Coming out from behind the veil, my tale of ownership.
Discussion
I’ve been on Pistonheads a couple of years longer than my profile suggests, using it as a source to research around a Porsche 964 I was looking into.
I owned my 964 for about 18 years, used it to drive everywhere, LeMans on numerable occasions, PCGB meets, and to meet members on here and Rennlist where I met DaveK.
Heavily modified, custom interior, RS ARBs, LSD, Bilsteins, Dansk dual outlet, custom intake, mapped, and pretty much rust free, as I’d attended to the scuttle/wing areas they always go in.. But after 18 years and a few 10’s of thousands of miles, I felt it was time to move on.
In 2021, I sold the 964 on CC, and decided to look for a new adventure.
I’d mentioned to Dave about a 430 or similar, he suggested I look at a Mclaren instead, which I did.. despite all the internet horror stories.
And so the new adventure began. We took around 2 months to find what we wanted, a Sicilian Yellow 570S, preferring this to the 650 on looks alone, the front of the car as my wife so elegantly puts it looks like its continually smiling… I couldn’t argue.
A phone call on a Saturday morning to Mclaren Leeds, and 5 hours later we were there, 30 minutes after that we’d placed a deposit…
A couple of weeks later our car was delivered by closed trailer to us, and we’d officially become Mclaren owners.
So why now do I profess to being a Mclaren owner, and not as previously post comments without context, that part is easy. A simple life changing event over the last 6 months, including a discovery that I’m missing an organ… tends to focus the attention somewhat, and I thought its about time to come out of the shadows.
We bought our car, with 10k on the clock, and since that point, have become members of MOC, and Drivers Union, both of which we have enjoyed immensely, the diversity of owners, tours, days out, and different cars has become a real pleasure to enjoy along with some of the friendships we have made.
I've made only a couple of changes since 2021, imho my car was, a bit too quiet for my liking, even though it had the optional sports exhaust.
So I plumped for the MSO titanium version, and duly handed over the necessary, its still quite muted in the cabin, however tunnels are now exceptional fun, childish, and I don't give a stuff. it makes us both smile like naughty children.
I also had the car fitted with full PPF from Reep in Yorkshire, its a full self healing type, and seems to work well, I overcast it with GTechniq Halo, and it makes washing and cleaning an absolute breeze.
I also sourced through another MOC members advice some soft Nappa leather suitcases, although not made my Mclaren, Colin from Bagworld did an exceptional job, and they are made to fit the space brilliantly, and not too bad a price either.
I also decided that the rear of the car was missing something, it needed tidying up a touch, so out came the wallet again, and we invested, (I don't say that lightly) in a MSO HDK, the front turning vanes though being the double 720 versions, so as not to ground out to frequently, yes it happens when I forget the lift...
So without much ado, some pictures, with the events we’ve enjoyed.
It began in September 2021, with an invite to Silverstone and the 10th anniversary of Mclaren being recognised a s a true manufacturer, what an event, over 200 hundred cars on circuit, and a drive round at a not sedate speed…. That was a hoot.
Flyby video here: https://youtu.be/ZZK7IHHl718 , I've tried to embed it, but I keep getting a 403, so link it is instead.
Picture of the rear paddock area behind the grandstand gives you an idea on it all...
We've toured Northumberland and been the first car club to park here at Alnwick Castle,
Parked where you're not supposed to, which seems to be a Mclaren owners general way of winding some up a touch.. Kielder dam for example
Another MOC event at Silverstone a year later, and Whittlebury manor parking was an absolute field day for some.
Another Silverstone event, and more parking on the grid....
MOC at the Motor museum in 2024, another great event and time to catch up with folks
Being invited to days out in obscure places with MOC, its a privilege
Charity runs with DU, a couple of annual events where the car mix is eclectic, but brings along some diverse groups is always good day out.
Driving events, in case you thought I just pootled around from A-B.. Northweald tuition day. I love this picture taken by Sy of DU
And with Greystone GT and MOC at Donnington, I have to be careful as any normal circuit won't permit me on track, as my car is too noisy...and this day was unlimited... fab.
And then we have the obligatory trip to France, which we've done many times now, and the stop here:
And taking up the entranceway at Lanson Champagne, frowned on a bit doing this, but its a photo opportunity, what was I to do.
And the summer chip run with DU, again an event for locals to benefit from, here taking up the high street in Frinton
Moving on from the photos to general ownership, I like many other new owners I'd suggest are or were keen to keep the Mclaren stamp in the service book, but now having had some interesting experiences, decided to look at alternatives, and
It's been serviced for the last 3 years at V-Engineering, a whole different scene to the official dealerships, especially a chat with Steve, Jason, Paul and Rosie, who always take the time to chat, and make you feel welcome, not just a wallet opening exercise...
So I guess to round up this rambling diatribe, and introduce (nearly) myself to you all as a valid paid up member of the Mclaren owners, I'd summarise by saying we don't own a garage queen, aren't overly concerned with regard to residuals, do what we like to which is; enjoy the pleasure of owning a supercar, and drive it pretty frequently.
We are happy to share our experiences with others, and I've lost count of the number of children and their parents who've sat in my car at events up and down the length and breadth of the country.
I have now driven around 23k in 4 and a bit years taking the total mileage now to about 33k, its always on the Mclaren charger, timed on a smart socket when not in use; for a few hours on alternating days, just to keep it from going flat, and having those electrical gremlins creep in.
