McLaren Automotive has announced Project Chromology, a one-of-a-kind bespoke edition of the McLaren 750S created by its Special Operations (MSO) division in partnership with British abstract artist Nat Bowen. This exclusive project showcases Bowen’s resin artwork and her innovative use of colour theory, serving as a distinctive example of art and automotive design integration.
MSO and Bowen collaborated on a multi-layered paint technique applied to the 750S’s bodywork. This technique aims to translate characteristics of Bowen’s artwork, such as gradation and transparency, into the paint design while adhering to MSO’s established technical standards.
On the car’s surfaces, the colour principles inspired by Bowen’s work have been applied to complement the sleek design of the McLaren 750S, exploring new possibilities within MSO’s bespoke programme.
Project Chromology is based on the concept of personalisation as a means of individual expression, with each colour palette developed through precise control of the paint layers. This approach aims to produce different visual results that reflect the customer’s preferences within the framework of the car’s basic design.
As part of this collaboration, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) introduced a groundbreaking paint technique called Chromatic Layered Finish, involving multiple overlapping transparent layers. This method allows light to pass through, creating dynamic colour shifts based on viewing angles, adding a subtle texture, and marking its first use in MSO projects, emphasising innovation.
The Chromology 750S cars will be produced in limited numbers, exclusively for select McLaren Special Operations clients, emphasising the craftsmanship and rarity that inspire admiration and desire among high-end buyers.
The project also features the use of exclusive 24-karat gold-plated badges, designed specifically for this edition and attached to various parts of the car. Each badge’s background complements the car’s main colour scheme, and every vehicle is accompanied by an original artwork by Nat Bowen, highlighting the artistic collaboration’s significance.
This collaboration is set to be unveiled during Miami Art Week, an international event dedicated to contemporary art and a platform for projects that combine art and design.
In a statement, Jonathan Simms, Director of Special Operations at McLaren, explained that the project aims to explore new possibilities for using colour and texture in bespoke car design, noting that the new technique represents an addition to the paint options available at MSO.
For her part, Nat Bowen indicated that this collaboration allowed her to apply concepts of colour psychology beyond the realm of paintings, transforming them into a design experience linked to an industrial product that blends art and technology.
