One-Off McLaren 570S Spider Fetches $1 Million For Elton John's Charity

Jun. 30, 2018 5:57 PM ET by Martin Bigg Auctions / 2 Comments

The donated McLaren 570S is hand-sprayed in a metallic Blade Silver color.

Elton John recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his Aids Foundation with a prestigious Argento Ball event, where a donated one-off McLaren 570S Spider was auctioned. Hand-sprayed in a special metallic Blade Silver color, the bespoke 570S Spider sold for a whopping £725,000 at the event – the equivalent of around $949,000. All proceeds will be donated to the charity, which "has reached millions of people across 26 countries with the HIV information, support and care to save lives and prevent new cases".

McLaren

The final selling price is roughly $740,000 more than a stock 570S Spider would cost. Further distinguishing the unique 570S Spider is a set of 10-spoke lightweight alloys in a contrasting Stealth finish, while the carbon ceramic brake calipers are finished in signature McLaren Orange. Inside, the interior has been fitted with Jet Black Nappa leather seats stitched with Carbon Black thread. The engine's soundtrack is also further enhanced thanks to an optional sports exhaust system. In the "unlikely event of the winning bidder tiring of the engine note," McLaren has also fitted a 10 speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system.

Like all McLaren 570S Spiders, power is provided by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine enabling the convertible supercar to sprint to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds. With the roof down, top speed is limited to 196 mph, or 204 mph with the roof up to match the coupe. Not only is the winning bidder now the owner of a unique McLaren 570S Spider, they will also receive a personal tour of the McLaren Technology Center by Amanda McLaren, the only child of founder Bruce McLaren and a brand ambassador for McLaren Automotive. The winner will witness the creation of a McLaren from behind the scenes, which is a "money-can't-buy-experience," as the center is never open to the public.