Lanzante 95-59: An Exclusive Three-Seat Masterpiece Honoring McLaren’s Legendary Le Mans Triumph
Lanzante’s 95-59 supercar is more than just a machine; it is a rolling monument to one of motorsport’s most surprising and iconic victories. In 1995, Lanzante ran the black McLaren F1 GTR that stormed to overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, defeating purpose-built prototypes with a car based on a road-going supercar. That triumph cemented Lanzante’s place in history, and now, three decades later, the British outfit celebrates with a remarkable creation of its own: the 95-59. The name itself is steeped in meaning, combining the year of the win and the #59 race car that achieved it. What makes the 95-59 stand out is not merely its technical prowess, but its conceptual ambition. A modern supercar with a central driving position, seating for three, and a stripped-down ethos of driver engagement, it channels the spirit of the original McLaren F1 while offering something distinctly new. And with just 59 units planned, priced north of $1.6 million, it is destined to become a rare jewel in the pantheon of exotic cars. Lanzante has taken the lessons from Le Mans and distilled them into a lightweight, focused, yet surprisingly practical supercar that aims to thrill without compromise.
A Familiar Heart, Tuned for Perfection
At the core of the 95-59 lies a McLaren-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, extensively reworked to deliver over 850 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This represents a significant bump from the 740 hp in the McLaren 750S, the platform upon which the 95-59 is based. But Lanzante has ensured this power is not just headline-grabbing but also useable, with a focus on responsiveness, linearity, and mechanical purity. Notably absent is any hybridization, making it a refreshingly analog-feeling machine in an era of electric assistance and weighty batteries. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch SSG transmission, the V8 drives the rear wheels only, promising thrilling dynamics and a lively rear end. This commitment to a purely internal-combustion experience underscores Lanzante’s belief in the sensory joy of a traditional powertrain, complete with a titanium exhaust system that not only saves weight but promises a symphony of sound. Every ounce of this car has been scrutinized, and every mechanical component optimized for driver enjoyment. In a segment increasingly dominated by sterile, digitally-controlled hypercars, the 95-59 seeks to rekindle the emotional connection between car and driver with a roaring, unapologetic V8 at its heart.
Sculpted Carbon Fiber: Beauty Meets Function
The design of the 95-59 is both familiar and innovative, masterfully penned by Paul Howse, the designer behind the McLaren P1 and 720S. Every line of its carbon-fiber bodywork serves an aerodynamic purpose while also conveying a timeless elegance. Compared to the McLaren 750S, the 95-59 adopts a cleaner, more flowing aesthetic, eschewing aggressive vents and fins in favor of smoother surfaces that enhance both downforce and stability. Its silhouette immediately recalls the spirit of the McLaren F1, particularly with the central driving position and sweeping roofline, yet it remains distinctly Lanzante thanks to subtle cues such as the Ueno Grey paint and the company’s elephant-headed Ganesha badge. Below the surface, the car tells a more technical story: two layers of carbon fiber form a functional aero package, with lower surfaces managing high-pressure airflow and upper panels sculpted tightly to the chassis. The rear is dominated by a brutal diffuser, a central exhaust inspired by fighter jets, and an active wing that adjusts for maximum grip or minimum drag as required. Weight is kept astonishingly low, at just 2,756 pounds, thanks to carbon construction and the LM30 package, which further shaves pounds with forged wheels and gold-plated heat shielding.
The Central Seat: A Driver-Centric Philosophy
One of the most striking elements of the 95-59 is its three-seat configuration, with the driver seated in the center, flanked by two slightly recessed passenger seats integrated into the chassis. This layout, famously pioneered by the McLaren F1 and reprised in the GMA T.50 and Speedtail, offers unmatched visibility, balance, and a sense of command over the vehicle. Dihedral doors swing upward to reveal a cabin bathed in light thanks to glass roof panels, further enhancing the sense of openness and focus. Lanzante has kept the interior design under wraps for now but promises a clean, functional environment with key controls relocated to the roof pod for a cockpit-like feel, echoing fighter jet ergonomics. The central driving position was not just an homage to history but a deliberate choice to elevate the driving experience, offering perfect symmetry and engagement with the car. In a world where supercar interiors have become cluttered with screens and touch-sensitive controls, the 95-59 aims for clarity and tactility. Every detail of the cockpit is engineered for the driver’s benefit — proof that the car’s beauty is more than skin-deep, extending into a philosophy of connection and control at every turn.
