In the midst of Hurricane Ian’s destructive path along the east coast,
a striking image emerged showcasing a yellow 2015
McLaren P1 partially submerged in floodwaters, quickly gaining widespread attention across the internet. Despite optimistic hopes for its retrieval, the unfortunate truth has come to
light: the car was deemed irreparable and has recently been auctioned off on
Copart for a nominal price.
This particular McLaren captured public attention back in late September when a photograph depicting it half-submerged in water, nearly reaching its windows, surfaced on the owner’s Instagram account,
@lambo9286. Given the intricate electronic and mechanical components of this hybrid
hypercar, its fate seemed grim from the beginning. A subsequent
video highlighting its recovery efforts in October showcased more than just water damage, with a shattered windshield suggesting significant impact from above. Interestingly, the damage observed aligns with that of a yellow McLaren P1 recently listed on
Copart in Punta Gorda,
Florida.
The auction listing for the P1 omitted a mileage estimate,
likely due to the inaccessibility caused by the vehicle’s (potentially bricked) electrical systems. Its status was identified as “flood reconditioned,” indicating that it underwent specialized procedures to extract water and minimize the development of mold, fungi, and odors. While its interior doesn’t exhibit the same level of grime as a recent moldy
VW Beetle restoration we witnessed, the extensive attention it received proved insufficient in saving it from being declared a total loss.
The vehicle’s title now bears the designation “certificate of destruction,” signaling the McLaren’s near-impossible path to restoration. (A similar fate befell the damaged Bugatti Chiron sold by Copart in October.) Presumably, this P1 was procured with dismantling in mind, although salvaging viable components will pose a significant challenge. This could explain why bidding remained relatively subdued until the auction’s conclusion.
2015 McLaren P1 damaged in Hurricane Ian. Copart
Although the final bid amount isn’t disclosed in the listing, it was last recorded at $327,000 before the auction status changed to “ended” on a recent Friday. In an undamaged state, Copart estimates its value could have reached $2.3 million. There remains a glimmer of hope that a buyer might intend to repurpose it for track use, but such prospects should be viewed with caution. It’s not uncommon for individuals to pay exorbitant sums just to acquire a screw from a McLaren, disregarding even a waterlogged headrest.
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