2018 McLaren 570GT
Discussion
I honestly never thought in a million years that I would be in the market for a car like this...
Last June, Pistonheads ran an article that the C8 Corvette was going to be available in Right Hand Drive. Being a fan of Americana (my current daily is a 2019 Mustang GT) I put a deposit in on one in the hope that miracles might happen and by the time it actually arrived here I might be able to afford it
Then, with a bit of fortune, we happened to be in an industry that did well in the Covid world. Just to clarify, I wasn't rinsing hand sanitiser for all it was worth, and I didn't get a dodgy government contract to supply PPE. But we did have an uptake in sales, and were lucky to be in an industry that benefitted from people staying at home and investing in their gardens etc.
So, the desire for the C8 became a reality... But then the double edged sword of Covid has caused these worldwide shortages on parts, and with the factory in Kentucky running at 1-2 days per week, I can't see the C8 arriving any time soon. Proper first world problem, I know. The dealer hasn't even been in contact yet for the second stage of the deposit...
So, to fill the gap between now, and when the C8 arrives, I thought I would go shopping
I looked at a few cars, but then one Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago I was at Scuderia Prestige in Camberley drooling over a 650S Spider (in McLaren Orange) that they had in the showroom. I honestly couldn't get it out of my mind, so much so that I went back on Tuesday so see it again, and see if I could fit in it (I'm 6ft5, and not a small chap either at around 120kgs).
I sat in the 650 and convinced myself that I fitted, which I do with the roof down. On reflection with the roof up I think it would have been too tight, and I would have had to of driven with my head tilted at an angle to fit in, which wouldn't have been a good look.
Anyway, I had convinced myself that I fitted, and on the Friday I emailed the sales chap Freddie to make an appointment to go in on the Saturday and do the deal. Alas, his colleague had just taken a deposit on it, so it was off the market. In hindsight as I said, this was probably lucky, as I really didn't fit!
I was flicking through YouTube that evening and found a video of Chris Harris driving the 570GT, which lead to me looking through the classifieds. There was an orange 570GT with a nice spec at a garage in Uxbridge... Saturday after work I headed up there, sat in it, to my amazement I actually fitted with headroom to spare and couldn't give the chap a deposit fast enough...
I relayed my excitement in the McLaren forum on here, and was quite quickly told that the garage in question had a bit of a dodgy reputation, and to make sure I checked everything out. I did a full HPI, made sure there was no finance on it, and was happy to proceed...
The car is just three years old and was due its third annual service - the garage arranged this to be done at McLaren before I took delivery. That was all completed last week, and on Tuesday this week I took delivery.
It's safe to say that the past three days have been pretty amazing. I haven't driven it an awful lot due to being at work, but am looking forward to a nice early morning run down to the Festival of Speed on Sunday.
It was certainly lucky how it all worked out with the 650 vs. the GT, as this car is so much more suited to how I'm going to use it. It's comfortable enough to make a drive down to Portugal in October possible, and being the GT it has two luggage spaces, which means you don't have to travel with just two spare pairs of undies and a toothbrush - it's actually quite, dare I say it, practical!
I will keep this updated because I do intend on using the car and actually putting some miles on it, which will be an interesting proposition given its just dropped out of manufacturers warranty.
Right... Its 5pm and I'm off to the pub for a lime and soda
Cheers all,
Jon
Last June, Pistonheads ran an article that the C8 Corvette was going to be available in Right Hand Drive. Being a fan of Americana (my current daily is a 2019 Mustang GT) I put a deposit in on one in the hope that miracles might happen and by the time it actually arrived here I might be able to afford it
Then, with a bit of fortune, we happened to be in an industry that did well in the Covid world. Just to clarify, I wasn't rinsing hand sanitiser for all it was worth, and I didn't get a dodgy government contract to supply PPE. But we did have an uptake in sales, and were lucky to be in an industry that benefitted from people staying at home and investing in their gardens etc.
So, the desire for the C8 became a reality... But then the double edged sword of Covid has caused these worldwide shortages on parts, and with the factory in Kentucky running at 1-2 days per week, I can't see the C8 arriving any time soon. Proper first world problem, I know. The dealer hasn't even been in contact yet for the second stage of the deposit...
