F1 Legends Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button’s McLaren MP4-12C Supercars Head to Auction at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
April 23rd, 2025 – At the intersection of motorsport legacy and automotive design, two ultra-rare McLaren MP4-12C supercars with extraordinary provenance will be offered at the inaugural Broad Arrow Auction at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, taking place May 24–25, 2025. Previously owned by Sir Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, these meticulously maintained cars represent not only a milestone in McLaren Automotive’s modern resurgence, but also an irreplaceable piece of Formula One history.
Broad Arrow, a Hagerty company, brings to auction what is arguably the most historically significant pair of MP4-12Cs ever built—each specified by and delivered to one of McLaren’s World Champion drivers, both of whom contributed directly to the model’s development during its critical production phase.
The MP4-12C: The Blueprint of McLaren’s Modern Era
First revealed in 2010, the MP4-12C signified McLaren’s long-anticipated return to the high-performance road car market after the legendary McLaren F1 of the 1990s. Designed by Frank Stephenson and developed with input from its F1 drivers, the car quickly earned a place among the elite, competing head-to-head with Ferrari and Lamborghini while offering lower production volume and superior technological refinement.
Powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 592 hp, the MP4-12C was a study in precision engineering—featuring advanced aerodynamics, carbon fibre construction, and driver-centric enhancements rarely seen in series production at the time.
Sir Lewis Hamilton’s MP4-12C: Monaco’s F1 Masterpiece
Chassis number SBM11AAB4CW000132 is a left-hand-drive MP4-12C delivered to Sir Lewis Hamilton on March 1, 2012. Originally registered in Switzerland, the car was re-routed to Monaco after Hamilton’s relocation, where it remained part of his personal collection and saw frequent use—including a high-profile cameo in a Cannes music video alongside Swizz Beatz.
Hamilton’s personal involvement in the car’s configuration makes this example especially notable. Finished in Volcano Red with a Harissa Red and Black Alcantara interior, the car features carbon fibre detailing throughout (including the front spoiler, mirror casings, and rear diffuser), a factory Stealth Pack, and dark grey satin wheels. Early production cues such as the swipe door system, which was later discontinued, enhance its desirability among collectors. With just 8,500 km, this MP4-12C presents an unmissable opportunity to acquire a supercar once driven—and personally curated—by a seven-time Formula One World Champion.
Jenson Button’s MP4-12C: Bespoke British Elegance
Chassis number SBM11AAB4CW000764 was delivered to 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button, following the return of his first unit to McLaren for continued development. Button worked closely with McLaren Monaco to personalize the vehicle, resulting in a uniquely specced MP4-12C finished in Elite Pearl White over a Harissa Red and Black leather interior. The cabin features carbon fibre trim and a custom steering wheel—details that reflect Button’s preference for understated sophistication.
This right-hand-drive model was sold into a private UK collection in 2012 and has remained with the same owner ever since, clocking just under 12,000 km and receiving regular service through the official McLaren dealer network. It is offered without reserve, providing collectors an exceptional chance to acquire a McLaren with championship DNA at an accessible estimate of €125,000–€150,000.
A Rare Intersection of Motorsport Pedigree and Collectible Engineering
While the McLaren MP4-12C helped usher in a new era for McLaren Automotive, these two examples go a step further. They are directly tied to the legacy of two of the most accomplished drivers in Formula One, each of whom influenced the development of the car they later owned and drove.
“These two McLaren MP4-12C models have a very special place in motoring history. Created to the specification of each of these F1 World Champions, these two cars feature incredible provenance that spans both the motoring and motorsport worlds.”
Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for Broad Arrow’s EMEA Region
For collectors, this is a rare chance to own machinery that carries both technical and symbolic weight—a masterclass in engineering signed, sealed, and driven by the champions who helped build it.