One-Off McLaren X1 Makes Pebble Beach Debut

Just the Facts:

• The one-off McLaren X1 was built to the specifications of an anonymous buyer who was inspired by classic cars, a black-and-white photo of Audrey Hepburn...and an eggplant.
• It debuted in conjunction with the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
• Everything on the McLaren X1 is custom, including the lights and wheels.

MONTEREY, California ? The one-off McLaren X1 was built to the specifications of an anonymous buyer who was inspired by classic cars, a black-and-white photo of Audrey Hepburn...and an eggplant.

It debuted in conjunction with the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. No word on what the hand-built car cost.

Everything on the McLaren X1 is custom, including the lights and wheels. It took over two years to build.

"One of our clients ? who already owned a McLaren F1, a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and now a 12C ? wanted a unique car," said Paul MacKenzie, program director of McLaren Special Operations, in a statement on Friday. "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."

McLaren helped the client put together a "mood book" of inspiring images to help convey his vision.

The company said the book included "inspirational cars," such as the 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance Ghia, a 1959 Buick Electra and a 1971 Citroen SM. Non-auto images included a grand piano, the Hepburn photo and an eggplant because "the client liked the shiny texture of the finish," McLaren noted.

The finished product features enclosed rear wheels that are accessed by carbon panels, and new doors and body panels made from carbon, finished in piano black.

"Externally, only the glasshouse is carried over from the 12C," said McLaren.

The custom X1 shares the same major mechanical components as the 12C.

The cabin gets Harissa Red McLaren napa leather, along with carbon interior trim in a titanium weave for a "magical 3D-like effect."

Inside Line says: McLaren said the X1 is headed to the owner's collection shortly. The mystery of his identity should be solved once he takes it on the road.

Source: http://www.insideline.com/mclaren/one-off-mclaren-x1-makes-pebble-beach-debut.html

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