The McLaren MSO HS
With only 25 production examples, and two prototypes being built, the McLaren MSO HS is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after cars to leave the Woking factory in two decades; a truly investment grade car with most serious McLaren collectors owning one.
Its existence initially being denied by the factory, the MSO HS, quickly achieved collectable status, with each car being delivered to a highly bespoke specification, a pre-requisite of being personally selected by McLaren Special Operations to buy one.
The HS designation, which stands for High Sport, denotes the ultimate incarnation of a particular McLaren model. The only other HS car to come out of Woking thus far was the similarly exclusive McLaren MP4-12C HS in 2012, with 10 examples having been built.
The aero-focused model produced 220kg of downforce at 150mph and was the final incarnation of McLaren Automotive’s debut P11 platform, with McLaren’s engineering team using all their know how and learnings from the McLaren P1 and P1 GTR projects to extract the last remaining performance from the platform.
The M838TL twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the 675LT was blueprinted and its heads hand ported and polished to produce 679bhp and 516lb ft, making it the most powerful variant of the award-winning P11 platform cars. Engine restrictions were also lifted to deliver full torque in all modes all of the time, resulting in a thrilling driving experince – both on road and track.
Nicknamed the 688 HS – its metric horsepower output – the correctly named MSO HS is based on the McLaren 675LT platform, featuring significant aerodynamic upgrades. Most notable was the imposing P1 GTR inspired high-level rear wing, which also functions as an airbrake. To ensure adequate aerodynamic balance, the front end of the MSO HS was reworked to incorporate dive planes and louvred front wings to balance the considerable increase in downforce. Whilst far higher than the underlying 675LT downforce, the HS does not generate excessive levels, resulting in a sublime balance of high speed road holding and ride comfort.
As standard the MSO HS incorporated the MSO Roof Scoop – a functional roof-mounted induction air inlet only made available to the most important of MSO clients. The roof scoop transformed the aural drama of the car, giving it P1 like qualities.
We believe that the MSO HS is one of the greatest road cars ever built. A future icon and the ultimate incarnation of the Ron Dennis McLaren era.
This motorcar
LaSource is delighted to offer for sale, by private treaty, one of the highest specification of all the MSO HS built.
The motorcar is available to be viewed by appointment in the Middle East and is not the one pictured.
The McLaren MSO HS is a P1-inspired Long Tail
TopGear Mazazine