I REBUILT A WRECKED MCLAREN 720s THEN IT SET ON FIRE

Mat Armstrong

28 Jan 202432:19

Summary

TLDRThe script describes the process of rebuilding a wrecked McLaren 720S. It was purchased damaged beyond repair, so the entire carbon fiber tub and components had to be replaced. A custom mint green color was chosen along with a full carbon fiber body kit and custom wheels. After extensive repairs and modifications resulting in a one-of-a-kind vehicle, it was taken for a test drive where unfortunately it caught fire due to an engine issue.

Takeaways

😱 The McLaren was damaged so badly it was deemed unrepairable, so the carbon tub had to be replaced
👷‍♂️ The rebuild included help from Richard Hammond and a tight deadline of Christmas
🎨 The McLaren is repainted a custom mint green color with orange interior stripes
🔧 Rebuilding required fitting many body panels, windows, hinges and carbon fiber parts
⚙️ The suspension and wing had to be professionally calibrated for functionality
💲 Expensive parts included a $6,400 exhaust system and $3,300 window panels
🌡️ Fitting parts was difficult due to tight tolerances, requiring shims in some areas
🛠️ Custom wheels were designed and manufactured to give the car a unique look
🔥 The car catastrophically caught fire when test driving after the rebuild
😅 The video host claims the finished car has no issues, despite the fire

Q & A

What was the initial condition of the McLaren?
-The McLaren was initially so badly damaged that McLaren deemed it unrepairable. The carbon fiber tub was damaged beyond repair.
Why did they miss the deadline to finish rebuilding the McLaren?
-They missed the Christmas deadline because there were unexpected issues getting the correct replacement door hinge and lining up the body panels.
What customizations were made to the McLaren?
-A full carbon fiber body kit was installed, along with custom mint green paint and unique aftermarket wheels. Many parts were also changed to gloss black for contrast.
What role did Richard Hammond play?
-Richard Hammond had apparently made a bet with them that they could rebuild the McLaren from a bare tub by Christmas, which they were unable to do.
How did they fix the bent door hinge?
-They bent a replacement hinge back into shape by strapping it to the old damaged tub and applying heat, allowing them to install the door temporarily.
What special process was required for the hydraulic suspension?
-A specialist used a special machine to bleed and recalibrate the hydraulic suspension system shared between all 4 wheels.
What happened when they first drove the finished McLaren?
-When test driving near the end, the engine backfired creating a large flame and heavy smoke, requiring the car to be trailered back.
What extra approval was needed to drive the McLaren in the UK?
-The car needed to pass an inspection to meet UK import regulations before it could be registered for street use there.
How much did the front windshield cost?
-The front windshield cost over $5,000 including taxes.
What discounts were offered on parts and merchandise?
-10% off carbon fiber parts using a promo code, and a chance to win a brake disc by purchasing Matt's custom W food shakes.