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Closed Auction- Unsold

2012 McLaren MP4-12C

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  • Mileage~32,955 at visit
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.8L
  • LocationSudbury

AUCTION CLOSED

2012 McLaren MP4-12C

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Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

Gorgeous styling, a luxurious interior and thrilling performance all combine to make the McLaren one of the worlds most desirable cars.

The MP4-12C, McLaren Project 4, launched in 2011 and kicked off McLaren’s road-car business. Designed to revolutionise the supercar genre, just as it did to hyper-cars nearly two decades before with the F1, this time the manufacturer was looking to push the boundaries not only in performance, but also its usability.

It was the first ever production car wholly designed and built by McLaren using a carbon fibre composite chassis and powered by a rear-mounted mid-engine 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The monstrous engine generates around ~592BHP, with a 0-60 coming up in ~3.2 seconds and makes use of F1-sourced technologies such as "brake steer" reducing understeer and aiding the cars handling.

This McLaren comes to market with just ~32,955 on the clock, optional carbon fibre upgrade pack, replacement catalytic converter, updated water pump and other works carried out. The car has also had its 10th year full servicing in March 2023. Overall, the McLaren is a serious drivers' machine thanks to its rapid performance, sublime handling and head turning looks and oh, that noise.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Martin the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

This has been my absolute dream car to own, stylish looks, incredible performance and just in a league of its own.

Having been a sports car fan for as long as he can remember, Martin, the current owner, has always been a fan of super cars, he told us "I've always loved fast cars and have owned a few over the past few years. When I had the opportunity to buy the McLaren, I couldn't say no, especially after I'd taken it for the test drive!".

With a new car on the horizon, the time has come for the current owner to part with his beloved MP4-12C, Martin went on to say, "It's been a car that has given me a great deal of enjoyment over the last few years, its an absolute machine and the new owner is going to really love it".

Martin has his eyes set on a new car which is why the McLaren comes to market - should any questions be required with regards the car, then Martin would be happy to answer these below.

Martin
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

The exterior styling keeps the McLaren looking subtle, but shows an aggressive edge with its added carbon fibre pack.

Wheels and Tyres

Stunning gunmetal 5-spoke split wheels complete the look of this performance car. The wheels feature the McLaren badged centre caps and show in great condition with no significant marks, and only very minor signs of wear.

With a staggered stance the MP4-12C runs on 19" front wheels and 20" rears. The reason for this, is to provide additional grip and handling to the performance due to the rear wheel drive - a proper drivers' car.

The wheels are fitted with Goodyear tyres - 235/35 to the front and 305/30 to the rear. These look in great condition and appear to have plenty of tread remaining.

Take a look through the gallery section to see more detail on the MP4-12C.

Bodywork

Panels align very well and we could see no visible distortion to these areas. Shut lines and panel gaps look excellent and both doors, rear bonnet cover and front trunk section open and close well. The quality on show here is exactly as you'd expect from McLaren design and functionality, truly an incredible machine.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Looking over the MP4-12C, the car is in beautiful condition with the dark grey finish displayed really nicely. We noted no major scratches or any unwanted marks across the panelling.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All of the glass sections around the MP4-12C looked good with windscreen, windows, mirrors and lenses all appearing in a very good condition with no cracks, chips or significant scratching that we observed on our visit.

Take a look through the exterior gallery and review video, we take you across all the areas of the car as if you were standing there for yourself. This way, you can see in greater detail what a great looking car the McLaren really is.

Interior

With premium design materials such as the Alcantara finish and optional carbon fibre pack, the build quality through the interior of the McLaren gives a real performance edge.

Seats and Carpets

Upholstered with beautiful leathers, the McLaren sports seats hold the driver and passenger with a great deal of comfort over long journeys, even when powering around a track. A nice additional touch to the interior is the McLaren badges that are incorporated into the seat head rests.

Carpets sections show well in the cabin area with limited wear or markings on these along with the roof lining. Inside the front trunk, the carpet sections show in excellent condition and are all clean and tidy.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console display very well, there is no evidence of markings to the finish. Minimalist design is in place to keep the McLaren's interior approach of clean lines looking very smart.

Dash instruments present really well showing no signs of fogging or display issues with the odometer showing a reading of ~32,955 miles on clock during our visit. To the centre, the main screen shows the satellite navigation system and Iris infotainment system.

Optional carbon trim looks the part and sets the car apart as a real showpiece, the interior design is focused on showing ultimate levels of quality.

Our interior gallery section takes you over some closer images of the MP4-12C's dashboard, head over and see the cars interior in finer detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

With the optional carbon trim included on the wheel surround, the drivers section is presented in a really smart way. McLaren purposefully keep the owner focused on the road ahead with no fuss and a focus on driver enjoyment.

