Why Did The Green Carbon McLaren P1 Sell For Just $1.85 Million?

At Mecum Auctions’ sale during Monterey Car Week, a rather staggering green carbon fiber McLaren P1 was sold for $1.85 million, a figure which has left us scratching our heads.

For starters, a pristine example of the P1’s closest rival, the Ferrari LaFerrari, sold for an extraordinary $4.7 million. Given the heritage, desirability and collectability of limited-run Ferrari models, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that LaFerraris are now worth significant more than P1s. But almost $3 million more?

Mecum itself estimated the green carbon P1 would sell for between $2.5 million and $3 million. Beyond being one of fewer than five P1s which were sent back to the factory to have tinted carbon fiber body panels installed, this P1 also happened to be chassis number 002, making it the earliest example ever offered for sale to the public and in theory, making it that little more desirable.

When the P1 first landed in the United States in 2014, prices started at approximately $1.15 million. However, the vast majority of P1 owners spent upwards of $1.5 million on their cars because of all the customization options offered by McLaren Special Operations. Add to that the cost of having the green carbon fiber panels fitted and it’s not hard to imagine the owner having spent over $1.85 million making this P1 like it is.

So why didn’t it sell for more? The green carbon is certainly divisive and could have turned away some potential buyers. That’s despite the original green painted panels also being offered with the sale. The green wheels and interior also divide opinion to say the least.

Do you have an idea why the car didn’t sell for more? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!