Rational people would’ve seen a flood-ravaged McLaren P1 and walked away without a second thought. YouTuber Tavarish saw a $575,000 opportunity to rewrite hypercar history with help from the original P1’s designer. Previously worth $2 million, Freddy acquired Hurricane Ian’s victim for pennies on the dollar despite salt-laced water, shattered glass, corroded wiring, and a mold‑infested frunk.
Frank Stephenson created automotive icons during his McLaren tenure, establishing the P1 as the template for modern hybrid performance. During the early 2010s, his design team delivered a hypercar that redefined what manufacturers could achieve with hybrid technology. Returning to his masterpiece a decade later presents a rare opportunity for any designer.
Tavarish and Stephenson target 1400 horsepower using a reworked M840T McLaren unit, likely sourced from a wrecked 720S or 750S. Whether that power figure proves achievable remains to be seen, but the engineering approach suggests serious intent rather than YouTube spectacle. Ditching the hybrid system eliminates 300 pounds, while stripping the interior and using lightweight materials aims for a 3000-pound curb weight.
Aerodynamic modifications include a larger front lip, new fender vents, reworked doors, and a striking dorsal fin extending to a dramatic rear shark fin. Unlike typical influencer car builds that prioritize Instagram aesthetics over function, every modification serves aerodynamic purposes at speeds where most cars become expensive paperweights. The aggressive bodywork targets stability beyond 250 mph, eclipsing even the Speedtail’s top speed record.
SEMA 2025 will host the debut before NASA’s Cape Canaveral runway validates the top speed claims in 2026. Using the same facility where McLaren tested the Speedtail demonstrates this project transcends social media content into legitimate engineering territory. When original designers revisit their greatest hits without corporate oversight, remarkable things happen.
