A recent TikTok video from @launchmode highlighted something surprising: the legendary McLaren F1, one of the most celebrated supercars of all time, took inspiration from an unlikely source — the humble Toyota Sera. It’s a fascinating reminder that innovation doesn’t always come from where you’d expect.
The Toyota Sera’s Surprising Innovation
At first glance, the Toyota Sera, produced between 1990 and 1995, looks like a stylish but modest compact car. It packed a small 1.5-liter engine with just 108 horsepower — hardly supercar material.
But what set it apart was its stunning design, particularly its unique butterfly doors. These doors opened upwards and outwards, requiring less space than traditional doors while adding a futuristic touch. The Sera also featured an expansive glass canopy, making its cabin feel open and airy.
@launchmode How did this tiny Toyota inspire the McLaren F1?! 😳 #carsoftiktok #cartok #cartiktok ♬ original sound – Michael Prince
How the Sera Influenced the McLaren F1
Gordon Murray, the mastermind behind the McLaren F1, was struck by the Sera’s door mechanism. While developing what would become the world’s fastest production car of its time, he wanted a door design that was both visually striking and practical. The Sera’s butterfly doors provided the perfect inspiration, leading to the now-iconic dihedral doors on the McLaren F1. This design became a hallmark of McLaren’s engineering, appearing on many of their future models.
Why This Matters
The Toyota Sera’s influence on the McLaren F1 is a testament to how great ideas can come from anywhere. It wasn’t the Sera’s speed or performance that left a mark on automotive history — it was its forward-thinking design. This story highlights the importance of cross-industry inspiration and how seemingly small innovations can shape the future of automotive engineering.
The Legacy of the Toyota Sera
Even though the Sera wasn’t a high-performance machine, its design choices live on in some of the most advanced cars in the world. It’s a great example of how bold, unconventional ideas can have a lasting impact. For car enthusiasts and designers alike, the Toyota Sera serves as a reminder that no detail is too small to inspire greatness.
