2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR Mclaren Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was a spiritual throwback to the legendary 300SL of 1954-1964 and the 300SLR racer of 1955. At the time, England's McLaren Technology Centre, was partially owned by Mercedes. Developed in cooperation, the SLR McLaren utilized carbon-fiber construction and cutting-edge technology in every system.

The 'front mid-engine', rear-wheel drive supercar had its engine pushed as far to the rear as possible to locate its center of mass behind the front wheels. Under the bonnet was a single overhead cam supercharged and intercooled V8 engine developing 617 horsepower. It was an all-aluminum unit with three valves per cylinder and race-derived dry-sump lubrication. A Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger provides 13-psi boost pressure and it had two intercoolers. The AMG Speedshift R transmission provides three manual modes. The SLR McLaren was capable of racing from zero-to-sixty mph in the 3.2 to 3.5 second range with a top speed in the neighborhood of 209 mph.

This particular example is the singular example created in the special combination of Crystal Palladium Grey with a 'Silver Arrow' light brown leather interior. This was a special factory order for the New York International Auto Show held in April 2007. While in the care of its first celebrity owner, it received minor damage from the improper closure of a garage door, which necessitated a windshield replacement. There was no frame damage, no airbag deployment and no panel replacement.

The car has had two owners and just over 5,000 since new. With just 1,150 examples of the Mercedes SLR McLaren produced, this is truly a rare and special automobile.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $220,000 - $260,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had sold for $220,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012