Mounted behind the wheel, 'paddle-shift' levers give ultimate driver control for gear selection should you wish to override the automatic drive.

Sitting in the drivers seat feels fast, even before you've put your foot down. We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

Mechanics

Producing ~592bhp with a 0-60mph time of ~3.2 seconds - the 'track ready' potential top speed of ~205mph brings a level of power that is almost unthinkable until you drive one of these cars.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the MP4-12C makes super sports car performance truly possible. All power is sent to the rear wheels via the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The McLaren started first time and sounded beautiful.

We took the car out around some local roads with the current owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about. On the drive, we take the car through its paces, shifting through the gears in manual and testing out the lightning quick auto changes as well.

Check out the 'on the road' video to get an overview from the passenger seat and from Martin's perspective on how the car performs.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or issue from the suspension when we were on the road in the car, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling.

The brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering reported to come through the pedal and worked in line with the expectations of McLaren race engineered quality.

The stopping power and control felt great and worked as to be expected.

The Drive

The McLaren is a really engaging car to drive. With a torque-rich engine, its not shy of power or aggression and is an easy car to drive fast. The 3.8L provides a seriously punch thanks to its twin-turbo V8 and enough power to give a lot of fun through the corners. This is a car that demands attention for all the right reasons.

Handling is sublime in the McLaren thanks largely to the rear mounted mid-engine and McLaren's unique hydraulic "ProActive Chassis Control". This setup consists of high and low pressure valves which provide a firmer, competent suspension setup with faster driving, and a very plush, compliant and comfortable ride when moving at slower, constant speeds.

Electrics and Other

All of the electronics are reportedly working as they should. The centre mounted display screen is set into a carbon fibre finish, allowing you to control the media in the car with its Iris 2 integrated sat nav, bluetooth, phone, radio, media and voice functions.

Climate control is conveniently positioned next to the passengers and drivers side and was functioning without issue. A great note was that screens for the climate control system have been upgraded to ones with better longevity.

Another note on the interior electronics is the switchable engine and suspension control, allowing the driver to change up between sports and comfort mode. This also gives the driver the option of a more 'neighbour friendly' or added aggression noise to the McLaren sound when driving.

History and Paperwork

Coming from ~2 year ownership and regular servicing, the low mileage MP4-12C is a stunning example and absolute ready for its next journey.

Despite being on the road for ~11 years, the McLaren still looks like a real showstopper. The car has ~32,955 on the clock at the time of our visit and received regular servicing - importantly the car is kitted out with the optional carbon fibre upgrade pack.

Confirmed by the official McLaren dealership receipts, works have included new soft door locks, z bar bushings, parking brake pads, front brake pads, accumulators and a replacement intake sound generator in 2021. Replacement of the catalytic converter and new cooling pump in March 2022, and new front shock absorbers, full suspension bleed, air con service, new engine mounts and cooling system in March 2023

With a long MOT still valid until March 2024, the MP4-12C carries no outstanding advisories. The car also includes 2 sets of keys, service and warranty book and McLaren user guide.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and actioned a HPi check on the vehicle. Should any questions be required, Martin would be happy to answer any of these in the 'ask the owner' section.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
15.03.2023 MOT 32,634
08.03.2023 Service 32,634
28.03.2022 Service 32,200
08.02.2022 MOT 32,031
31.03.2021 Service 31,198
31.03.2021 MOT 31,198
21.12.2020 MOT 31,044
07.08.2019 Service 28,802
06.10.2018 MOT 27,921
11.07.2018 Service 27,425
18.10.2017 MOT 26,378
09.05.2017 Service 26,320
10.08.2016 MOT 21,822
17.03.2016 MOT 19,623
18.01.2016 Service 18,463
06.03.2015 MOT 13,301
19.01.2015 MOT 12,634
02.01.2015 Service 12,518
14.06.2013 Service 4,926
Key Details
  • ModelMP4-12C
  • TransmissionAutomatic with Paddle Shift
  • Reg. Date06.03.2012
  • CC3,798cc
  • Mileage~32,955 at visit
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourDark Grey
  • Interior ColourBlack / Grey
  • Interior TrimAlcantara / Leather
  • Chassis #SBM11AAC0CW000413
  • Engine #38JBAA110532
  • Last Service08.03.2023
  • MOTYes. Exp 14.03.2024
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers7
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandGoodyear
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2 years, 7 months
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Auction ID1589






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Vehicle Location

Sudbury, Colchester

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