McLaren 620R Tries Sneaking Past Customs as Porsche Cayman, Fails

Trying to pass off a McLaren as a Porsche went as well as expected. Now the car might end up on the chopping block.

If you ever feel inclined to try and fool customs in the Philippines, this story will give you pause. Recently, the owner of a brand now, very rare McLaren 620R tried to claim the supercar as a Porsche Cayman GT4 to customs. However, officials at the Port of Manila caught on the ruse–we’re assuming because they had eyes. Now, the definitely not-a-Porsche McLaren has been seized and may end up as scrap.

The Philippines Bureau of Customs reported the incident on their Facebook page. “Arriving in Manila on July 16, 2020, the shipment was declared as brand new Porsche Cayman sports car in an attempt to avoid the payment of the appropriate duties and taxes,” they wrote.

Before we declare this customs-dodger a nut, it might help to know that the cost of importing the McLaren 620R works out to a whopping $339,000. About $40K more than the cost of the car itself. A new Porsche Cayman, on the other hand, works out to about $30,000 in import costs. Still steep, but considerably more reasonable.

Okay, we will concede that there are some similarities between the two cars. But did anyone really think they could successfully pull this off?

Exhibit A: McLaren 620R

Produced as a limited-edition sporty supercar, the McLaren 620R was one of only 350 built.

Exhibit B: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

Well, they are both two door sports cars. And Porsche’s influence on the 620R design is apparent. Beyond that, we can’t quite imagine how anyone thought this might work. Although, at least the owner has good taste.

Unfortunately for the importer, this will have a unhappy ending all around.

“The consignee and broker of the shipment are now facing possible charges for violation of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of RA 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA),” reports the Bureau of Customs. And the Philippines has a reputation for being very tough on these crimes. Previously, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the complete destruction of $5.6 million dollars worth of seized luxury cars.

Let’s hope this rare McLaren escapes a similar fate.

Warning, this video is not for those gearheads who are faint of heart. Oh, the humanity.

Photos: Port of Manila Facebook

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.