If the Geneva motor show hadn't become another victim of the coronavirus, it had been suggested that McLaren might show another Longtail in Switzerland. Makes sense, really; the show has played host to plenty of big McLaren debuts over the years, from P1 to 675, and we've been without a Longtail limited edition for a while. Add into that the fact that the 720S has been on sale now since 2017 and the timing sits just nicely.
Even with nothing confirmed just yet, now seemed as good a time as any to revisit the original Longtail McLaren of the new era; it was five years ago that the 675LT was revealed in Geneva. And while the next Longtail will be a faster, more dynamic, more capable car than that first one, it will struggle to match the impact it had, and its transformative effect on the McLaren Automotive brand.
Because prior to 2015, and P1 notwithstanding, the McLarens were really good without being great. The 650S was a significant improvement over the 12C, though it remained a car to appreciate rather than truly lust over. That changed with the LT; the way it looked, the way it handled and the fanatical approach to weight saving and driving fun made it an instant icon.
It won car of the year tests, Coupe and Spider sold out, and the track-honed specials from Ferrari and Porsche finally had a genuine alterative from Britain. The 675 was sensational, truly sensational, and became the car by which all future McLarens have been judged. Because it proved that McLaren could finally do a car that you'd want for the way it looks, then eventually adore for the way it drove - a combination that had eluded the company in its (admittedly short) life until then.
For a while values shot up, though now appear to be softening off a tad - a trend apparent across the market. This Longtail, on sale at McLaren Manchester, is a perfect example of what's on offer. It's one of the less expensive cars, at £186,000, yet has covered only 4,000 miles and looks sensational with its McLaren Orange accents breaking up the black paint. As residuals for certain McLarens look uncertain - see this 5,000-mile 650S at little more than £90k - the limited Longtail numbers, as well as its formidable reputation, should ensure its future desirability. Especially so in a spec that hasn't gone too heavy on the MSO personalisation.
While the obvious rivals from Porsche and Ferrari are available at this money - although you'll pay a heck of a lot more for a Pista or a Speciale - that the LT can hold its own in those comparisons (and surpass those cars in some elements) shows what was achieved with the 675. If whatever the next Super Series LT materialises as can look as good as this, reward its driver as emphatically and, crucially, evolve the brand even half as far, McLaren will have another legend on its hands. Count us amongst those who absolutely can't wait.
SPECIFICATION - MCLAREN 675LT
Engine: 3,799cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (SSG), rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 675@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 516@5,500-6,500rpm
MPG: 24.2
CO2: 275g/km
First registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 4,200
Price new: £259,500, before options
Yours for: £186,000
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