Mercedes-Benz SLR classic cars for sale

History and Development of the Mercedes-Benz SLR

The story of the Mercedes-Benz SLR is deeply anchored in both motorsport and high-end automotive engineering. The SLR designation links two milestones: the 1955 300 SLR sports racing car, and the SLR McLaren, developed from 1999 and built between 2004 and 2009. The vision for the modern SLR was born from Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with McLaren, blending Formula 1 know-how with premium road car comfort. The SLR McLaren was constructed in the UK, with its carbon fibre chassis produced in Portsmouth and final assembly taking place in Woking. Inspired by the 1950s 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, the SLR McLaren received butterfly doors, long bonnet, and distinctive side vents. The car’s aerodynamics, structural rigidity, and performance were at the cutting edge for its era, marking Mercedes-Benz's return to the supercar territory with a Grand Tourer twist. Over its production run, just over 2,150 SLRs were built, highlighting its exclusivity and the advanced craftsmanship involved.

Model History

The SLR narrative bridges two distinct eras. The original 300 SLR of 1955 was a purpose-built race machine that dominated competition, most famously at the Mille Miglia with Stirling Moss at the wheel. Its spiritual successor, the SLR McLaren (model code C199 for Coupé, R199 for Roadster, and distinct codes for special editions), revived the SLR name for the modern era. The SLR line ran from 2004 until late 2009, with variants including the Coupé, Roadster, 722 Edition, 722 S Roadster, and the ultra-exclusive SLR Stirling Moss. Each iteration introduced incremental improvements in performance, design, or exclusivity, maintaining a thread of direct lineage to its racing forefather while leveraging McLaren’s Formula 1 expertise. No direct successor followed, underlining the SLR’s unique positioning in the brand’s history.

Highlights of the Mercedes-Benz SLR

A key highlight of the SLR is its total carbon fibre construction, which includes chassis, body panels, and doors, optimizing both strength and weight. The engine is a hand-assembled AMG 5.4-litre V8 with a supercharger, generating at least 617 PS and up to 650 PS in the 722 Edition. The car’s layout—a front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive with a balanced weight distribution of approximately 49:51—ensures precise handling and high speed stability. The SLR was fitted with Speedshift 5-speed automatic transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes with brake-by-wire technology, active aerodynamics, and a deployable rear airbrake. The interior features Nappa leather or Alcantara, Bose sound system, and individual seat sizing. Visual signatures include the long bonnet, shark-nose grille, side-exit exhausts, and multiple unique colour options only available on the SLR.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Several SLR variants are considered highly collectible due to their limited numbers and unique features. The SLR 722 / 722 S / 722 Edition pays tribute to Stirling Moss’s 1955 Mille Miglia victory, is limited to 150 units, and benefits from enhanced engine output (650 PS), lowered suspension, uprated brakes, sporty carbon-accented interior, and special badging. The SLR 722 GT was designed for racing and is even rarer. The rarest, the SLR Stirling Moss, is open, windscreen-free, and limited to just 75 examples, featuring an even lighter construction and a maximalistic, purist driving experience. The SLR Roadster, revealed in 2007, combines convertible pleasure with torsional rigidity and near-matching performance to the Coupé.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific recurring weak spots are documented in the available information. Given the vehicle's advanced construction, especially the carbon fibre chassis and body, professional inspection for any structural repair, accident history, or improper modifications is advisable. Maintenance of the supercharged AMG engine, carbon-ceramic brakes, and complex electronic systems should only be performed by specialists with SLR or McLaren experience. Parts and service can be expensive due to limited availability and the car's exclusivity.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

At the core of the SLR’s driving experience is the AMG supercharged V8, delivering blistering acceleration (0–100 km/h in 3.6–3.8 seconds) and top speeds up to 337 km/h. Its front-mid engine layout combined with rear-wheel drive creates a near-perfect chassis balance, ensuring confidence at high speeds and sharp cornering. Carbon-ceramic brakes paired with an innovative brake-by-wire system and active aerodynamics (including an airbrake) contribute to both control and safety. The five-speed automatic Speedshift R gearbox offers both manual and automatic modes, engineered specifically for the high torque output. Special attention is placed on achieving Grand Tourer usability: The SLR remains comfortable for long journeys while matching or surpassing the performance of rivals from Ferrari and Porsche. Most common are SLR Coupé and SLR Roadster variants, distinguished by their mix of speed, usability, and distinct features like the original gullwing doors on Coupé and sophisticated folding roof on the Roadster. The 722 Edition stands out for its limited production, enhanced handling, and historic connections.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Design for the SLR was led by inspirations from both the original 300 SLR and contemporary Formula 1. The body is shaped for aerodynamics, with long nose, short overhangs, and prominent air intakes. Special paint colours, exclusive to the SLR, include Crystal Laurite Silver and Crystal Galaxite Black. The interior is dominated by carbon fibre and high-grade leathers (Nappa or Alcantara), available in multiple colour combinations with red and black contrasts, unique to each car. The dashboard and switchgear are arranged for a distinctly motorsport feel, with practical comfort such as two-zone climate control, a high-spec Bose sound system, and individually sized seats (XL/XXL on request). Distinctive butterfly doors add dramatic flair and reflect motorsport heritage. Extensive use of carbon ensures both safety and reduced weight, while practical touches reflect a commitment to everyday supercar usability.

Other Features

Noteworthy options for the SLR include special Turbine alloy wheels (18- or 19-inch depending on variant), bi-xenon headlamps, LED lighting, carbon-ceramic brake upgrades, and XL/XXL seat choices. Some editions offer racing package setups, CD changers, or further customisation in colour and material. The car’s underbody is completely flat for aerodynamic benefit, and access is via reinforced carbon sills for maximum crash safety.

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren stands apart in the supercar landscape for its seamless fusion of Formula 1 expertise, advanced carbon construction, and everyday road usability. From the exclusive 722 and Stirling Moss variants to the standard Coupé and Roadster, it offers an individual character and performance profile, supported by statistics that show a highly focused demand on the 199 model code. For enthusiasts, the SLR represents a distinctive approach to the supercar concept: equal parts engineering showpiece, touring comfort, and design statement.