McLaren Special Operations Unveils 'Albert' Speedtail

June 16, 2024

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has unveiled the 'Albert' Speedtail, a bespoke commission by McLaren Beverly Hills. This vehicle is a tribute to the first Speedtail attribute testing vehicle from 2018 and one of the final models in the 106-car Speedtail production run.

A Nod to Heritage

The name 'Albert' pays homage to the 1992 McLaren F1 test mules, which were named after the Albert Drive premises in Woking, England, where the F1 was designed and built. The original MVY02 Speedtail prototype was also christened 'Albert,' celebrating the lineage and legacy of the three-seat predecessor.

Engineering Marvel

The 'Albert' prototype was pivotal in validating the Speedtail’s unique central seat driving position, driver ergonomics, visibility, and rear-view camera positions. Initially equipped with front panels from a 720S, it was the first Speedtail to hit public roads. The prototype’s exterior featured a simple two-metre vinyl body wrap with design lines to represent optimised airflow, a legacy continued by the new 'Albert' Speedtail.

Complex Paintwork

The 'Albert' Speedtail boasts one of MSO's most intricate paint themes. It features Magnesium Silver, the color of the 1992 F1 road car shown at the Monaco Grand Prix, and Ueno Grey, the color of the F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. The design mirrors the 2018 vinyl 'camouflage' wrap.

The paintwork required a 12-week post-build modification, including two weeks of masking, six weeks of painting, and additional time for drying and reassembly. The process involved two specialist paint technicians using nearly two kilometers of fine line-out tape to ensure precise alignment across the vehicle.

An Iconic Debut

The 'Albert' Speedtail will make its public debut at Sunset GT, a luxury cars and coffee event hosted by O’Gara Beverly Hills, on August 8, 2021, in Sunset Plaza, Los Angeles. The Speedtail, inspired by the aerodynamic efficiency of a teardrop, is a three-seat Hyper-GT and the third car in McLaren's Ultimate Series. With a 1,070-horsepower hybrid powertrain, it reaches a top speed of 250 mph, making it the fastest McLaren road car to date.

Celebrating Innovation

The 'Albert' Speedtail is not just a car; it’s a celebration of McLaren’s rich heritage and innovative spirit. “We wanted to showcase the unique performance attributes of the all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse to our valued media partners,” said Abdelrahman Alzarooni, Brand Marketing Specialist – Icons. “Albert brings this project to a conclusion, and we are thrilled to finish on a high note,” added Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations.

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