Want a McLaren supercar? Here's how to make it happen with Temu
What if a high-performance machine offered the same thrill without the multi-million rand price tag?
Image: Supplied
We've all seen the memes about someone looking to buy a fancy acquisition, and then a rather poor-looking substitute appears, suggesting it came from Temu.
It's not always the case, though and with the recent announcement about the upgrades to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to FIA Grade 1 status, motorsport has ignited the passion of many South African racing enthusiasts.
There's a saying in racing circles that in order to make a small fortune from racing, you need to start with a big fortune.
Still, thousands of people in South Africa suit up every weekend and get behind the wheel of a race car, whether it's a clapped-out banger or a multi-million rand supercar.
Many, of course, dream about racing around a circuit in a supercar like South African brothers Kelvin and Sheldon van der Linde.
But what if you could get the thrill of a high-performance machine without the multi-million rand price tag?
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Prohibitive cost
Keen on owning and racing a McLaren, UK-based Chris Slix set out to prove that it was possible.
The reality, though, is that its prohibitive cost – often starting at around R4-million for a used model - makes it challenging.
Adding to that, some exclusive car brands have stringent purchase history requirements, effectively shutting out new buyers, regardless of their financial standing.
Dreams can come true
This didn't stop Slix, so he embarked on a unique project, demonstrating that with ingenuity and smart sourcing, a supercar dream can become a reality for less than one-tenth of the price, thanks to the online marketplace, Temu.
Realising that most limited edition McLarens share parts with the base-model cars of the brand, he took one of McLaren's most affordable cars and DIYed it into a premium version with budget parts.
While the original car costs nearly R10-million and buying branded parts is equally exorbitant, he was able to source the parts for around R600 000.
Chris Slix proved that you don't need a fortune to own a supercar.
Image: Supplied
'I had four criteria when I was hunting for pieces - harder, better, faster, stronger; five, if you count cheaper,' he said.
His purchase was a made-to-order McLaren 650s - 675LT Full Dry-Carbon Conversion Kit, which formed the body of the car. This body and the unique tangerine paint set it apart from other McLarens and made it look truly unique.
'The product arrived in a massive box and was completely worth the wait and the excitement. It was very well-made with no imperfections at all.'
So if you're harbouring thoughts about sliding into a supercar, with the right research and a bit of DIY spirit, creating your own could see jealous glances aimed at you arriving at Kyalami when the F1 circus rolls into town.
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