Vehicle Description
Chassis No. SBM14SCA1NW765299
After an interlude of more than 15 years, McLaren Automotive chose
to revive their emotive Longtail designation-forever associated
with their magnificent F1 GTRs of the late 1990s-in the context of
a new, performance-led sub-division of its burgeoning GT range.
McLaren's "LT" suffix became a byword for optimized performance,
minimized weight and maximum driver interaction, with the company's
second such offering, the 600LT, following in 2018. Unveiled in
2020, the new 765LT represented the company's most extreme LT model
yet; its moniker-in line with previous McLaren naming
convention-indicating its rating in metric horsepower. As with the
600LT and 675LT, the car was available in either Coupe or Spider
form, with production limited to just 765 examples of each.
Ingeniously, the Spider featured an electrically-operated
retractable carbon fiber hard top which could be lowered or raised
in just 11 seconds and at speeds of up to 30 mph, if required.
Both 765LT variants employed a similar Monocage II carbon fiber
monocoque chassis to that of the incumbent 720S; the Spider's
structure being modified to accommodate bonded-in carbon fiber
rollover supports. Developed in its original form for the mighty
P1, the second evolution of the chassis benefitted from larger door
apertures and slimmer windscreen pillars, affording both
significant ergonomic improvements and a weight reduction of some
40 pounds relative to its earlier counterpart.
The 765LT also retained the familiar V8 twin-turbocharged Type
M840T engine, duly updated with redesigned forged pistons, a higher
capacity fuel pump and a new titanium exhaust system. Power was
boosted by some 45 horsepower as a result to a mammoth 755, while
maximum torque also increased by five percent to 590 lb-ft. Such
potency was dealt with by McLaren's familiar seven-speed,
dual-clutch, seamless-shift transmission; the unit again offering
three different driving modes. Significantly, a shorter set of gear
ratios was fitted to the 765LT, with a corresponding 15 percent
improvement in in-gear acceleration relative to the 720S.
Elsewhere, McLaren's highly accomplished linked-hydraulic Proactive
Control II suspension system was utilized once again, benefiting
from revised software incorporating lessons learned from McLaren's
flagship Senna and Speedtail programs. Other suspension
improvements centered around revised damper valving, lightweight
coil springs, and revised track and ride height settings, while the
car also featured a quicker electro-hydraulically operated steering
rack. Meanwhile, the 765LT's considerable braking requirements were
taken care of by the use of six-piston Monobloc front calipers and
six-piston rear calipers of the type fitted to the Senna; each
operating on giant carbon-ceramic discs.
Aerodynamically, the 765LT offered a 25 percent increase in
downforce relative to the 720S; its active rear wing now
significantly larger and mounted more than two inches higher.
Ingeniously, its angle increased when the roof was lowered to
recover the rear downforce lost as a result of the disturbed
airflow; the reverse occurring once the roof was raised again.
Additionally, the wing afforded selection of three separate modes;
DRS and High-Speed Braking modes being deployed automatically, and
a Driver Downforce mode manually if additional aerodynamic
assistance was required during high-speed cornering. Additional
incremental improvements were provided by the fitment of a new,
extended front splitter, a revised carbon fiber floor, and an
extended rear diffuser.
In addition to the weight saving of the revised monocoque chassis,
further significant reductions were made to the car's bodywork,
seats and wheels, while the quest for lightness even extended as
far as the fitment of thinner-gauge glass and the replacement of
door pockets with lightweight storage nets. Tipping the scales at
just 3,060 pounds, the 765LT Spider was some 176 pounds lighter
than the 720S Spider; a fact instrumental in its startling ability
to reach 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, 125 mph in only 7.3 and a top
speed of some 205 mph.
Sumptuously finished in the eye-catching color scheme of Nerello
Red with Black and Harissa Red Alcantara interior, this particular
car was configured in conjunction with McLaren Special Operations
(MSO), and benefits from an extensive Option package totaling over
$170,000. This package includes-but is not restricted to-a
comprehensive Carbon Fiber Exterior upgrade, Super-Lightweight
Racing Seats, 360 Degree Park Assist, ten-spoke Super-Lightweight
wheels and a bespoke interior package. Imported into the United
States by McLaren Dallas in 2022, it was subsequently delivered to
the consignor in whose care it has remained ever since and been
used only occasionally.
Magnificently combining unrivalled driver involvement, breathtaking
performance, exquisite race-developed engineering and stunning
aesthetics, the 765LT Spider represents one of the most exceptional
Grand Tourers of recent times-as well as the fastest convertible
McLaren ever made. In the case of the spectacular example offered
here, these qualities are further enhanced by the car's minimal use
(its odometer reading just 581 miles) and consequent condition,
rendering its current availability a hugely exciting opportunity
indeed.
