During Miami Art Week, McLaren unveiled a stunning new bespoke vehicle from its MSO (McLaren Special Operations) division: Project Chromology. This exclusive 750S Spider was created in collaboration with British abstract artist Nat Bowen, who is celebrated for her vibrant resin-based works and her exploration of chromology, the study of color and its visual effects. Although her name may not be familiar to everyone, Bowen has gained recognition in contemporary art circles for her layered, color-rich creations, which served as the foundation for this unique automotive project.
For Project Chromology, Bowen and McLaren developed a specialized paint technique known as the Chromatic Layered Finish. This intricate method brings her signature artistic qualities to the car’s exterior. The process involves multiple translucent layers of paint, which allow light to interact with the surface and reveal subtle changes in depth, tone, and color as viewing angles shift. In addition to visual effects, the paint incorporates a delicate, raised texture, giving the vehicle a sense of dimensionality that is both visible and tactile. For the Miami show car, McLaren applied a tri-color palette featuring bright green, light blue, and dark blue. Where these hues meet, circular interactions occur, producing new shades and highlights that add to the car’s dynamic and ever-changing appearance.
Beyond the innovative paint, Project Chromology also introduces luxurious 24-carat gold-plated badging. To maintain harmony with the overall design, each badge is mounted on a color-matched background, preventing any visual distraction from the vehicle’s layered paintwork. The interior continues the theme of refinement and artistry, featuring black Alcantara seats accented with golden stitching. Additional design touches include blue detailing on the steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, and more subtle golden highlights scattered throughout the cabin. Notably, the interior features a McLaren Nat Bowen badge with a distinctive ‘dripping’ paint motif, tying the interior aesthetics back to the artist’s signature style.
Unlike one-off concept cars like the Artura art car, Project Chromology is slated for limited production, targeting a select group of MSO clients. Each buyer will receive a 750S Spider with a paint scheme uniquely inspired by Bowen’s artistic themes, ensuring that no two cars are exactly alike. To further cement the collaboration as a true collector’s item, each customer will also receive an original artwork by Bowen herself, creating a tangible connection between the automotive and art worlds. This combination of bespoke design, layered paint innovation, and direct artist involvement exemplifies McLaren’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive customization and artistic expression.