McLaren 600LT Spider
Discussion
I never really fancied a McLaren till the start of this year. I probably had in my mind that in the price range I was interested in they all looked a bit the same but didn't put much effort into sussing out the subtleties between the various models so I left it at that. I'd had a Ferrari in the garage for over 20 years, most recently a mint and immaculate red F360 Spider so was quite happy.
Then, browsing PH Classifieds, I found myself looking at the 600LT having never even seen one or given any thought to one before. Wow.. exhausts sticking up out of the rear of that car... cool... that's different... I like that!! Having owned an Ultima for 7 years I recognised that I liked wings and vents and scoops and slightly OTT looks and the 600LT seemed to have that in spades.
I suggested to Mrs R that we might give some thought to swapping the Ferrari for a McLaren and she was fine with the idea so we took a day trip to McLaren Glasgow to have an initial look. Mega bonus was that she declared in general she preferred the Spider to the Coupe. I was a bit flummoxed by the various options for spec, packs, seats, wheels etc but the seed was firmly planted, the Ferrari was advertised and sold privately for top money to a really nice local guy and the McLaren hunt began in earnest.
Priorities for me, in no particular order were lots of visible gloss carbon (because I am shallow and think it looks ace) and a sporty looking interior so for me that ruled out cars with the comfort, electric seats. I also wanted a good contrast between the visible carbon bits and the car body so didn't fancy a black car or anything dark. Other than that I was fairly ambivalent in regard to colour.
Anyhow.. cut to the chase... I bought this as it actually ticked every box I could come up with and also came with a 2 year extended McLaren Warranty having been inspected, serviced and maintained by the same main dealer from new.
Carbon pack 1 (door mirror casings and extended side intakes)
Carbon pack 2 (front splitter with integrated twin endplates, side skirts with aero winglets, rear bumper with integrated diffuser, rear bumper aero fins and rear spoiler)
Carbon Fibre Pack 3: Carbon Fibre Exterior Door Inserts, Rear Deck and Service Cover for the oil etc
Extended Interior Carbon Pack which from what I can see gives everything like the centre console, speaker surrounds, door sills and switchgear.
MSO Clubsport pack which included the carbon louvres, carbon Senna seats, carbon interior upgrade and titanium wheel bolts
3 camera MSO Track Telemetry System
5 Spoke Ultralight wheels
Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker audio, and soft-close doors, contrast orange stitching, orange seat belts, blah, blah, blah. I think there must be over £50k of options, much of which is related to the visual carbon stuff.
I'm biased, but I think it has a great looking ass!!
Just collected it last week so only early impressions are that it is bleeding quick and attracts attention. The cracks and bangs on downshifts are awesome as well. Very childish.
Then, browsing PH Classifieds, I found myself looking at the 600LT having never even seen one or given any thought to one before. Wow.. exhausts sticking up out of the rear of that car... cool... that's different... I like that!! Having owned an Ultima for 7 years I recognised that I liked wings and vents and scoops and slightly OTT looks and the 600LT seemed to have that in spades.
I suggested to Mrs R that we might give some thought to swapping the Ferrari for a McLaren and she was fine with the idea so we took a day trip to McLaren Glasgow to have an initial look. Mega bonus was that she declared in general she preferred the Spider to the Coupe. I was a bit flummoxed by the various options for spec, packs, seats, wheels etc but the seed was firmly planted, the Ferrari was advertised and sold privately for top money to a really nice local guy and the McLaren hunt began in earnest.
Priorities for me, in no particular order were lots of visible gloss carbon (because I am shallow and think it looks ace) and a sporty looking interior so for me that ruled out cars with the comfort, electric seats. I also wanted a good contrast between the visible carbon bits and the car body so didn't fancy a black car or anything dark. Other than that I was fairly ambivalent in regard to colour.
Anyhow.. cut to the chase... I bought this as it actually ticked every box I could come up with and also came with a 2 year extended McLaren Warranty having been inspected, serviced and maintained by the same main dealer from new.
