Chassis No.: SBM11AAC8CW001258

Engine No.: 38JBAA111465

Registration: BX62 KGP

Sold £73,920 | Sold

The MP4-12C is McLaren's first production car since the legendary McLaren F1. Designed by Frank Stephenson, who also styled the Ferrari F430, the MP4-12C was launched in 2011 and was built using a great deal of technology from McLaren's Formula One program. The 3.8 litre, bi-turbo, V8 is breathtaking, delivering 592bhp at 7,000rpm and 600Nm of torque. Combine that with a kerb weight of only 1,301kg (the comparable Ferrari 458 Italia weighs 1,380kg) and performance is simply sensational. A Formula One style carbon tub, known as a 'Carbon Mono Cell', forms the basis of the car's chassis and weighs just 80kg.

In addition, the engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox allowing for seamless gear changes. Even the name 'MP4-12C' is a homage to McLaren's Formula One history, as every chassis since 1981 has been labelled MP4.

The MP4-12C can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds, however where the McLaren blows its rivals away is in acceleration to 125mph, only the Bugatti Veyron is faster, at just 8.9 seconds, compared to the 458 taking 10.4 seconds and it even beat Ferrari's best Enzo.

The beautifully engineered cantilever wing doors look fantastic but it's the McLaren ProActive Chassis Control (MPCC) that steals the show, a revolutionary set-up that puts the McLaren ahead of its rivals. On the left of the narrow centre console is a dial marked 'H' (for handling), which allows you to switch the suspension, steering and electronic stability control between Normal, Sport and Track modes. A similar dial on the right wears a 'P' (for powertrain) and it has the same modes to tweak the response of the gearshifts, engine and manage the sound of the power plant in the cabin. Thanks to the large brakes and the spectacular rear air brake flap, stopping power is superb.

In addition to MPCC, the MP4-12C gets McLaren's rear-wheel Brake Steer system, which brakes the inside wheel, if necessary, to keep you on course. On the exit of tight bends, Brake Steer then also jumps in to minimise time-wasting wheel spin and correctional control inputs. Unbelievably for a car of this nature, the MP4-12C's fuel efficiency and emissions are also unbeatable in this class, emitting less CO2 per horsepower than a Toyota Prius hybrid! The MP4-12C is a remarkable product from a remarkable company. It distils the values of the McLaren brand - technological expertise, efficiency and sheer speed - into a stunningly useable package.

This stunning Volcano Orange 2012 McLaren MP4-12C was first registered on 5th June 2012. Finished with black Alcantara trim, carbon steering wheel and centre console, it boasts full electric memory seats, upgraded Iris information centre and factory power upgrade. This spectacular example has benefitted from annual McLaren main dealer services, the most recent with McLaren Hatfield in April of this year, stamps for all can be found in the service booklet. Having covered only 16,419 miles, it must be one of the lowest mileage examples available.

The car is presented with standard specification and supplied with a UK V5C registration document and MoT test certificate valid until September 2022 as well as a McLaren trickle charger. Overseen by Ron Dennis and his famously meticulous and uncompromising nature, these fabulous cars boast incredible performance as well as incomparable heritage.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=5447&au=40