To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$250,000 - $300,000
- Presented in Crystal Digenit Blue over two-tone Anthracite and
Beige leather
- One of 189 models delivered to the U.S. for 2006
- Only 751 original miles; "as-new" condition throughout
Facing stiff competition from the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari
Enzo, Mercedes-Benz enlisted the help of its then Formula 1 partner
McLaren to produce the stunning SLR. The vehicle's namesake is
shared with the celebrated 300 SLR racer of the 1950s. Like that
car, sustaining high speed over the course of hundreds of miles
remained the focus of development, and so Mercedes-McLaren carved
out a specific niche among its contemporaries by focusing more on
grand touring than on out and out performance.
Powered by a 5.5-liter all-aluminum V-8 fitted with a twin-screw
supercharger feeding 13 psi of boost, the engine produced an
impressive 617 hp and 580 foot-pounds of torque. Testing conducted
by Car and Driver magazine proved the SLR to be a world-class
performer. The 0-60 sprint was over in just 3.4 seconds, while an
11.2-second quarter mile was achieved at a final speed of 130 mph.
Given enough room, the Mercedes-McLaren topped out at an impressive
208 mph.
For the SLR to perform through the corners, Mercedes-Benz and
McLaren employed all their latest technologies. A state-of-the-art
carbon fiber monocoque provided the vehicle with incredible
strength and rigidity, but with the added benefit of being
lightweight. Carbon-ceramic disc brakes measuring 15 in. in the
front and 14 in. in the rear were fitted as standard and provided
far superior stopping power and fade resistance. In addition, the
SLR was fitted with an active rear spoiler that, through varying
degrees of elevation, could act as an airbrake or increase
downforce. These factors working in conjunction with each other
resulted in supreme handling characteristics and an incredible 1.13
g around the skidpad.
Quite possibly the most brilliant aspect of the SLR was its
everyday usability. For a 200-mph supercar, the ride was
comfortable, and there is even a functional trunk. Inside,
custom-fit leather seats, high-end speakers, and automatic climate
control reinforced the grand touring ambitions Mercedes-Benz
envisioned when it initially began development.
This 2006 model presents in as-new condition, finished in unusual
and very attractive Crystal Digenit Blue with a two-tone Anthracite
and Beige leather interior. This SLR has covered only 751 miles
from new and is one of only 189 models delivered to the U.S. for
2006. The SLR was a unique collaboration between two storied racing
marques, and the example on offer, with its limited mileage, is a
highly collectable supercar and one that's breathtaking design is
backed up by its impressive performance.
Contrary to the printed catalogue, this vehicle is a 2006 Model
Year.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
