McLaren’s Artistic Speedtail: Meet the ‘Albert’
McLaren’s Special Operations team has just rolled out a one‑of‑a‑kind Speedtail that’s going to make car‑enthusiasts stop in their tracks. The new model, dubbed the Albert, clocks in as one of the last 106 to hit the production line. Like a crowning jewel, it pays tribute to the very first Speedtail test vehicle from 2018.
Why the name ‘Albert’?
The nickname isn’t random. Back in 1992 the legendary McLaren F1 test mules were christened after the Albert Drive premises in Woking, where the F1 was born. And you can’t forget that the original MVY02 Speedtail prototype was also christened “Albert.” It’s a nod to the three‑seat predecessor and a nod to the car’s entire cherished lineage.
From Test Lab to the Streets
- Built initially with front panels from a 720S, the prototype was the first Speedtail to hit public roads.
- The interior showcased a central seat position, a breakthrough to test ergonomics and visibility.
- Its rear‑view camera angles were fine‑tuned to exacting standards.
Painting: An Artistic Marathon
The new “Albert” carries forward the theme of camouflage that first dazzled with a two‑metre vinyl wrap flaunting airflow lines. This time, the paint job is even more ambitious:
- Colors: Magnesium Silver – the debut tone of the F1’s Monaco GP unveiling in 1992 – paired with Ueno Grey, the shade of the F1 GTR that conquered Le Mans in 1995.
- Duration: Six weeks of meticulous painting.
- Technique: Two specialist technicians applied a delicate masking process on the fully assembled car (wheels included) to keep every line crisp and aligned.
- Detail: Nearly 2 km of fine line‑out tape was used to lay out the intricate livery.
Why It Matters
Every curve, every shade on the “Albert” is intentional, bringing a rich heritage to life while pushing technological boundaries. The final paintwork is arguably the most complex masterpiece ever tackled by McLaren Special Operations.
So next time you spot a Speedtail gliding by, keep an eye out for the bold, metallic brilliance of the “Albert” – a living tribute to the past and a progressive statement for the future.
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Wrap‑Up: From Dip to Gleam
Step 1 – First Coat
We rolled out the inaugural paint layer—no fancy tricks, just a solid first touch.
Step 2 – Panel Pampering & Realignment
Every body panel got a treatment and a refit to make sure the whole car sits together like a well‑timed dance crew. Think of it as a panel spa day—trim, tighten, and align.
Step 3 – The Final Clearcoat
Only after the panels were spot‑on did we apply the final clearcoat— the shiny finale that turns heads.
<img alt="" data-caption="The body panels of the car were masked and then disassembled for treatment before being refitted again to ensure perfect alignment of the paintwork.
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Spot the Sleek New ‘Albert’ Speedtail at Sunset GT
Imagine cruising through the sunny streets of Los Angeles, all set up around a buzzing luxury cars & coffee fest—yeah, you guessed it, Sunset GT. That’s where the Albert Speedtail will finally trade its hush‑hush walls for the spotlight.
Where & When?
The event takes place under the shimmering lights of Sunset Plaza, a slick venue in Los Angeles, and is hosted by O’Gara Beverly Hills. If you’ve ever dreamed of feeding your fuel‑hungry side eye to a car that looks like it sketched itself on a postcard, now’s the time.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a Speedtail. No, it’s not a tailwind or a pastry—think high‑performance meets sleek design.
- First‑of‑its‑kind. This model might be the next big thing in street‑car lore.
- VIP vibes. O’Gara’s always brings the luxury factor, so pictures won’t be the only thing you’ll take home.
Catch the Buzz!
Ready to see a car that’s as shiny as a fresh mint? Keep your eyes on the Sunset GT for the first public reveal of the Albert Speedtail. And hey, while you’re at it, grab a brew and sip on that exhilarating feeling.
Original source: sgCarMart
