2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Model History Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was launched at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show, a product of the relationship between McLaren and Mercedes-Benz at a time when the British sports car manufacturer was partly owned by Mercedes. The project aimed to combine two elements: to showcase McLaren Mercedes F1 technology in a road car (as Ferrari had done in the Enzo) and also to celebrate Mercedes-Benz's racing history by referencing the historic Silver Arrows racing cars.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was designed by Mercedes, taking cues from the 300SL Gullwing and the 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. All technological development was then conducted by McLaren. The result is a grand tourer/ sports coupe powered by a supercharged, mid-mounted 5.4L V8 generating 557hp linked to a five-speed automatic gearbox.

In 2006, the 722 Edition was launched. This combined stiffer suspension, 19" wheels and an uprated 641hp engine plus '722' badging and details as reference to the 722 Mercedes-Benz SLR which won the 1955 Mille Miglia in record time driven by Stirling Moss. The following year, roadster versions of both the standard car and 722 were offered, the latter badged the 722S. In 2009, the car's final year of manufacture, a special run of 75 cars using a speedster body were created, known as the Stirling Moss Edition. These were only sold to existing SLR owners.

Although production officially finished in 2009, between 2011 and 2013, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) created a range of bespoke SLR models for clients. Based on existing SLR chassis, these 25 cars had a variety of engine, design and interior options, each built to their client's request.

Today, the Stirling Moss Edition cars attract the highest prices. McLaren Edition, 722 and 722S achieve about 100% increase over standard models. Roadsters tend to outperform coupe/grand tourers.