- One owner and less than 1980km from new

- Special colour scheme inspired by the Grand Prix Alonso said would be his last

- Just serviced by McLaren Monaco

- Hypercar with exceptional performance

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.

One owner, less than 1980km from new, a special colour scheme: these three attributes make this McLaren Senna an exceptional car. Ordered on 23 November 2017, it was supplied new on 31 May 2019 to its first and only owner, an enthusiast who was a great lover of supercars but also a collector of historic cars. It had several options, including special wheels and a Bower & Wilkins hi-fi system, but above all, a distinctive colour scheme at the request of its owner, inspired by the McLaren specially prepared for Fernando Alonso at what he said would be his last Grand Prix, at Abu Dhabi in November 2018. The orange and blue livery of his single-seater was taken from his helmet and were a tribute to the province of Asturias, in northern Spain, his home region. The bodywork of this McLaren Senna features the same bright orange, with ‘Burton Blue’ accents for the roof, rear wing, brake callipers and some of the air scoops ... The overall effect is very striking!

This splendid car was serviced by McLaren Monaco in 2023 at 1578km and then again in December 2024 at 1950km.

With its virtually-new appearance, this car – of which just 500 were built – combines the styling of a hypercar designed for speed and the ultra-sophisticated technology for which McLaren has the gift to produce outstanding performance, which the new owner will be able to experience on track. For enthusiasts who were unable to buy one new, this car represents an exceptional opportunity to become the owner of one of the most sought-after machines in the world, in condition close to when it left the factory.

Impact on VAT:

As the vehicle has been driven less than 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.

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. 

Photos © Daniel Martinek