The MP4/4 is one of the most important cars in McLaren’s F1 history, as it inspired Gordon Murray to create the McLaren F1 roadcar as well. Competing in the final year of the 1.5-litre turbo formula, star drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost fully exploited the MP4/4’s Honda engine to claim 15 of the season’s 16 races.
A collector wanted his P1 GTR to be finished in McLaren Rocket Red and Anniversary White, echoing the colors of McLaren’s then-sponsor Marlboro. The folks at McLaren Special Operations (MSO) were more than happy to oblige. The detailing includes Senna branding and Brazilian flag. The car also marks the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s first Formula 1 World Championship title with McLaren.
Apparently, more than 800 hours were spent on painting and adding details such as Senna’s 1988 race number ‘12’ on the nose, bespoke 30th anniversary laurels behind the side windows and discreet branding acknowledging a range of McLaren technical partners past and present.
Christened ‘Beco’ by the owner – in honour of the nickname given to Ayrton by his parents – this special car has a unique engine specification complemented by a 24 ct gold heatshield, Lexan rear cover and modified engine bay shrouds. The result according to the owner – a “suitably pleasing” increase in power.
‘Beco’ has also undergone several external modifications to make the most of the increased performance of the internal combustion engine. The new aero features increased downforce, apparently, to an extraordinary level, in the region of the 800 kg. These additions include new front dive planes, a wider front splitter and at the rear a Gurney flap and new barge boards which better channel airflow along the sides of the car. The rear wing also features much bigger endplates than those on a standard P1 GTR wing – echoing the look of the MP4/4 wing. Additional downforce is generated by inboard secondary wing elements.
As for the interiors, Senna’s signature can be seen on the carbon fibre chassis sill accompanying one of his quotes, which helps any enthusiastic driver to get in the mood.
The multi-function P1 GTR steering wheel has been trimmed in Alcantara with stitching colour-matched to the ‘wheel of the MP4/4. Senna branding on the steering wheel and passenger dash panel is accompanied with a thin red stripe running along the door panels and dash, whilst both driver and passenger sit on Super Lightweight Racing Seats developed for the McLaren Senna, contributing to a weight-reduction regime. MSO has also created a bespoke crash helmet to the customer’s commission, to complement the livery of the car.
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