The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren debuted in 2004 as a modern Gran
Turismo,
combining Mercedes-Benz's refinement with McLaren's Formula
One-bred
engineering. Its design drew inspiration from the 1955 SLR
Uhlenhaut Coupe, with
a sweeping bonnet, compact tail, and aerodynamic detailing rooted
in motorsport.
Power came from a hand-built 5.4-liter supercharged V8 by
Mercedes-AMG,
producing 626 horsepower, enough for zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds
and a top
speed of 208 mph. The lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque gave the
SLR both
strength and agility, marking the first road car to be assembled at
the McLaren
Technology Centre (MTC).
Although production ended in 2009, McLaren's involvement with the
SLR continued
through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the brand's bespoke
division, which is
responsible for custom commissions and owner-focused upgrades.
Initially, MSO
developed the limited-run McLaren Edition SLR in 2010, followed by
one-off
projects and refinement packages. In 2021, in response to collector
demand, MSO
launched the SLR by MSO program. This allowed owners to send their
cars back to
MTC for extensive enhancements and personalization. Featuring a
long list of
possible improvements, owners could add a new front splitter
visually similar to
the 722 Edition, a revised rear diffuser and floor pan for a
2.5-percent
reduction in drag, and unique lightweight five-spoke wheels. The
braking system
could be upgraded, the suspension could be lowered by 10 mm, and a
redesigned
exhaust could be fitted to further reduce weight. An extended color
palette is
offered to further personalize the cars, in addition to a fully
retrimmed
interior.
Finished in Crystal Laurit Silver Metallic with a Black leather
interior, this
super sports car was completed during its largely hand-built
production at the
McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, England, before being shipped
to the United
States. It was equipped with "large" body-contoured seats for both
the driver
and passenger. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows
that
Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria, Virginia, initially sold the car in
late 2007. It
continued with subsequent registrations in Arizona, Montana, and
California
before being purchased by the current owner and gentleman racer in
November
2023.
Following their purchase, the car was flown to Woking, England, for
McLaren
Special Operations (MSO) to complete a comprehensive list of
upgrades. These
include a full interior retrim in unique MSO Blue leather with
custom weave
patterns on the seats, door cards, and carpets, featuring woven
piping, bespoke
badging, and matching luggage, at a cost of $54,895. Performance
enhancements
begin with the Low Temp Cooler upgrade ($34,151.10) and the Aero
Plus Package
($29,271.50). Developed at the historic HORIBA MIRA wind tunnel,
the aero suite
comprises a front splitter, rear diffuser, ducktail spoiler, and
fender louvers
to match the downforce of an SLR 722 while also reducing drag. The
Handling
Package ($25,312.93) sharpens dynamics with a 20 mm lower ride
height, revised
springs, and dampers. Complementing this SLR is the Sports Exhaust
system
($21,342.15), which saves 35 pounds, adds 40 horsepower, and
offers
cabin-adjustable sound, as well as lightweight 19-inch MSO wheels
($10,574.13).
The process also included refinishing the car as originally
specified to ensure
it looked as good as it now performs. Before returning to the U.S.,
a new
braking module, spark plugs, four new tires, upgraded power
steering pump,
paddle-shift steering wheel, and paint protection film were
installed along with
a Mercedes B service which brought the total of work rendered by
MSO to
$235,000.
MSO has kept the SLR spirit alive long after production, not only
as a
celebration of all things SLR, but it also demonstrates McLaren's
continued
commitment to supporting this pioneering super-GT. It transformed
the car into a
sharper, bespoke offering while preserving its grand touring
character. The car
is offered with just 4,765 miles at cataloging, MSO documentation,
matching
luggage, owner's manuals, battery tender, service history, and a
clean CARFAX.
More than just an enhanced super GT by the same team that built the
car
originally, this SLR is likely one of the most compelling,
exceptionally
presented, and comprehensively upgraded SLRs by MSO currently
available making
this an opportunity not to be missed. This modern rendition of the
fabled 300 SL
with its wonderful improvements would be the ideal addition to any
collection
looking for the ultimate super sports car.
Vehicle Details
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR
Listing ID:CC-2008916
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:2006
Make:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SLR
Odometer:4765
Stock Number:LV25Lot_160
VIN:WDDAJ76F56M000833
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