When most people think about British supercars, names like McLaren and Aston Martin immediately spring to mind. However, there’s a smaller, more exclusive player that’s been quietly creating some of the most extraordinary machines on the planet. Lanzante, the Surrey-based specialist, has just unveiled their latest creation: the 95-59. This isn’t just another supercar – it’s a love letter to one of motorsport’s greatest triumphs and a testament to what happens when engineering passion meets unlimited creativity.
Heritage Meets Innovation: The Story Behind the Name
The numbers “95-59” aren’t arbitrary. They carry deep significance that connects this modern marvel to one of Le Mans’ most memorable victories. Back in 1995, a McLaren F1 GTR wearing the number 59 and run by Lanzante crossed the finish line first at the Circuit de la Sarthe. That victory wasn’t just a win – it was a statement that proved McLaren’s road car DNA could translate into endurance racing dominance.
Dean Lanzante, the man behind the company, clearly hasn’t forgotten that triumph. The 95-59 serves as both celebration and continuation of that legacy. Even the planned production run of exactly 59 units pays homage to that race-winning car. It’s this attention to detail and respect for history that sets boutique manufacturers apart from mass-market brands.
The connection runs deeper than just numbers, though. Lanzante has built their reputation on McLaren conversions, most notably their street-legal F1 GTR projects. They understand McLaren DNA better than almost anyone outside Woking, which makes their latest independent project all the more intriguing.
Engineering Excellence: What Makes 850 Horsepower Feel Effortless
Under the carbon fiber bodywork lies the beating heart of the 95-59: a McLaren-derived twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces over 850 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque. These aren’t just impressive numbers on paper – they represent a carefully calibrated balance between raw power and usable performance.
What’s particularly noteworthy is Lanzante’s decision to keep things purely mechanical. While the automotive industry rushes toward electrification and hybrid systems, the 95-59 remains refreshingly analog. There are no electric motors, no complex battery systems, and no computer-managed power delivery. Just a beautifully engineered internal combustion engine connected to McLaren’s seven-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox.
This purist approach extends to the drivetrain layout as well. Power flows exclusively to the rear wheels, maintaining the classic supercar formula that enthusiasts crave. The SSG dual-clutch system ensures lightning-fast shifts while preserving the mechanical connection between driver and machine that modern automatics often dilute.
The engine’s character promises to be spectacular. Twin-turbo V8s have a particular sound signature – aggressive yet refined, powerful yet controlled. Combined with what’s likely to be a carefully tuned exhaust system, the 95-59 should provide an auditory experience that matches its visual drama.
Weight Obsession: Why Every Gram Matters
Modern supercars face a constant battle against weight gain. Advanced safety systems, luxury amenities, and ever-more-sophisticated technology all add pounds that engineers must then compensate for with additional power. Lanzante has taken a different approach with the 95-59, pursuing weight reduction with almost fanatical dedication.
The target curb weight of 2,756 pounds is genuinely impressive for a modern supercar. To put this in perspective, that’s lighter than many hot hatches and sports sedans. Achieving this figure requires the optional LM30 Pack, which strips an additional 44 pounds through various lightweighting measures.
The foundation starts with a carbon fiber monocoque – not just carbon fiber panels over a steel frame, but a genuine carbon tub that forms the car’s structural backbone. This approach provides exceptional rigidity while keeping weight to an absolute minimum. The body panels continue this theme, with every visible surface crafted from carbon fiber.
The LM30 Pack takes weight reduction even further. Forged wheels replace standard units, saving precious unsprung weight that directly affects handling responsiveness. Gold-plated heat shielding might sound extravagant, but it’s actually a functional choice – gold’s thermal properties help manage heat while weighing less than traditional alternatives. The titanium exhaust system delivers both weight savings and likely improves the car’s vocal characteristics.
Design Philosophy: Familiar Yet Distinctive
Looking at the 95-59, it’s impossible to ignore its McLaren DNA. The proportions, the stance, and many design elements clearly echo Woking’s current design language. However, Lanzante has avoided simply copying McLaren’s homework. Instead, they’ve created something that feels familiar yet distinctly their own.
The most obvious addition is the large active rear wing. This isn’t just for show – active aerodynamics represent a crucial component of modern supercar performance. The wing likely adjusts its angle based on speed and driving mode, providing downforce when needed for high-speed stability while reducing drag during straight-line acceleration.
The Ueno Grey paint finish serves as another tribute to the Le Mans-winning F1 GTR. It’s a sophisticated choice that avoids the garish colors often associated with extreme supercars. Instead, the grey allows the car’s forms and proportions to speak for themselves while maintaining that connection to racing heritage.
