Backlit by fireworks, the bold new Senna rounded the lake on approach to the McLaren Technology Centre headquarters for its grand reveal at the firm’s Winter Ball in December 2017. Its designed dictated almost entirely by a desire to generate downforce, here was an extreme exercise in creating the fastest road-legal car around any circuit in the world.

Achieving that mission was well within the Senna’s grasp, for it was originally intended to be a thoroughbred racer. Developed under the “P15” codename, this third instalment in the McLaren Ultimate Series (following the F1 and P1) houses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8. Boasting 200 cc more than the P1 and 650S, such a displacement was no coincidence. Four litres was the maximum forced induction engine size allowed by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the organising body of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As the 2018 concept for the Senna GTR hinted, with its rules-compliant sidelights that displayed track position, entry into the World Endurance Championship had been a driving force behind the whole project.

While a racing career ultimately never materialised for the Senna—named in tribute to three-time Formula 1 World Champion and McLaren icon Ayrton—it remains one of the most formidable road cars to experience on a track. Delivering 789 horsepower to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. Furthermore, by dispensing with the P1’s hybrid assistance, the Senna’s sub-1200-kilogram dry weight made it the lightest McLaren since the hallowed F1. The radical exterior and huge rear wing then contribute to producing 800 kilograms of downforce, with the sensational cornering ability transmitted to the driver via wonderfully pure hydraulic steering. Also revered for its Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, the Senna remains a performance benchmark.

From the limited run of 500 cars, offered here is the 48th example. Configured predominantly with Alaskan Diamond White paintwork, the exterior is accented by exquisite, exposed carbon fibre for the front splitter, at the base of the windscreen scuttle, engine venting system, swanneck rear wing, and diffuser. Blue flashes then draw the eye to the active inboard front winglets, the rear wing endplates, brake callipers, plus the centre-locking wheel nuts. Opening the butterfly doors, with their novel glazed side panels that improve visibility, reveals a black Alcantara interior accompanied by blue stitching and carbon fibre trim. The specification of this McLaren Senna further stretches to aluminium switchgear and blue race-style harnesses and blue struts for the doors, which are operated by overhead toggles.

Built in July 2018, chassis number 048 was delivered new via McLaren Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on 11 February 2019. Retained by its sole owner ever since, and very sparingly driven, the Senna displayed a remarkable 385 kilometres on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. It benefits from an October 2025 service and multi-point inspection (available to view on file) performed by McLaren Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, the car is supplied with owner’s guides and service book, first aid kit, a cover, plus battery charger.

Sold out ahead of its public motor show debut in Geneva in March 2018, named after a motorsport legend, and offering breath-taking performance, the Senna stands as a high point in the modern McLaren Automotive story. This virtually “as-new” example would make for a stunning addition to any hypercar ensemble.