At the 1999 Detroit Auto Show Mercedes-Benz unveiled a dramatic new supercar concept calledVision SLR. Imagined from the onset as a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Cars Ltd the wild-looking front-engine supercar evoked the iconic Mille-Miglia record-shattering 300 SLR reimagined for the modern era. Mercedes had ramped-up their investment in Formula 1 racing partnering with the legendary McLaren team so a road-going supercar seemed like the ideal celebration of the partnership between two motorsport giants.Getting the SLR from concept to production was somewhat of a fraught process. Mercedes-Benz top brass called upon McLarens Gordon Murray (Formula 1 designer and father of the McLaren F1 road car) to aid in the specification and design of the SLR. By the time Murray and Mercedes engineers hammered out the final spec the Vision SLR was almost entirely reworked. While most of the distinctive styling cues remained Murray insisted on moving the engine back by nearly a meter lowering the center of gravity and developing a high-tech carbon fiber monocoque comprised of four bonded segments. McLaren Cars in England handled the manufacture of the chassis and the final assembly and for their part Mercedes-Benz AMG supplied the 617-horsepower supercharged dry-sump V8 5-speedSpeedshift R(aka automatic) gearbox carbon-ceramic brakes and all other minor components.When the SLR finally hit the streets first as a coupe and later a limited-run roadster it blurred the lines between a supercar and a grand tourer. With well over 600 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque the SLR could sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and go on to 207 mph. The unique exhaust system exited just behind the front wheels evoking Moss SLR and emitting a guttural spine-tingling bellow basso profundo as the Italians would say. Massive carbon brakes hauled it to a stop with startling efficiency and Murray and the wizards at McLaren developed sophisticated traction stability control and active aero systems. Yet with all that exotic tech and thundering performance the SLR was docile enough to use every day able to trundle along with the suspension set to comfort and the transmission in automatic mode cosseting occupants with superb ride quality and near-perfect levels of fit and finish. It offered a usable boot even on the roadster models with all the comforts of a Mercedes-Benz. Between 2003 and 2009 Mercedes and McLaren produced just 2157 SLRs in total including approximately 500 roadsters and today it remains one of the fastest and most collectible cars in Mercedes-Benz history.Presented in Crystal Galaxite Black with turbine wheels and optional Silver Arrow red leather trim this fabulous 2008 SLR McLaren Roadster makes a dramatic statement. An outstanding 2-owner example this SLR shows just over 3600 miles from new and has enjoyed meticulous care in the hands of a devoted Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. Records show this car was delivered new in California and was acquired by its most recent owner in 2012. It is very well documented accompanied by a clean Carfax report Data Card original window sticker and service receipts from the current owner showing regular annual maintenance regardless of mileage.With the majority of SLRs finished in traditional Mercedes silver this roadster looks particularly arresting and sinister in its deep metallic black finish highlighted by red calipers on the carbon-ceramic brakes. It is impeccably presented with gorgeous paintwork and superb detailing inside and out. The black soft-top is in excellent order with slick operation at the press of a button. Exceptional details include the gorgeous turbine-style wheels which are fitted with Michelin Pilot Supersport tires.Swinging up the butterfly doors reveals the impeccably trimmed cabin featuring the optional Silver Arrow 300SL Red Leather upholstery a $9900 option. Other extras include carbon interior trim contrasting black stitching and a two-tone steering wheel. Controls and instruments are familiar to any modern Mercedes-Benz fan though McLarens superlative build quality elevates the cabin atmosphere to a new level.The engine bay is impeccably clean reflecting this cars exceptionally low milage and attentive care. Aside from regular annual oil and fluid changes records show new Michelin Pilot Supersport tires and new batteries in 2018 and other minor service items between 2012 and 2020. The sale includes receipts the window sticker owners manuals wind deflectors roof linkage covers car cover and factory battery tender. Few machines in recent memory sound quite like an SLR. Under load the blown V8 emits a bellow thats more like a 70s Can-Am car than a modern exotic yet it is entirely civilized and mature while cruising around town.The SLR McLaren Roadster is one of the fastest most advanced Mercedes-Benzs of the modern era blending Teutonic quality with Formula One-inspired technology into a surprisingly versatile and utterly breathtaking machine.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6935-2008-mercedes-benz-slr-mclaren-roadster/
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