Discover how Dean Gordon Guitars crafted a one-of-a-kind guitar inspired by McLaren’s Speedtail XP2 prototype.
When the worlds of hypercars and bespoke musical instruments collide, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Take the McLaren Speedtail, a pinnacle of automotive engineering, for instance. Its ‘XP2’ prototype not only served as a key benchmark in the brand’s history, but it also inspired Dean Gordon, a Miami-based luthier, to craft a custom guitar showcased at the 2023 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show.
The McLaren Speedtail burst onto the scene in 2018 as McLaren’s first Hyper-GT. With its perfect blend of groundbreaking technologies and breathtaking aesthetics, it’s a marvel in the automotive world. Its XP2 prototype underwent intense validation tests, hitting a top speed of 250 mph over 30 times at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds’ space shuttle landing runway. The vehicle’s exterior is finished in Saragon Quartz, a champagne hue that is as sophisticated as it is elegant. Step inside, and you’re greeted by an Oxblood Red cabin furnished with full aniline leather and aniline nubuck, enhanced by machined aluminum trim and visual carbon fiber elements.
Gordon selected his Virtus guitar model to pay homage to the Speedtail’s design ethos. This headless guitar boasts an ergonomic and lightweight body crafted from old stock lightweight alder wood. The neck is master-grade flamed maple, and its lower horn is carved from aircraft-grade aluminum. The fretboard is crafted in Luxurious ebony wood. The Virtus guitar doesn’t just mimic the Speedtail’s appearance; it embodies its spirit. For instance, the guitar features a carbon fiber backplate, a hand-stitched leather lower horn cover, and interior wiring cavities decked in the XP2’s signature Oxblood Red leather.
But the attention to detail doesn’t end there. The guitar’s Saragon Quartz-inspired finish pairs seamlessly with a black satin neck, accented by a carbon fiber laminate on the back of the headstock. Even the pickups bear a distinct resemblance to the Speedtail’s engine cover and rear details, thanks to laser etching. Additional red accents further tie the guitar to the XP2’s exquisite interior.
Limited to just 106 units, the Speedtail is McLaren’s fastest car to date. With a top speed of 250 mph and unparalleled aerodynamic efficiency, it follows McLaren’s guiding philosophy: functional design that tells a visual story. Just like the Speedtail, the Virtus guitar melds form and function, boasting a design inspired by the teardrop shape of the car, optimized for aerodynamic performance.
Dean Gordon sums it up best: “McLaren being synonymous with cutting-edge design and pushing boundaries made it a no-brainer choice for inspiration for my ‘Automotive’ inspired line of guitars.” The Speedtail was, indeed, the perfect muse, and this collaboration stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when luxury cars and custom musical craftsmanship intersect.
Image Source: McLaren