If you are a fan of McLaren and other high-dollar supercars, hypercars, and rare vehicles, you will have heard of the Sotheby’s auction before. One of the only places to find the world’s rarest race cars for sale, Sotheby’s has been auctioning vehicles since 1976. With offices across the United States and several European countries, Sotheby’s has a wide range of customers and buyers for its auction services. For example, a recent auction in Paris, France, saw one of the rarest McLaren hypercars for sale, the Senna LM.

What is a McLaren Senna LM?

The standard McLaren Senna began production in 2018 for the 2019 model year. It derives its name from the late Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna who is said to be one of the best racing drivers in history. The main focus of the Senna is to achieve faster lap times, so it shines in its handling and downforce capabilities. Primarily based on the McLaren 720S, the Senna uses a modified version of the carbon monocoque and engine. A mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 789 horsepower powers the Senna around the track. However, unlike the McLaren P1, the Senna does not use an electric motor and instead favors its lightweight design.

A McLaren Senna LM takes everything you love about the standard Senna and gives you more. Design by McLaren Special Operations or MSO, and in conjunction with Lanzante Motorsport, the two specialty departments made 40 LM models. The Senna LM uses the same bodywork as the standard car but adds some Senna GTR components. The LM also features OZ center-lock wheels, satin-gold tipped quad exhaust, fender louvers, and the removal of the clear panel in the doors from the standard Senna. Power also jumps from 789 to 814 horsepower. 

How much is a McLaren LM Senna?

Being a limited edition version of the already rare McLaren Senna, the LM demands a high price tag. Only 500 standard McLaren Sennas were produced, and although the LM is set to have 40 units made, only 20 were ever produced. The recent example at Sotheby’s auction is one of only seven finished in Papaya Orange. A signature color of McLaren, Papaya Orange is a nod to the McLaren F1 LM, a predecessor of the Senna LM. McLaren prices the LM around $1 million, but with limited production and collectors around, this most recent example sold for €1,602,500 or $1,748,760. Not only is the example a sought-after color, but it has just 43 kilometers or 26 miles at the time of sale. 

Is the Mclaren Senna LM road legal?

Surprisingly, the Senna LM is road legal. However, a more hardcore version, the Senna GTR LM, is a track-only designation. The Senna LM provides a middle ground between the standard Senna and the track-only model. While the Senna was meant for the track, the LM and GTR LM will stay in the hands of collectors for a while. Using Lanzante Limited to add all of the road legal features allows these incredible machines to drive to events or shows. 

Would you buy a McLaren Senna LM?

In a dream car garage, would the Senna LM serve a purpose? Considering the ultimate version of the Senna is the GTR LM, would you hold out for the best version possible? Unfortunately, there has already been one conversion of the Senna GTR LM to be road-legal, so the true allure of the Senna LM is somewhat lost, aside from its cheaper price tag.