Some Formula 1 teams celebrate milestones with press releases, champagne, after-race parties, or maybe a special livery. Not McLaren, though. The British marque decided the best way to celebrate its 1,000th Grand Prix was to make 10 very rich people very happy.
Enter the McLaren Artura 1000GP by MSO, an ultra-exclusive version of McLaren’s hybrid supercar created to commemorate the team’s 1,000th Formula 1 start. Just 10 examples will ever exist, which means spotting one in the wild is probably less likely than getting invited into the McLaren garage on race day.
The star of the show is the bespoke paintwork. Inspired by the MCL40 race car’s celebratory Monaco Grand Prix livery, the Artura wears McLaren Racing’s camouflage graphic across the bonnet, mirrors, and lower body. Each customer can also choose from 12 exterior colorways, while an anodized Papaya plaque and subtle pinstriping complete the package.
Thankfully, McLaren left the oily bits alone. The familiar twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid still produces 690 hp, because apparently that was already enough to rearrange your internal organs.
The funny thing is, the Artura 1000GP isn’t trying to be the fastest or the most powerful McLaren. It exists because motorsport fans love a good story, and this one celebrates a thousand Grands Prix with something you can actually park in your garage. Well… assuming your garage has room for a one-of-ten McLaren.
As for the price? You probably needn’t ask because, if there’s one thing the world isn’t short of, it’s 10 very rich people who love McLaren enough to hand over their black cards without even looking at the price tag. But hey, we can always learn more about the car and perhaps fantasize about owning one.
Images: McLaren.