The McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante Is Real—and It’s Absolutely Stunning
Roofless Masterpiece - There’s something undeniably magical about open-top driving. The way the wind rushes past, the engine's roar reverberates under the sky, and the road becomes a stage for raw, unfiltered speed. It’s an experience that goes beyond performance metrics and spec sheets—one that’s more visceral, more alive. That might explain why certain cars just feel destined to shed their roofs, even if they weren’t originally designed that way. Enter the McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante—a rare, unexpected twist on a modern hypercar icon that took the spotlight in the most unforgettable way at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante—a rare, unexpected twist on a modern hypercar icon that took the spotlight in the most unforgettable way at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
While the original McLaren P1was never offered in a Spider configuration, Lanzante’s vision has reimagined it in a form so convincing, it feels like it always should’ve existed. Prior to its unveiling at Goodwood, the British firm teased a few early sketches. Yet, even the most detailed renderings couldn’t quite capture what it’s like to witness the real thing in the flesh. Sleek, aggressive, and elegant in equal measure, the P1 Spider commands attention with a presence that doesn’t scream—it simply owns the road.
A sketch of the McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante reveals a sleek, aggressive, and elegant design that quietly commands the road with confidence. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
The idea wasn’t born from a boardroom, but from the passion of a single McLaren P1 owner who approached Lanzante with a bold request: turnthe hardtop P1 into an open-air masterpiece. Rather than producing this as a one-off, Lanzante chose to create just five examples ofthe Spider, each a bespoke piece of automotive art. One of them wears the legendary Gulf livery—a nod to racing history that feels right at home on such a futuristic machine.
The McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante demanded intricate engineering revisions, as removing the roof and its central scoop required a complete redesign of airflow dynamics, including a reshaped decklid to keep the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 cool without compromising its striking silhouette. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Transforming a hypercar likethe P1 into a Spiderwasn’t as easy as slicing off the roof. Lanzante faced complex engineering challenges, particularly since the original design relies on the central roof scoop to cool its potent 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8. With that gone, the team had to completely rethink the airflow dynamics, reshaping the decklid to maintain engine temperatures without disturbing the car’s stunning silhouette.
The McLaren
P1 Spider by Lanzante required a complete structural overhaul,
including a reworked carbon fiber monocell and reinforced A-pillars for
stability. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Structural integrity also needed a serious rethink. The carbon fiber monocell had to be reworked to handle the lack of a roof, and the base of the A-pillars was reinforced to keep everything solid at speed. The doors—famous for their dramatic dihedral opening—were also redesigned, as their original mechanics depended on the roof’s presence. Every element had to blend function with form, maintaining the P1’s unmistakable lines while accommodating the open-air design. | MXUfFKnPB2U |
Inside, Lanzante continued the transformation with a mix of purpose and luxury. The cabin now features weather-resistant superfabric upholstery that’s both stylish and durable. Matte and gloss black carbon fiber accents give the cockpit a modern, high-tech feel without overpowering the design. It’s clear that no detail was overlooked, and every change feels intentional rather than ornamental.
Lanzante chose to build only five bespoke P1 Spiders, including one finished in the iconic Gulf livery—a tribute to racing heritage on a futuristic canvas. (Picture from: F1rstMotors)
Though there’s no official word yet on when—or if—these rare Spider variantswill be made available to potential buyers, what’s certain is that Lanzante has achieved something truly remarkable. They’ve taken a modern hypercar that already pushed the envelope and elevated it with a fresh perspective, all while honoring its core identity. The P1 Spideris more than a rework; it’s a reimagination done with precision, taste, and deep respect for the car’s legacy.
The McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante, finished in the iconic Gulf livery, features an interior color scheme that perfectly complements its exterior. (Picture from: F1rstMotors)
Lanzante’s limited-run creation is a masterclass in how vision and craftsmanship can breathe new life into something already considered a modern classic. It may have taken one owner's dream to set things in motion, but the result is a car that speaks to anyone who understands what makes driving so exhilarating in the first place. And with the sky above and the twin-turbo V8 behind, the McLaren P1 Spiderdoesn’t just look better in the flesh—it feels more alive than ever.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLACKXPERIENCE | ID.MOTOR1 | F1RSTMOTORS | CARSCOOPS | MOTORAUTORITY ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
The McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante Is Real—and It’s Absolutely Stunning
While the original McLaren P1 was never offered in a Spider configuration, Lanzante’s vision has reimagined it in a form so convincing, it feels like it always should’ve existed. Prior to its unveiling at Goodwood, the British firm teased a few early sketches. Yet, even the most detailed renderings couldn’t quite capture what it’s like to witness the real thing in the flesh. Sleek, aggressive, and elegant in equal measure, the P1 Spider commands attention with a presence that doesn’t scream—it simply owns the road.
The idea wasn’t born from a boardroom, but from the passion of a single McLaren P1 owner who approached Lanzante with a bold request: turn the hardtop P1 into an open-air masterpiece. Rather than producing this as a one-off, Lanzante chose to create just five examples of the Spider, each a bespoke piece of automotive art. One of them wears the legendary Gulf livery—a nod to racing history that feels right at home on such a futuristic machine.
Lanzante’s limited-run creation is a masterclass in how vision and craftsmanship can breathe new life into something already considered a modern classic. It may have taken one owner's dream to set things in motion, but the result is a car that speaks to anyone who understands what makes driving so exhilarating in the first place. And with the sky above and the twin-turbo V8 behind, the McLaren P1 Spider doesn’t just look better in the flesh—it feels more alive than ever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLACKXPERIENCE | ID.MOTOR1 | F1RSTMOTORS | CARSCOOPS | MOTORAUTORITY ]
