Beschreibung
For sale in our forthcoming auction 'Retromobile the Official Sale', on 2 February 2024 :
German title
Chassis no. SBM15ACB6KW800060
- Exceptional model, the most radical car ever built by McLaren
- Cutting-edge technology, very high performance
- Only 500 cars built, interesting options
- Virtually new condition, very low mileage
- The German Supercar Collection
2018 McLaren Senna
Senna: a magical name, that of an exceptionally gifted Formula 1 driver, who died too soon in an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994 after an impressive succession of results: during the eleven seasons in which he competed, he was World Champion three times (in 1988, 1990 and 1991), runner-up twice (in 1989 and 1993), won 41 Grands Prix and earned 65 pole positions. He achieved most of these results with McLaren, for whom he drove for six seasons, from 1988-1993.
It was logical therefore that the English supercar maker should name its third production car in the 'McLaren Ultimate Series' after him, following the F1 and P1. It should be noted that McLaren is the only manufacturer authorised to use the famous Brazilian driver's name.
Unveiled online on 10 December 2017 and shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018, the McLaren Senna differed, however, from its predecessor, in particular as it lacked an electric motor. The manufacturer preferred instead to rely on its low weight: just 1198kg unladen, an extraordinary achievement for a car of this calibre. McLaren's primary concern was to create the road car best suited for track use that it had ever built, driving it to produce an uncompromising car offering the most intense sensations possible on track. "The McLaren Senna", it explained, "embodies McLaren's DNA in its most extreme form, creating the deepest symbiosis between a car and its maker."
The Senna was largely based on the McLaren 720S and used a modified version of its monocoque carbon-fibre structure, known as 'MonoCage III'. According to McLaren, the philosophy that guided the project was built on the axiom "Form follows function", thus explaining the Senna's aerodynamically very sophisticated body. An impressive rear spoiler was deployed according to the car's speed and the driving mode selected, and could even serve as an air brake. It had a dual-element rear diffuser, the air intake on the roof was inspired by Formula 1 and the low-pressure areas were used for the high-performance radiators for improved engine cooling. In Race mode, the aerodynamic downforce could attain the incredible figure of 800kg, even at speeds of under 250kph. The body was made for the most part from carbon fibre, with access to the interior by means of dihedral doors. The interior was relatively basic for a car of this price, which was consistent with McLaren's preoccupation with weight. The deeply contoured bucket seats could be trimmed in either leather or Alcantara, according to the buyer's wishes, with space behind them to store two helmets and race suits.
The heart of the machine was, of course, its engine, a twin-turbo 32-valve 4-litre V8 with dry sump lubrication; codenamed M840TR, this produced the substantial power output of 800bhp at 7250rpm, with an equally impressive torque figure of 800Nm. The engine was mated to a seven-speed 'Seamless Shift' gearbox. Together, they enabled the car to reach 100kph from a standstill in 2. 8sec and 200kph in 6. 8sec and to go on to a top speed of 335kph.
Figures like these commanded respect and various driving aids were provided: ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, launch control and 'Variable Drift Control'. To bring it to a stop, the Senna had carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, designed with three and a half times better thermal conductivity than the previous versions, thus ensuring quicker elimination of the heat generated. It had new centre-lock light-alloy wheels shod with Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R tyres.
When it was introduced, the price of the Senna was of the order of 930, 000 €, despite which all 500 cars planned were sold before they had even been built. Such was the aura that surrounded - and surrounds to this day - this extraordinary model.
The example we are offering had a particularly interesting specification when it left the factory. Spectacularly finished in Lava Orange, some of the aerodynamic elements, as well as the brake callipers, are in a contrasting shade of Azzura Blue. For use on track, it is equipped with McLaren's Track Telemetry app for data acquisition, a sports exhaust and ultra-light wheels. But comfort has not been forgotten, with a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with seven speakers, a reversing camera, adjustable steering column, front lift and air-conditioning.
The car was intended for the European market, specifically for Sweden, with a speedometer reading in kilometres per hour and an English-language system. It was first registered on 24 September 2018 and was bought for 'The German Supercar Collection' in November 2021. With a very low recorded mileage and in immaculate condition, the car is as impressive at a standstill as when it is moving, when the V8 can let its power explode. Low, built for speed, a genuine tribute to the Brazilian World Champion it was named after, it is without doubt one of the quickest hypercars around a circuit, thanks to McLaren's uncompromising design and its unrivalled experience in competition. Just serviced, this car is an exceptional opportunity for collectors who were unable to buy one when it was new, to become the owner of one of the most sought-after cars in the world.
This lot is sold VAT excluded. The VAT can be refund to any European registered company in car business which acquired it at auction, providing it holds a VAT European registration number and it can prove the lot has been transported to his country of residence. The VAT will be reimbursed to any buyer residing outside the EU, providing he can give evidence of this exportation, such as export papers duly signed and cleared by the French customs or from any other country member of the EU.
Impact on VAT: As the vehicle has been driven less tha 6, 000 kilometers, it can be considered "as new" for VAT purposes in certain European countries. Please contact your local tax authorities for confirmation prior to purchase. For a French buyer, a VAT of 20% will be charged on the hammer price and the premium.
