2015 McLaren P1 Coupe

The McLaren P1 was the pinnacle of automotive engineering and a showcase of cutting-edge technology, offering sensational acceleration, handling, and braking. They are styled with a nod to McLaren's distinctive, modern chevron logo.

Over the past thirty-five years, the McLaren company, started by Bruce McLaren, has been led by Ron Dennis, a Londoner who started in Formula 1 as Jack Brabham's mechanic and grew into the archetypal Formula 1 team boss.

In total, McLaren built 375 P1 models, each to a custom specification to suit the needs and desires of their individual customers.

The McLaren P1 uses hybrid technology where its electric motor is used for torque fill to eliminate tiny inefficiencies in the gas engine's performance. It is engaged during those few milliseconds during gear changes and while the turbos are spooling up. The active rear spoilers and an exhaust-utilizing diffuser provide high levels of downforce. The rear spoiler adjusts in height and angle for maximum efficiency. It sits unobtrusively flush with the body at low speeds. As the speed increases, it rises to provide downforce. Above 156 mph, it feathers itself slightly for optimal effect.

The P1 rides on specially developed Pirelli tires with stiffened sidewalls to cope with the extraordinary levels of downforce generated by the air moving over the P1's surfaces.

This particular McLaren P1 has been in the care of its original buyer since new. It is finished in a color scheme labeled as 'Professor 2 Blue.' It has red accent stripes and unique matte black and silver finish wheels. The interior is done in a similar fashion to the exterior.

This P1 is one of as many as two that were given specially molded seats that are upholstered to recall the design of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona's iconic seat pattern. Most McLaren P1's have a passenger-side vanity mirror; the owner of this P1 had one designed and installed by McLaren, etched with a message to his wife: 'You look beautiful.'

Once the car was completed, it was signed by Frank Stephenson, McLaren's design director, and Ron Dennis before it left the factory.

Upon completion, it was sent to McLaren of Philadelphia. It currently has just over 1,100 total miles.

The engine is a 3800cc dual overhead cam twin-turbocharged V8 unit offering 903 BHP (including 176 horsepower from the electric motor). There is a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle, Active Hydropneumatic Suspension, and four-wheel Akebono Carbon-Ceramic brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2017