Mecum Auctions recently released details of their upcoming Kissimmee 2016 auction. Among the star lots, a McLaren 12C High Sport has been listed. The High Sport was a 10-unit limited edition run of 12C’s produced by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for a collective group of US customers. This particular example is little used and has been listed with 203 miles on the clock.
What’s been catching the attention of McLaren enthusiasts is the staggering markup that appears to have been applied to the estimate. Mecum auctions appear to have valued the vehicle at between $1.3 million to $1.6 million. Granted this is a very special McLaren, but does it really justify that sort of money?
For comparison, Mecum have a black Porsche Carrera GT with 909 miles on the clock. The estimate for that is between $900,000 and $1.1 million. In part justification of the price tag, the High Sport does appear to have won some awards which will be available with the car; notably the “Best British Import,” at the Festivals of Speed at Amelia Island 2014, the “Best in Show” at Cars on Fifth in Naples and the “Best in Show, People’s Choice” award at the 2015 Festivals of Speed in St Petersburg, Florida.
Further accolades include its F1 Vodafone Racing Team livery and its commission by McLaren Chairman and CEO Ron Dennis. It also features signatures under hood from the winning McLaren team drivers and crew to commemorate McLaren’s 2011 German Grand Prix win.
Other than these individual points, the McLaren 12C High Sport differs little from the other 9 High Sport’s. It has the same front bumper, fender vents and rear diffuser and rims as well as the stealth package and sport exhaust. It will be interesting to see what it sells for.