Engineering Lightness: Weight and Performance
Lanzante has always understood the importance of lightness, and nowhere is this more evident than in the engineering of the 95-59. With a target curb weight of just 1,250 kilograms (about 2,756 pounds), it undercuts most modern supercars by several hundred pounds. Even with its three-seat layout and robust V8, the car achieves this through obsessive attention to detail and advanced materials. The carbon fiber monocoque is paired with carbon bodywork, titanium fixings, gold-plated heat shielding, and forged aluminum wheels. Opting for the LM30 pack further trims weight by 44 pounds, thanks to components like an Inconel exhaust and bespoke lightweight body fittings. Such a light package not only benefits straight-line performance — likely resulting in blistering acceleration, though Lanzante has yet to quote official figures — but also improves handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Lightweighting has been Lanzante’s hallmark since its racing days, where every gram counted at Le Mans, and here it translates into a road car that feels alive, agile, and eager. The end result is a supercar that not only accelerates like a rocket but also dances through corners with the poise and delicacy of a true thoroughbred.
Designed for the Road, Inspired by the Track
While the 95-59 takes inspiration from Lanzante’s Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR, it is explicitly designed to be a usable road car, not a track-only toy. Dean Lanzante, the company’s head, described it as a car for drivers — offering luggage space, enhanced range, and daily drivability without sacrificing the thrill of ownership. This balance between practicality and performance is a delicate one, but Lanzante’s motorsport experience and restoration expertise have allowed them to walk this line beautifully. Even details such as the Ueno Grey paint are rooted in history yet chosen for timeless elegance. The car’s aerodynamic efficiency reduces lift and increases stability at high speeds, crucial for real-world driving where confidence matters as much as outright pace. Inside, the emphasis on simplicity and tactile control ensures that the driver remains at the center of the experience, free from unnecessary distractions. In essence, the 95-59 brings the emotion of a classic car — analog, mechanical, soulful — into a contemporary package that can be enjoyed without the compromises of an aging chassis or unreliable components. It offers the thrill of the track and the comfort of the road in equal measure.
Exclusivity and Value: A Collector’s Dream
With just 59 examples planned worldwide and a starting price exceeding $1.6 million, the Lanzante 95-59 is firmly positioned in the rarefied air of collectible supercars. Yet, for those fortunate enough to secure one, the value lies not only in its scarcity but in its historical significance and execution. By paying homage to a defining moment in endurance racing history, the 95-59 appeals to both passionate drivers and astute collectors who understand the importance of lineage. Furthermore, Lanzante’s meticulous craftsmanship, honed through years of restoring some of the most valuable cars on earth, ensures that each example is built to a standard befitting its price. Owners will receive not just a car, but a piece of art, imbued with narrative and purpose. The competitive price compared to rivals like the McLaren Speedtail or GMA T.50 also makes it an intriguing proposition. While still an indulgence, the 95-59 represents a unique blend of usability, performance, and storytelling that few other seven-figure cars can match. For those who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and driving pleasure, it stands as a compelling choice — one that will likely hold its value and even appreciate over time.
The Lanzante Legacy: More Than a Car
The 95-59 is not just a product of engineering and design; it is the embodiment of Lanzante’s unique story. From a small British workshop to the winner’s circle at Le Mans, and now to creating their own supercar, Lanzante’s journey reflects a deep passion for automobiles and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their work restoring, modifying, and converting rare McLarens over the years has given them unparalleled expertise with Woking’s machines, and that knowledge has culminated in a car that feels authentic and fresh. By choosing to build a car under their own name, complete with the Ganesha emblem symbolizing wisdom and success, Lanzante has stepped boldly into the arena of manufacturers rather than just caretakers. The 95-59 captures not just their technical skill but also their philosophy: that driving should be joyful, engaging, and memorable. It’s a statement of intent from a company that has already earned its place in history but is not content to rest on its laurels. For fans of motorsport, engineering, and automotive art, the 95-59 represents a new chapter in Lanzante’s remarkable story, one that honors the past while looking confidently toward the future.
