Man Maths: McLaren 720S

So there’s value to be found here, not least because the 720S is such a brilliant example of the breed. I don’t love parts of the design, like the organic, sinewy shapes down each flank, but the eye sockets are distinctive and there’s no doubting the car’s presence. But like any good McLaren, what makes the 720S stand out is the way it drives. Yes, it is searingly fast, in an elastic, will-it-ever-let-up kind of way, but it’s the chassis that steals the show.

With hydraulic not electric assistance, the steering is far better than anything you’ll find in a modern Ferrari or Lamborghini. There’s real feel, plus a natural and consistent response that keeps you in touch with the car and the road surface all the time. Then there’s the trademark McLaren blend of ride and control, thanks to hydraulically interconnected suspension. The way a 720S glides over bumps while still keeping its mass in check needs to be felt to be believed. Talking of mass, carbon fibre construction means the 720S is lighter than Italian rivals, improving every facet of its driving dynamics. And unlike some McLarens, this one isn’t just technically very capable – it’s truly exciting too.

McLaren unveiled the 720S at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017. I remember sitting inside the show car on the stand next to McLaren’s then chief test driver, Chris Goodwin. He explained that its unique suspension system and the way it interacted with the car’s other functions, particularly its stability and traction control programmes, was the result of a PhD study. Someone definitely earned their doctorate with that piece of work.

A year and a bit ago, the 720S was replaced by the 750S. The power hike was neither here nor there, but changes to the chassis and further weight saving measures changed the character of the car significantly. The 750S is a more hardcore kind of thing, well on its way to feeling like a track-optimised LT. Great, if that’s what you want; I would miss the earlier car’s peerless (for the class) grand touring credentials.

How cautious does one need to be? Very, I would say. I’d be looking for lower mileage (though not a garage queen), flawless service history and a modest number of previous owners. But I would also want some sort of warranty protection. I know several people who have offloaded their McLarens before the warranty period has expired, fearful of owning one of Woking’s missiles without being covered.

So maybe you ought to be looking to spend a bit more than £110,000. But even at, say, £130,000, a McLaren 720S would be great value, and never less than sensational to drive.

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