What's the news?
McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has designed and built a bespoke supercar - the X1 - for an anonymous McLaren enthusiast. The client is said to have already owned an F1, an SLR and now a 12C; and set MSO the challenge of creating a unique car "that reflected his needs and personality".
Exterior
For his one-off model, McLaren's client wanted "timeless and classical elegance". With that brief, MSO apparently took inspiration from cars such as a '61 Facel Vega, a '39 Mercedes 540K and a '71 Citroen SM; and other items including an Airstream trailer, a grand piano and an eggplant. The result is a body that looks to be relatively timeless. All the panels are painted in piano black and are made from carbon. Unique head- and taillights have been installed, and bespoke diamond-turned alloys are fitted. The 'brightwork' on the car is made from solid aluminium and finished in nickel. Enclosed rear wheels are also a feature, accessible by some very cleverly folding rear panels.
Interior
The basic interior is taken straight from the 12C; however, various features have changed for this model. Harissa Red is found on the seat, door and roof trim and Andesite carpets have been fitted. The switchgear has been made to match the exterior's brightwork; sitting on a carbon-fibre dash that now features a titanium weave, creating a 3D effect.
Mechanicals
The X-1's structure is based on the company's carbon MonoCell chassis used on the 12C; however bodywork changes mean that overall size has increased. Thanks to lightweight panels, kerb weight has remained roughly the same, and the twin-turbo, 625hp engine is also lifted from the 12C.
Anything else?
MSO was launched this time last year at the annual Pebble Beach show; and is a personalisation service for McLaren clients who want anything from a trim change to a one-off supercar. Programme Director, Paul McKenzie says, "We can realise anything. The only limit is the size of the customer's imagination." MSO's latest realisation can be seen at The Quail, an exclusive event at this year's Pebble Beach weekend.
James Giddings - 19 Aug 2012
