Inspired by the open-cockpit speedsters of the 1960s envisioned by company founder Bruce McLaren, the McLaren Elva represents one of the most radical expressions of modern road-going performance. Conceived as McLaren’s first open-cockpit roadster, the Elva eliminates a conventional roof and windscreen in favor of dramatic flying buttresses and an advanced Active Air Management System that controls airflow over t...
Inspired by the open-cockpit speedsters of the 1960s envisioned by company founder Bruce McLaren, the McLaren Elva represents one of the most radical expressions of modern road-going performance. Conceived as McLaren’s first open-cockpit roadster, the Elva eliminates a conventional roof and windscreen in favor of dramatic flying buttresses and an advanced Active Air Management System that controls airflow over the occupants at speed.
At its core is a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, contributing to the Elva’s status as the lightest road car McLaren has produced. Power is supplied by a 4.0-liter DOHC twin-turbocharged V8 with twin-scroll turbochargers and dry-sump lubrication, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Performance figures reflect the car’s uncompromising focus, with a top speed of 200 mph and 0–62 mph acceleration in under three seconds.
The Elva stands as the final model in McLaren’s Ultimate Series and was produced in a strictly limited run of 149 examples worldwide. The car offered is the 45th example built and was delivered new to the United States. It is finished in Nerello Red and specified with a bespoke interior combining Ice White and Caviar Black, underscoring its tailored, client-commissioned nature.
The windshield-free carbon-fiber body integrates McLaren’s Active Air Management system, while additional equipment includes ProActive Chassis Control II, electro-hydraulic steering, deployable roll-over protection, a suspension lift system, quad-outlet exhaust, and the Stealth Pack. Forged super-lightweight alloy wheels measure 19x9 inches at the front and 20x11 inches at the rear, finished in Gloss Black Diamond Cut and fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires sized 245/35 and 305/30, respectively.
Braking is handled by 390mm sintered, cross-drilled, and ventilated carbon-ceramic rotors clamped by black-painted forged monobloc calipers with six pistons up front and four at the rear, with additional braking assistance provided by the active rear spoiler.
The interior features carbon-fiber seats trimmed in black and white leather with red piping and contrast stitching, complemented by Pure White interior accents. The odometer displays 663 actual miles.
As one of the most extreme road cars ever produced by McLaren, the Elva distills the brand’s engineering philosophy into its purest open-air form—unfiltered, lightweight, and uncompromising.
