Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
"It sounds like the god of thunder gargling a hammer." – Jeremy Clarkson
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren brings together two storied names: SLR, coming from the 300SLR, the car that dominated racing and remains the most valuable ever sold (over $140 million), and McLaren, Mercedes’ F1 partner for almost 20 years.
The SLR was a collaborative effort between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, and it was designed by Gordon Murray, a name that resonates deeply in the world of automotive engineering. A man who shaped Formula 1, revolutionized supercars with the McLaren F1, and redefined the concept of lightweight performance.
Murray had initially proposed a rear-mid-engined supercar to Mercedes, but the project evolved into a front-engined grand tourer, aiming to obtain high performance as well as everyday usability. For this reason, Murray repositioned the 5.5L supercharged V8 nearly a meter towards the cabin, and lowered the fuel tank, improving the weight distribution, and effectively making it a front-mid engine car. This adjustment enabled the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of around 335km/h. The SLR was the first production car to feature a full carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque for both chassis and crash structure, also making it one of the safest supercars of its time. Moreover, it was also among the first production cars to use full ceramic composite brakes as standard, and the active rear spoiler doubled as an airbrake, tilting up at 65 degrees under heavy braking.
SLR McLaren Roadster
Paint color Crystal Galaxite Black
Interiors Black with red stitching
Originally delivered in France
Service history, logbook, original owner’s manual
Complete ownership history
Recent exterior and interior detailing
This Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, one of only 533 Roadster examples produced, was first delivered in France to Mercedes-Benz Como Stains in 2007. In 2010, it was registered in the United Kingdom by the same family, though it continued to be driven in Paris. Later, the car was acquired by a French collector, who carefully preserved its legacy.
Finished in Crystal Galaxite Black, this SLR has black leather interior with red stitching, and it retains its original soft top. The extensive list of optional features, totaling over €50.000, includes the carbon-fiber bucket seats and a matching carbon-fiber center console.
The maintenance performed on the SLR has been recorded in its logbook, and the original owner’s manual is still present. Since its acquisition by the French collector in 2017, the car has seen limited use, and has been recently serviced at an official dealership.