The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is – and soon was – an Anglo-German sports car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive. The standard version of the little critter would set you back just half a mil. If you want one, then better hurry: Production of the SLR will cease in June 2009.
Or, if you want an extra special SLR, and have a little more discretionary cash sitting around, wait until June 2009, because the SLR will go out with a bang. According to the London Telegraph, Mercedes and McLaren will celebrate the death of a legend with “an exclusive SLR inspired by British motor racing legend, Stirling Moss. Only 75 will be made, each costing €750,000 .” At today’s rate, that’s just a little bit over $1m. So for only twice the price you will get … not even a front window.
For your money, you will get a roofless and windowless version of the Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster, featuring a supercharged, 5,439cc V8 engine developing 650bhp. It accelerates from 0-62mph in less than 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 217mph. TTAC recommends goggles and no bug-eating grins. The 75 made will be called “SLR Stirling Moss.” The car had been in the rumor mill for quite a while, now it’s official. Along with the official and final announcement, that after the ode to Stirling Moss, the SLR will be no more.
Like the production SLR, the Stirling Moss special edition will have a body made from carbon-fiber. Minuscule wind deflectors protect the two occupants from the airflow, while air scoops integrated into the bodywork behind the seats do double duty as roll-over bars. The SLR Stirling Moss also has a larger rear diffuser than that fitted to the SLR Coupe and Roadster. And OMG: “There’s also an airbrake to aid deceleration from high speeds, which deploys during heavy braking from speeds above 75mph.” Parachutes were not mentioned.
According to the Telegraph, “The minimalist interior features carbon-fiber, aluminum-alloy and fine leather, with an aluminum-alloy plate engraved with Moss’s signature situated by the gearlever.”
Production of the SLR Stirling Moss will begin in June 2009, when the standard SLR ceases production. The run of 75 Stirling Moss SLRs is expected to be completed by next December. Trivia dept: SLR stands for “Sport, Leicht, Rennsport” (sport, light, racing). More trivia: If you can’t afford one, the car can be looked at at the Detroit Motor Show, a factoid that Car & Driver found, well, kindof odd: “We’re not sure there really is a perfect venue to unveil a radical, speedster-style supercar, but the Motor City probably isn’t it..”
PS: Supposedly, the 75 Stirling Moss SLRs will only be sold to bona-fide existing SLR owners in Europe. If you want one, ask your buddies at the next Davos meeting to help you out.
Does anyone know the tire size?
The little woman said I could get one provided I can fit it with snow tires for the winter.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Wait for the Juan Miguel Fangio version, it is faster.
Avoid the Pierre Levegh version however as it REALLY goes out with a bang.
Apologies, hard to avoid being tasteless sometimes, and this subject is just begging for it. You would think that recreating the model that killed 80 people and caused Mercedes to withdraw from racing altogether for almost 40 years is beyond their imagination. Sort of like making a commemorative Hindenburg, or a special edition Titanic.
Perhaps a better option would be for Mercedes to just start building ALL their cars to the fit, finish, and reliability that they began with the 300sl in 1954 and carried through for almost 50 years before everything went awry about a decade ago.
With regard to the air brake: I actually posted a YouTube video earlier in the week which shows the original SLR air brakes in action at the ’55 Le Mans. I’d never seen photos or film of the brake deployed until I stumbled upon that footage. I love YouTube… all sorts of cool stuff to be found there.
–chuck
Does anyone else see a little Aston DB9 in the rear? Or is it just me?
Juan Manuel Fangio.
When I had my convertible Corvette, I once had the top up but the windows down. Driving along at only about 60, I got hit in my neck by a bug; a flying beetle of some sort, I think.
That really HURT, and the bug had come in from the side, not straight on! Consequently, I would never drive anything faster than a go-cart if it didn’t have a windshield.
Stephan Wilkinson yes, Manuel, thanks for the correction. Must not post snarky comments prior to caffeineation.
–chuck
That really HURT, and the bug had come in from the side, not straight on! Consequently, I would never drive anything faster than a go-cart if it didn’t have a windshield.
Word. I sometimes get hit by grasshoppers while cycling. That is usually at not much more than 20 mph. It’s like taking a shot to the face. At 60 you probably ought to wear a mouth piece.
Actually, you guys are all wrong: No goggle, no mouthpiece. Get a good motorcycle helmet.
At least with a 4 wheels & a headrest you don’t have to fight the wind with your neck.
I have it under good authourity that the goggles… They do nothing.