McLaren 540C: Spotted
Woking's entry-level model is capable of hitting 124mph in 10.5 seconds. For less than £100k...
Not many manufacturers would call a model that can sprint from zero to 62mph in 3.5 seconds and reach 124mph just seven seconds after that a sports car. But in the world of McLaren, the 540C is very much a 'Sports Series' offering. It's the manufacturer's entry-point, after all, offering the least power and most relaxed setup of any current Woking car.
Perhaps it's for this reason that a three-year-old example of this cheapest McLaren - which, we should remember, is also capable of 199mph - can be had for less than £100k. See today's Spotted for proof. It may be the baby of McLaren's range, but the 540C is every bit of the class-surpasser its more potent siblings have so consistently been.
For starters, the car uses hardware that essentially comes from the segment above. Yes, the MonoCell II tub sits on slackened, more forgiving suspension to give the 540C a better ride, while the Ricardo-built McLaren 3.8-litre V8 has been retuned so it produces 540hp - 30hp less than the next McLaren in the range. Sure, the turbocharged engine can't evoke emotion like Audi's R8 V10 and the Porsche 911 Turbo S is more explosive on the road. But the McLaren is arguably the most complete driver's package of the bunch, certainly nothing works its parts with better cohesion.
Only a car with innards as rigid as this could offer such a vast array of handling traits. The 540C's ride is supple, its damping beautiful and body control brilliant. It achieves this without the need for active chassis technology, as used by higher-priced McLarens, relying only on more conventional three-stage adaptive damping to give the car its broad personality. It's also about as long as a mid-sized hatchback and visibility and access is very good indeed. As far as daily sports cars go, then, this one's easy to live with.
Spec one right, as the previous owner of this 540C has, and it can really look the part, too. Painted in Storm Grey with matching alloys that hide orange calipers, it's a discreet but purposeful looking 540C - one that ought to attract looks of admiration, rather than disapproval. The matching interior colours make for a sporting, but far from garish cabin, too. And the former owner continued their good form with the speccing of an optional front-lift system and soft-close doors.
For someone with £98,950, then, a McLaren as broadly talented as this must be extremely tempting. Question is, where would your money go?
SPECIFICATION - MCLAREN 540C
Engine: 3,799cc V8 twin-turbo
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 540@7,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 398@13,500rpm
MPG: 26.4
CO2: 249g/km
First registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 13,000
Price new: £135,500 (2019)
Price now: £98,950
See the full ad here.
If I had £100k knocking about this would be a serious contender to have in the garage to use as a weekend & road trip car. Would probably end up with a £50k Ultima and a few 80’s & 90’s Bmw’s instead though.
There’s a thread in the McLaren forum where someone is just about to buy a used one with lots of MSO bits and paint. Well over £200k list and now available for £130k before any haggling!
I had a look at various cars, including a 12C and 570S but ended up with a 540C as it had a longer warranty included.
I'm averaging 26-27mpg, mainly NSL roads and not a lot of town driving. I've never driven anything that accelerates like it. I'd best describe it like a very fast Lotus. Handles like one, but goes a lot quicker.
Tomintoul Road by justinking1986, on Flickr
I had a look at various cars, including a 12C and 570S but ended up with a 540C as it had a longer warranty included.
I'm averaging 26-27mpg, mainly NSL roads and not a lot of town driving. I've never driven anything that accelerates like it. I'd best describe it like a very fast Lotus. Handles like one, but goes a lot quicker.
Tomintoul Road by justinking1986, on Flickr
It might not be what people think of as a ‘supercar’ in 2019, but as a road car I’d take this over the Super Series, or the equivalent from Maranello
It might not be what people think of as a ‘supercar’ in 2019, but as a road car I’d take this over the Super Series, or the equivalent from Maranello
I was hoping prices would eventually drop below £30k at some point, but it seems I will have to “invest” more than that if I really want one.
Here's mine..Couldn't think of anything else modern that was similar money.
Very good car, I even like the noise and thats after owning a Ferrari 355 with a Capristo exhaust..
Now in a 997 Turbo but getting the itch and with 570's now around the 991 Turbo money I'm tempted to sacrifice the rear seat practicality (used for dogs and kids ) and go with McLaren.
I was hoping prices would eventually drop below £30k at some point, but it seems I will have to “invest” more than that if I really want one.
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