While on the subject of theatre, there were some other, let’s call them nuances, which contributed to the Lamborghini’s charm. The carbon ceramic brake discs were a touch grabby, particularly when cold, and when you left the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox in auto, it would refuse to kickdown from sixth gear which meant you had no other option than to use the paddles. In contrast, the McLaren’s carbon ceramic brakes were wonderfully progressive and the seamless shift gearbox – also a seven speeder – was the most responsive of the two transmissions. However, the Huracán does steal points back by mounting the paddles to the steering column, also, choosing your preferred driving mode simply requires the push of a button. In the 720S, the gearbox paddles move with the wheel and to change driving modes, you have to switch on an entire control panel and then individually adjust your powertrain and suspension. Options are always welcome, but it can be a bit of a faff when you just want to plug and play. You could also argue that the McLaren is a touch clinical. Others have suggested that they lack personality which is something I would argue against, but it certainly doesn’t have the drama of the Lamborghini. The Huracán RWD will also skid on demand whereas the 720S requires some bullying to get it rotated. Useless information, I know, but these things count when comparing supercars.

As the weather set in and the light faded, we had no other option than to call it a day. We left feeling suitably challenged, and the conditions in which we road tested the McLaren and Lamborghini only exposed how vastly different they are from one another. The roads, rain and low temperatures only exaggerated how much of a handful the rear-wheel drive Huracán is, but it was by far the most exciting car of the two and in the dry it’s far better behaved. The McLaren displayed how unshakably confidence inspiring it is, even when mother nature wanted to do nothing more than slow our progress. But this test was never about winners and losers. It was about living out boyhood dreams, and our pilgrimage to the Black Mountain Pass was a celebration of the supercars that took us there.

Let’s be clear, neither car was better than the other. Sid and I had lengthy conversations over which we preferred but not once did we ever argue over who had the keys to what. We adored them both, but ultimately opinions were split on which we would rather take home. He revelled in the extroverted Lamborghini and its larger than life personality, but the driver focus and outright speed of the McLaren spoke to how I enjoy driving. It was a close run decision and we both admitted that we could have easily picked either car. They are two cars for two different customers, and for that reason, the real winners are the people who are fortunate enough to have the choice over which one they would rather purchase. But we didn’t go all the way to the Black Mountains just to tell you that, we went on our trip so we could convey how special these machines are, and let me tell you, they’re everything you want them to be and more. They’re two intoxicating, life affirming, breathtaking supercars. They are what dreams are made of and we have to cherish them for as long as we can, because with the way the motor industry is heading, this might just be as good as it ever gets.