They Bought a Burned McLaren 650S Spider for Pennies – Is It a Diamond in the Rough?
Imagine spotting a 2016 McLaren 650S Spider with an engine burn damage listed on a salvage car market, sitting there dirt cheap. You might think there’s got to be a catch—well, in this case, there were several. JR and Christian of JR Garage plunged headfirst into this risky transaction, purchasing the McLaren sight unseen from a Copart yard in Phoenix, Arizona. The sports car had languished there for nearly two years, acquiring a heavy coat of grime and a reputation as a potential money pit.
The Initial Inspection: More Than Meets the Eye
On their initial visit, JR and Christian found the McLaren in a sorry state. Its cabin, exposed to the elements through an open driver's window and shoddily covered with a tarp, had accumulated dust and dirt. A few key issues loomed large: flat tires, an unknown mileage, and rumored mechanical problems. Yet, like moths to a flame, they were drawn to it, perhaps recalling the good old days when they owned an MP4-12C and had to let it go after clocking 10,000 miles.
Past and Present: History of the Vehicle
Originally sold in 2016 for north of $300,000, the car had a brief but volatile history. A garage fire had threatened to turn it into a pile of scrap, but quick action from firefighters saved it from severe damage. Still, the car was written off by the insurance company, and its previous owner opted to cut losses rather than pursue repairs.
Scavenger Hunt: Searching for Salvageable Parts
Determined to bring their McLaren back to life, the brothers set off to AZ Cycle shop, hoping to find some usable McLaren parts. While there, they were temporarily sidetracked by a fire-damaged Dodge Viper whose melted interior told a tragic tale of its own. However, luck was on their side as they found a McLaren 675 LT ready for dismantling—perfect for sourcing the parts they needed.
Unveiling the Truth: Opening the McLaren
Back at home, they faced the daunting task of assessing the car’s internals. With a clasped breath, they changed the battery and managed to get the dashboard to light up using a simple, cheap $2 battery from Amazon. The odometer showed a mere 3,931.8 miles, confirming that the car was declared a write-off only 30 miles after its last Carfax entry. The good news didn’t stop there—no signs of fire damage were visible in the engine bay, raising hopes considerably.
A Hopeful Turn: Engine Ignition
The moment of truth arrived as they fired up the 3.8-liter V8 engine. It roared to life without hesitation, defying the listing's bleak description. Despite the claims that it didn’t run or drive, the engine seemed as eager as ever, pumping out 641 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse, paired with a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, can propel the 650S from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of over 215 mph.
The Road Ahead: Restoration Efforts and Future Plans
Although they had to roll the car down from the trailer manually and deal with some minor quirks—like windows that wouldn’t go all the way up—other components, like the air conditioning, were surprisingly functional after years of inactivity. Optimism was creeping in, replacing initial skepticism. Was buying this ravaged McLaren a stroke of genius or sheer lunacy? Only time will tell.
For now, JR and Christian can bask in the possibility that their seemingly irrational purchase might just turn out to be an incredible find. And for the rest of us, their story serves as a thrilling reminder that sometimes, against all odds, risk can lead to unexpected reward.
