McLaren X-1 Concept

The first big surprise of the weekend in Monterey, Pebble Beach is officially landed. The machine you see above is the McLaren X-1 concept, and it is made by McLaren Special Operations for an anonymous client. Among the crazy part of the body is the British company's unique carbon mono-cell - the same basic structure, which is based on the MP4-12C. MSO program director Paul MacKenzie describes how it came about:

"One of our clients who already owned a McLaren F1, a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and now a 12C, wanted a unique car. The conversation began with our Executive Chairman Ron Dennis almost three years ago − before the 12C was even launched. The client wanted a machine that had all the capability of the 12C but wrapped in a unique body that reflected his needs and personality."

We are not sure we would want words "timeless and classic elegance," which use X-1, to describe (at least without seeing it in person), that's what she had longed for the customer for, but the result is nothing, if not eye-catching and memorable. Design Director Frank Stephenson used vehicle, such as the 1961 Facel Vega, 1953 Chrysler d'Elegance Ghia, 1959 Buick Electra, 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and 1971 Citroen SM for inspiration.

The first draft, after a competition was held between the McLaren's own designers and a select number of cars outside the world was born, McLaren-RCA graduates Korean Hong Yeo. It took two and a half years to complete, after the design is completed and the company says all the lights on the wheels are made specifically for this project.

Most of the carbon-fiber body is painted black piano lacquer, although some of the panels shows shine through the natural carbon weave, and all polishing work - including the so-called Airbrake McLaren rear wing - was carved out of solid aluminum and nickel. The interior is finished in Harissa Red Nappa leather. We recommend a look at the McLaren X-1 in our high-res image gallery above, and you can bet that we live recordings of this force in a short time. If nothing else, one thing is absolutely clear that Ferrari has some real competition at McLaren when it comes to building customized supercars for wealthy clients.