In 2020, McLaren dramatically rekindled the spirit of its seminal F1 supercar with the launch of the futuristic Speedtail, an exclusive machine at the leading edge of 21st-century hypercar performance that, like its predecessor, was limited to only 106 units.

As with the F1, the Speedtail is built around a lightweight carbon-fiber tub and features the same three-person seating configuration, with the driver in the center, as well as vertical dihedral doors. The similarities are clear, but advances in technology over the past three decades abound.

This is particularly true of the Speedtail’s exhilarating hybrid powertrain. The 723-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 is a thoughtful evolution of the McLaren P1’s engine, featuring a revised piston design and enhanced cylinder-head cooling. The Speedtail’s electric motor and battery, meanwhile, were both developed by McLaren’s Formula E technology group. The motor smooths out power delivery at low engine speeds, providing an additional 312 horsepower for a total output of 1,035 horsepower, and a jaw-dropping top speed of 250 mph. The model’s dielectric-cooled and insulated battery offers yet another paradigm of innovation, having been hailed at its launch as the most power-dense unit ever fitted to a production vehicle.

The model’s sleek, elongated bodywork, central driving position, adjustable multi-link suspension, and active aerodynamic systems epitomize McLaren’s focus on delivering an unforgettable drive. Altogether, these remarkable elements expertly fuse design and technology to produce an experience unlike anything else on the road. Those who crave even more excitement can explore the Speedtail’s “Velocity Mode,” which upon activation lowers the suspension by 1.4 inches, changes the aerovane configuration, and retracts the side-view cameras, thereby streamlining the car’s silhouette for enhanced stability at high speeds.

All told, the Speedtail is the fastest, most aerodynamic, and most technologically advanced McLaren ever made, pushing the frontier of what is possible in a road car.

The Speedtail was only made available to customers pre-selected by McLaren, and this particular example—number 69—is in impeccable, as-new condition throughout, having been driven a mere 54 miles by the time of cataloguing. Remarkably, the interior retains some of the protective plastic and wrappings. As shown on its Carfax report, all servicing and inspections to date have been completed exclusively by authorized McLaren facilities in West Palm Beach Florida.

Delivered new via McLaren—The Collection of Coral Gables in August 2020, as noted on its manufacturer statement of origin, the unique appeal of Speedtail number 69 comes through in its striking, bespoke color combination of Liquid Blue Silver paint over Rich Blue and Gray full aniline leather upholstery. The car’s accompanying sales order shows an original sticker price of £2.097 million (~$2.726 million), which included £347,750 (~$452,075) in bespoke optional equipment. (Currency conversions are approximate and calculated using a historical mid-market exchange rate from December 2019.)

An impressive selection of polished Zircon trim, aluminum, titanium, and carbon-fiber flourishes augment the car’s unique appeal. Within its futuristic cabin, the sumptuous two-tone full aniline leather extends beyond the seats to the headliner, kick panels, and even the door sills, with bespoke stitching and quilting to elevate the presentation. Of particular mention among the array of exquisite trim is the Thin Ply Technology (TPT) carbon-fiber applied to the steering wheel and ceiling-mounted, switchgear console. This option alone, whose intricate marbled patterning creates a stunning jewel-like effect, added £50,000 (~$65,000) to the sticker price.

The calipers were custom-specified in Liquid Blue Silver and are housed within 10-spoke Diamond Cut lightweight wheels. Concealing those at the front axle are distinctive, aerodynamic “speed covers” fashioned of 1,000-strand, exposed, gloss carbon fiber perfectly color-matched to the car's ground effects, which subtly contrast with the rest of the beautiful bodywork. The car’s exterior badging is handsomely rendered in machined aluminum, as is most of its elegant brightwork. The exhaust, neatly integrated into the rear diffuser and nearly hidden from view, is finished in natural Titanium.

This Speedtail is accompanied by a car cover, a chassis-numbered tool kit, wireless base charger, and a factory luggage case. Notably, it will be sold under a Manufacturer Statement of Origin and is eligible for road use in the United States under the “show or display” federal exemption.

It is safe to say that the revolutionary Speedtail’s saga is only beginning; like its predecessor, the F1, the Speedtail is predicted to capture the public’s attention for decades to come. It is an engineering triumph combining the best of McLaren’s past with extraordinary technology of the present. This exceptional example offers a rare opportunity to partake in the most advanced roadgoing vehicle McLaren has built to date. Standing out amongst its incredibly rare brethren, Speedtail number 69 features a staggering number of options, which amount to the highest manufacturer suggested retail price encountered yet by RM Sotheby’s for this model and further indicates the obsessive attention to detail put forth to create such a truly spectacular machine.

Its moment in the spotlight has just begun.