Neighbours saw the delighted new owner of the 650S Spider celebrating with a bottle of champagne as the gleaming black motor was unloaded at his home.
But only moments later it was seen crashing on a nearby road in Hutton, near Brentwood, Essex.
The front was left in bits after the McLaren hit the tree head-on – while the rear of the mid-engined car was damaged by a sign-post.
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Essex police appealed for information from anyone who saw it being driven before the crash.
They particularly want to trace a woman who approached the driver and passenger immediately after the incident to check how they were.
Fortunately, both escaped injury.
Although no one has been arrested, police are trying to determine who was driving at the time.
The McLaren 650S Spider has gullwing doors and top spec models cost over £215,000.
It can go from 0 to 62mph in just three seconds and has a top speed of 204mph.