Around ten years ago, the “Holy Trinity” of cars was a hot topic among car enthusiasts. This trio included the Ferrari LaFerrari, the Porsche 918 Spyder, and the McLaren P1. These hypercars were groundbreaking in 2013, with hybrid power and striking designs that made them street-legal yet exclusive and expensive.
Even those with impressive car collections desired to add one of these hypercars to their lineup. The Ferrari LaFerrari cost around €1,000,000 with only 499 units produced, while the Porsche 918 Spyder had a starting price of approximately €711,000 with 918 units. The McLaren P1, unveiled at the 2021 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile, was the rarest of the Holy Trinity with just 375 units made. Initially priced at €1,475,000, it was the most expensive among the three.
For clients seeking more exclusivity, Lanzante offered a unique solution by creating a custom-built McLaren P1 Spider. Unlike typical convertible conversions, Lanzante collaborated with Paul Howse, the original P1 coupe designer, to maintain the iconic design elements in the new Spider model.
Paul Howse explained the design philosophy behind the P1 Spider, emphasizing the continuity and enhancement of the original design while incorporating subtle changes to ensure aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal. Dean Lanzante, discussing the genesis of the P1 Spider program, highlighted the challenges faced in modifying the car’s chassis to accommodate the convertible design while preserving the coupe’s performance and aesthetics.
The Lanzante McLaren P1 Spider retains the powerful 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain delivering 903bhp, ensuring similar performance to the coupe variant. Despite the roof removal, the Spider maintains chassis rigidity comparable to the Coupe, with features like RaceActive Chassis Control offering versatile handling and driving modes.
With only five P1 Spider units planned for production, each as a bespoke creation based on donor cars, the exclusivity and customization are paramount. The first P1 Spider, commissioned by the client who initiated the project, is set for delivery by the end of the year.
Image Source: Gustavo Fadel / Shutterstock
