One to Buy: ex-Lewis Hamilton 2012 McLaren MP4 12C
Of the little over 3000 cars built as part of the MP4 12C line, perhaps none can boast a more sought after name to have in the log book than chassis ‘000132’.
Delivered to seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton during his sixth and final season with McLaren (a partnership that yielded 21 Grand Prix victories and the 2008 Drivers’ title), chassis ‘000132’ will be going under the hammer at Broad Arrow Auctions’ Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este auction on May 25th.
Hamilton configured his MP4 12C with Volcano Red paint, exposed carbonfibre for the front spoiler, diffuser and exterior mirror casings, the Stealth Pack with gunmetal exhaust tips and optional five-spoke wheels in Satin Dark Grey. Inside, Hamilton opted for Harissa Red leather and Black Alcantara upholstery, electric heated seats and a mix of exposed carbonfibre and aluminium trim.
Soon after delivery to Monte Carlo (where it was registered on March 1st 2012), Hamilton had the car fitted with tinted privacy glass. ‘000132’ was sold later that year to the current vendor who has retained it ever since. The car is currently showing a little under 9000km and has been maintained exclusively by McLaren Monaco since 2012.
Reprinted below is Broad Arrow Auctions’ description:
Chassis No. SBM11AAB4CW000132
Personally configured by, delivered to, and registered to seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton
Finished in striking Volcano Red with comprehensive carbon fiber elements, Stealth Package, and five-spoke Satin Dark Grey wheels
Harissa Red and Black Alcantara upholstery with contrasting satin aluminum trim
Offered with over 8,938 kilometers recorded at cataloging and just two owners from new
An investment-grade example of the pivotal supercar that re-established McLaren as an automotive brand
Offered publicly for the first time ever alongside the ex-Jenson Button MP4-12C from the same launch period
A first-generation MP4-12C in its purest form, including the “door swipe” mechanism and “pre-cog” gearbo only featured in the first model year of production
The McLaren MP4-12C established itself as the worthy follow-up to the iconic F1, inaugurating McLaren Automotive's modern production era as the "first in a range of high-performance sports cars from the home of the world's most successful racing car company." The timeless design, penned by Pininfarina-contracted designers and finalized by Frank Stephenson, has matured gracefully with proportions that remain contemporary more than a decade after its introduction.
Underneath its aerodynamic body, the MP4-12C established the engineering blueprint that would define McLaren Automotive's production cars for the next decade, with every subsequent model maintaining its core principles: a carbon-fiber MonoCell chassis, mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V8, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and rear-wheel drive architecture. Its revolutionary ProActive Chassis Control suspension system, responsive powertrain delivering zero-to-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, and sophisticated aerodynamics enabling stable 330 km/h performance demonstrated McLaren's unparalleled ability to transfer Formula 1 technology to road cars—an engineering philosophy that continues to distinguish McLaren Automotive today.
The McLaren MP4-12C was a special supercar in its own right as the first of the new generation of McLaren road cars, and among the most special of them all must be this example having been personally specified by, delivered to, registered to, and driven by seven-time Formula One World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis and his then-teammate Jenson Button had both been lightly involved in the MP4-12C's development, but more heavily involved in the promotion and launch of the new car and the McLaren Automotive brand.
As part of the launch of the online configurator, Lewis and Jenson's configuration sessions were captured and heavily promoted—even being recreated as Scalextric models. This car not only bears Lewis' personal touch but is also a part of the McLaren Automotive legacy and could be considered a true heritage car.
Hamilton's exacting taste is evident throughout this configuration, from the selection of Volcano Red exterior—a paint formulation developed to complement the Volcano Orange launch color with its distinctive molten lava effect—to the comprehensive carbon fiber exterior package encompassing the front spoiler, diffuser, and mirror casings. The Stealth Package and optional five-spoke wheels in Satin Dark Grey further complemented its specification, while the post-factory tinted windows were specifically commissioned by Hamilton.
The interior presents a harmonious balance of performance and luxury with its Harissa Red and Black Alcantara upholstery. Carbon fiber elements adorn nearly every surface from the door sill and wheel arch panels to the seatbacks of the electric and heated sports seats—only the interior trim and steering wheel were left unspecified. Instead, the cabin trim features satin aluminum accents that provide a pleasant contrast. It should also be noted that the MP4-12C steering wheel was modelled on Hamilton's Formula 1 wheel, taking into account the thickness of his gloves.
Initially intended for delivery to Switzerland, Hamilton's residence at the time, it instead followed the Formula One champion to Monaco where it received its first registration on 1 March 2012. Images can be found online of Hamilton cruising through the streets of Monaco in his new McLaren, and in Cannes, France, later that same year where it featured in a music video of recording artist Swizz Beatz.
The car then passed to its second owner residing in Côte d'Azur, France, who would drive the important McLaren sparingly and commission consistent maintenance by McLaren Monaco since 2012.
Now offered with over 8,938 kilometers recorded at the time of cataloging, this MP4-12C is offered uniquely and publicly for the first time ever alongside the MP4-12C of Hamilton's World Champion teammate Jenson Button. It represents a singular opportunity to acquire a well-maintained supercar with a direct lineage to Formula One's winningest champion.
