Wrecked Supercar Becomes Art

12/29/2022

Author: James Macaluso

DRIVXN's first set of keychains begins with the beautiful McLaren GT. Part of the manufacture's endeavor to create an "everyday supercar", the GT features the jaw dropping performance McLaren is world renowned for, yet also a more supple suspension, and ample luggage space.

Unlike other Grand Touring cars in the segment, McLaren promises to not give up on driver engagement. They ditch the wood trim and heavy clutter for a lightweight, responsive chassis.

The car is powered by a lively twin-turbocharged V8, making 620 horsepower and 465l lb/ft of torque. Propelling the car to an astonishing 3.2 second 0-60 MPH, and a top speed of 204 MPH.

McLaren insists that it's possible to have the best of both worlds, a powerful supercar with an exhilarating performance, yet the comfort of a true Grand Tourer. Because as much fun as it sounds to drive a McLaren Senna all day, you'll probably need to to get groceries sometimes. Or perhaps still have a functioning back into your middle ages.

Our donor car is a 2020 model, painted in the Elite Package "Namaka Blue" and upholstered in "Vintage Tan" leather.

Actual Donor Car Pictured

Source: McLaren Orlando

The car was offered for sale by McLaren Orlando with a purchase record in January of 2021. It unfortunately was totaled out in April of 2022 after it struck a guardrail, according to vehicle history reports. It was then sold at a salvage auction and parted for it's usable components.

 

Parted McLaren GT Shell (Actual Donor Car Pictured)

Source: AZ Cycle Parts

DRIVXN purchased the damaged aluminum hood of the vehicle in September of 2022, and created the first edition of keychains. As this was our very first edition, we learned greatly throughout the development.

 

GT Hood Arrives At Our Warehouse

We spent some time prepping the panel before the water jet, cutting it into smaller pieces that way we could clamp down the hood to the cutting table and minimize vibration. We initially estimated the yield to be over 250-300 units, but resulted in 166 usable pieces. On our next run, we found a way to nest more pieces closer to each other to minimize material wastage and increase production.

Water Jet Machine Cutting Keychains

Next, we laser engraved each piece, which also took several tries to get the correct etch into the metal without burning the existing paint. What resulted is programming the machine to make several passes over the keychain using a lower temperature than we previously estimated.

Laser Engraving Back of Keychain

Every keychain is also sanded to smooth the edges, and has a hole drilled into the upper center for the key ring.

Finishing/Polishing 

We are incredibly excited to be able to offer these keychains to automotive enthusiasts, we hope you'll enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them.

 

Want to own a piece of a McLaren GT? Get your keychain here