At one stage, the McLaren MP4-12C’s predecessor, the F1, was the most desirable car in the world. But with its successor, McLaren pulled an even more desirable rabbit out of its hat.
If the looks weren’t enough to entice you to the F1-inspired supercar, then there was also the fact it was a technological tour-de-force, its in-house developed 3.9-litre biturbo V8 goof for almost 600bhp, over 200mph and 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds.
Yet it was more affordable than ever – at £168,500 new, the MP4-12C was in the same price bracket as the Ferrari 458 Italia and high-end Porsche 911s. Styled by Frank Stephenson – designer of the MINI – the MP4-12C went into production in late 2011 at McLaren's new state-of-the-art factory at Woking, replacing the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren on the production line. It used a carbon-fibre MonoCell body tub and was more conventionally laid-out than the three-seater F1.
This example is a 2012 car, making it pretty much launch-spec. It has had four owners and has been enjoyed, with almost 40,000 miles on the clock, backed up by a comprehensive main dealer service history.
Although still very much a supercar the MP4-12C was a bit more plush than its predecessor, largely because it was playing to a bigger audience and had to appeal to more mainstream customers. So, while keeping things lightweight and driver-focused, McLaren also trimmed the cabin in high-end materials – leather, Alcantara and carbon highlights abound. It’s all in terrific order, too, with no major signs of wear or damage to any of the components.
Graphite Grey 20-inch alloys with Pirelli P-Zero tyres
No accident damage
Terrific condition
Finished in striking and rare Volcano Red, the McLaren looks great sitting on its 20-inch Graphite Grey alloy wheels. The body itself is made of a carbon fibre composite and is in excellent overall condition, with no signs of damage and only a couple of very tiny marks to the exterior. The car is free from any insurance claims and is impeccably well-presented – even the wheels are excellent, with only one tiny kerb mark.
Paddle-shift auto seven-speed dual clutch transmission
Mind-blowing performance
Powered by a sensational 3.8-litre V8 engine designed and developed by McLaren’s own engineers, the MP4-12C offers incredible performance – 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph.
It gets there in a sophisticated manner, too, with electronically adjustable suspension tailored to offer better ride comfort than any of its rivals with no compromise to handling ability. The gearbox, though, is the party trick. It’s a dual-clutch automatic system, not dissimilar to VW’s DSG transmission, which offers near-seamless and extremely rapid changes via steering wheel mounted paddles.
With a full main dealer history and no running issues, this one should offer good peace of mind to its next lucky owner.
Here’s a great chance to own one of the best all-rounders on the supercar scene – edgier than a 911, sturdier than a Ferrari and more discreet than a Lamborghini, but with motorsport heritage the others can only dream of. McLaren builds its road cars in the exact same factory as its race cars, with engine, chassis and manufacturing technology shared between the two.
It’s a phenomenal car to drive and one that stirs all of your senses, yet it’s also docile where it needs to be. The MP4-12C was McLaren aiming for the mass supercar market and it nailed it first time. A decade on, that market appeal is even broader because you can pick one up for five figures instead of six. Tempting, isn’t it?
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2012 McLaren MP4-12C
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