Estimated Price: £115,000 - £135,000

When McLaren Automotive announced the launch of the MP4-12C in 2011 (later simplified to 12C), it marked a significant chapter in the world of supercars. This model was McLaren’s first production car since the legendary F1 and was set to re-establish the brand in the road car market. The 12C was not just a car, it was a statement of McLaren's engineering prowess and its ambition to dominate the high-performance sports car sector.

Publicly unveiled in September 2009, the mid-engined MP4-12C commenced manufacture at McLaren's new state of the art factory at Woking in mid-2011, just after production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren model had ceased. Its stylist was Frank Stephenson, who had been recruited from Alfa Romeo Centro Stile following spells with Ferrari and FIAT. Like its F1 and SLR predecessors, the MP4-12C used a carbon fibre MonoCell body tub, albeit one that now took considerably less time to produce thanks to advances in composite manufacturing technology. This time the occupants two seats were arranged conventionally side by side, unlike the F1's unusual three-abreast layout, which placed the driver in the centre, though the use of dihedral doors maintained a familial link with the F1.

The 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine produced c.600bhp (increased to 616bhp in subsequent versions) and was a collaborative effort between McLaren, Ilmor and Ricardo. It 'redlined' at 8,500rpm but 80% of its torque was available from 2,000rpm, perfect for a road-car application, but still offering a remarkable 0-60 in 2.8 seconds and 0-100 in 6.0 seconds. The unit won ‘The International Engine of the Year Award 2013’.

The 12C also featured a slew of technological innovations, such as Brake Steer (a system that improves cornering speeds by applying brakes to the inside rear wheel), active aerodynamics that adapted to the car’s speed to optimize downforce and Proactive Chassis Control (a hydraulic suspension configuration system that adapts to driving conditions without compromising ride comfort). The handling was developed under the skilful watch of both Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Indeed, the final shape of the steering wheel was at the bequest of Lewis himself.

The 12C was available initially as Coupé and later (2012) as a Spider and, as the Coupé was designed from the outset with a convertible version in mind, no additional strengthening was needed for the Spider, which weighed only 40kg more than the Coupé. McLaren worked to keep the Spider's top speed (204mph) close to the Coupé's (207mph), with up to 196mph being possible with the roof down. Meanwhile, the dihedral doors of the Coupé were retained.

The production of the 12C ended in 2014, making way for its successor, the 650S; the 12C’s impact, however, extends beyond its production years as it set a new standard for what customers could expect from a supercar in terms of technology, performance, and versatility. The 12C redefined the parameters of supercar engineering and performance and its influence can be seen in all subsequent McLaren models, each inheriting and evolving from its combination of lightweight construction, innovative technology, and extraordinary performance capabilities.

As McLaren continues to push the boundaries of automotive engineering, the 12C stands as a monument to where this era of innovation began; a future modern-classic to collect, very possibly?

The car presented here is a 2014 McLaren MP4-12C Spider, and would be a prime candidate for a collector-quality example. Finished in the special exterior colour of Sapphire Black (with Sport Alcantara and Leather interior trim in Carbon Black) this is one of the very last examples off the production line, and one of only 15 Spiders in the UK. The specification included Active Dynamics Panel (which offers Normal, Sport and Track settings for the hydraulically controlled suspension), Exterior Stealth Pack, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Carbon Fibre Interior Upgrade (centre console, steering wheel, door-mounted button surrounds), Harissa Red Stitching, Lift System, Diamond-cut Lightweight Forged Wheels, Red Brake Callipers, Sports Exhaust, Volumetric alarm upgrade, heated/electric seats, climate/cruise control and branded floor mats.

It has covered just 2,730 miles from new, whilst being kept in the most fastidious fashion, and is accompanied by all its ‘from-new’ elements, including a full key/fob set, all user guides (and servicing booklet), drivers manual, 12C style and engineering guide (including Colour & Trim, Options, and Technical Specifications booklets), 50 Years of McLaren and McLaren racing history booklets, plus some very special and highly collectible McLaren memorabilia – including 12C artwork signed by Button and Hamilton and two hardback books, McLaren – The Wins and McLaren – The Cars, both signed by all the designers and engineers involved with the 12C - this is quite the package! One for the Collector perhaps, there is much to appreciate here.

Beyond the extremely modest mileage, the car’s servicing has been meticulously carried out (all details available upon request; fully stamped booklet/invoices present), its garaging has been dehumidified, and its upkeep exacting, including ceramic coating to bodywork, glass and wheels, and PPF wrap to its front and sides. Still fitted with its original/correct IRIS 1 satellite navigation system and on its original tyres, this car is almost as if you’ve visited a McLaren showroom in 2014, it’s that good!

If you want a best-of-breed 12C Spider in almost 'as new' condition, this is it and we encourage you to come along to our Supercar Fest Sale and get a feel for this fabulous McLaren, you will not be disappointed.