PROVENANCE
Don Mackey, Tucson, Arizona (acquired in 2015)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

Mercedes-Benz began supplying McLaren with engines for its racing program in 1995. Following great success with its road-going F1 supercar, McLaren sought to expand its foray into sports car production. In 1999, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren collaborated on the Vision SLR concept car, which was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 1999. The resounding and passionate reaction from the automotive press and car enthusiasts convinced the fabled automakers to bring the car to market. The production Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was unveiled to the general public on November 17, 2003.

Mercedes-Benz supplied the hand-built AMG supercharged V-8 engines to TAG McLaren’s new state-of-the-art facility in Woking, UK, where they were installed in the SLR’s Formula 1-inspired carbon fiber tub. McLaren relied heavily on lessons learned from their world championship-winning chassis architecture to develop the SLR’s electronically adaptive suspension. Stopping was handled by a Sensotronic brake-by-wire carbon fiber fourwheel- disc braking system that was developed by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch. With carbon fiber reinforced plastic body panels to reduce weight and active aerodynamics to balance downforce and aid in braking, the overall performance of the SLR was staggering. Intriguingly, the car still delivered the luxury and creature comforts one would expect in a Mercedes-Benz automobile.

With the SLR’s 617 hp supercharged and intercooled V-8, Car and Driver magazine achieved a 0–60 time of 3.4 seconds and a standing 1/4 mile of 11.2 seconds at 130 mph. The car pulled 1.13 g on the skid pad. In addition, top speed of the SLR was 207 mph, and its electrohydraulic carbon ceramic brakes could haul it from 60–0 in just 103 feet. Mercedes-Benz and McLaren had achieved a lofty goal: a strikingly beautiful and usable grand tourer, fully capable of world-class supercar performance.

This 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was delivered to Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian, Virginia, in December 2005, finished in the classic and handsome combination of Crystal Laurit Silver over 300 SL red leather interior. The car has covered less than 3,300 miles, and it remains in virtually as-delivered condition, down to its original OEM tires.

One of just 141 US examples for the 2006 model year, this highly original Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should warrant serious consideration by any Mercedes-Benz or supercar collector. Presented with books and records, first aid kit, battery charger, and CD changer, this car represents a rare opportunity to own a modern-day supercar, seamlessly matched with grand touring comfort. It will be equally at home at Mercedes-Benz events, supercar tours, or simply carving up a twisty road on a weekend getaway.