Carbon Black (McLaren)

Carbon Black is a metallic black paint offered by McLaren and mainly seen on various of their earlier models, like the 12C, 650S and P1. Despite the name, it should not be confused with BMW’s much more widely known Carbon Black, which has a noticeable blue undertone.

McLaren’s Carbon Black is far more straightforward in comparison. It presents as a deep, neutral black with a subtle metallic flake that becomes visible under direct light. In most conditions the color reads as a clean, classic black, but sunlight reveals a fine metallic sparkle that adds a small amount of depth without significantly altering the tone.

Because the metallic content is relatively restrained, the paint keeps a very dark appearance and doesn’t shift strongly toward blue or grey like some other metallic blacks.