This collector saved a fortune on his McLaren 765LT, but not in the way you might think.
When you buy a supercar, it’s not just about performance or showing off. It’s also about customization. And sometimes, knowing where to spend (or not spend) your money can make all the difference. That’s exactly what a car enthusiast based in Hanoi, Vietnam did—he managed to save billions of dongs on his McLaren 765LT by making smart choices on options.
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A McLaren 765LT at a reduced price?
The McLaren 765LT purchased by this collector isn’t like any other model. Painted in Paris Blue—a shade developed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the brand’s high-end customization department—it’s the only one of its color in the country. A rarity that has caught the attention of enthusiasts and stands in stark contrast to the majority of 765LTs, which are often delivered in orange, McLaren’s historic color.
But the story doesn’t end there. Before coming into the hands of its current owner, the supercar went through several twists. It was first seized by a bank in October 2023 due to unpaid debt. At that time, it belonged to someone else and was used as collateral for a loan. It wasn’t until the end of 2024 that it resurfaced, sporting a new registration in Hanoi.
The current owner reportedly spent about 25 billion dongs (nearly $980,000) to acquire it. An impressive sum, although it’s not uncommon to see prices in this range when the cars are configured by MSO.
Strategic choices on options
Where this collector played it smart was in not opting for certain options that McLaren charges a king’s ransom for, choosing instead to make some modifications after the purchase. Take, for example, the carbon pack—a flagship option at McLaren. Many exterior elements of the 765LT, such as the air intakes, the front splitter, or the diffuser, are available in carbon fiber directly from the factory… but at an exorbitant price. The complete option is listed at 1.4 billion dongs (about $60,000). Rather than pay this astronomical sum, the owner chose to add these parts later through a service provider, at a significantly lower cost, estimated at 100 million dongs (around $4,000). The story doesn’t say, however, whether this “cheap” carbon is as good as what McLaren produces, given that they have decades of Formula 1 experience.
A brand new exhaust system
Another area where he saved money was the exhaust. The standard model of the 765LT is already high-performing, but the previous owner had invested 250 million dongs to replace the original exhaust with a heat-resistant version signed by Novitec. This was paired with a carbon hood to accentuate the aggressive look. Thanks to this modification, the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 of the 765LT produces an even raspier, punchier sound. After all, McLaren is known for producing beautiful sounds from its twin-turbo V8, whereas its Italian rival produces engines that are more “understated.”
An interior blending sportiness with limited comfort
Inside, the McLaren 765LT features a sober and aggressive finish. Black Alcantara is used as the primary material, with touches of orange to highlight the lines and a matte carbon finish on the center console and dashboard. The overall look is decidedly sporty, yet minimalist. The carbon fiber Racing seats, designed to maximize support during fast driving, are a key feature of the cockpit. They are the same as those in the McLaren Senna, but they have one major drawback: they are not electrically adjustable, which can make long trips particularly tiring. A limitation that reminds you this supercar is designed primarily for track performance, not everyday comfort.
With its 755 horsepower and 799 Nm of torque, the McLaren 765LT makes no compromises on power. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, it rivals some of the most extreme hypercars on the market. Its top speed reaches 205 mph—enough to satisfy thrill-seekers.
This article explores how a collector from Hanoi managed to optimize his budget to customize his McLaren 765LT while saving several billion dongs. By avoiding some overly expensive factory options and favoring post-purchase modifications, he succeeded in obtaining a unique supercar without blowing his budget. An intelligent approach that could inspire other enthusiasts around the world.
Images: © McLaren / © FBVN