Dihedral doors provide both practical and dramatic benefits. They solve the age-old supercar problem of parking lot practicality while adding visual drama that never gets old. The upward-sweeping motion is pure theater, turning every arrival into an event.
The Three-Seat Revolution: Why Center-Seat Driving Matters
Perhaps the 95-59’s most significant feature is its three-seat layout with central driving position. This configuration is extraordinarily rare in modern supercars, with only the McLaren Speedtail and Gordon Murray’s T.50 currently offering similar arrangements.
The central driving position isn’t just a novelty – it fundamentally changes the driving experience. Sitting on the car’s centerline provides perfect weight distribution around the driver. Cornering forces feel more balanced, and the car’s movements become more intuitive. It’s a setup that connects driver and machine in ways that conventional layouts simply cannot match.
The flanking passenger seats add practicality without compromising the driver’s experience. Unlike traditional 2+2 configurations where rear seats are barely usable, the 95-59’s layout provides genuine accommodation for two passengers. This makes the car suitable for longer journeys or track day experiences where an instructor might need to ride along.
Entry requires some choreography through those dihedral doors, but the payoff is worth the effort. Once settled in the central position, drivers experience something genuinely unique in the modern automotive landscape.
Market Position: Exclusive Without Being Impossible
At £1.2 million before options, the 95-59 occupies interesting territory in the supercar market. It’s significantly less expensive than McLaren’s own Speedtail, which carries a £2.1 million price tag in the UK market. Yet it’s roughly four and a half times more expensive than a McLaren 750S, positioning it firmly in ultra-exclusive territory.
This pricing strategy makes sense for several reasons. Lanzante’s limited production run of 59 units ensures exclusivity that money alone cannot buy. Unlike mass-produced supercars where wealthy buyers might encounter identical vehicles, 95-59 owners will possess something genuinely rare.
The company’s reputation for McLaren expertise adds value that extends beyond mere performance figures. Lanzante’s street-legal F1 GTR conversions have proven their ability to create vehicles that retain their value while providing exceptional ownership experiences. This track record suggests the 95-59 will likely appreciate rather than depreciate, making it an attractive proposition for collectors.
Production Intent: What Comes Next
Lanzante has carefully labeled the 95-59 as a “production-intent styling concept” following its Goodwood Festival of Speed debut. This terminology suggests that while the car is very close to production specification, some details may still change before customer deliveries begin.
The interior remains partially mysterious, with Lanzante showing glimpses of the three-seat layout without revealing complete details. This strategy builds anticipation while allowing final refinements to cabin materials, controls placement, and ergonomic details.
Given Lanzante’s reputation for meticulous attention to detail, the production version will likely exceed the concept’s already impressive specifications. The company’s experience with low-volume manufacturing should ensure that each of the 59 examples meets the exacting standards that supercar buyers expect.
The Future of Boutique Manufacturing
The Lanzante 95-59 represents something important in the automotive landscape: proof that small, specialized manufacturers can create vehicles that rival or exceed offerings from major manufacturers. While McLaren, Ferrari, and Lamborghini focus on broader market appeal, companies like Lanzante can pursue more focused visions.
This approach benefits enthusiasts who want something truly special. The 95-59 offers experiences that mass-produced supercars simply cannot provide, from its unique three-seat layout to its connection to racing heritage. It’s automotive artisanship at its finest, where every decision serves a specific purpose rather than market research conclusions.
The success of such projects depends on finding customers who value exclusivity, craftsmanship, and genuine innovation over pure performance statistics. Fortunately, the ultra-luxury market appears to support exactly these priorities, creating opportunities for builders like Lanzante to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Lanzante 95-59 supercars will be built? A: Lanzante plans to build exactly 59 units, honoring the race number of their Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR from 1995.
Q: What engine powers the Lanzante 95-59? A: The car uses a McLaren-derived twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine producing over 850 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque, with no hybrid assistance.
Q: How much does the Lanzante 95-59 cost? A: The base price is £1.2 million (approximately $1.63 million) before options, making it significantly less expensive than the McLaren Speedtail.
Q: What makes the three-seat layout special? A: The central driving position provides perfect weight distribution and a unique driving experience, similar to the legendary McLaren F1 and modern cars like the Speedtail and T.50.
Q: When will production begin? A: Lanzante has shown the car as a “production-intent styling concept” at Goodwood, suggesting production timing hasn’t been finalized but development is well advanced.
Q: How much does the Lanzante 95-59 weigh? A: The target curb weight is 2,756 pounds (1,250 kg) with the optional LM30 Pack, which includes lightweight components like forged wheels and titanium exhaust.