Carbon pack 1 (door mirror casings and extended side intakes)
Carbon pack 2 (front splitter with integrated twin endplates, side skirts with aero winglets, rear bumper with integrated diffuser, rear bumper aero fins and rear spoiler)
Carbon Fibre Pack 3: Carbon Fibre Exterior Door Inserts, Rear Deck and Service Cover for the oil etc
Extended Interior Carbon Pack which from what I can see gives everything like the centre console, speaker surrounds, door sills and switchgear.
MSO Clubsport pack which included the carbon louvres, carbon Senna seats, carbon interior upgrade and titanium wheel bolts
3 camera MSO Track Telemetry System
5 Spoke Ultralight wheels
Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker audio, and soft-close doors, contrast orange stitching, orange seat belts, blah, blah, blah. I think there must be over £50k of options, much of which is related to the visual carbon stuff.
I'm biased, but I think it has a great looking ass!!
Just collected it last week so only early impressions are that it is bleeding quick and attracts attention. The cracks and bangs on downshifts are awesome as well. Very childish.
Very nice! I've also noticed how, especially with the 600LT, the extent of black/carbon trim externally means it really benefits from a lighter colour to get the contrast.
I think these are still great value, especially the Spider, so a good time to buy.
I envy you living nearish Glasgow and having that car, must be a great combination with the roads up in the north west!
I think these are still great value, especially the Spider, so a good time to buy.
I envy you living nearish Glasgow and having that car, must be a great combination with the roads up in the north west!
Looks very very tasty that! Congratulations.
Mclarens a bit like aston’s were 10 years ago. I didnt really like them and thought they all looked the same. As time went on I came to appreciate them hugely and think in retrospect they’re utterly stunning. I can see mclaren having a bit of that about it, the mp4 for example is really starting to age very very well.
Mclarens a bit like aston’s were 10 years ago. I didnt really like them and thought they all looked the same. As time went on I came to appreciate them hugely and think in retrospect they’re utterly stunning. I can see mclaren having a bit of that about it, the mp4 for example is really starting to age very very well.
Wheel Turned Out said:
That's a spectacular looking vehicle, wishing you many happy miles! And to me an instance where the usually disliked black wheels actually look ace.
Thanks.I've had black wheels on a few sporty cars and am a bit of a fan. I think the 5 spoke ultralight wheels suit black pretty well since there's so much space in the wheel to see the disks and callipers.
However..
I saw this pic when trawling for info and have a bit of a thing for gold wheels and it's the same ultrralights. I had something similar on my Ultima and liked the look. Not sure I'm brave enough but the thought is there
That looks absolutely fantastic- I love it. Also casting a vote for the gold wheels although absolutely wouldn't blame you for keeping it as it is.
The Spider is the way to go too IMO- I almost don't see the point in the coupe versions of these modern carbon-tubbed supercars when the Spider looks as good with the roof up, better with the roof down, has just as much rigidity and barely weighs any more. Having that roof down and that Ricardo V8 doing its thing behind you must be quite special.
The Spider is the way to go too IMO- I almost don't see the point in the coupe versions of these modern carbon-tubbed supercars when the Spider looks as good with the roof up, better with the roof down, has just as much rigidity and barely weighs any more. Having that roof down and that Ricardo V8 doing its thing behind you must be quite special.
I’m looking at McLarens now. Like you I never really payed much attention to them before but recently having seen a 720s on holiday they sparked my interest. It’s time I went to McLaren in Hamilton and had a look at them.
Your car is gorgeous, I’ really like it, great choice 👍
Your car is gorgeous, I’ really like it, great choice 👍
renmure said:
However... I also love the bonnet stripe that McLaren do for the car and when looking for pics of cars with stripes I decided I also like the contrast pinstripe on the carbon aero as in this pic.
So, I'm arranging for a bonnet stripe and the pinstriping to be done. I've had a bash at photoshopping and will see how close it works out. All cheap enough to do and easily reversible if I don't like it. But I think I will.
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