So, to fill the gap between now, and when the C8 arrives, I thought I would go shopping
I looked at a few cars, but then one Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago I was at Scuderia Prestige in Camberley drooling over a 650S Spider (in McLaren Orange) that they had in the showroom. I honestly couldn't get it out of my mind, so much so that I went back on Tuesday so see it again, and see if I could fit in it (I'm 6ft5, and not a small chap either at around 120kgs).
I sat in the 650 and convinced myself that I fitted, which I do with the roof down. On reflection with the roof up I think it would have been too tight, and I would have had to of driven with my head tilted at an angle to fit in, which wouldn't have been a good look.
Anyway, I had convinced myself that I fitted, and on the Friday I emailed the sales chap Freddie to make an appointment to go in on the Saturday and do the deal. Alas, his colleague had just taken a deposit on it, so it was off the market. In hindsight as I said, this was probably lucky, as I really didn't fit!
I was flicking through YouTube that evening and found a video of Chris Harris driving the 570GT, which lead to me looking through the classifieds. There was an orange 570GT with a nice spec at a garage in Uxbridge... Saturday after work I headed up there, sat in it, to my amazement I actually fitted with headroom to spare and couldn't give the chap a deposit fast enough...
I relayed my excitement in the McLaren forum on here, and was quite quickly told that the garage in question had a bit of a dodgy reputation, and to make sure I checked everything out. I did a full HPI, made sure there was no finance on it, and was happy to proceed...
The car is just three years old and was due its third annual service - the garage arranged this to be done at McLaren before I took delivery. That was all completed last week, and on Tuesday this week I took delivery.
It's safe to say that the past three days have been pretty amazing. I haven't driven it an awful lot due to being at work, but am looking forward to a nice early morning run down to the Festival of Speed on Sunday.
It was certainly lucky how it all worked out with the 650 vs. the GT, as this car is so much more suited to how I'm going to use it. It's comfortable enough to make a drive down to Portugal in October possible, and being the GT it has two luggage spaces, which means you don't have to travel with just two spare pairs of undies and a toothbrush - it's actually quite, dare I say it, practical!
I will keep this updated because I do intend on using the car and actually putting some miles on it, which will be an interesting proposition given its just dropped out of manufacturers warranty.
Right... Its 5pm and I'm off to the pub for a lime and soda
Cheers all,
Jon
That's absolutely gorgeous! Congrats 
One of my 'software' clients had one of these and I fitted fine (6ft 4 and 22 stone of boulder lifting idiotness); so not narrow, at all...
He sold it on though to fund a GTC4 Lusso which he still has and that's a car I'd absolutely love to own... Alas, in my dreams only!
One of my 'software' clients had one of these and I fitted fine (6ft 4 and 22 stone of boulder lifting idiotness); so not narrow, at all...
He sold it on though to fund a GTC4 Lusso which he still has and that's a car I'd absolutely love to own... Alas, in my dreams only!
Thanks for the comments folks
It has the GT Pack, and also nose lift, which means it gets on and off my driveway without any dramas.
fantheman80 said:
That’s the least gt spec I’ve seen, in a good way I mean, and looks like an S. Most are leather in more subtle colour and wheel, but you’ve got best of both worlds.
Also think the corvette is so meh looking, apparently don’t feel that fast so things happen for a reason.
That really is what drew me to it… we’ll it’s orange, and I do love orange! The interior has plenty of colour too, without being all black like quite a few are, it even has orange seat belts.Also think the corvette is so meh looking, apparently don’t feel that fast so things happen for a reason.
It has the GT Pack, and also nose lift, which means it gets on and off my driveway without any dramas.
I'm in Farnborough, so not far away at all...The log book arrived on Saturday, so I was able to transfer and fit the new plates...
Then Sunday morning had an early start and a good run down to Goodwood for the FOS. I booked into Performance Parking West, something I wouldn't normally do with the Mustang, so that was a nice experience - it also makes it super easy to get in and out of the event. Pulled up and parked next to a lovely green 600LT.
As I parked there was a chap there with his young lad... The boy had a look on his face similar to I would have had at his age with so many nice cars in one car park, he was made up when I offered to let him sit in the car.
The McLaren was faultless on the journey there and back, reassuring when you've not known it for long! Good to have it confirmed also that it really is comfy over a journey, although I was only in the car for just over an hour, that'd be long enough to know if it wasn't comfy!
The front boot was more than big enough to swallow a days worth of clobber including camera gear, water, jackets (which turned out to be not required, I was actually sunburned), spare shoes, plus all the things I bought whilst wandering round the stands.