And lastly to round up, if you are out there one day and recognise my car, come and say hi.
I owned my 964 for about 18 years, used it to drive everywhere, LeMans on numerable occasions, PCGB meets, and to meet members on here and Rennlist where I met DaveK.
Heavily modified, custom interior, RS ARBs, LSD, Bilsteins, Dansk dual outlet, custom intake, mapped, and pretty much rust free, as I’d attended to the scuttle/wing areas they always go in.. But after 18 years and a few 10’s of thousands of miles, I felt it was time to move on.
In 2021, I sold the 964 on CC, and decided to look for a new adventure.
I’d mentioned to Dave about a 430 or similar, he suggested I look at a Mclaren instead, which I did.. despite all the internet horror stories.
And so the new adventure began. We took around 2 months to find what we wanted, a Sicilian Yellow 570S, preferring this to the 650 on looks alone, the front of the car as my wife so elegantly puts it looks like its continually smiling… I couldn’t argue.
A phone call on a Saturday morning to Mclaren Leeds, and 5 hours later we were there, 30 minutes after that we’d placed a deposit…
A couple of weeks later our car was delivered by closed trailer to us, and we’d officially become Mclaren owners.
So why now do I profess to being a Mclaren owner, and not as previously post comments without context, that part is easy. A simple life changing event over the last 6 months, including a discovery that I’m missing an organ… tends to focus the attention somewhat, and I thought its about time to come out of the shadows.
We bought our car, with 10k on the clock, and since that point, have become members of MOC, and Drivers Union, both of which we have enjoyed immensely, the diversity of owners, tours, days out, and different cars has become a real pleasure to enjoy along with some of the friendships we have made.
I've made only a couple of changes since 2021, imho my car was, a bit too quiet for my liking, even though it had the optional sports exhaust.
So I plumped for the MSO titanium version, and duly handed over the necessary, its still quite muted in the cabin, however tunnels are now exceptional fun, childish, and I don't give a stuff. it makes us both smile like naughty children.
I also had the car fitted with full PPF from Reep in Yorkshire, its a full self healing type, and seems to work well, I overcast it with GTechniq Halo, and it makes washing and cleaning an absolute breeze.
I also sourced through another MOC members advice some soft Nappa leather suitcases, although not made my Mclaren, Colin from Bagworld did an exceptional job, and they are made to fit the space brilliantly, and not too bad a price either.
I also decided that the rear of the car was missing something, it needed tidying up a touch, so out came the wallet again, and we invested, (I don't say that lightly) in a MSO HDK, the front turning vanes though being the double 720 versions, so as not to ground out to frequently, yes it happens when I forget the lift...
So without much ado, some pictures, with the events we’ve enjoyed.
It began in September 2021, with an invite to Silverstone and the 10th anniversary of Mclaren being recognised a s a true manufacturer, what an event, over 200 hundred cars on circuit, and a drive round at a not sedate speed…. That was a hoot.
Flyby video here: https://youtu.be/ZZK7IHHl718 , I've tried to embed it, but I keep getting a 403, so link it is instead.
Picture of the rear paddock area behind the grandstand gives you an idea on it all...
We've toured Northumberland and been the first car club to park here at Alnwick Castle,
Parked where you're not supposed to, which seems to be a Mclaren owners general way of winding some up a touch.. Kielder dam for example
Another MOC event at Silverstone a year later, and Whittlebury manor parking was an absolute field day for some.
Another Silverstone event, and more parking on the grid....
MOC at the Motor museum in 2024, another great event and time to catch up with folks
Being invited to days out in obscure places with MOC, its a privilege
Charity runs with DU, a couple of annual events where the car mix is eclectic, but brings along some diverse groups is always good day out.
Driving events, in case you thought I just pootled around from A-B.. Northweald tuition day. I love this picture taken by Sy of DU
And with Greystone GT and MOC at Donnington, I have to be careful as any normal circuit won't permit me on track, as my car is too noisy...and this day was unlimited... fab.
And then we have the obligatory trip to France, which we've done many times now, and the stop here:
And taking up the entranceway at Lanson Champagne, frowned on a bit doing this, but its a photo opportunity, what was I to do.
And the summer chip run with DU, again an event for locals to benefit from, here taking up the high street in Frinton
Moving on from the photos to general ownership, I like many other new owners I'd suggest are or were keen to keep the Mclaren stamp in the service book, but now having had some interesting experiences, decided to look at alternatives, and
It's been serviced for the last 3 years at V-Engineering, a whole different scene to the official dealerships, especially a chat with Steve, Jason, Paul and Rosie, who always take the time to chat, and make you feel welcome, not just a wallet opening exercise...
So I guess to round up this rambling diatribe, and introduce (nearly) myself to you all as a valid paid up member of the Mclaren owners, I'd summarise by saying we don't own a garage queen, aren't overly concerned with regard to residuals, do what we like to which is; enjoy the pleasure of owning a supercar, and drive it pretty frequently.
We are happy to share our experiences with others, and I've lost count of the number of children and their parents who've sat in my car at events up and down the length and breadth of the country.
I have now driven around 23k in 4 and a bit years taking the total mileage now to about 33k, its always on the Mclaren charger, timed on a smart socket when not in use; for a few hours on alternating days, just to keep it from going flat, and having those electrical gremlins creep in.
And lastly to round up, if you are out there one day and recognise my car, come and say hi.
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