Ultra rare McLaren Sabre headed to Mecum Monterey 2022 auction

The Mecum Auctions are no stranger to rare and classic cars, but the upcoming Monterey 2022 auction, to be held August 18th – 20th in Monterey, California, will feature an ultra rare McLaren Sabre. Chassis number 11 of only 15 built for the US market.

Frank Mecum, Mecum Vice President of Consignments, had this to say about the Sabre crossing the block, “Given this car’s ultra-exclusive nature, its top-tier design and build quality, along with this stellar example’s unique features and low miles, it’s going to be a thrilling experience to watch it cross the auction block in Monterey in search of its next dedicated owner. We’re excited to welcome it into our 600-vehicle lineup as a headlining feature of our Monterey 2022 auction.”

The Sabre was specifically designed for the US market through McLaren Special Operations as an MSO commission. Without a doubt they have tried to make a show car for the road. It features a one of a kind design and the performance attributes expected of a McLaren combined with compliant suspension that makes those long road trips enjoyable.

With the most powerful non-hybrid McLaren twin turbo V8 engine to date and a 7 speed dual clutch transmission, the Sabre boasts 824bhp, 590lb-ft of torque and a maximum speed of 218 mph, making it the fastest ever two seater McLaren. The active rear air diffusers, McLaren’s first, limits drag on the straights while going into downforce mode under braking. The hydraulic steering is a McLaren staple, but the suspension is more compliant than what you find in Ultimate Series supercars. This was an intentional decision to match the hypercar’s road-first priority.

The ultra exclusive Sabre is a pinnacle example of what is achievable through the MSO Commissions program.

This specific Sabre, chassis number 11, is finished in Liquid Argentum paint and accented by Gloss Visual Carbon Fiber, (VCF) and Liquid Papaya pinstripes with interwoven VCF graphics on the side blades. The exterior also features Volcano Orange brake calipers with a Black McLaren logo and diamond milled 7-spoke wheels finished in Gloss Black with Liquid Argentum center-lock nuts.

In the cabin you will find a Volcano Orange driver’s seat with a contrasting Carbon Black passenger seat that are complemented with contrasting MSO logos embroidered on the headrests and Liquid Papaya seat shell pinstripes. Visual Satin Carbon Fiber interior accents are enhanced with brushed Azores air vent bezels, steering wheel paddles, center screen bezel and door strut and release.

“We have never created a vehicle like Sabre before – one that perfectly embodies MSO’s core values of cutting edge innovation, peerless performance and modern craftsmanship,” President of McLaren, The Americas, Nicolas Brown said. “And never before have we allowed anyone to be so intimately involved with the development of one of our vehicle programs. It’s a truly special program to be part of, and a truly special car to own.”

The MSO Commissions program begins with a simple, blank sheet of paper. From there an in close collaboration begins with the customer. It’s a journey that leads to the realization of an extraordinary vision. The exceptionally close partnership between the MSO Commissions team and their customers allows for a unique synergy that’s seen from the drawing board to the road and beyond into the ownership experience.

The experience of an MSO Commissions customers includes a close working relationship with the development team including designer, engineers and test drivers. Each of the 15 hypercars were individually hand built in a dedicated facility in Woking, UK and each customer took part in a personal one-on-one spec session to ensure that the car matched their personalized vision. Sabre customers then enjoyed an unprecedented private test drive of the prototype car on track at the Thermal Club in Palm Springs.

What we can say with certainty, is we’ve seen McLaren and MSO do here is break the design, engineering and aerodynamic conventions by creating the Sabre because it is truly a show car for the road.

For more information on Chassis number 11, check out https://www.mecum.com/lots/CA0822-520633/2020-mclaren-sabre/