2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

When Jay Leno first piloted an SLR, he called it “the fastest car I have driven.” He tells a story of being invited by Mercedes-Benz personnel to “go out and break” an SLR at a high-speed bowl in Spain; Leno reported that it was “rock stable at over 200 mph” and did not break. Yet the SLR’s ambience remains luxurious, with an interior full of creature comforts. The example offered here, from 2008, is distinguished by a rare color scheme, low mileage, and desirable options.

SLRs feature a revolutionary carbon fiber chassis — a technology originally developed by successful Formula 1 designer Gordon Murray — resulting in a lightweight yet rigid platform. McLaren developed an aerodynamic package for the SLR featuring a flat underfloor, a rear diffuser, and an airbrake — a part of the rear bodywork that deploys during heavy braking to augment the ceramic disc brakes, recalling the airbrake fitted to the original Mercedes SLRs at Le Mans.

The massive supercharged AMG motor is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and it propels the SLR to sprint to 60 from rest in an amazing 3.8 seconds. In doing so, the SLR reveals its character: physics-defying horsepower in a civilized daily driveable package. Indeed, the roadster’s airflow was designed to allow easy conversation at 120 mph with the roof retracted. Car and Driver best summed up the SLR’s engineering excellence when it said: “We felt entirely comfortable reaching down to raise the window and adjust the A/C at speeds approaching 190 mph.”

The example offered here, chassis 01557, is resplendent in Pure Black (DB 901) with a red leather interior option and a burgundy canvas top. It wears the larger 19" turbine wheels, red brake calipers, and black carbon fiber trim. The Silver Arrow 300 SL option is complemented by a two-tone steering wheel, floor mats with leather edging, and large, accommodating seats. The CARFAX report records two owners and a meticulous Mercedes-Benz service history.

Chassis 01557 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a near showroom-fresh example of the pinnacle car from Mercedes-Benz of the past decade. In light of its rare and stunning color palette, full factory service record, low mileage, and desirable options, this bold SLR Roadster is worthy of scrutiny by any serious enthusiast.