← The Opulent Journal

Buyer's Guide · June 1, 2026 · 7 min read

McLaren 720S Buyer's Guide: Coupe vs Spider and Which Spec to Buy in Florida

The 720S is the car that made the rest of the supercar world nervous. When McLaren launched it in 2017 to replace the 650S, it arrived with a carbon Monocage II tub, a 710-horsepower twin-turbo V8, and — most disarmingly — a ride quality that genuinely shamed cars costing twice as much. It could embarrass a Ferrari 488 in a straight line and then waft home over broken pavement like a grand tourer. Years later, with McLaren having moved on to the Artura and 750S, the 720S looks like one of the great performance-per-dollar buys of the modern era.

The engineering is the story. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (internally the M840T) is mounted in a featherweight carbon tub, and the car's Proactive Chassis Control II hydraulically links the dampers in place of conventional anti-roll bars. The result is a supercar with two completely separate personalities: serene and compliant in Comfort, terrifyingly capable in Track.

Which 720S to Buy

  • Coupe vs Spider: The Spider adds a one-piece retractable hardtop with negligible weight penalty and no meaningful loss of rigidity, thanks to the carbon tub — which is why it's such an easy recommendation in Florida. The coupe is slightly lighter and a touch purer; the Spider is more usable and typically commands a premium.
  • Performance trim: Adds carbon-fibre interior and exterior detailing and a more focused cabin aesthetic — the enthusiast's interior spec.
  • Luxury trim: Leans toward softer leathers and a more grand-touring cabin feel for buyers prioritizing daily comfort.
  • Special editions (e.g. 720S Le Mans): Limited-run cars with unique trim and badging that carry premiums and added collectibility.

What to Inspect

McLarens reward fastidious ownership and punish neglect, so the paperwork is as important as the paint.

  • Full McLaren service history, without gaps — these cars need their maintenance done properly and on time.
  • Carefully verify the carbon tub and structure have no prior accident repair; a damaged Monocage is a deal-breaker.
  • Confirm the electrohydraulic suspension is functioning correctly through all modes, with no warning lights or sag.
  • Front-axle lift is essential in Florida — confirm it's fitted and working. Also look for the sports exhaust, carbon-ceramic brakes (standard), Bowers & Wilkins audio, and carbon packages.
  • Inspect the nose and leading edges for stone damage; check for any paint-protection film and its condition.

Living With One in Northeast Florida

By supercar standards the 720S is unusually livable. The dihedral doors need clearance, but the cabin is airy, visibility is excellent for the class, and the ride is genuinely comfortable on the highway run to St. Augustine or down A1A. The carbon tub shrugs off Florida humidity, and the Spider's roof drops in roughly fifteen seconds at speed — ideal for a coastal evening drive. Owners tend to keep them in Ponte Vedra and the coastal communities toward Amelia Island, often alongside a more practical daily.

The two non-negotiables are front lift (for Jacksonville's driveways and speed bumps) and a climate-controlled garage (for the sun and humidity). Service and tires are supercar-priced but reasonable for the performance, and these are reliable when maintained — the key word being maintained.

What They're Worth

720S values in Florida generally range from the high $100,000s for earlier, higher-mileage coupes to the high $200,000s for low-mileage Spider and special-edition examples. The depreciation curve from the original list price is precisely what makes this car so compelling now — you're buying near-flagship supercar performance well below its replacement cost. Clean, low-owner Spiders and special editions have the strongest outlook; well-documented coupes offer the best value.

The right 720S is a car bought on history and specification, not on whatever happens to be sitting on a lot. Opulent Exotics sources the right 720S privately for clients across Northeast Florida — the correct body style, spec, and a verified, fastidious service record. To discuss a build or request current availability, call Jhonny Garcia at (305) 922-5380.


Looking for a McLaren 720S? We source it privately, matched to your spec. Request 720S availability or call (305) 922-5380.