MSO's new 'Elba' livery is dedicated to the first orange McLaren
The Elva, the latest addition to McLaren's Ultimate Series, is a high-performance speedster of which only 399 will be built. [Prices start at US$1.69 million, putting it between the US$1 million Senna and the US$2.25 million Speedtail.
One option is a custom paint job. On Wednesday, McLaren's personalization division, MSO, demonstrated the potential of this option by unveiling an Elva car in a livery honoring the M6A race car that competed in the 1967 Can-Am season. This Chevrolet-powered car was the first car painted in the papaya orange color that is now a McLaren trademark and has led to numerous McLaren victories.
The name Elva itself also derives from the French elle va ("she goes" in English) and is associated with Can-Am racing cars of the 1960s; in 1964, McLaren engaged British sports car manufacturer Elva to build the Elva M1A racing car. McLaren contracted to produce and sell them under the McLaren-Elva brand. There were three versions in total: the M1A (Mk1), M1B (Mk2) and M1C (Mk3).
The modern Elva car was entirely developed by McLaren. It uses McLaren's carbon fiber monocoque and is powered by an 804 hp version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine found in the 720S and Senna. Acceleration to 0-60 mph takes less than 3.0 seconds and 0-124 mph takes 6.7 seconds. Top speed is not mentioned.
Deliveries of the Elva will begin in late 2020. Other options offered to buyers include custom trim elements and a McLaren F1-style engine compartment heat shield in 24-karat gold.