One of the highlights of the day was on the way home, a pair of small children sat by the side of the road in Singleton, holding up a cardboard sign that just said 'Please Rev'
Then Sunday morning had an early start and a good run down to Goodwood for the FOS. I booked into Performance Parking West, something I wouldn't normally do with the Mustang, so that was a nice experience - it also makes it super easy to get in and out of the event. Pulled up and parked next to a lovely green 600LT.
As I parked there was a chap there with his young lad... The boy had a look on his face similar to I would have had at his age with so many nice cars in one car park, he was made up when I offered to let him sit in the car.
The McLaren was faultless on the journey there and back, reassuring when you've not known it for long! Good to have it confirmed also that it really is comfy over a journey, although I was only in the car for just over an hour, that'd be long enough to know if it wasn't comfy!
The front boot was more than big enough to swallow a days worth of clobber including camera gear, water, jackets (which turned out to be not required, I was actually sunburned), spare shoes, plus all the things I bought whilst wandering round the stands.
One of the highlights of the day was on the way home, a pair of small children sat by the side of the road in Singleton, holding up a cardboard sign that just said 'Please Rev'
Dr Interceptor said:
As I parked there was a chap there with his young lad... The boy had a look on his face similar to I would have had at his age with so many nice cars in one car park, he was made up when I offered to let him sit in the car.
Lovely looking car Dr - fantastic colour too.Letting youngsters sit in a car is part of keeping the petrolhead desire alive. We did the same yesterday with the TVR and a young lad.
4 weeks in today, and I’ve managed to put 10% on the mileage, taking it up to around 5,500 Miles.
Not a massive amount to report, no issues anyway. It still amazes me just quite how good it is at being used as ‘a car’. Sitting in traffic it does nothing other than attract attention, the aircon blows ice cold and the stereo is fantastic. Then after the traffic, switch the handing and powertrain into Sport and it’s a whole different creature. I’m yet to venture into track mode.
I did manage to get hold of the supplying dealer who was kind enough to email me the original factory spec, which is reassuringly as per the images, so it hasn’t been mucked around with.
Washed tonight and put away in one of the garages so it stays clean until the weekend, when I’ve organised a bit of a Sunday morning breakfast run out for myself and a few friends.
The garages are on a one in, one out policy, so the orange Beetle came out, which gave rise to a photo opportunity.
Not a massive amount to report, no issues anyway. It still amazes me just quite how good it is at being used as ‘a car’. Sitting in traffic it does nothing other than attract attention, the aircon blows ice cold and the stereo is fantastic. Then after the traffic, switch the handing and powertrain into Sport and it’s a whole different creature. I’m yet to venture into track mode.
I did manage to get hold of the supplying dealer who was kind enough to email me the original factory spec, which is reassuringly as per the images, so it hasn’t been mucked around with.
Washed tonight and put away in one of the garages so it stays clean until the weekend, when I’ve organised a bit of a Sunday morning breakfast run out for myself and a few friends.
The garages are on a one in, one out policy, so the orange Beetle came out, which gave rise to a photo opportunity.
DuncanM said:
Stunning is overused, but this really is! And great pictures, do you think you'll like it too much to move it on for the C8?
Thanks for your kind words 
To be honest I’m almost already at that point. A McLaren is a boyhood dream for me, the F1 was a poster on my wall as a kid! It’s such a buzz for me to climb in behind the wheel of one.
I’d like to have a go in the Corvette, I’ve still not driven one after all. Maybe there will be an opportunity to sell the spot in the queue for an early UK car. Who knows… as yet I still haven’t been approached for the 2nd deposit, so it’s not imminent!
Well the 570 is six weeks old to me today... It was delivered with 4999 miles on the clock, and I'm just 20 miles away from putting my first 1000 miles on it.
The weekend just gone was a busy one with a trip up to some friends in Ickenham on Saturday afternoon which provided an M25 'car park' test. Happy to report that in 25 degree temperatures sat in stop-start traffic the McLaren sits there not getting too hot, and the aircon is man enough to keep the cabin cool.
Then on Sunday I had a great drive down to Goodwood for the GRRC open day.... took my Dad with me. He's 67 and appreciates a comfortable ride, and despite me taking in some of my favourite driving roads including Harting Hill he didn't complain at all.
My favourite setup combination for twisty roads is Powertrain in 'Sport' and Handling in 'Normal', it gives really snappy gearshifts but still keeps the suspension supple, which is useful on some of the Sussex back roads.
