4800-Mile SLR. A Stunning and Brutal Carbon Fiber Collaboration Between Mercedes and McLaren.2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLarens/n WDDAJ76F35M000361Silver with Red InteriorThe Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was first revealed at the 1999 North American International Auto Show as the Vision SLR concept. Not necessarily intended for production, the design was inspired by the legendary 300 SL and SLR of the mid-50s, but with distinctly modern execution. Interest was high after the show, thus encouraging Mercedes-Benz to develop a production version. Teaming up with F1 partner McLaren, the production version of the car was presented in 2003, and would continue in limited production until 2010. When production ceased, a total of just 2,157 units were sold worldwide, which includes open and closed variants. Interestingly, this makes the SLR considerably rarer than the original 300SL, of which 3,258 examples were built.At its introduction, the SLR McLaren was a technological tour de force. It was outfitted with Sensotronic brakes, a brake-by-wire system utilizing carbon-ceramic disc brakes and eight-piston front calipers with four-piston rear calipers. The brakes were impervious to fade up to 2,200 degrees F and deployed automatic disc wicking during wet road conditions. Active aerodynamics was also part of the unique body design including a flat underbody, rear mounted air brake, and adjustable spoiler to improve downforce. The body was built using lightweight carbon fiber reinforced composite formed over an optimized center firewall design. The layout positioned the front engine toward the rear, essentially creating a front mid-engine car, which greatly improved handling characteristics. The 5.4 liter supercharged SLR engine generated 617hp and 575 ft lbs of torque, delivered in the inimitably brutal supercharged fashion. This was backed by an AMG Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission with three manual modes. The performance results are astonishing even despite today’s extraordinary performance machines, with various magazines recording 0-60 times in 3.3 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.5 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 11.5 seconds at 126 mph. This particular example is one of only 200 made in 2005 for the US market. Ordered new and optioned with L01 Silver Arrow 300SL Red Leather interior, itself a $9,900 option, the total delivery cost was $465,650.00. Currently showing 4850 original miles, the car has been properly serviced and maintained as needed. In 2013, left front fender suffered minor damage, which was expertly repaired and of which no visible evidence remains today. A recent Carfax reveals an accurate record of miles, inspection, and vehicle service as needed including the most recent service performed 800 miles ago. Today this exceptional car presents beautifully with deep, lustrous, metallic silver paint over stunning contrasting red leather interior. All glass surfaces, clear front and rear lenses, and exterior body trim are in excellent cosmetic condition. The paint is in excellent condition throughout with only minor scuffing at the lower edge of the air dam. All openings function as new, with excellent gaps and fit. The butterfly doors open with a beautifully unique upward swinging motion, a feature which, in addition to drawing attention wherever it goes, reduces the amount of space needed to fully open the doors, a helpful feature on such a wide car. The glass is excellent throughout. The wheels and tires are in excellent condition as well with one small area of curb rash on the right rear wheel only. Inside the car, the optional red leather interior exhibits near new finishes throughout. All interior components have been beautifully maintained including smooth and supple leather trimmed seats, sculpted dash, and console materials, all of which form a beautifully cohesive and special feeling cockpit. The seats are not only visually stunning, they are comfortable and supportive – the perfect balance for performance or highway driving. Just opening the hood creates a sense of occasion. The massive carbon fiber clamshell unit articulates forward and then up, revealing an expansive engine room with beautiful intake plenum behind which is the engine itself, which is well back in the car. All aspects of the underhood area present as new, showing little to no signs of use or aging, as expected given this car’s low mileage. The undercarriage of the car is covered in its entirety with beautifully made carbon fiber belly pans. There is no notable damage to any of these pans, and the one at the rear has three NACA ducts symmetrically let into it to ventilate the rear brakes and differential. The rear diffuser looks very purposeful and is in excellent shape. Suspension and various exposed components in the underside are further in excellent condition, with clean and fresh appearance. Slipping past the upward swinging doors, and nestling into the contoured seats, just starting the car is special. The starter button is on top of the shift knob, hidden underneath a flip up cover. When the ignition is switched on, the surround around the button glows red, and when the engine fires, particularly when cold, the raucous V8 engine note that issues from the side exhaust just aft of the front wheels is absolutely thrilling. Driving the SLR, your senses are immediately engaged. There is an interesting tension to the driving experience: it is violent and mechanical but also refined. The driveline has a substantial, mechanical directness that is missing from most modern cars; the experience is very very different from the light control forces and insular sensation of driving a modern SL. The steering is heavy but has a remarkably direct ratio: 2.2 turns from lock to lock. Nevertheless, the car is incredibly stable in all conditions; never darty or uncertain. The noise of the supercharger and the instantaneous and explosive progress that comes with even moderate throttle application will elicit grins and giggles from even the most jaded drivers. The brakes are sensational, and in addition to all of the noteworthy aspects of the mechanical operation of the car, it has modern conveniences such as effective automatic climate control, superior sound system, and a full range of power accessories. The net result of the driving experience is very memorable. The performance is stunning yes, but the delivery and the experience are what truly distinguishes the car. At all times, it feels special in a way that few modern cars do.This fantastic Mercedes-Benz SLR is accompanied by the complete owner’s manual with factory leather pouch, original brochure, battery charger, first-aid kit, air compressor, and laminated copy of the factory window sticker. Ready for enjoyable use, the SLR has become one of the most highly sought-after collectible supercars of the 21st century, yet it represents remarkable value as well. Certainly at the price, it is among the most impactful cars (to outsiders and occupants alike) available today, and its rarity and intrinsic features ensure that it will be a future classic.