McLaren 650S Le Mans: Spotted

Well now's the time to embrace the Le Mans spirit...

Search for 'Le Mans' in the PH classifieds - we kind of had to this week - and 381 cars come up, with everything from BMWs in Le Mans Blue to a Holden with an LM-spec Corvette engine. But look for long enough and you'll come across this as well, the McLaren 650S Le Mans.

Because roof scoops are cool. They just are

The what? It can be hard to keep track of McLaren's product strategy, what with Longtails, MSO editions and GTs. The Le Mans was launched last year to mark 20 years since the McLaren F1's victory at the 24 Hours, mechanically standard but with a few choice cosmetic tweaks. See the roof scoop, the Sarthe Grey paint and the gorgeous alloy wheels.

Doesn't it look incredible? Having only seen the car previously in McLaren's press images, the Le Mans looks even better in natural light and surroundings. The orange highlights contrast nicely with the grey paint, the more aggressive rear diffuser gives it some motorsport edge and even the roof scoop works well. The 675LT may have shown just how good the Sports Series McLaren can look, but this has to be a very close second. And the Longtail is a lot more expensive.

In fact, as limited edition supercars go, the Le Mans doesn't look extortionately priced. At launch each of the 50 cars cost £244,500; this car, with 520 miles, is £259,950. Yes, it's a premium, but there are far bigger ones running on cheaper cars.

Simple and rather beautiful wheels

Supercar purchases are not renowned as rational purchases, but it won't have escaped your attention that a 650S with the same performance can be had for a lot less than the Le Mans. This 650S Coupe is £99,960 cheaper with just a few hundred miles more, for example.

And the Ferrari question? Interesting one, with Speciale demand showing no signs of abating. This LHD car with 4,000 miles is £240K, but to get a right-hand drive car with similar miles to the McLaren is £400K. It's even grey. Perhaps not directly comparable, but that's a big difference.

So how about a 488? For exactly the same money as the McLaren, this Rosso Corsa UK car is also available. More power, more technology, a newer design... a tough decision! Limited edition McLaren or series production Ferrari? Maranello or Woking? Hmm...

Let's hope whoever does acquire this Le Mans gets some miles on it before having it buried away in a collection. They really are spectacular cars, limited edition or otherwise. Now McLaren, how about a proper Le Mans return?

MCLAREN 650S LE MANS
Engine: 3,799cc, V8 twin-turbo
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto (SSG), rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 650@7,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 500@6,000rpm
MPG: 24.2 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 275g/km
First registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 520
Price new: £244,500
Yours for: £259,950