“Virtually Limitless”—That’s one of the first things you can read when you visit the McLaren Special Operations website, MSO for short. Being a division of McLaren that takes care of the brand’s special projects, such as restoring F1 models over a several-month process or creating one-offs for high-demanding clients, MSO is all about taking customer projects and requests to a whole new level.
For most people who are fortunate enough to afford a McLaren, they may go as far as applying a flashy paint colour and equipping the car with upgraded wheels in order to help them stand out from the other McLaren owners in town. For a friend of mine, this simply was not enough—at all—and that’s why he decided that when ordering his 600LT from McLaren Montreal, he would undergo the MSO treatment head to toe, inside and out!
Say hello to the 600LT MSO Dragon Blue, a one-of-one project commissioned by McLaren MSO based on the 591-hp track-focused 600LT (this particular one is said to be the final Canadian 600LT allocation). The car is finished in Ludus Blue, Amethyst Black, McLaren Orange and a livery taken from the McLaren 620R. The Dragon Blue is equipped with an optional roof scoop as well as the fender louvres, both of which enhance its already sporty look. If you look close enough, you will notice the painted engine cover and intake. The latter, according to the owner, is a feature unique to this car.
The uniqueness of this car does not stop there. Step inside and the first thing you will notice is the mismatched Senna seats. The one on the passenger side is black, the one on the driver side is blue, and both feature the “Speedy Kiwi” on the back and “MSO” on the headrest. If you look up, you’re going to see the signatures of pretty much everyone that worked on the car, including Amanda McLaren, Bruce McLaren’s daughter. The 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel is a great touch, too.
If you pay attention to the photos, you will also see a cognac bottle, which is, indeed, not just any cognac bottle. What you’re looking at is a Rémy Martin Louis XIII, a unique blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne varying in age from 40 to 100 years old. This very exclusive cognac is a gift from McLaren themselves, reserved for their most special customers.
In short, the details and options on this particular 600LT are second to none. If you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind McLaren, the MSO team is in place to surpass your expectations.
Photography by Olivier Lessard