Delivering one of the automotive world’s most elemental driving experiences, the McLaren Elva is the first open-cockpit road car from the revered British automaker, a stunning showcase of engineering prowess. Limited to just 149 examples, each Elva offers an unfiltered, thrilling connection between driver, machine, and the elements.

To achieve this experience, the Elva discards not just its roof, but also its side windows and windshield, preserving comfort at speed via an ingenious system of ducts and deflectors that channels airflow around the cockpit to create a remarkably calm pocket of air with minimal wind buffeting. The Elva’s interior transitions seamlessly from the exterior, with curved upper sections of the doors flowing directly into the cabin and rear buttresses echoing the same sculpted lines. Its purposeful seats use lightweight carbon fiber shells and are shaped to provide ample footwell space, allowing occupants to stand comfortably during ingress and egress. With a curb weight of just 2,798 pounds, the Elva is the lightest road car McLaren has ever produced, designed around an ultralight carbon fiber monocoque so incredibly strong that it does not require the additional strengthening typically needed in open-roof vehicles constructed from aluminum or steel.

With direct lineage to engines powering the McLaren Senna and Senna GTR, the Elva’s mid-mounted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 features a flat-plane crankshaft, dry-sump lubrication, lightweight camshafts, connecting rods, and pistons. Torque is the same as that of the Senna at 590 pound-feet, but horsepower is increased to 804, thanks to optimized cooling and exhaust systems—the latter being made of titanium and Inconel. Performance figures are sensational: with launch control engaged, the Elva rockets to 60 mph in a breathtaking 2.8 seconds and continues to a top speed of 203 mph.

The single-owner Elva offered here was purchased new by the consignor through McLaren of Denver, Colorado, and is outfitted with more than $383,570 in factory upgrades. Blue-tinted exposed carbon fiber coachwork takes center stage in this remarkable specification, encompassing multiple options totaling $316,720, which showcase the carbon composite’s flawlessly aligned twill. Silver brake calipers, a $4,950 option, lurk behind gloss-black, “diamond-cut” forged alloy wheels. The equally striking open cockpit combines a six-point racing harness and satin carbon fiber trim with Speedtail Blue full aniline leather seats and silver-embroidered headrests.

In May 2022, the car received its first annual service and major inspection by McLaren of Denver. It displayed just 63 miles at cataloguing time and is accompanied by service records and a copy of its window sticker.

This landmark roadster awaits a new owner bold enough to author its next chapter, whether preserved as part of a collection, enjoyed on spirited drives, or fully unleashed on a racetrack—a choice that company founder Bruce McLaren would have undoubtedly encouraged.