Member Spotlight: Behind the Wheel of Richard’s McLaren Artura Spider

The McLaren Artura clearly has the wow factor. Drive through any high street and you’ll hear the kids (and occasional adult) shout “REV IT!”

The 3 litre V6 combined with the E motor provides 691 BHP/700PS of power output.

This Spider model does weigh 62Kg more than the coupe variant but it’s worth it, right?

If you don’t want to hear the crisp V6, the electric only mode provides around 18 miles of range – ideal for those early morning starts to the office or golf course without waking the neighbours. You’ll need to put the clubs in the passenger footwell/seat area, space is limited but just enough for the weekend overnight bag.

As at the time of writing this (August 2026) Autotrader shows 27 Arturas on the market, 10 convertibles and 17 coupes ranging from just under 120K for a 2022 example coupe with 14K miles up to almost 215K for a 2026 Spider with only 100 miles on the clock. The 10 used Spiders are closer in price range with the lowest price Spider at just under 170K a 2025 car with 7,300 miles. Club member Richard (Richie) Byrne has this fine example.

Club member Phil asked Richie about the car:

Q: Richie tell me about your Artura, how long have you had it?

A: I purchased the car in March this year, brand new from Mclaren Ascot (Bracknell).

Q: What first drew you to this car – was it all about the shape, the sound, the driving experience or all of the above

A: I first saw the Artura Spider at ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024’. For me it’s always looks first, and I loved the look of the car. One of the coolest design highlights is the integration of the retractable hard top. Unlike many convertibles that lose their sleek silhouette when the roof folds away, this car retains its flowing lines. The inclusion of transparent glazed buttresses looks amazing.  It’s just a stunning car in my eyes.

Q: Has it lived up to your initial expectations – surpassed them or having regrets?

A: Regrets? I don’t know the meaning of the word! I never regret a purchase. Period.

To really see what this machine could do, I spent two glorious days at Millbrook Proving Ground with a driver coach, exploring the car’s limits in an environment where the police couldn’t confiscate my license. And WOW.

The way this car drives and handles defies the laws of physics.  McLaren’s engineering team didn’t just build a supercar; they clearly traded their souls to some kind of cornering deity.  I could give you a million examples of how mind-blowing it is, but we’d be here until the next Goodwood Festival of Speed.  Let’s just say: hats off to McLaren!

Q: What’s your experience like regards the servicing of the car, how many miles per year have you clocked up so far and do you expect more or less in 2026/27?

A: So, here’s a confession: I’ve already clocked over 7,000 miles in this car.

I know, right?! I genuinely thought I was barely driving it! Apparently, the McLaren Artura has a magical ability to warp space and time—or at least manipulate its own odometer when I’m not looking.

I didn’t even realize I’d basically driven the distance from London to Tokyo until the team at McLaren Ascot gently pointed it out to me. They called me up after fitting a tracker and basically asked if I’d been living in the driver’s seat.  What can I say?  When a car handles that beautifully, “just popping out for milk” easily turns into a 500-mile cross-country sprint.

The first service is due at 9000 miles, so probably in the next week or two!  In terms of mileage in the months and years ahead, it will be what it will be, I purchased this car to drive!

Q: Any tips for anyone looking at buying a similar model?

A: Let’s talk about the elephant in the showroom: early-years supercar depreciation.  These cars lose value faster than a dropped piano, so unless you actively enjoy watching your bank account do a base jump without a parachute, buying used is usually the sane choice.

That said, if your timing is immaculate, you can score a serious discount on a brand-new one. I happened to be in the absolute right place at the right time, and Chris Hewitt over at McLaren hammered out a deal so legendary I legally wasn’t allowed to say no.  My wallet practically forced my hand.  Then I had to tell my beautiful wife, I only went to pick up my Lotus Emira from its first service and walked out with a Mclaren!  Had no intention of making a purchase that day, Mclaren had moved in there over that weekend, so was not expecting to see them in the showroom when I arrived. 

Away from the terrifying math of supercar ownership, I’ve had a few minor niggles with the car. But I didn’t go into this blind! Thanks to hours of deep diving into owner forums, I knew exactly what kind of electronic gremlins might pop up to say hello. My eyes were wide open before purchasing.

Q: Any plans beyond the Artura or still not thinking that far ahead?

A: I am always thinking ahead.  The ink on the Artura contract was barely dry, and I was already window shopping.  Let’s be honest: I am a helpless addict, and car shopping is my drug of choice.

I’m perpetually on the hunt for the next beautiful bargain.  There is nothing quite like the thrill of finding a jaw-dropping machine at a price that makes you feel like you’ve successfully robbed a bank legally.  So, while I am head-over-heels for the Artura right now, my browser tabs tell a different story.  If the right car rolls along at the right price, who knows, but for now the Artura is staying, I absolutely love it!

Let’s look out for Richie and his Artura at upcoming FMSC events!

Thanks to

A Massive Thank You

• Thank you to club member Richard Byrne for providing his car for the photoshoot.
• To Phil Seymour who also gave up his time to put this interview together.
• To Michael Guy for providing the photography.

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