Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sotheby's Santa Monica event, June
24, 2017.
Estimate:
$260,000 - $290,000 US
617 hp, 5,439 cc SOHC supercharged V-8 engine
Five-speed AMG Speedshift R transmission with three manual
modes
Striking Crystal Laurite Silver over Berry
Less than 8,000 miles from new
Original window sticker, coffee table book, and all peripherals
from new
The ultimate grand tourer with everyday usability
Includes books and battery tender
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a spiritual tribute to the
immortal 300 SL cars of 1954 to 1963 and the 300 SLR "Le Mans"
racing car of 1955. Introduced in 2003 and developed jointly with
McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. The SLR
McLaren uses carbon-fiber construction and cutting-edge technology
in all its systems.
The car's platform is described as "front mid-engine, rear-wheel
drive." Although the engine is in front and drives the rear wheels,
it is pushed as far to the rear as possible, in order to locate its
center of mass behind the front wheels. The side port exhaust exits
impressively from behind the front wheels below attractive and
functional cooling louvers. The doors are front hinging and open in
the gullwing-type style.
Power comes from Mercedes' 5,439 cubic centimeter supercharged
single overhead-cam V-8 engine. The all-aluminum unit has three
valves per cylinder and a dry-sump lubrication system. A
Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger provides 13 psi of boost; good
for 617 horsepower. Along with two intercoolers; the SLR has an AMG
Speedshift R automatic transmission with three manual modes.
The SLR uses Sensotronic four-wheel disc brakes, a "brake by wire"
system with carbon ceramic discs. There is also an automatic air
brake, engaged when the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is
set to 65 degrees. The spoiler itself provides a form of active
aerodynamics. Auto leveling suspension and speed sensing steering
are additional tools that allowed Motor Trend online magazine to
comment; "...anyone who can smash a gas pedal to the floor can
drive this new SLR McLaren with nearly the same results and do it
over and over again with impunity." Despite its space-age
construction, the SLR weighs in at nearly 4,000 pounds. Still, it's
a hearty performer, top speed is said to be a very impressive
209-mph.
This SLR McLaren is finished in Crystal Lurite Silver with a Berry
(with black and aluminum-type trim) and comes with less than 8,000
miles on the odometer from new. Cared for in the proper manner,
this is a supercar that demonstrates everyday usability with such
features as air conditioning, seven-speaker Bose premium sound
system, power adjustable carbon fiber seats with leather inserts,
steering wheel-mounted audio controls, heated exterior mirrors,
navigation, AM/FM radio; power steering, brakes, and windows.
Asymmetric "turbine design" factory alloy wheels provide another
excellent styling cue and Mercedes-Benz books and keys also
accompany this reawakening of a legend.
As one of the iconic first-generation coupes built, this very
special SLR McLaren offers a rare opportunity for supercar
ownership. With only about 1,150 cars originally sold, some driven
harder than others, low-mileage examples such as this are difficult
to find.
Addendum:
Please note this vehicle is being sold title in transit
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
