Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is thrilled to offer an exceptional and noteworthy group of supercars and sports cars at The Amelia Auction this 1-2 March 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island.
The “Racer X Collection,” a selection of twelve exceptional vehicles that pays homage to the owner’s deep-seated love for cars, inspired by the iconic Speed Racer series and rooted in the owner’s childhood fascination with the adventures of Speed and the mysterious Racer X. This collection presents modern and vintage sporting classics including this breathtaking 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider, estimated at $575,000 – $675,000,
After an interlude of more than 15 years, McLaren Automotive chose to revive their emotive Longtail designation–forever associated with their magnificent F1 GTRs of the late 1990s–in the context of a new, performance-led sub-division of its burgeoning GT range. McLaren’s “LT” suffix became a byword for optimized performance, minimized weight and maximum driver interaction, with the company’s second such offering, the 600LT, following in 2018.
Unveiled in 2020, the new 765LT represented the company’s most extreme LT model yet; its moniker–in line with previous McLaren naming convention indicating its rating in metric horsepower. As with the 600LT and 675LT, the car was available in either Coupe or Spider form, with production limited to just 765 examples of each. Ingeniously, the Spider featured an electrically-operated retractable carbon fiber hard top which could be lowered or raised in just 11 seconds and at speeds of up to 30 mph, if required.
Both 765LT variants employed a similar Monocage II carbon fiber monocoque chassis to that of the incumbent 720S; the Spider’s structure being modified to accommodate bonded-in carbon fiber rollover supports. Developed in its original form for the mighty P1, the second evolution of the chassis benefitted from larger door apertures and slimmer windscreen pillars, affording both significant ergonomic improvements and a weight reduction of some 40 pounds relative to its earlier counterpart.
The 765LT also retained the familiar V8 twin-turbocharged Type M840T engine, duly updated with redesigned forged pistons, a higher capacity fuel pump and a new titanium exhaust system. Power was boosted by some 45 horsepower as a result to a mammoth 755, while maximum torque also increased by five percent to 590 lb-ft. Such potency was dealt with by McLaren’s familiar seven-speed, dual-clutch, seamless-shift transmission; the unit again offering three different driving modes. Significantly, a shorter set of gear ratios was fitted to the 765LT, with a corresponding 15 percent improvement in in-gear acceleration relative to the 720S.
Elsewhere, McLaren’s highly accomplished linked-hydraulic Proactive Control II suspension system was utilized once again, benefiting from revised software incorporating lessons learned from McLaren’s flagship Senna and Speedtail programs. Other suspension improvements centered around revised damper valving, lightweight coil springs, and revised track and ride height settings, while the car also featured a quicker electro-hydraulically operated steering rack. Meanwhile, the 765LT’s considerable braking requirements were taken care of by the use of six-piston Monobloc front calipers and six-piston rear calipers of the type fitted to the Senna; each operating on giant carbon-ceramic discs.
Aerodynamically, the 765LT offered a 25 percent increase in downforce relative to the 720S; its active rear wing now significantly larger and mounted more than two inches higher. Ingeniously, its angle increased when the roof was lowered to recover the rear downforce lost as a result of the disturbed airflow; the reverse occurring once the roof was raised again. Additionally, the wing afforded selection of three separate modes; DRS and High-Speed Braking modes being deployed automatically, and a Driver Downforce mode manually if additional aerodynamic assistance was required during high-speed cornering. Additional incremental improvements were provided by the fitment of a new, extended front splitter, a revised carbon fiber floor, and an extended rear diffuser.
In addition to the weight saving of the revised monocoque chassis, further significant reductions were made to the car’s bodywork, seats and wheels, while the quest for lightness even extended as far as the fitment of thinner-gauge glass and the replacement of door pockets with lightweight storage nets. Tipping the scales at just 3,060 pounds, the 765LT Spider was some 176 pounds lighter than the 720S Spider; a fact instrumental in its startling ability to reach 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, 125 mph in only 7.3 and a top speed of some 205 mph.
Sumptuously finished in the eye-catching color scheme of Nerello Red with Black and Harissa Red Alcantara interior, this particular car was configured in conjunction with McLaren Special Operations (MSO), and benefits from an extensive Option package totaling over $170,000. This package includes–but is not restricted to–a comprehensive Carbon Fiber Exterior upgrade, Super-Lightweight Racing Seats, 360 Degree Park Assist, ten-spoke Super-Lightweight wheels and a bespoke interior package. Imported into the United States by McLaren Dallas in 2022, it was subsequently delivered to the consignor in whose care it has remained ever since and been used only occasionally.
Magnificently combining unrivalled driver involvement, breathtaking performance, exquisite race-developed engineering and stunning aesthetics, the 765LT Spider represents one of the most exceptional Grand Tourers of recent times–as well as the fastest convertible McLaren ever made. In the case of the spectacular example offered here, these qualities are further enhanced by the car’s minimal use (its odometer reading just 581 miles) and consequent condition, rendering its current availability a hugely exciting opportunity indeed.
This collection also features standout models such as the Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe, Lamborghini Sián, Porsche 911 Sport Classic, and the revered Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, to name a few. Each car resonates with the spirit of those thrilling moments that first ignited the owner’s passion for automobiles and creates a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire pieces of automotive history that exemplify the nature of Speed Racer’s iconic adventures and the enigmatic allure of Racer X. To view more thrilling cars on offer at Broad Arrows Amelia Auction, please visit their website at broadarrowauctions.com and be sure to register to bid for this exciting event.
