Custom Fernando Alonso's McLaren Elva to Ignite Bonhams Abu Dhabi Auction with $3 Million Estimate
by AutoExpert | 27 November, 2023
As the world of motorsports continues to revere the legends, Fernando Alonso's 2022 McLaren Elva finds a new stage at the Bonhams Abu Dhabi auction on November 25, just before F1's season finale.
With an anticipated price tag surpassing $3 million, this roofless hypercar, tailored for a champion, is bound to stir the hearts of enthusiasts.
Alonso, renowned for his formidable presence on the track, had this Elva custom-crafted to his specifications last year. While it's rumored he may have taken it for a joyride, the real joy is in its association with one of motorsport's most accomplished figures.
Questioning Alonso's seasoned career? Hardly hyperbolic. From his back-to-back F1 championships to a string of endurance racing victories, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and an LMP1 World Championship title, his name is synonymous with racing royalty.
The McLaren Elva—a masterpiece from McLaren Special Operations—echoes Alonso's drive for excellence. Limited to just 149 units, it promises an unbridled driving experience, boasting a 208 mph top speed without the confines of a roof or windows, though models headed to the U.S. adapted to include a windscreen.
Propelled by a ferocious twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, the Elva surges with 804 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in a breathtaking 2.7 seconds. And yes, it's as thrilling to drive as it sounds—just ask F1's Lando Norris, who took it for a spin around Silverstone.
Not only built for speed, the Elva's sophisticated aerodynamics create a virtual canopy over its passengers, redirecting airflow for an enhanced driving sensation—innovations that have since been modified for the U.S. market.
Originally priced at $1.65 million and listed as the 114th of 149 produced, this particular Elva sports a striking silver and orange livery. It's more than a car; it's a piece of automotive art that's poised to capture the gaze and hearts of car aficionados worldwide at the upcoming auction.