Significance
To any racing enthusiast, McLaren is a name that carries quite a lot of weight, with successful campaigns in Formula One, Can-Am, and Interseries racing dating back to the 1960s. There were a few times when McLaren experimented with the production of road cars- first with the M6 GT in 1969 - of which only a few prototypes were produced. Of course, the next road car from McLaren was the F1 - built between 1992 and 1998, only 106 cars were produced, 64 of which were road cars. Considered one of the best road cars of all time, its million-dollar price tag meant that only a select few could ever experience them. Then, in 2009, McLaren decided that instead of just dipping its toe into the road car world, it was going to dive in head first- building a car that, instead of competing at the ultra-high-end, would instead be aimed squarely at the Ferrari 458 Italia. Upon going on sale, the McLaren amazed supercar enthusiasts with its composed ride, remarkable build quality, and performance that made the 458 feel like it was from a different generation.
About this vehicle
This MP4-12C Coupe was delivered new to McLaren Dallas and was purchased by its first owner in September 2012. Showing 21,800 miles, this McLaren has been under the care of 3 owners from new and is offered with numerous service records from a McLaren main dealer. Finished in the Elite Paint finish called Volcano Orange, this is a car that, even now, more than a decade after it was produced, draws attention everywhere. Sporting over $60,000 in optional extras, this McLaren is covered in optional gloss carbon fiber, including on the mirror caps, engine cover, engine bay panels, and turning vanes. A set of Super-Lightweight 5-spoke wheels in graphite gray, which sit in front of a set of optional carbon ceramic disc brakes with black painted calipers.
The interior is an elegant combination of black leather and black/orange mesh fabric, which gives the car a unique, sporty look and is also quite comfortable. The MP4-12C cabin is remarkably modern, with the large central “Iris” touch screen to control the stereo and some settings, and a pair of secondary digital gauges in the pod in front of the driver. The central stack is covered in glossy carbon fiber, and orange contrast stitching is present throughout the interior. Sitting just in front of the driver is a carbon fiber and leather steering wheel, and unique paddle shifters on a rocker that allow you to push or pull them to change gears.
Powering the MP4-12C is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which was based on a motor developed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing for an IndyCar program that never materialized. From the factory, McLaren rated this engine at 592 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque- of which 80% is available from 2,000 rpm. It has widely been speculated that these power figures were fairly conservative and real-world performance testing shows that may be true. Independent testing found that a stock MP4-12C could accelerate from 0-60 in less than 3 seconds, and McLaren’s claimed 207 mph top speed was actually closer to 220. This remarkable powerplant is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox known as the “Seamless Shift Gearbox,” which allows the driver to pre-select the next gear for an even faster shift. The suspension utilizes McLaren’s innovative ProActive Chassis Control, which does away with roll bars, instead relying on high and low-pressure hydraulic fluid that makes for a flat, sharp handling car when the road is twisty, yet remarkably supple when the roads are harsh.
The MP4-12C was a remarkable first shot at a more mass-market supercar for McLaren and became the basis for what is now a real supercar empire. As supercar styling has steadily become more extroverted and out-there, the MP4-12C is one of the final restrained designs that will almost certainly achieve classic status. This example is particularly appealing thanks to its stunning color combination, comprehensive service records, and all of the right options.
