McLaren MP4-21
McLaren's first V8 car since 1993 and the first McLaren powered purely by Mercedes-Benz after the Ilmor years.
- Power
- 750 bhp
- Est. value
- $2.5m–$2.8m
About the McLaren MP4-21
The MP4-21 was McLaren's 2006 car, designed under Adrian Newey with about 90 per cent of its 11,500 components changed from the MP4-20, and it brought back the needle nose of the MP4-19. Kimi Räikkönen and Juan Pablo Montoya started the year, but six retirements in the first seven races and pace that often trailed the Ferrari 248 and Renault R26 left McLaren without a win for the first time since 1996. Montoya left for NASCAR after the United States Grand Prix, and his replacement Pedro de la Rosa finished second in Hungary. McLaren took three poles and finished third in the Constructors' Championship with 110 points.
McLaren MP4-21 specs
The McLaren MP4-21 produces 750 bhp (559 kW).
| Make | McLaren |
|---|---|
| Model | MP4-21 |
| Years | 2006 |
| Type | Race car |
| Body style | Open-wheel single-seater |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 2.4L naturally aspirated V8 (Mercedes-Benz FO108S) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,400 cc (2.4 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 750 bhp (559 kW) at 19,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed seamless-shift sequential semi-automatic paddle-shift |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 605 kg (1,334 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 1240 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a McLaren MP4-21 worth?
A typical McLaren MP4-21 is estimated to be worth $2,500,000 – $2,760,000 (about £1,860,000 – £2,060,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
McLaren MP4-21 rarity in CarSpot
The McLaren MP4-21 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 92 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
McLaren MP4-21 fun facts
- Lewis Hamilton's first official Formula One test was in an MP4-21 in September 2006.
- After retiring from the Monaco Grand Prix, Räikkönen walked from the car straight to his nearby yacht and relaxed in the jacuzzi still wearing his race suit.
- The car first ran in a papaya orange test livery before its chrome race livery was launched in February 2006.
