We can't imagine how difficult it would be to recommission a car like this.
CopartHurricane Ian devastated a large chunk of Florida, causing a huge loss of life and much property destruction. One piece of property is particularly notable among car enthusiasts, a yellow McLaren P1. There’s a decent chance you saw photos and videos of this car floating in floodwaters on social media and on this very website, and now, it’s headed to auction on Copart.
Above: A post from the now-former owner.
The photos from Copart show the car in better condition than one might expect, though the listing notes that it’s been cleaned. Of course, it is not in good condition. The windshield is shattered, the passenger mirror ripped off, and there’s quite a bit of damage to the paint. Presumably, all the powertrain components and electronics are toast as well. Remember that the P1 is a hybrid, which makes restoration infinitely more complex. You’d likely need a lot of help from McLaren itself.
Carscoops, which brought our attention to the auction, says that automotive YouTubers Ed Bolian of VinWiki and Tyler Hoover of Hoovie’s Garage are eyeing the car. Bolian says he’d consider replacing the P1’s powertrain with a non-hybrid setup from another McLaren.
Copart lists an estimated retail value of $229,510, though there’s no telling what it’ll actually go for. Still, one imagines it will be quite a bit less than the $1.5 million this exact car was bid up to on Bring a Trailer back in August. It’ll probably be the cheapest P1 ever, though getting it roadworthy will certainly recoup a great deal of that savings. If you have a YouTube channel, though, the restoration of this car will bring views that could go a long way in justifying the cost.
It should also be said that a far more cost-effective solution would be to just buy a used 720S, but then you wouldn’t have a P1.
There’s no auction date listed, but we’re sure this isn’t the last we’ll be hearing of this car.
Chris Perkins Senior Editor Chris Perkins is the Web Editor for Road & Track magazine.
Keyword: McLaren P1 Flooded In Hurricane Ian Now Seeking Brave Buyer on Copart