Mercedes McLaren SLR 722 S Roadster - 2011
R199
The Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 600.000 - 800.000
Sold for € 897.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2023
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2023
Manufactured between 2003 and 2010, their new supercar allowed Mercedes-Benz and its then Formula 1 partner, McLaren, to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction, and production of high-performance sports cars and, just like its legendary 300 SLR predecessor of 1955, it incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. Yet the term 'supercar' does not do full justice to the SLR, which, its peerless performance notwithstanding, is a luxurious and finely engineered Gran Turismo in the best traditions of Mercedes-Benz.
The heart of any car is its engine, and that of the SLR McLaren is truly outstanding. Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division, it is a 5.5-litre, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines ever found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it is the torque produced by this state-of-the-art 'blown' motor that is its most remarkable feature. The torque curve is almost flat: there is already 440lb/ft by 1,500 rpm and well over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 revs.
Needless to say, the SLR McLaren delivers performance figures that are still among the best in its class. Taking just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h, it passes the 200km/h mark after 10.6 seconds and from a standing start takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300km/h (186mph). The two-seater has a top speed of 334km/h. The five-speed automatic transmission was specially optimised for very high torque and also offered the driver the option of choosing between different shift characteristics using the Speedshift system.
Reflecting the long-term technological collaboration that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren enjoyed in Formula 1, the SLR's carbon fibre composite monocoque body/chassis structure was produced in the latter's then all-new facility in Woking, England. Topping off this technological tour de force is the electronically controlled rear spoiler.
In 2006 Mercedes-Benz introduced a new version of the SLR McLaren: the 722 Edition. The '722' refers to the victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia of Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson, whose Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR had the starting number '722' (indicating a start time of 7:22 a.m.). The engine was upgraded for the 722 and now produced a maximum of 641bhp. In addition, the suspension was stiffened and the ride height reduced, while externally the newcomer boasted a revised front air dam and rear diffuser together with 19" wheels accommodating 390mm brakes. Other exterior changes include red '722 badging, referencing the original 722 racer, plus black-tinted headlamps and tail lights, while the interior was trimmed in a combination of carbon fibre, black leather and Alcantara. Faster than the regular SLR McLaren, the 722 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 337km/h. Production of the 722 Edition was limited to 150 units.
The roadster variant of the 722 Edition was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as the 722 S. The latter used the same engine and running gear as the 722 coupé together with the standard SLR roadster's folding roof mechanism. Its performance was on a par with that of the closed coupé. The model went on sale in January 2009 and once again production was limited to 150 examples, instantly making the 722 S one of the rarer and more collectible Mercedes models of recent times.
First registered in May 2011, this rare 722 S version of the SLR McLaren Roadster was delivered new in Germany and has had only one owner from new, covering a trifling 617 kilometres since it left the factory 12 years ago. The enthusiastic owner was unfortunately not able to drive the car himself and would therefore once a year call the Head of Service of his Mercedes dealership to drive the car together to the dealership for servicing or to simply take the car out for a short drive together. In that way the owner was able to enjoy his exceptional supercar. This 722 S Roadster is finished in a lovely shade of dark grey and is presented in effectively 'as new' condition, just as one would expect from such limited usage. Freshly serviced, in June 2023, and ready to be enjoyed. The accompanying documentation consists of German registration papers, manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity, all books and original pouch. Retaining all gadgets from new such as the indoor car cover, battery charger, etc., this highly desirable European-delivery SLR McLaren 722 S is exceptional and still in 'factory fresh' condition.
Mercedes McLaren SLR 722 S Roadster - 2011
R199
The Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 600.000 - 800.000
Sold for € 897.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2023
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2023
Manufactured between 2003 and 2010, their new supercar allowed Mercedes-Benz and its then Formula 1 partner, McLaren, to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction, and production of high-performance sports cars and, just like its legendary 300 SLR predecessor of 1955, it incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. Yet the term 'supercar' does not do full justice to the SLR, which, its peerless performance notwithstanding, is a luxurious and finely engineered Gran Turismo in the best traditions of Mercedes-Benz.
The heart of any car is its engine, and that of the SLR McLaren is truly outstanding. Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division, it is a 5.5-litre, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines ever found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it is the torque produced by this state-of-the-art 'blown' motor that is its most remarkable feature. The torque curve is almost flat: there is already 440lb/ft by 1,500 rpm and well over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 revs.
Needless to say, the SLR McLaren delivers performance figures that are still among the best in its class. Taking just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h, it passes the 200km/h mark after 10.6 seconds and from a standing start takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300km/h (186mph). The two-seater has a top speed of 334km/h. The five-speed automatic transmission was specially optimised for very high torque and also offered the driver the option of choosing between different shift characteristics using the Speedshift system.
Reflecting the long-term technological collaboration that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren enjoyed in Formula 1, the SLR's carbon fibre composite monocoque body/chassis structure was produced in the latter's then all-new facility in Woking, England. Topping off this technological tour de force is the electronically controlled rear spoiler.
In 2006 Mercedes-Benz introduced a new version of the SLR McLaren: the 722 Edition. The '722' refers to the victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia of Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson, whose Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR had the starting number '722' (indicating a start time of 7:22 a.m.). The engine was upgraded for the 722 and now produced a maximum of 641bhp. In addition, the suspension was stiffened and the ride height reduced, while externally the newcomer boasted a revised front air dam and rear diffuser together with 19" wheels accommodating 390mm brakes. Other exterior changes include red '722 badging, referencing the original 722 racer, plus black-tinted headlamps and tail lights, while the interior was trimmed in a combination of carbon fibre, black leather and Alcantara. Faster than the regular SLR McLaren, the 722 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 337km/h. Production of the 722 Edition was limited to 150 units.
The roadster variant of the 722 Edition was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as the 722 S. The latter used the same engine and running gear as the 722 coupé together with the standard SLR roadster's folding roof mechanism. Its performance was on a par with that of the closed coupé. The model went on sale in January 2009 and once again production was limited to 150 examples, instantly making the 722 S one of the rarer and more collectible Mercedes models of recent times.
First registered in May 2011, this rare 722 S version of the SLR McLaren Roadster was delivered new in Germany and has had only one owner from new, covering a trifling 617 kilometres since it left the factory 12 years ago. The enthusiastic owner was unfortunately not able to drive the car himself and would therefore once a year call the Head of Service of his Mercedes dealership to drive the car together to the dealership for servicing or to simply take the car out for a short drive together. In that way the owner was able to enjoy his exceptional supercar. This 722 S Roadster is finished in a lovely shade of dark grey and is presented in effectively 'as new' condition, just as one would expect from such limited usage. Freshly serviced, in June 2023, and ready to be enjoyed. The accompanying documentation consists of German registration papers, manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity, all books and original pouch. Retaining all gadgets from new such as the indoor car cover, battery charger, etc., this highly desirable European-delivery SLR McLaren 722 S is exceptional and still in 'factory fresh' condition.