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Exclusivity is the name of the game nowadays, and many supercar owners will pay a premium to ensure that their vehicle is that little bit more distinctive than the rest. Limited-run special editions of performance cars are a safer place to invest your cash than banks, and most manufacturers have cottoned on to the ruse. Step up McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the bespoke arm of the still young British supercar manufacturer.
Inspired by the 1997 F1 XP GT 'Longtail', a car specifically made to homologate the McLaren F1 for racing in the FIA's GT1 class, the XP Green MSO Collection McLaren 570GT (to give it its full title) will be painted in the same 'XP Green' as its revered ancestor. The lightweight forged alloy wheels receive a stealth finish, there's some 'Saddle Tan' pinstriping on the aerodynamic components and doors (which also feature a subtle silver-grey Union Jack emblem), and 'MSO Black' is used on body features like the aforementioned aero bits, rear bumper and door inserts.
Inside, the 'Saddle Tan' theme continues, with green the colour of choice for inserts and stitching on the seats. Also included is the GT upgrade pack which features an uprated stereo, rear-view camera and vehicle lift, and with the 570GT's softer springs and increased luggage space (when compared with the 570S Coupe), the car should make for a capable long-distance cruiser.
The run of six cars will go to owners in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, at a price of £188,567 (€212,251). McLaren's Jolyon Nash explains the rationale behind the build: "Any McLaren is a very special vehicle, but we are also seeing an increasing number of buyers expressing a desire to personalise their cars with additional features and options as well as colour and trim choices outside of the core specification offered. As well as making it possible for individual McLaren owners to have exactly the McLaren they want, McLaren Special Operations will continue to create limited-volume collections such as these six 570GT models in XP Green, to further extend customer choice."