A McLaren Senna sitting in a government compound is the kind of image that makes enthusiasts wince. The Philippine Bureau of Customs seized it alongside a Ferrari SF90 Stradale and roughly nine other luxury cars, and now the McLaren Senna Auction is the latest attempt to move the fleet. Nobody has bitten yet.
Four Failed Auctions and a Desperate Price Cut
The Bureau of Customs seized the 11 vehicles in February 2025 after an investigation into a Pasay City dealer and a Parañaque business. Officials valued the cars at a combined ₱1.4 billion, or roughly $22 million. Selling them has proven far harder than seizing them.
The March 27 sale was a complete bust. Not one bidder registered. Even so, officials have now cut the minimum bid on the Senna from ₱102.04 million to ₱86.74 million. That is a discount of roughly $250,000, which no local McLaren dealer would match.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| 🐎Power Output | 800 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 2.8s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 208 mph (335 km/h) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch / RWD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $1,350,000 (minimum bid, auction) |
Track Pedigree Meets Customs Paperwork
On paper, the Senna is a masterclass in track focus. Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 makes about 800 horsepower, and its carbon monocoque keeps weight low where it matters. Meanwhile, the active aero and sharp steering make it one of the most purposeful road cars McLaren has built. For a driver who wants unflinching lateral grip, this is the real thing.
Still, the legal history of these cars complicates the appeal. A buyer must navigate customs paperwork before taking a single apex at speed. Ferrari’s own pricing shows how quickly supercar values can shift, and that makes a discounted hypercar look tempting. Compare this to the Ferrari 360 Modena, where gearbox choice alone reshaped its value.
Will the McLaren Senna Auction Finally Sell?
Inspection runs from October 27 to 29, with the sale set for October 30. The fleet also includes a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a Bentley Continental, and two Range Rovers. Each car carries a lower reserve than before.
Ultimately, a McLaren Senna at this price should attract someone. Expect the Senna to outlast the rest of the fleet, because collectors value rare, track-focused machinery over luxury sedans. Our prediction is a sale before the end of the year, and the Senna will likely lead the charge. For the latest on Auto News Magazine, keep watching this space.
Source: McLaren Automotive specifications and details from the Bureau of Customs documentation reported by Bilyonaryo.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
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