Broad Arrow, a Hagerty company, is poised to present a remarkable offering at its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction on May 24-25, 2025: two unique McLaren MP4-12C supercars with unparalleled provenance, having been personally owned by two of Formula One’s modern legends, Sir Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. The McLaren MP4-12C is widely recognized as the foundational model that propelled McLaren Automotive into its contemporary era of supercar production, successfully returning the esteemed British marque to the forefront of the high-performance automotive world following the iconic reign of the McLaren F1 in the 1990s. At the time of the MP4-12C’s unveiling in 2010, the McLaren Formula One team boasted two World Drivers’ Champions, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, both of whom played a crucial role in the car’s development, providing invaluable feedback that was subsequently integrated into the production models.
In recognition of their significant contributions to the creation of this impressive supercar and their continued success on Formula One circuits globally, Ron Dennis, the former head of McLaren, gifted an MP4-12C to each of these champion drivers. Now, Broad Arrow has the distinct privilege of offering both of these historically significant vehicles for sale at its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction. According to Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for Broad Arrow’s EMEA Region, the company is “extremely proud” to have been entrusted with finding new custodians for these “remarkably special McLaren supercars.” He further emphasizes their historical importance, stating that the expertise provided by Hamilton and Button was instrumental in developing a car that not only competed with established marques like Ferrari and Lamborghini but also “would define the future of McLaren Automotive and the models it has produced since.”
Sir Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren MP4-12C, chassis number SBM11AAB4CW000132, was registered to the seven-time Formula One World Champion on March 1, 2012. Initially destined for Switzerland, its delivery was rerouted to Monte Carlo following Hamilton’s move to Monaco. This particular MP4-12C boasts a unique specification, meticulously configured by Hamilton himself at the McLaren factory in Woking, England. He frequently drove the car in Monaco and famously featured it in a music video shoot with Swizz Beatz in Cannes. This highly collectible McLaren showcases numerous carbon fiber options, including the front spoiler, rear diffuser, and mirror casings. It is also equipped with the Stealth Pack and optional five-spoke wheels finished in Satin Dark Grey. Post-delivery, Hamilton also arranged for the windows to be tinted. As an early production model, Hamilton’s MP4-12C retains the distinctive swipe door feature, which was later modified in subsequent models, further enhancing its collectability. With just 8,500 kilometers on the odometer and finished in Volcano Red with a Harissa Red leather and Black Alcantara interior, this left-hand drive McLaren is estimated to fetch between €175,000 and €225,000.
Jenson Button’s McLaren MP4-12C, chassis number SBM11AAB4CW000764, also holds a special place in McLaren’s history. As the 2009 Formula One World Champion, Button was deeply involved in the development of the MP4-12C. This car being offered is actually Button’s second MP4-12C, as the first was returned to the factory for ongoing development work. Button personally selected this second car, featuring a stunning Elite Pearl White exterior and an interior trimmed in Harissa Red and Black leather. Distinguishing it further from Hamilton’s car, Button’s MP4-12C includes carbon fiber interior trim and a carbon fiber steering wheel. Configured in consultation with McLaren Monaco before its delivery to the F1 champion, Button’s MP4-12C was sold to a private collection in the UK in 2012. Having remained within that collection since, it has been regularly maintained by the McLaren dealer network and currently shows less than 12,000 kilometers. This right-hand drive McLaren is offered without reserve and is estimated to sell between €125,000 and €150,000.
Powertrain and Performance Details: At the heart of the McLaren MP4-12C lies a potent 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine. This advanced powertrain was factory-rated to produce an impressive 592 horsepower, providing exhilarating acceleration and a top speed capable of challenging its Italian rivals. Beyond its powerful engine, McLaren’s innovative approach to aerodynamics, engineering, and overall performance made the MP4-12C a perfect match for championship-winning Formula One drivers. Its sophisticated suspension system and carbon fiber chassis contributed to exceptional handling and a refined driving experience.
These two McLaren MP4-12C supercars stand as a testament to the pioneering design and engineering prowess of McLaren Automotive. Their unique provenance, directly linked to the personal ownership and specifications of two of the most celebrated Formula One drivers of the modern era, undoubtedly makes them highly desirable additions for any discerning collector. As Joe Twyman aptly states, this is a “very rare opportunity to own the personal McLaren MP4-12C supercars of Sir Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button,” representing an incredible provenance that bridges both the high-octane world of motorsport and the exclusive realm of supercars. The competition among bidders for these exceptional machines at Broad Arrow’s inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction is sure to be intense, worthy of any thrilling race to the finish line.
Summary:
- Broad Arrow to auction Lewis Hamilton’s and Jenson Button’s McLaren MP4-12Cs.
- The MP4-12C marked McLaren’s return to series production supercars.
- Both Hamilton and Button contributed to the car’s development.
- Hamilton’s car is a unique Volcano Red, left-hand drive model with carbon fiber options and 8,500km.
- Button’s car is an Elite Pearl White, right-hand drive model with carbon fiber interior and 12,000km, offered without reserve.
- The MP4-12C features a 592hp 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.
- Both cars represent a rare piece of F1 and automotive history.
Disclaimer: Information regarding the specifications and provenance of these vehicles is based on details provided in the press release. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification.
Source: Broad Arrow Auctions
AI Assistance: Gemini
