McLaren MSO, For Those Who Want A Custom McLaren

As a good manufacturer of high-caliber and luxury sports cars, McLaren has among its divisions one exclusively in charge of producing the perfect car. Be it touch-ups such as a simple paint color or aesthetic elements, McLaren MSO delights its customers

The success of MSO –McLaren Special Operations– is such that around 70% of all McLaren manufactured carry some element with their signature. In fact, a peak of 90% custom units was reached by MSO in the case of the McLaren P1, a hybrid supercar limited to 375 units.

the beginning

The origin of this division even predates the creation of the modern McLaren in 2011, since its functions began back in 1992 on the occasion of the brand new McLaren F1, the supercar of the decade.

Its creation was motivated by the exclusivity enjoyed by the car in question, and how quickly it changed hands on the market.

From the outset the British offered owners a dedicated car care, upkeep and maintenance program.

In addition, given that customers who bought it used were not entirely satisfied with the characteristics of the unit purchased, McLaren MSO focused its efforts on satisfying these owners.

In addition to offering them the same care program that the first owner enjoyed, they also offered the option of changing the car’s paint and modifying various elements to adapt the car to the new owner’s tastes.

Programs

Currently McLaren MSO is in charge of carrying out programs of various kinds, related to street cars as well as competition ones.

On the other hand and as expected, they offer exclusive aesthetic treatments such as details of the cabin in carbon fiber, the same material used in elements such as the new diffusers, splitters and even the roof.

They also keep the F1 flame alive with a maintenance program that follows original techniques from 25 years ago.

No less important is the fact that they are in charge of producing all those special models that McLaren presents as special and / or commemorative editions, such as the McLaren P1 Prost or the McLaren 650S Le Mans. 

Finally, at McLaren MSO they have the power to create a unique and exclusive model if the customer so wishes, with the McLaren X-1 as the main exponent.

As McLaren has spoken on several occasions, the limit is only set by the money that the buyer is willing to spend, otherwise, in Woking they are prepared for everything.

The most special MSOs

Wonders can come out of a division charged with developing exclusive and more precious models than conventional models (if the McLaren range can be classified as such). Here we will talk about some of the best.

McLaren X-1

For now this is the only sports car developed exclusively for a customer. Starting from the base of a McLaren MP4-12C, MSO made a completely new body in carbon fiber with a design inspired by the American prototypes of the 50 and in museums of modern art. 

The highlight is the rear wheel fairing, which gives the car an even more aerodynamic profile.

McLaren 650S Can-Am

As a tribute to McLaren’s five consecutive Can-Am titles five decades ago, the Woking firm devised 50 copies of the McLaren 650S Spider specially prepared for the occasion.

Dressed with a decoration similar to the one they wore in competition, carbon fiber hood and roof, as well as stainless steel exhaust make it one of the best MSOs made.

McLaren 50 12C

This edition was developed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand, which began its journey in competition in the sixties.

From the base of the McLaren 12C, 50 coupe and 50 Spider units were created to which a more aerodynamic front made of carbon fiber, carbon-ceramic brakes and lighter wheels were added.

Each unit was delivered with an exclusive cover, a newly designed key and a dedicated print signed by the brand’s own designer, Frank Stephenson.

McLaren 720S Bruce McLaren

This marvel was presented in Dubai based on the new McLaren 720S and featured an intense black combined with the gold that is so popular in Arab countries.

It stood out for the 24-carat gold-plated inner engine cover and a phrase by Bruce McLaren himself hand-printed and in Arabic on the rear spoiler.

McLaren MSO X

It is the most recent creation to date, and has been based on the McLaren 570S. Part of the base of the most accessible sports car of the firm.

MSO has developed 10 unique units to which, in addition to an exclusive decoration , the aerodynamic attachments of the racing version, the McLaren 570S GT4, have been added.