2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster

German automobiles may not have the passion of those of Italian heritage, but there is absolutely no doubting the excellence, the precision of those aufzugskabine from Deutschland. It would be this attention to detail, this engineered performance that would end up dominating on Italian soil in the famous Mille Miglia in 1955.

Bearing the iconic '722', the 1955 Mercedes 300SLR, driven by Stirling Moss, would lead home a German one-two in the famous thousand mile race on the 1st of May. Guided by motor racing journalist Denis Jenkinson, Moss would be incredible at the wheel of the 300SLR finishing an incredible 32 minutes ahead of the great Juan Manuel Fangio in another 300SLR. It was a commanding victory and the Scuderia Ferrari 118LM driven by Umberto Magioli would be left to limp across the line to claim 3rd.

Such a defining victory would not only cement the talent and skills of Stirling Moss, it would be a defining moment for Mercedes-Benz. Sadly, the terrible accident at Le Mans, and the fact the German outfit won pretty much all it set out to achieve, would lead to Mercedes withdrawing from motor racing. However, this early exit would only further bolster the mark.

The SLR was one of those iconic Mercedes-Benz models that everyone longed after but that seemed so sacred that a concept couldn't be treated lightly. Introduced in 2003, the new SLR would not enter the supercar market quietly. Powered by its throbbing supercharged V8 engine, the SLR was a worthy successor in its own right. However, thanks to a collaboration with another British institution the SLR would only get better.

In 1955 the partnership was the British Moss and Jenkinson with the German Mercedes squad. In early 2000, the collaboration would be between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. The result would be perhaps the ultimate expression of the SLR. Called the 722S 'McLaren Edition', the SLR would be an upgrade in everyway.

In total, just six examples of the 722S McLaren Edition would be built and each would be its own entity. In recognition to Moss' SLR sporting number 722 in the '55 Mille Miglia the 722S would feature an increase of 100 horsepower over the standard SLR. The body kit would be further refined and race-ready. Weighing nearly 50 kilograms less than the standard and enjoying increased downforce, larger carbon-ceramic disc brakes and a very effective rear diffuser, the roadster was in everyway the modern successor to Moss' chariot.

Over the course of production history there would be just twenty-five SLR 722S Roadsters that would ever make it to the United States. Among the six examples of the SLR 722S McLaren Edition just one would make the trip across the Atlantic. But while 01942 would be a remarkable car just for being one of the six, it would end up being so much more. In fact, it would have to be considered the pinnacle of the series.

From the numerous carbon fiber parts, adjustable wing on the deck lid, front spoiler, carbon fiber doorsills, and numerous accents and whole parts wearing the famous McLaren Orange, this particular example of the 722S McLaren Edition is not merely the ultimate example of Mercedes' modern take of the SLR. It would have to be considered the ultimate expression of McLaren's influence within the series as well. There are those other McLaren Editions of the 722S, but this would have to trump them all. It would have to be considered the ultimate Anglo-German collaboration—perhaps none of the passion but all of the excellence and performance.

Offered through RM Auction's 2015 Scottsdale event, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S Roadster 'McLaren Edition' would draw pre-auction estimates ranging from between $475,000 and $675,000.

By Jeremy McMullen