At precisely 7:22 a.m. on 1 May 1955, Stirling Moss and navigator
Denis Jenkinson launched their Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR out of Brescia
to start the 22nd edition of the legendary Mille Miglia. The
punishing 1,000-mile open-road race across Italy was completed in a
record-setting 10 hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds at an average
speed of a staggering 97 mph. The duo and their SLR created a
record that remain for all time as the fastest run in the event's
history. Their car carried the number "722," which began as a
simple reference to its start time, but ultimately has become one
of the most evocative symbols in the extraordinary history of
Mercedes-Benz.
More than half a century later, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren revived
the legend at the Paris Motor Show on 28 September 2006, with the
debut of the SLR McLaren 722 Edition. Limited to just 150
hand-built examples and assembled at McLaren's Woking facility, the
722 Edition fused Formula One-derived engineering with AMG muscle
to create a modern tribute to Moss's immortal drive.
Beneath the long carbon-fiber hood lay a hand-assembled,
supercharged 5.4-liter V8 producing 641 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of
torque. Performance was nothing short of ferocious as zero to
60-mph flashed by in a mere 3.6 seconds on its way to a 209-mph top
speed. Sharper engine mapping and quicker shift programming were
paired with stiffer springs, retuned dampers, lightweight forged
19-inch wheels, and massive 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic brakes with
red calipers. The result was crisper turn-in, formidable stopping
power, and a heightened sense of precision at speed.
Aerodynamic and weight-saving measures completed the
transformation. A deeper front splitter, reworked rear diffuser,
and deployable airbrake spoiler improved high-speed stability,
while the carbon-fiber composite body trimmed nearly 97 pounds.
Inside, darker finishes, embroidered "722" insignias, and body
contoured sport seats reinforced the car's exclusivity and clear
racing intent.
The lineage continued in 2007 with the introduction of the SLR
Roadster. Its carbon-fiber monocoque preserved rigidity and safety
despite the absence of a fixed roof, while a soft top that raised
or lowered in under 10 seconds maintained refinement even at speeds
beyond 124 mph. In 2008, the SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster carried the
concept further. The open-air super sports car boasted the same 641
horsepower as the coupe, and its impressive performance. With a
sharpened suspension, aerodynamic finesse, and design cues rooted
in motorsport heritage, the "722" name was brought into a new era
of uncompromising performance.
Production of the 722 S Roadster was limited to just 150 worldwide,
with this example being one of the select few destined for the U.S.
when new. Finished in Crystal Antimon Grey (701), the interior was
specified with Black semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, contrasted
with red stitching, seatbelts, and binding on the carpet floor
mats. Offered in multiple sizes tailored to fit the original owner,
both the driver and passenger seats were specified in "large."
Additional equipment for this Roadster includes a Grey
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 clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows this SLR was sold new
to its original owner in October 2009 through the iconic Fletcher
Jones Motorcars of Irvine, California. Remaining under their care
through September 2011, it benefited from regular servicing by
Fletcher Jones. Passing through three more California-based owners,
Fletcher Jones continued maintaining the car through its last
service on 16 February 2024 at 3,255 miles.
With just 3,423 miles recorded at the time of cataloging, this SLR
McLaren Roadster 722 S reflects a life of careful stewardship and
minimal use. Representing the pinnacle of the Roadster designed
through its legendary Mercedes-Benz and McLaren collaboration, it
blends cutting-edge engineering precision with avant-garde,
motorsport-inspired design to deliver an extraordinary driving
experience. Its distinctive styling, limited production, historic
origins, and race-bred performance have made the Roadster 722 S one
of the most coveted modern super sports cars.
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