Presented by RM Sotheby’s – Among the compelling class supercars that emerged following the turn of the millennium, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is uniquely intriguing. Its basis was the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which debuted in 2003; developed jointly by Mercedes-Benz and its then-Formula 1 partner McLaren, the car clearly drew from the former manufacturer’s contemporary design language and world-class engineering, yet it was assembled at the latter’s facility in Woking, England.
This car was a true exotic, with massive power and a 200-plus mph top speed—and, yes, eye-catching “butterfly” doors. Unlike ostensible competitors such as the Porsche Carrera GT, however, the SLR McLaren featured a front-mid-engine chassis configuration and boasted everyday usability more typical of a traditional grand tourer. Notably, it was also McLaren’s first foray into roadgoing automobiles after the legendary McLaren F1’s production run concluded.
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The 722 Edition, launched as a coupe in 2006 and a Roadster in 2009, took the already impressive model to the next level: Its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, was reworked to produce 641 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque. Zero-to-62 mph acceleration took just 3.1 seconds, and top speed was a screaming 208 mph. Further enhancements included a lower, stiffer suspension and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels. New bucket seats and a steering wheel, both upholstered in semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, were found in the cabin.
The model’s name and subtle “722” badging was highly significant, referencing the starting number of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson piloted to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia. What could be a more fitting tribute to this legendary moment in motorsport history, in which British drivers achieved triumph in a German racing machine, than a limited-edition German-British supercar?
With just 150 SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster examples produced, the model was destined from the start to be exclusive. This Canada-delivery example, finished in Crystal Laurite Silver over black interior accented by red seat belts and stitching, was desirably equipped with the larger braking system; red calipers are visible behind its 19-inch black wheels.
This particular car is further distinguished by its excellent state of preservation and history of use, having been driven fewer than 15,200 km (~9,450 mi) at time of cataloguing. Invoices on file indicate a service and the fitment of two new rear tires performed in May 2016 by Crown Eurocars of St. Petersburg, Florida. An inspection and oil change were performed by Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota, Florida, March 2020.
Now offered from the Fox Collection, this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is a nod to Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious racing past, and a celebration of its Formula 1 partnership with McLaren. Blending the best attributes of two of the world’s top-tier automakers—each with a rich history of motorsports success—like no other car before or since, it offers its next owner a truly distinctive combination or rarity, luxury, and ultimate performance.
With minimal production runs and maximized performance, the Fox Collection is filled with supercar selections that truly stand out from their contemporaries, with a combination of uncommon specifications, low mileages, and outstanding color combinations. The Fox Collection will be offered entirely without reserve at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, taking place 12-14 August 2021.
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