Vehicle Description
At the 1999 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a dramatic
new supercar concept calledVision SLR. Imagined from the onset as a
joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Cars Ltd, the
wild-looking front-engine supercar evoked the iconic Mille-Miglia
record-shattering 300 SLR, reimagined for the modern era. Mercedes
had ramped-up their investment in Formula 1 racing, partnering with
the legendary McLaren team, so a road-going supercar seemed like
the ideal celebration of the partnership between two motorsport
giants. Getting the SLR from concept to production was somewhat of
a fraught process. Mercedes-Benz top brass called upon McLaren's
Gordon Murray (Formula 1 designer and father of the McLaren F1 road
car) to aid in the specification and design of the SLR. By the time
Murray and Mercedes engineers hammered out the final spec, the
Vision SLR was almost entirely reworked. While most of the
distinctive styling cues remained, Murray insisted on moving the
engine back by nearly a meter, lowering the center of gravity, and
developing a high-tech carbon fiber monocoque comprised of four
bonded segments. McLaren Cars in England handled the manufacture of
the chassis and the final assembly, and for their part,
Mercedes-Benz AMG supplied the 617-horsepower supercharged,
dry-sump V8, 5-speedSpeedshift R(aka, automatic) gearbox,
carbon-ceramic brakes, and all other minor components. When the SLR
finally hit the streets - first as a coupe and later a limited-run
roadster - it blurred the lines between a supercar and a grand
tourer. With well over 600 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, the
SLR could sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and go on to 207 mph. The
unique exhaust system exited just behind the front wheels, evoking
Moss' SLR and emitting a guttural, spine-tingling bellow -basso
profundo, as the Italians would say. Massive carbon brakes hauled
it to a stop with startling efficiency, and Murray and the wizards
at McLaren developed sophisticated traction, stability control, and
active aero systems. Yet with all that exotic tech and thundering
performance, the SLR was docile enough to use every day, able to
trundle along with the suspension set to comfort and the
transmission in automatic mode, cosseting occupants with superb
ride quality and near-perfect levels of fit and finish. It offered
a usable boot, even on the roadster models, with all the comforts
of a Mercedes-Benz. Between 2003 and 2009, Mercedes and McLaren
produced just 2,157 SLRs in total, including approximately 500
roadsters, and today it remains one of the fastest and most
collectible cars in Mercedes-Benz history. Presented in Crystal
Galaxite Black with turbine wheels and optional "Silver Arrow" red
leather trim, this fabulous 2008 SLR McLaren Roadster makes a
dramatic statement. An outstanding 2-owner example, this SLR shows
just over 3,600 miles from new and has enjoyed meticulous care in
the hands of a devoted Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. Records show this
car was delivered new in California and was acquired by its most
recent owner in 2012. It is very well documented, accompanied by a
clean Carfax report, Data Card, original window sticker, and
service receipts from the current owner showing regular annual
maintenance regardless of mileage. With the majority of SLRs
finished in traditional Mercedes silver, this roadster looks
particularly arresting and sinister in its deep metallic black
finish, highlighted by red calipers on the carbon-ceramic brakes.
It is impeccably presented with gorgeous paintwork and superb
detailing inside and out. The black soft-top is in excellent order
with slick operation at the press of a button. Exceptional details
include the gorgeous turbine-style wheels, which are fitted with
Michelin Pilot Supersport tires. Swinging up the butterfly doors
reveals the impeccably trimmed cabin featuring the optional "Silver
Arrow 300SL Red Leather" upholstery, a $9,900 option. Other extras
include carbon interior trim, contrasting black stitching, and a
two-tone steering wheel. Controls and instruments are familiar to
any modern Mercedes-Benz fan, though McLaren's superlative build
quality elevates the cabin atmosphere to a new level. The engine
bay is impeccably clean, reflecting this car's exceptionally low
milage and attentive care. Aside from regular annual oil and fluid
changes, records show new Michelin Pilot Supersport tires and new
batteries in 2018 and other minor service items between 2012 and
2020. The sale includes receipts, the window sticker, owner's
manuals, wind deflectors, roof linkage covers, car cover, and
factory battery tender. Few machines in recent memory sound quite
like an SLR. Under load, the blown V8 emits a bellow that's more
like a '70s Can-Am car than a modern exotic, yet it is entirely
civilized and mature while cruising around town. The SLR McLaren
Roadster is one of the fastest, most advanced Mercedes-Benz's of
the modern era, blending Teutonic quality with Formula One-inspired
technology into a surprisingly versatile and utterly breathtaking
machine. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6935-2008-mercedes-benz-slr-mclaren-roadster/
