At 7:22 a.m. on 1 May 1955, Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson
launched their
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR from Brescia into the Mille Miglia, the
grueling
1,000-mile race across Italy. Ten hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds
later, they
crossed the finish, averaging an astonishing 97 mph-an achievement
that remains
the fastest run in the event's history. Their car bore the number
"722," a
simple departure time that would become one of the most evocative
symbols in
Mercedes-Benz lore.
More than fifty years later, on 28 September 2006, Mercedes-Benz
and McLaren
revived the legend at the Paris Motor Show with the debut of the
SLR McLaren 722
Edition. Limited to just 150 hand-built examples, each crafted at
McLaren's
Woking facility, the car fused Formula One expertise with AMG's
powerhouse
engineering to create a modern tribute to Moss's immortal
drive.
Under the long carbon-fiber hood sat a hand-assembled, supercharged
5.4-liter V8
producing 641 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. The performance was
ferocious. From a
standstill to 60 mph takes just 3.6 seconds, while it rushes to a
top speed of
209 mph. Quicker shift programming, stiffer springs, revised
dampers,
lightweight forged 19-inch wheels, and massive 15.4-inch
carbon-ceramic brakes
with red calipers elevated the driving experience with sharper
turn-in, greater
stopping power, and heightened precision.
Aerodynamics and weight savings completed the transformation. A
deeper front
splitter, functional diffuser, and deployable airbrake enhanced
high-speed
stability, while the carbon-fiber body shaved nearly 97 pounds from
curb weight.
Inside, darker finishes, embroidered "722" insignias, and sport
seats
underscored its exclusivity and racing inspiration.
The lineage expanded in 2007 with the SLR Roadster, its
carbon-fiber monocoque
preserving strength and safety despite the absence of a roof. The
soft top could
be raised or lowered in under ten seconds and maintained refinement
even past
124 mph. By 2008, the SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster pushed the concept
further-an
open-air supercar retaining 641 hp, sprinting from zero to 60 mph
in 3.7
seconds, and reaching 209 mph. With sharpened suspension,
aerodynamic finesse,
and styling cues worthy of its heritage, the "722" name was carried
into a new
era of uncompromising performance.
Of the 150 722 S Roadsters produced, this example is one of only a
handful sold
new in Canada. Finished in Crystal Galaxit Black Metallic, the
interior was
specified with Black leather and Alcantara, contrasted with red
stitching,
seatbelts, and binding on the carpet floor mats. The largest
body-contoured seat
options, including the "XXL" driver's seat and the extra-large
passenger seat
were specified for added comfort and convenience. Additional
equipment for this
Roadster includes an Anthracite power-folding soft top, dual-zone
automatic
climate control, a six-disc CD changer with a Bose sound system,
and 19-inch
multi-spoke alloy wheels.
The accompanying clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows that the
car remained
with Canadian owners until it was imported to the U.S. and
"declared to meet
U.S. highway safety specifications" on 27 November 2024. Before its
importation,
in November 2021, the car received a large service by Mercedes-Benz
Boundary of
Vancouver, British Columbia, that included a brake fluid flush and
replacement
of the hood struts, engine oil, spark plugs, and serpentine belt at
7,915
kilometers.
This superb example of the SLR Roadster 722 S, acquired by the
present owner in
January 2025, has remained in outstanding condition ever since.
With only 5,290
miles recorded at the time of cataloging, it reflects minimal use
and careful
stewardship. The Roadster 722 S marked the pinnacle of the SLR
program, blending
the engineering precision of McLaren with the luxury and innovation
of
Mercedes-Benz. Its distinctive styling, motorsport-derived
performance, and
limited production have made it one of the most sought-after modern
supercars.
Presented in an exceptional color scheme and showing remarkably low
mileage,
this example offers a rare opportunity to acquire a car that
captures the very
essence of exclusivity, performance, and design.
Vehicle Details
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR
Listing ID:CC-2008570
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:2009
Make:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SLR
Odometer:5290
Stock Number:LV25Lot_137
VIN:WDDAK76F59M002051
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