You may have noticed in a post above the front number plate... McLaren's aren't the easiest thing in the world to put a plate on given the whole front is curved, and I really didn't want one stuck on the orange bodywork. A solution I found is this number plate mount from a company called 'Italian Supercar Solutions'. It's a no holes bracket that uses existing screws under the front, the actual number plate bracket is sprung loaded so can be removed and refitted in seconds which means I can take it off when parked at shows. Seems to be working very well so far.
Yes, the plate is a tad small... A full size one would look daft, but I wouldn't want to risk driving around without one, so I consider this a token effort!
A friend of mine messaged me a few weeks ago asking if I'd help out and take her daughter to her prom, which of course I did. She's a proper petrolhead of a young lady, regularly going on Supercar driving experience days. I don't think she was fussed about going to her prom till her Mum said she could arrive there in a McLaren
Corvette? Still no news on that front, the dealer has been very quiet. I might give them a gentle nudge this week and see what the latest news is, but I suspect it won't be this side of Christmas now anyhow which suits me just fine. Given how much I'm enjoying the 570, I don't think I'll be swapping, but Dad seems to be expressing an interest in taking my spot in the queue!
That's about it for now... Any questions, just shout.
Jon
The weekend just gone was a busy one with a trip up to some friends in Ickenham on Saturday afternoon which provided an M25 'car park' test. Happy to report that in 25 degree temperatures sat in stop-start traffic the McLaren sits there not getting too hot, and the aircon is man enough to keep the cabin cool.
Then on Sunday I had a great drive down to Goodwood for the GRRC open day.... took my Dad with me. He's 67 and appreciates a comfortable ride, and despite me taking in some of my favourite driving roads including Harting Hill he didn't complain at all.
My favourite setup combination for twisty roads is Powertrain in 'Sport' and Handling in 'Normal', it gives really snappy gearshifts but still keeps the suspension supple, which is useful on some of the Sussex back roads.
You may have noticed in a post above the front number plate... McLaren's aren't the easiest thing in the world to put a plate on given the whole front is curved, and I really didn't want one stuck on the orange bodywork. A solution I found is this number plate mount from a company called 'Italian Supercar Solutions'. It's a no holes bracket that uses existing screws under the front, the actual number plate bracket is sprung loaded so can be removed and refitted in seconds which means I can take it off when parked at shows. Seems to be working very well so far.
Yes, the plate is a tad small... A full size one would look daft, but I wouldn't want to risk driving around without one, so I consider this a token effort!
A friend of mine messaged me a few weeks ago asking if I'd help out and take her daughter to her prom, which of course I did. She's a proper petrolhead of a young lady, regularly going on Supercar driving experience days. I don't think she was fussed about going to her prom till her Mum said she could arrive there in a McLaren
Corvette? Still no news on that front, the dealer has been very quiet. I might give them a gentle nudge this week and see what the latest news is, but I suspect it won't be this side of Christmas now anyhow which suits me just fine. Given how much I'm enjoying the 570, I don't think I'll be swapping, but Dad seems to be expressing an interest in taking my spot in the queue!
That's about it for now... Any questions, just shout.
Jon
Beefmeister said:
Absolutely stunning car, congratulations! The GT is the best looking 570 in my eyes, the sloping roofline continuing down to the rear lip spoiler just works fantastically well. Stunning in the orange too.
Have you considered the McLaren extended warranty?
Thanks Have you considered the McLaren extended warranty?
I toyed with the idea of a warranty, but have decided at present just to keep a spare float of funds to cover anything unforeseen. If you buy a warranty and don't have an issue, those funds are gone...
I am going to book it into McLaren in the near future to give it a once over, and also to check that the advisory items from the last service were tended to as the supplying garage promised they were.
Dr Interceptor said:
Thanks
I toyed with the idea of a warranty, but have decided at present just to keep a spare float of funds to cover anything unforeseen. If you buy a warranty and don't have an issue, those funds are gone...
I am going to book it into McLaren in the near future to give it a once over, and also to check that the advisory items from the last service were tended to as the supplying garage promised they were.
You're a braver man than I! I toyed with the idea of a warranty, but have decided at present just to keep a spare float of funds to cover anything unforeseen. If you buy a warranty and don't have an issue, those funds are gone...
I am going to book it into McLaren in the near future to give it a once over, and also to check that the advisory items from the last service were tended to as the supplying garage promised they were.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff