Two icons of motorsport. Two landmark supercars. One unmissable auction at Villa d’Este.
London, England – April 22, 2025: Broad Arrow, a Hagerty company (NYSE: HGTY), is set to ignite collector interest with the auction of two extraordinary McLaren MP4-12C supercars, once owned by none other than Formula One World Champions Sir Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. These headline-grabbing lots will go under the hammer at Broad Arrow’s inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction, taking place on 24–25 May 2025 on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.
The McLaren MP4-12C is widely acknowledged as the car that launched the modern era of McLaren Automotive. After the seismic impact of the McLaren F1 in the 1990s, the MP4-12C marked McLaren’s triumphant return to the world of series production supercars. It was a bold, high-tech statement of intent, a vehicle engineered not just to compete with the Italian greats, but to outperform them.
Key to its success was the insight and input of McLaren’s Formula One drivers at the time—Sir Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Both men were deeply involved in the development of the MP4-12C, lending their unparalleled driving expertise to fine-tune its driving dynamics. From the steering feel to the paddle-shifter acoustics, their feedback shaped the final product that would go on to define a decade of McLaren road cars.
A Gift from McLaren Royalty
In recognition of their contributions on and off the track, McLaren’s then-boss Ron Dennis presented both champions with their own MP4-12C models. These two cars—bearing the hallmarks of personalisation by their famous owners—are now being offered to the public for the very first time.
“This is a truly remarkable offering,” said Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for Broad Arrow’s EMEA Region. “We are incredibly proud to present two supercars that represent both the engineering renaissance of McLaren and the personal connection to two of Formula One’s greatest drivers.”
Sir Lewis Hamilton’s MP4-12C: A Personal Masterpiece
Registered to Hamilton on 1 March 2012, this Volcano Red MP4-12C was originally delivered to Switzerland before being rerouted to Monaco—Hamilton’s place of residence at the time. The car, configured by Hamilton himself at McLaren’s Woking HQ, features a number of bespoke upgrades, including carbon fibre aero components, the Stealth Pack, and Satin Dark Grey wheels. The Harissa Red leather and Black Alcantara interior echo the aggressive sophistication of the exterior, while a factory-installed swipe-to-open door system adds a futuristic touch unique to early production models.
Hamilton frequently drove the car around Monaco and famously took it to Cannes during a music video shoot with producer Swizz Beatz. With just 8,500km on the clock and impeccable provenance, this is more than just a supercar—it’s a slice of modern F1 history.
Estimate: €175,000 – €225,000
Jenson Button’s MP4-12C: Elegance and Exclusivity
Jenson Button’s personal MP4-12C is no less special. Finished in elegant Elite Pearl White with a contrasting Harissa Red and Black leather interior, Button’s second MP4-12C (after returning his first for further factory development work) was specified in consultation with McLaren Monaco. Inside, it features carbon fibre detailing and a specially trimmed steering wheel, speaking to Button’s taste for understated performance.
With just 12,000km on the odometer and a documented service history within the McLaren dealer network, this example has spent the past decade in a discerning UK collection. Now, it emerges from private custody, offered without reserve—an irresistible opportunity for collectors and fans alike.
Estimate: €125,000 – €150,000 | Offered Without Reserve
The MP4-12C: A Supercar Benchmark
Penned by legendary designer Frank Stephenson, the MP4-12C was a technological tour de force. Its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produced 592 horsepower, channeled through a dual-clutch gearbox and a carbon-fibre composite chassis—technologies derived directly from McLaren’s motorsport DNA. Lightweight, agile, and blisteringly quick, it represented a clean-sheet design intended to topple the best from Ferrari and Lamborghini.
What elevates these two particular MP4-12C examples, however, is their direct lineage to two of the most celebrated drivers of the modern Formula One era. Few road cars come with such authentic links to motorsport royalty.
The Ultimate Collectible
For collectors, enthusiasts, and F1 fans, the chance to acquire a car personally specced, driven, and owned by Sir Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button is virtually unheard of. It is this blend of provenance, rarity, and mechanical excellence that makes this offering from Broad Arrow so extraordinary.
“These cars aren’t just special because they wear the McLaren badge,” adds Twyman. “They are personal artefacts of two world champions, imbued with the legacy of their careers and the history of one of the world’s most storied automotive brands.”
When and Where
The McLarens will headline the Broad Arrow Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction, held in conjunction with the world-renowned concours event on May 24–25, 2025. With collector interest already heating up, these two icons are poised to race toward a new chapter in their already legendary journeys.
