What do you get when you cross track-only performance with legendary British innovation? Well, according to iconic automaker McLaren, the P1 GTR. When it was first unveiled back in 2015, the track-only supercar marked a renewed focus on high-octane performance, bringing a staunchly race-ready approach to contemporary auto design. While it looked not unlike the brand’s already stellar lineup of street-legal vehicles, the 2015 McLaren P1 GTR was bigger and bolder by design, but it wasn’t for everyone. Only 58 examples of the supercar ever went into production, making it one of the rarest releases to ever fall under the McLaren banner, and remarkably, some still exist in the wild. An as-new 2015 McLaren P1 GTR is set to go under the hammer this week, with only 128 miles on the odometer.
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Image: Collecting Cars
Offered through Los Angeles-based online auction platform, Collecting Cars, the 2015 McLaren P1 GTR lands somewhere between automotive purist’s dream and F1 racer. In fact, original owner Frank Stephenson even had this release finished in Carbon Black and wrapped in bespoke MSO red chrome livery to suit. From the carbon-fibre front splitter to the stunning gulf-wing doors, no one could ever accuse the limited edition release of playing it safe, but it’s what McLaren hid under the hood that had fans champing at the bit back in 2015.
The special-edition McLaren P1 GTR is powered by a hybrid powertrain that produces up to 986bhp, delivering a seriously impressive power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the 2015 edition can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds, hitting a top speed of 217mph, but it came as no surprise.
Image: Collecting Cars
The McLaren beast was originally created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of McLaren’s iconic 1995 victory at the 24 Hours of LeMans. That 1995 edition came complete with a unique aerodynamic bodywork package that also featured a fixed DRS-capable rear wing. In addition, the LeMan’s-winner copped an ERS-style ‘push to pass’ system and polycarbonate highlights across the side windows.
At the time, the P1 GTR was a revolutionary release that blurred the lines between racing vehicles and road cars, so when it came time to mark the anniversary, McLaren had to step things up. The iconic automotive development team shaved around 50kgs off the total weight, while also adding a fixed ride height race-prepared suspension for the track-only model.
Adding to the racing focus, the 2015 example moved the wing mirrors from the door-mount to the A-pillars to give a clearer line of sight and reduce drag for racing conditions. Further to that, the model currently being offered through Collecting Cars comes equipped with 19-inch centre-lock motorsport alloy wheels, twin-exit inconel and titanium alloy exhaust.
Image: Collecting Cars
Inside, it’s a similar story. In keeping with the track-only theme, the P1 GTR’s single carbon-fibre HANS device compatible bucket seat brings the driving experience into the new age, along with the carbon-fibre race steering wheel and a digital dashboard. Of course, the rest of the usual suspects are there, as well. The as-new supercar comes equipped with a Sabelt racing harness trimmed in black Alcantara and textured cloth and a large carbon-fibre wing with “swan neck” fixed stanchions on the outside.
It’s been a little while since the P1 GTR last made an appearance on the circuit, but it’s done little to diminish the special edition’s star power. Ultra-rare and undeniably powerful, McLaren’s commemorative edition is still innovative despite its age, but don’t expect it to come cheap. The 2015 McLaren P1 GTR will be available to global bidders through Thursday 10 March.
Image: Collecting Cars
Image: Collecting Cars
Image: Collecting Cars
Image: Collecting Cars
Image: Collecting Cars
Image: Collecting Cars
