Alongside the Porsche 918 and Ferrari LaFerrari, the P1 starred as one third of the so-called “Holy Trinity” of hybrid hypercars in the mid-2010s. To simply exist, let alone excel, in that exalted company was truly a remarkable achievement considering the P1 was only the second model produced by modern-day McLaren Automotive. Just two years after its first car, the MP4-12C, had gone on sale in 2011, the firm saw fit to release a spiritual successor to the hallowed F1. And in working so quickly, the P1 beat its two chief rivals to market. Despite seeming to have impossible shoes to fill given the reputation of its Gordon Murray-designed forefather, the McLaren P1 of 2013 launched to rave reviews.

The car was equipped with a 3.8-litre V-8 engine enhanced by a 131-kilowatt electric motor to maintain power delivery while the brace of turbochargers spooled. All told, the setup produced some 903 horsepower, which was sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Despite carrying a hybrid battery system, the dry weight came in at an impressive 1,395 kilograms, thanks in part to the carbon fibre monocoque construction—itself tipping the scales at only 90 kilograms—that sits at the heart of all McLaren designs. The potency and comparatively light weight combined, the P1 launched from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressively 0 to 200 km/h was over in only 6.8 seconds, while the speedometer could keep climbing to a top speed of 350.

Rarer than both the 918 and LaFerrari, McLaren built just 375 examples of the P1 over two years. Despite production having ended almost a decade ago—and the marque having announced its Ultimate Series replacement, the W1, in the autumn of 2024—for many it is the P1 that remains their poster car, and the favourite from the famed “Holy Trinity”.

The car offered here, chassis 055, is finished in the stunning shade of Volcano Orange, with the bright paint helping to accentuate the sinewy bodywork styled chiefly by Frank Stephenson. The driver-focused cabin, meanwhile, is suitably pared back. The interior marries exposed carbon fibre weave with black Alcantara trim, while complementing orange stitching on the seats helps draw the eye. Notably the unencumbered steering wheel features a DRS (Drag Reduction System) button. Inspired by sister company McLaren Racing’s Formula 1 programme, the P1 gained a moveable rear wing, which the driver could stall to cut through the air more cleanly to achieve that incredible top speed. Then, when out on track in maximum attack mode, the aerodynamic appendages worked together to produce more than 600 kilograms of downforce while the interlinked hydropneumatic dampers could also be stiffened by up to 300 per cent.

This P1 was supplied new to Tokyo in 2014, where it has remained ever since—most recently as part of a significant private collection under the care of its second and current custodian. The car now heads for sale accompanied by its owner’s guides, first aid kit, and charging cables, while the odometer displayed 3,625 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

Despite launching 11 years ago, the exceptional performance of the P1 ensures that it still ranks among the upper echelon of hypercars. The age-defying design also means the model remains every bit the showstopper at all events it attends. This Volcano Orange example would therefore make for an exquisite addition to any collection.