Description
This is lot number 106 in the Bonhams Zoute sale on October 6th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Only one of 10 Crown Editions produced based on the exclusive SLR 722
Only 54 km and a single owner from new
Unique colour configuration
Recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company
Sold without any registration document
A design supervised by Gordon Murray, a Mercedes-AMG V8 with over 600 hp and handbuilt by McLaren in England, the SLR McLaren is an exceptional supercar. Assembled between 2003 and 2010, the SLR allowed Mercedes and its Formula One partner of the time, McLaren, to highlight their collective experience in the development and construction of a one-of-a-kind sports car. In reality, the SLR can be defined more as a queen among Grand Tourings in terms of performance, in the greatest Mercedes-Benz tradition, and in terms of techniques lifted directly from Formula One, thanks to McLaren's know-how.
The Vision SLR was first presented as a spectacular concept car at the Detroit Motor Show in January 1999. McLaren had then finished assembling its F1 supercar, while in racing Mika Häkkinen had just won the Formula One World Championship title in 1998, before courting a second victory in 1999. It has the spirit of exclusivity, a certain strength, and a few decorative ornaments (such as the side air outlet fins or a long bonnet) that really elevate its style. The SLR would later be seen on the podiums of all the motor shows, whether in coupé or roadster form, it sparked the wildest desires. Its name and its swing wing doors act as a reminder of the legendary 300 SLR Ühlenhaut of 1955, often deemed one of the most valuable cars in the world.
The Mercedes SLR coupé was presented in its definitive form at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. It retained the exuberant style of the Vision SLR concept car. The body (with the exception of the aluminium engine mount), the doors and the bonnet are made of carbon fibre. Under the bonnet lies the renowned 5. 4 l V8, fully hand-assembled by AMG and boosted by a compressor. The result is 626 hp and maximum torque of 780 Nm from 3, 250 rpm. The engine is located in the centre of the long front bonnet, ensuring an ideal weight distribution. As a demonstration of the two marques' know-how, an aluminium frame acts as a support for the V8, set very low, notably thanks to a dry sump. Combined with an automatic Speedshift R gearbox, the SLR thereby achieves exceptional performances, reaching 200 mph, or 321. 86 kmph, and 0 to 60 mph in 3. 8 seconds. The brake disks are of course ceramic. Assembly took place at McLaren's Technology Centre in Woking, freshly designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, while the coachwork was produced at its other factory in Portsmouth. Production began on 17th November 2003.
To maintain exclusivity, the SLP supercar evolved. In 2006, Mercedes presented the SLR McLaren 722 Edition. The number 722 referred to the victory of Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson in the 1955 Mille Miglia, behind the wheel of a 300 SLR. Output was increased to 641 hp, allowing the revised version of the car to reach 209 mph. Edition 722 was equipped with new 19-inch wheel rims in a lightweight alloy, to allow larger front brake disks (390 mm) to be fitted. It had a more rigid setting of the shock absorbers and a lower ride height, as well as a higher-performing exhaust system.
Among over 2, 000 SLR produced, only 150 are SLR 722 Editions. Even more exclusive, the car that we are presenting for sale is one of ten limited Crown Edition models produced on the base of an SLR 722, especially for Middle Eastern royalty. This model comes in a striking and equally elegant colour combination of dark orange paint and a tan interior. Delivered new in Kuwait, this car has had only one owner from new. With only 54 km on the odometer at the time of the photo shoot, it has always been stored in dry conditions as part of a major collection and has been recently recommissioned by the Stratton Motor Company. Please note that it is offered for sale without a registration document. The documents accompanying the car is a photocopy of the receipt of the original 2008 purchase invoice from Mercedes-Benz, as well as the recent Sratton Motor Company invoice.
Please note that if this vehicle remains in Belgium, it will be subject to Import Duty at 10% (+VAT) and 21% Import VAT on the hammer price. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary for VAT rate and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
