It is amazing to think that just over a decade ago, the sun was rising on a new era of hypercars. The automotive industry was quickly moving into the future, and with that came electrification and hybrid powertrains to not only improve efficiency but also push the envelope of performance. Leading the charge were McLaren, Ferrari, and Porsche, each with a slightly different take on how best to extract the greatest performance from the marriage of combustion engine and electric motor. The result was three of the most spectacular hypercars of the modern era: the P1, LaFerrari, and 918 Spyder.

Needless to say, each machine was incredibly important to its respective manufacturer. Not only were these cars important performance benchmarks but they would also serve as testbeds that would lead to cutting-edge technology trickling down to their mass production offerings. Without the likes of the P1, 918, and LaFerrari, there would be no Artura, SF90, or 296 GTB, nor even the use of hybrid technology in cars such as the Panamera and Cayenne. These cars led so that others may follow.

For McLaren, the P1 was a watershed moment in the history of the company. Having only made its return to production road cars a few years earlier, the P1 proved that McLaren would be here to stay and could compete at the very top end of the market. Whereas Porsche and Ferrari had been building road-legal, world-beating performance cars in regular production for decades, McLaren was a relative newcomer to the scene—with the notable exception of the F1. Taking on Porsche and Ferrari was not just a bold move, it was a statement of intent.

Staying true to its roots, McLaren sought to keep weight to an absolute minimum, which resulted in the development of a carbon monocoque chassis that tipped the scales at only 90 kilograms, further augmented by lightweight carbon fibre body panels. There was also a focus on providing exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, which was achieved via adjustable front and rear spoilers that offer as much as 600 kilograms of downforce at speeds well below the P1’s peak. But it was the hybrid powertrain that really defined the car and which lies at the heart of its magnificent performance potential. Powering the P1 is a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an electronic motor that maintains power output when the turbochargers are off-boost or spooling. Finally, the P1 would be rarer than its rivals, with only 375 P1s built.

Finished in Pearl White with a red stripe on the nose, this car was specified with numerous carbon fibre components, including a roof snorkel, door mirrors and mirror arms, front and rear bumpers, side panels and side exit ducts, rear spoiler, rear clam insert, and front splitter. To match the red stripe, the Rocket Red badge set was specified, alongside red-painted brake calipers and the super lightweight wheels in stealth finish. Inside, the interior features a mix of Harissa Red leather and Carbon Black Alcantara, along with seat backs in bare carbon fibre. Further options include the Meridian surround-sound system and front and rear parking sensors.

Built to Malaysian specifications, the P1 was registered with its first and only owner and delivered via McLaren Kuala Lumpur in March 2015. The car returned to McLaren Kuala Lumpur for its first- and second-year service in 2016 and 2017, respectively. In December 2017, the car was deregistered in Malaysia prior to being exported and returning to the UK with its first and only owner.

Now UK registered, the car has accrued minimal mileage since being imported and is currently showing just under 1,250 miles from new at the time of cataloguing. In May 2022, the car was entrusted to McLaren Guildford for a replacement of its hybrid battery system as well as a six-year service; the work amounted to more than £118,000. In September of that same year, the car returned to McLaren Guildford for its seven-year service and has been driven less than 25 miles since.

Providing a truly breathtaking driving experience, the McLaren P1 is nothing short of electrifying to drive, utilising cutting-edge technology in the relentless pursuit of performance. With major works completed by McLaren Guildford in the past year, this example wants for nothing but an enthusiastic new owner looking to enjoy one of McLaren’s most exciting automobiles to the limit.