Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

SLR McLaren in brief

SLR McLaren — a joint project between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. The car features a carbon fibre body, a supercharged V8 engine, and traditional 'gullwing' doors that open upwards and forwards.

This isn't a daily driver, but a rare collectible supercar. Production was limited, so the supply of used examples is very restricted.

Variants — what sets them apart

The first car was a coupé with around 626 hp. Later came the 722 Edition (around 650 hp) — named after Stirling Moss's 1955 Mille Miglia race number, and a Roadster version with a removable roof.

Later, the 722 S Roadster and the extremely rare Stirling Moss variant without a roof or windscreen were introduced. Always verify the exact production numbers and variants through the car's documents and specialist confirmation.

Engine and transmission

All SLRs have a 5.4-litre V8 with a supercharger, developed by Mercedes-AMG, and a 5-speed automatic gearbox with manual override. The coupé has around 626 hp, while the special editions have around 650 hp.

The car features an active rear aerodynamic element that deploys under braking, and ceramic brakes. These systems are expensive, so condition and service history are crucial.

What to check when buying an SLR McLaren

First up — documents: check the full service history, mileage verification, and whether the car is serviced by specialists. An independent inspection is essential, as repair costs and parts availability here are unparalleled compared to regular cars.

Assess the condition of the brake discs, tyres, and carbon fibre body. Thoroughly check if the car hasn't been in an accident, as repairs require specialist expertise.

Trim levels

The SLR doesn't have conventional trim levels, so we present the main production versions.

Comparison of versions

The SLR McLaren is bought as a collectible car, so it's not about the version, but the paperwork, service history, and originality.

Frequently asked questions