McLaren F1 GTR tearing through Japan’s Grand Touring Car Championship in 1996. That #61 car, with its wild tiger stripe livery, wasn’t just a machine—it was a symbol of McLaren’s grit and glory, driven to victory by David Brabham and John Nielsen. Fast forward to 2025, and McLaren is bringing that magic back with the 750S JC96, a Japan-only supercar that’s got my heart racing. Limited to just 61 units, this car is a love letter to Japan’s motorsport fans, and I can’t stop thinking about how it captures everything I love about McLaren.
The 750S JC96, available as a Coupe or Spider, is a masterpiece of design and heritage. The standout feature is the optional JC96 Tribute Livery, hand-painted by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for just four lucky owners. Draped in Rocket Pink and Tarmac Grey, it’s a near-exact replica of the 1996 F1 GTR’s iconic look, minus the sponsor logos of yesteryear. It’s the kind of paint job that makes you do a double-take, transforming the 750S into a piece of rolling history. The other 57 cars get McLaren’s full color palette, with JC96 accents in Memphis Red, Titanium Silver, Ice White, or Graphite Grey on the front splitter, rear wing endplates, and mirror caps. It’s a nod to the past that feels fresh and modern, like a race car you could drive to dinner.
This isn’t just about looks, though. McLaren’s giving the 750S Spider its MSO High Downforce Kit for the first time, alongside the Coupe. This kit ramps up grip by 10%, with a chunky dual-element front splitter, a taller active rear spoiler with sleek endplates, and a louvered under-wing panel. It’s built for drivers who live for the thrill of a tight corner, whether on a track like Fuji Speedway or a coastal road in Hokkaido. The new 15-spoke Delta forged alloy wheels, inspired by the F1 GTR Longtail’s race rims, are both lightweight and stunning, available in four finishes. Gold brake calipers with red JC96 logos and a Natural Titanium exhaust finish add a gritty, race-ready vibe.
Inside, the JC96 is pure driver’s paradise. Three Alcantara upholstery options wrap the cabin in plush luxury, with JC96 logos stitched into the headrests and armrests. Gold-anodized pedals and Drive Select switches channel the F1 GTR’s racing spirit, and a numbered plaque on the carbon-fiber Monocage II chassis reminds you this is no ordinary 750S. The Alcantara even spills onto the door sills, and optional engine bay lighting makes popping the hood a spectacle. For the true collectors, MSO offers a Track Record Plaque in the front trunk, celebrating McLaren’s racing triumphs, and a bespoke key with tiger stripe accents. Every detail feels like a handshake from McLaren’s racing past.
The heart of the JC96 is the 750S’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, churning out 740 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It blasts from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and tops out at 206 mph, with the Proactive Chassis Control III suspension and lightweight Monocage II chassis making it dance through corners. Pirelli P ZERO tires keep it planted, with P ZERO Corsa or Trofeo R options for track junkies. The mechanicals match the standard 750S, but with only 61 units—honoring the #61 F1 GTR—this car is a collector’s holy grail.
As someone who’s spent years chasing the roar of supercars, the 750S JC96 feels like McLaren’s way of saying “thank you” to Japan’s passionate fans. It’s a car built for a country that lives and breathes motorsport, from the F1 GTR’s glory days to today’s hypercars. Pricing is still under wraps, but with the standard 750S starting above $350,000, the JC96 will likely cost a pretty penny, especially with MSO’s bespoke touches. If you’re in Japan and can snag one, you’re not just buying a supercar—you’re claiming a piece of McLaren’s soul. For the rest of us, it’s a dazzling reminder of why this brand keeps us hooked.
Source- mclaren
