Kelley Blue Book (KBB) tells us new car prices are higher than ever as we enter 2021. How high, on average, over $38,000. Another blog I perused in preparation for this article stated, “the average new car price at $38k is ridiculously high.” If the average new car is ridiculously high, what might the cost of a limited production supercar be in 2021? Surely ten times the price of the average new vehicle should cover it. After all, $380,000 will give all but the most well-heeled sticker shock. One can find any number of supercars in that price range, some a little less, some a lot more. However, in this article, we’re searching for limited edition supercars, hypercars with an MSRP dramatically exceeding your everyday supercar. In this article, we will review several limited-edition cars premiering in 2021 that start at $1.7million and rapidly increase to well over $3million, or nearly one hundred times the cost of the average new car.
What Makes a Limited Edition Supercar/Hypercar Today
Although there are super cars that are not limited-editon hypercars, it’s safe to say that all hypercars are super cars. To clarify, we’ll review some of our favorite vehicles, supercars all, that don’t quite make the limited-edition hypercar list in 2021.
The Mundane, That Didn’t Make Our List
Image Courtesy of Motor Authority
What makes a supercar a hypercar? Let’s start with some super cars that didn’t make our list, like the new C8 Corvette Convertible with a base price of $67,495 that reaches an MSRP of over $85,000 when outfitted with the Z51 package. Most would agree the new mid-engine Corvette is a supercar at a most reasonable price – but not a hypercar by any means. Then we have some superb German examples of high-performance vehicles, such as the Porsche 911 models. The 911 Turbo S at over $200k qualifies as a supercar – but it is not a limited-edition supercar. We have the exquisitely designed and appointed Bentley Flying Spur ($215,000) and the Rolls Royce Ghost ($315,000), supercars that appeal to the rich and famous, yet still not limited-edition hypercars.
Limited Edition Supercars and Hypercars
We can start by saying that the cars we’ve identified as hypercars all reside in the seven-figure club, with $1.7million being the cost of entry. In addition to being expensive, these cars are crazy fast, feature cutting edge technology, they’re beautifully designed, outrageously styled, and meticulously manufactured. You instinctively know them when you see them; they’re awe-inspiring, you catch a glimpse, and your neck swivels as they blow past you.
Another unique aspect of these cars is that they are produced in limited numbers; many sold out before production even begins. This is not a coincidence, as discussed later in the article. Although a number of new supercars will premier in 2021, even the .01 percenters often have to join the queue as most limited-edition hypercars sell through VIP lists.
Now on to what type of person makes these lists and buys these hypercars?
What Type Person Buys These Hypercars
In an interview with the Business Insider, Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti, tells us,”that his company’s clientele does indeed have a predominant demographic. They are usually male, self-made men, generally from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Japan. And, they typically have a collection of about 30 cars in their household.”
These individuals also tend to have multiple homes across the globe, luxury yachts, and private planes.
Who are Some of These Supercar Owners
Many of those who own these supercars are Hollywood A-Listers, business moguls, and professional athletes such as Jay Leno, David Beckham, Larry Ellison, Jerry Seinfeld, Floyd Mayweather, Simon Cowell, and Beyonce and Jay Z.
Almost as Interesting as those on the list are those who are not. Some of the wealthiest people on the planet drive far more reasonable vehicles. People such as Jeff Bezos, who drives a 1996 Honda Accord, and Warren Buffett, a Cadillac CTS. The co-founders of Google (now Alphabet) Larry Paige and Sergy Brinn both drive Prius’s, and Mark Zuckerberg drives a Honda TSX. Elon Musk, who recently passed Bezos as the richest man in the world, drives, wait for it, a Tesla, either a Model S or the new Cyber truck.
2021 Limited Edition Supercars
Our list is by no means comprehensive; these are four of our favorites for 2021. In addition to the astronomical base price for these vehicles, their customization options and price tags seem to have no limits.
McLaren Elva
The McLaren Ultimate Series Elva is an 804 horsepower, mid-engine roadster with no windshield and no roof. Only 249 examples of this beautiful, aerodynamically sculpted supercar will be manufactured with a base price of $1,690,000, plus delivery, taxes, and fees. The final price will depend on the level of personalization by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).” Absolutely stunning.
Photo courtesy of Automobile Magazine
Mercedes-AMG One
Mercedes’ AMG division’s Project One is a limited production plug-in hybrid featuring Formula One racing technology and over 1,000 horsepower. The company will produce only 275 units at a starting price of $2.72 million. Note: the company has received four times that many pre-orders but does not intend to increase production. Per their website, Mercedes positions the One as “a hybrid beast with a singular vision.”
Image courtesy of Car and Driver
Aston Martin Valkyrie
The brand made famous by the Bond movies Aston Martin has teamed up with Red Bull Racing to produce the limited-edition Valkyrie. This roadster with a V-12 Cosworth engine produces well over 1,000 horsepower and claims the title of the fastest street-legal car in the world. With its dramatic styling and an estimated cost of $3million, the Valkyrie should be monumental. Only 150 will be made.
Photo courtesy of Auto Blog
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
The Sian is a mid-engine hybrid, the Italian manufacturer’s first hybrid vehicle. Production will be limited to 63 units, all of which have been spoken for. At $3.6million, the Sian will go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h. The Sian not only looks like a rocket but is propelled like one.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.com
The Limited-Edition List
These four 2021 hypercars are all limited editions, from a low of 63 units to a high of 275 to be produced. So how does one get on “the list” to buy one of these or a similar limited-edition supercar?
These companies have an internal list they use to select potential owners for their extremely limited-edition vehicles. The companies know their best clients and contact them directly to see if they would like to purchase a car. Previous ownership of the brand, charitable intentions, social media reach, and someone who will own and show the vehicle versus reselling it all play a role in being selected. The listing process is a part of the company’s strategy to determine pricing and initial production runs.
For example, if Mercedes receives an interest in the Project One from 1,100 customers at a price of nearly $3million, they understand half of these customers will drop off by the time the car is ready for production To ensure demand outstrips supply, they further reduce that number by 50% to build only 275 units. Those allocated a vehicle are grateful to Mercedes, and those that missed the list can only hope to be buyers of future limited editions.
That unfulfilled demand can be very profitable for the lucky few who make a list. The 2017 Ford GT cost about $450,000 new. Due to limited supply, those GTs are now bringing upwards of $1million at auction and on the preowned market.
We hope this quick trip into the rarified air of the hypercar, brought to you by SunTec Auto Glass Replacement of Chandler, has been informative and entertaining. Unless you’re one of the extremely fortunate few who drives the new McLaren Elva (remember, no windshield required), there is always the potential in Arizona for a chipped or cracked windshield. Anyone who is familiar knows the freeways are a danger zone for flying debris and rocks, which can lead to auto glass damage.
SunTec Auto Glass Replacement of Chandler AZ, a full-service and mobile solution since 2002, can source and professionally install glass on virtually any vehicle. Whether you drive a classic, exotic, hypercar or supercar, SunTec can typically source Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or OEM-equivalent glass for a replacement service in no time.
Unlike most other Chandler, AZ, auto glass repair shops, SunTec is an expert at locating rare glass parts for supercars and unique-spec sports cars. The OEM and OEM-equivalent glass products are guaranteed to be the best grade, highest optical quality available, meeting all required safety standards for your vehicle. Our experienced and professional technicians ensure fit and finish are ideal on each automobile serviced, from supercars and hyper cars to luxury vehicles.
SunTec of Chandler offers same-day mobile windshield replacement at your location, with virtually no human interaction during the pandemic.
