McLaren dream comes true for 86-year-old Naples man

Reporter: Jennifer Morejon Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
McLaren
Derek Allen living out a life long dream of riding in a McLaren. (CREDIT: WINK News)

Derek Allen, 86, lived out a lifelong dream of riding in a very high-end luxury car Wednesday in Collier County.

When Derek was younger he raced sports cars as a hobby, but never his favorite car the McLaren, until Wednesday.

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Derek Allen in the passengers seat of a McLaren with butterfly doors. (CREDIT: WINK News)

Thanks to Seascape Naples Senior Living Community where Derek is a resident, Derek’s dream came true. When Derek understood what was happening, he was completely speechless.

Through the pandemic, Ashley Devries, the assistant executive director at Seascape, got to spend a lot of one on one time with Derek. After spending lots of quality time together and countless conversations, Devries learned about Derek’s former racing days hobby.

“Oh my gosh… it’s very exciting to be able to do that for him, you know he is a very humble man and very reserved so I am sure he is over the moon though,” said Devries.

Devries contacted Naples Motorsports, a local luxury car dealership that was happy to make his McLaren dream a reality.

“He went to MIT and I met him there, and our first date was in his 1929 Ford with a rumble seat,” said Sara Allen, Derek’s wife.

Sara shared some special memories and is grateful for the help provided by the team at Seascape.

“I think everyone should get their chance to have their dream,” said Sara. “It’s super.”

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Derek Allen riding in the passenger seat of a McLaren. (CREDIT: WINK News)

The driver took Derek on a ride in the McLaren through 5th Avenue and then to lunch to meet up with Sara.

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