A Year with One of Britain’s Most Extraordinary Cars
Few automotive journalists are as difficult to impress as Chris Harris. Having driven virtually every high-performance car imaginable, it takes something truly special to leave him searching for words.
That is precisely what happened during the filming of his latest feature centred on the remarkable McMurtry Spéirling.
Over a 12-month period, Harris followed the McMurtry team, experiencing the development of the electric hyper track car first-hand while driving a prototype at three of the UK’s most respected circuits – Dunsfold, Thruxton and Brands Hatch.
The result is an intimate look at one of the most radical performance vehicles currently being developed anywhere in the world.
“Oh My God. That’s Ridiculous.”
Harris’ reactions behind the wheel tell their own story.
Throughout the film, the experienced presenter delivers a stream of spontaneous responses that underline just how extraordinary the Spéirling’s performance really is.
Among his memorable comments:
“Oh my f****** god. That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s absurd how good it is.”
“It’s a new kind of driving.”
“Wahahooooow. Oh, I’m alive!”
“I have to say, it has slightly blown my mind, that.”
For a journalist who has tested countless supercars, hypercars and race machines, such praise speaks volumes.
Discovering a British Engineering Hidden Gem
The film goes beyond lap times and acceleration figures.
Like McMurtry itself, Harris has strong West Country roots, making the journey to the company’s new headquarters in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, a relatively short one.
What surprised him most was discovering the scale of the operation being quietly built in the South West.
Reflecting on his visit, Harris remarked:
“I had no idea any of this was here, or this was going on…”
The new facility serves as both the company’s manufacturing base and development centre as McMurtry prepares to transition from prototype testing to customer deliveries.
A Conversation with the Vision Behind the Car
A key element of the film sees Harris spending time with McMurtry co-founder and Managing Director Thomas Yates.
The pair discuss the philosophy behind the Spéirling, the future of performance driving, and why the company has pursued such a radical engineering approach.
Their conversations take place both inside the factory and on circuit, providing unique insight into the thinking behind a car that continues to challenge conventional assumptions about vehicle performance.
The film highlights how McMurtry’s focus extends beyond outright speed, instead seeking to redefine what drivers can experience behind the wheel.
The Final Chapter Approaches
The timing of the film is significant.
McMurtry has confirmed that the final production-specification Spéirling will be publicly unveiled in the coming weeks, marking the culmination of years of development work.
First customer deliveries are scheduled to begin later in 2026, bringing one of the most talked-about performance cars of recent years into the hands of its owners.
For enthusiasts eager to understand why the Spéirling has generated such excitement throughout the automotive world, Harris’ latest film offers perhaps the most revealing look yet at both the machine and the people behind it.
Motoring Echo Insight
The McMurtry Spéirling is rapidly becoming one of Britain’s most significant automotive success stories. While established manufacturers continue to chase ever-higher power outputs and increasingly complex technologies, McMurtry has taken an entirely different route—reimagining what performance can feel like from the driver’s seat.
Chris Harris’ reaction is particularly telling. In an era where seasoned journalists are rarely surprised by modern performance cars, the fact that the Spéirling can still provoke genuine astonishment suggests McMurtry may have created something genuinely revolutionary.
With the production version now just weeks away from its public debut, the automotive world is watching closely to see whether this small British manufacturer can deliver on the extraordinary promise demonstrated by its prototype programme.
Video Feature
Watch Chris Harris follow the McMurtry team over 12 months, explore the company’s Gloucestershire headquarters, and experience the astonishing capabilities of the Spéirling prototype at Dunsfold, Thruxton and Brands Hatch.
What do you think of the McMurtry Spéirling? Could this be the most innovative performance car to emerge from Britain in recent years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
- You can subscribe to the Chris Harris on Cars YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisHarrisonCars
