McLaren Special Operations has delivered the McLaren X-1 to Pebble Beach, a re-bodied, one-off McLaren MP4-12C.
If McLaren were looking for a way to show just how much the customisation service at Woking – McLaren Special Operations – can actually offer clients, the commission from an un-named McLaren client to create this one-off McLaren must have been manna from heaven.
The commission for the X-1 got underway even before the MP4-12C – which underpins the X1 – went in to production. The commissioning client – who already owns an F1, SLR and now a 12C – wanted a unique car that was timeless and elegant.
Inspirations for the design are said to include the Citroen SM, Mercedes 540K and non-car influences like the Guggenheim, a Montblanc pen and even an Aubergine. Find all those in the pictures below if you’ve got nothing to do this weekend!
The design took eighteen months to sign off and took two and a half years to build. The outside of the X-1 is almost completely unique, with just the glasshouse carrying over.
The bodywork is made from carbon fibre and and everything is bespoke, even down to the lights and wheels. The enclose rear wheels – very SM – reflect a feeling of timeless elegance and the McLaren Airbrake rear wing is machined from solid aluminium and nickel plated to complement the rest of the brightwork.
The interior is still pretty much 12C, but has been fitted with bespoke Harissa Red McLaren Nappa leather with machined nickel-coated, aluminium bezels. The carbon interior trim has a titanium weave and special Andesite tufted carpet covers the floor.
Its a stunning creation – and so bespoke it had to be homologated – and just shows how extreme McLaren can go to fulfil the desires of a (very deep pocketed) client.
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