Description
This is lot number 156 in the Bonhams Zoute sale on October 6th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Limited edition model (1/ 150) commemorating Mercedes-Benz's famous 1955 Mille Miglia victory
641bhp 5. 5-litre V8 engine
Delivered new in Germany
Rare and desirable all-black livery
Only 3, 200 km from new; exceptional 'as new' condition
Comes with all original books
German registration document
Manufactured between 2003 and 2010, their new SLR 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.
Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division, the engine 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.
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. 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.
The stunning all-black coupé offered here is an example of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition. The '722' refers to the 1955 Mille Miglia victory 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' model 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.
Both rare and highly sought-after, this handsome black '722' was ordered new by a German customer who hardly drove the car, which was then passed to the next collector, who did exactly the same thing but the car has been kept registered in Germany. Having covered only 3, 200 kilometres from new, the Mercedes is presented in exceptional 'as new' condition, just as one would expect. Finished in the sought-after all-black livery, the car comes with German registration documents and all books including the service book. The latter is unstamped, since, presumably, the car has never been serviced in view of the extremely low mileage.
Please kindly note that a vehicle with less than 6, 000 kilometers recorded on the odometer, might be considered by the VAT authorities as New Means of Transport and could incur VAT liability upon road registration if sold to an EU country apart from Germany.
