 57SC

57512

$4,750,000 - 6,500,000

 

151

1967 Iso Grifo

GL 720134

$450,000 - 550,000
(NR)

 

152

1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe Continuation

CSX 2616

$600,000 - 800,000

 

153

1957 Ford Thunderbird

D7FH186785

$40,000 - 50,000
(NR)

 

154

1932 Marmon Sixteen Five-Passenger Sedan

16 140 818

$300,000 - 375,000

 

155

1938 Jaguar 100 Jaguar 3½-Litre Roadster

39032

$500,000 - 600,000

 

156

1965 Aston Martin Short Chassis Volante

DB5C/2305/R

$1,500,000 - 1,750,000

 

157

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster

1E 13415

$175,000 - 225,000
(NR)

 

158

2003 Ferrari Enzo

131319

$2,250,000 - 2,500,000

 

159

1987 Ferrari Testarossa

70983

$125,000 - 175,000
(NR)

 

160

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster

188.015.55.
00005

$750,000 - 850,000

 

161

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

59E043935

$200,000 - 225,000

 

162

1954 Ferrari 375 America

0327AL

$2,400,000 - 3,400,000

 

163

1998 RUF Turbo R

W09BD0367WPR
06017

$525,000 - 575,000

 

165

2019 Koenigsegg Regera 75

YT9NN1U14KA
007175

$2,600,000 - 2,900,000

 

167

1952 Tojeiro-MG Barchetta

RMS1

$200,000 - 250,000

 

168

1933 Packard Twelve

901311

$800,000 - 900,000

 

169

1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Six-Door Pullman

100.016.12.
000411

$275,000 - 325,000

 

170

1965 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra 'Sanction II

CSX 3067

$375,000 - 425,000

 

171

1954 Buick Skylark

7A1104302

$100,000 - 120,000
(NR)

 

172

1958 Lister-Jaguar Knobbly

BHL 119

$900,000 - 1,200,000

 

173

1974 BMW 2002 Turbo

4290089

$120,000 - 140,000

 

174

1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

LCSC35C

$200,000 - 250,000

 

175

2020 McLaren Speedtail 036/106

SBM23GDG6LW
403036

$3,500,000 - 4,500,000

 

176

1971 De Tomaso Pantera

THPNLS01841

$70,000 - 90,000
(NR)

 

177

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster

875657

$200,000 - 250,000

 

178

1992 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

WP0ZZZ96ZNS
499084

$200,000 - 250,000

 

179

2011 Tesla R80 3.0 Roadster Sport

5YJRE1A33B
1001393

$90,000 - 110,000
(NR)

 

180

2015 Jaguar C-Type Replica by Proteus

SPCC42T52AC
000013

$150,000 - 190,000

 

181

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo

WP0AA0954JN
165070

$60,000 - 80,000 (NR)

 

182

2012 Ford Shelby GT500

1ZVBP8FFXC
5226002

$75,000 - 100,000 (NR)

 

183

1957 Chrysler New Yorker

N5721533

$70,000 - 90,000
(NR)

 

184

1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 TEL Estate

WDB1260391A
551975

$30,000 - 40,000

(NR)

 

185

1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC Convertible

WDBCA45D2GA
250520

$40,000 - 50,000
(NR)

 

186

1967 Jaguar Mark II

P 181290 BW

$35,000 - 55,000
(NR)

 

187

1957 Lincoln Premiere

57WA13274L

$40,000 - 50,000
(NR)

 

188

2012 Ford Shelby GT500

1ZVBP8CF2C
5228119

$70,000 - 90,000
(NR)

 

189

1961 Fiat 600D Multipla

100D 008 088640

$30,000 - 40,000
(NR)

 

190

1930 Ford Model A

DFR71258

$15,000 - 20,000
(NR)

 

191

1968 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

120 242025

$10,000 - 15,000
(NR)

 


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