McLaren X1 bespoke special

Dubbed the 'X-1', the car is the creation of McLaren Special Operations (MSO), a division of McLaren Automotive that deals solely with special commissions and custom projects like this.

While the identity of the owner hasn't been revealed, the director of MSO revealed the mystery millionaire already owned a McLaren F1, MP4-12C and Mercedes-McLaren SLR. Interestingly, initial discussions on the project went back more than three years, even before the MP4-12C made its debut.

McLaren's Korean-born designer, Hong Yeo, was responsible for the final design, which reportedly was more than a year in development before it was signed off by the client. Inspiration came primarily from classic cars of the post-War period, but also included such diverse objects as an Airstream caravan and a grand piano!

Based on the McLaren MP4-12C, the X-1 uses the same basic carbon fibre tub, and also shares the same glass as McLaren's current supercar, but everything else on the exterior of the X-1 is unique. Body panels are all carbon fibre, and while some have been covered in piano-black gloss paint, others have been clear lacquered to show the carbon fibre structure underneath. All the brightwork is formed from nickel-plated aluminium.

Distinctive external features are the rear wheel spats, which tilt upward to allow access to the bespoke wheels. Slightly larger in both length and width than the MP4-12C, MSO says the X-1 weighs the same as the production car thanks to the extensive use of lightweight panels.

Much of the interior of the X-1 comes from the MP4-12C, although the red leather seats, trimmed and carpets are custom-created items. The twin-turbocharged 616bhp V8 petrol engine is carried over unaltered from the MP4-12C.