Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is up for Auction
Born out of a successful Formula 1 partnership, the Mercedes SLR McLaren proved to be a car that could take on the best in the world. The Stirling Moss special edition was a 75-unit limited production. And it is even cooler than it is rare.
A Joint Venture
Once upon a time, German automaker Mercedes partnered with British powerhouse McLaren to build a supercar capable of competing against the best offerings from Ferrari and Porsche. What came to be known as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was an homage to the original 300 SL. It was built with extreme power and aggressive styling that is still attractive a decade on. An SLR in any guise is a sight to be seen as only there were only about 2,100 units ever produced, but the unique 'Stirling Moss' variant, as seen here, is amongst the most exclusive.
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
Spectacular Speedster
Spectacularly introduced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, the SLR Stirling Moss edition was to be the last hurrah of the SLR line as the Mercedes-McLaren partnership would soon be coming to a halt. Designed as a speedster, the Stirling Moss cars were advertised as 'bare essential' hot rods that were to be the fastest of all SLR variants.
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
A Limited Run
Production of the Stirling Moss SLR began in June 2009 after the last of all SLR roadsters had rolled off of the assembly line. Production was limited to only 75 units at a cost of $1.01 million, or roughly double the cost of a regular SLR. However, only those who already owned an SLR were given the opportunity to buy one.
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
Bring on the Wind
If you were lucky enough to be invited to purchase one, the Stirling Moss SLR would provide a driving experience like no other. The speedster design completely eliminated the roof and entire windshield to create a visceral open-air event. If you look closely, there is a minuscule protective windscreen in front of the driver, but expect plenty of bugs, debris, and weather when cruising in this thing. Better bring your driving goggles!
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
Design Details
In addition to having an open cockpit, the carbon fiber body paneling was unique to the car as well. Gone were the quad headlights of the SLR in favor of pair of sleek projector units. A new fascia, grille, and hood vents blend nicely with the inset that runs along the length of the car and houses the side-exit exhausts. Two aero humps and rollbars sit aft of the occupants. The deck features an aero brake that is integrated with the trunk when not in use and allows for the rounded rear to be met by an aggressive diffuser.
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
Powerful Performance
Under the extremely long hood sits the same supercharged 5.4L V8 as found in the limited edition 722 SLR cars. Which was an uprated version good for 641 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. Paired to the engine was a 5-speed automatic with three optional manual modes. Combined with its 3,419-pound curb weight (some 400 pounds lighter than the standard SLR) the Stirling Moss could sprint to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph.
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A Modern Classic
The interior design features all of the carbon fiber, aluminum, and leather that one would associate with a premium supercar. The design is simple with its four gauge layout and dual vents integrated into the carbon tunnel that runs the length of the cabin. It remains elegant with its two-tone stitched sport seats and matching door panels. Overall it made for a great mashup of classic and contemporary styling.
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
For European Delivery Only
This particular car was likely one of the later Stirling Moss builds as it left the factory in December 2009 in route to its first owner in Europe. While driven sparingly, this car has actually been put to good use from time to time as it is said to have participated in a handful of events such as the Mercedes-Benz 1000 Miglia Challenge (A reenactment of the event that Sir Stirling Moss won in 1955 driving a Mercedes 300 SLR).
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
It Still Smells New!
Today, the car stands at 8,400 kilometers on the odometer and looks to show as nicely as it did the day it left the factory. It includes service documentation and all of the original accessories including goggles, tonneau cover, hats, bags, manuals, etc. A rare purchase opportunity indeed.
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
Money Talks
Putting a number on the Stirling Moss SLR is quite difficult as they are few and far between. There is another example for sale floating around the internet with only 620 original miles at an asking price of $2.9 million, so this one should obviously sell for at least seven digits. RM Sotheby's, the auctioning company, estimates it will go for around $2 million in their upcoming Villa Erba auction near Italy's Lake Como. What do you predict the price to be when the gavel falls on this 2009 Mercedes SLR McLaren Stirling Moss masterpiece?
Image Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
For service and maintenance information on your car, check the how to section of MBWorld.com.