This strange-looking creation is the result of one very wealthy (and very anonymous) car lover’s fantasy. Already an owner of the brand’s F1, Mercedes SLR and MP4-12C supercars, he tasked the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) team with creating a unique machine, just for him. The X-1 will be revealed at the upcoming and ultra-exclusive Pebble Beach weekend in Monterey.
MSO Programme Director Paul MacKenzie: “The conversation began with our Executive Chairman Ron Dennis almost three years ago − before the 12C was even launched. The client wanted a machine that had all the capability of the 12C but wrapped in a unique body that reflected his needs and personality.”
Several classics inspired the design, which was penned by McLaren’s Korean-born RCA graduate Hong Yeo – these include the 1961 Facel Vega, 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance Ghia, 1959 Buick Electra, 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and immortal 1971 Citroën SM. Everything that is visible outside was made specifically for this car, from the lights to the wheels.
The unique body means that the dimensions have changed compared with the MP4-12C. The X-1 is 4 658 mm long – 109 mm longer than a 12C. Width is 2 097 mm (with mirrors) – an increase of 188 mm. Despite the different roofline, the height remains the same (1 199 mm). In terms of weight, it is hardly any heavier than the MP4-12C at around 1 400 kg, as the lighter carbon body panels compensate for the greater length and width.
Underneath its skin, however, the X-1 is very much a MP4-12C, using the same carbonfibre MonoCell structure, same powertrain and even the same Airbrake rear wing. Most of the carbonfibre body parts have been painted piano black, while the shiny bits are made from aluminium and nickel plated. The interior is finished in Harissa Red Nappa.
