2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
VIN. WDDAK76FX8M001802
5,439cc DOHC Supercharged V8 Engine
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
617bhp at 6,500rpm
5-Speed AMG Speedshift R Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Carbon-Ceramic Disc Brakes
*Spectacular, highly original example with less than 5,500 miles from new
*Serviced and maintained, and just one owner since 2011
*One of a mere 106 examples produced in 2008
*Stunning Palladium Grey Metallic over Red/Black interior and Burgundy top
THE MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN
Introduced in 2005, their new SLR Supercar (SLR for Sport Leicht Rennsport) allowed Mercedes-Benz and its then Formula 1 partner McLaren to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction and production of high-performance sports cars and, just like its legendary 300SLR predecessor of 1955, incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. The heart of any car is its engine, and that of the SLR McLaren is truly outstanding. Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division, where each unit was the responsibility of one engineer who carried out the entire assembly process, it is a 5.5-liter, all-alloy, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines to be found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it is the torque produced by this state-of-the-art 'blown' motor that is its most remarkable feature. The torque curve is almost flat: there is already 440lb/ft by 1,500 rpm and well over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 revs.
A front-engined layout was chosen for the SLR in the interests of optimum weight distribution, handling dynamics and braking stability, the motor's dry-sump lubrication system - more commonly found in competition cars - enabling it to be mounted lower in the chassis. The five-speed automatic transmission, already used in several high-performance Mercedes-Benz models, has been specially optimized for very high torque and also offers the driver the option of choosing between different shift characteristics using the Speedshift system.
Extending the long-term technological collaboration that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren enjoyed in Formula 1, the SLR's carbon fiber composite monocoque body/chassis structure was produced in the latter's all-new facility in Woking, England. Carbon fiber has been used for decades in the aeronautical industry and in the construction of Formula 1 cars but is comparatively rare in series-produced road cars because of the expense involved in manufacturing composite structures by hand. Using several patented innovations, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren brought a measure of automation to the carbon fiber manufacturing process, enabling the material's benefits of low weight, exemplary rigidity and strength, corrosion resistance and significantly higher energy absorption in the event of an impact, to be offered in the SLR.
This philosophy of weight saving was extended to the design of the suspension. Clearly showing its Formula 1 parentage, the latter is by means of double wishbones all round, forged in aluminum, as are the hub carriers. The anti-roll bar is positioned above the front suspension and - as in Formula 1 - is controlled via rocker arms. A relatively long wheelbase (at 2700mm) also contributes to the SLR's exemplary handling and directional stability, while the wide track, combined with the low center of gravity, allows high cornering speeds.
The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is speed sensitive, while the SLR's Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) enable its sporting nature to shine through while maintaining the usual safety standards, achieving an ideal compromise between outstanding dynamic handling and exemplary directional stability. The pioneering use of composite technology was also extended to the brake discs, which are manufactured from a fiber-reinforced ceramic material capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures and offering a level of fade resistance hitherto unattainable in series-produced road cars. Topping off this technological tour de force is the electronically controlled rear spoiler, which rises to an angle of 65 degrees when the driver brakes heavily, boosting the braking effect by increasing aerodynamic drag and lending the SLR outstanding stability when braking from high speeds. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was launched in South Africa and introduced for the 2005 model year and remains one of the most successful supercars ever made.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This exceptional SLR Roadster was created largely by hand at the bespoke Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren production facility during the Spring of 2008. The car was equipped and finished just as it appears today, in striking Palladium Grey Metallic over a red and black interior, and a neatly contrasting burgundy soft top. The car was one of just 106 SLR Roadsters produced during the 2008 model year. After final tuning and testing, the new SLR was shipped off to the US, where a Houston, Texas based enthusiast took delivery and became the first owner. The Palladium Grey Metallic SLR Roadster appears to have remained in the Lone Star State until 2011, when it was purchased with just over 2,000 miles by the consignor, a La Jolla based collector of motorcars of the highest quality.
The SLR Roadster has since received regular service and maintenance by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships, most recently in September of 2019. With just 5,451 miles recorded on the odometer at the time of cataloging, this rare Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster presents in exceptional, nearly showroom-fresh condition inside and out. Retaining factory accessories, this powerful and luxurious Supercar is a collector's motorcar which will surely be admired by generations to come.
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2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
VIN. WDDAK76FX8M001802
5,439cc DOHC Supercharged V8 Engine
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
617bhp at 6,500rpm
5-Speed AMG Speedshift R Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Carbon-Ceramic Disc Brakes
*Spectacular, highly original example with less than 5,500 miles from new
*Serviced and maintained, and just one owner since 2011
*One of a mere 106 examples produced in 2008
*Stunning Palladium Grey Metallic over Red/Black interior and Burgundy top
THE MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN
Introduced in 2005, their new SLR Supercar (SLR for Sport Leicht Rennsport) allowed Mercedes-Benz and its then Formula 1 partner McLaren to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction and production of high-performance sports cars and, just like its legendary 300SLR predecessor of 1955, incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. The heart of any car is its engine, and that of the SLR McLaren is truly outstanding. Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division, where each unit was the responsibility of one engineer who carried out the entire assembly process, it is a 5.5-liter, all-alloy, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines to be found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it is the torque produced by this state-of-the-art 'blown' motor that is its most remarkable feature. The torque curve is almost flat: there is already 440lb/ft by 1,500 rpm and well over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 revs.
A front-engined layout was chosen for the SLR in the interests of optimum weight distribution, handling dynamics and braking stability, the motor's dry-sump lubrication system - more commonly found in competition cars - enabling it to be mounted lower in the chassis. The five-speed automatic transmission, already used in several high-performance Mercedes-Benz models, has been specially optimized for very high torque and also offers the driver the option of choosing between different shift characteristics using the Speedshift system.
Extending the long-term technological collaboration that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren enjoyed in Formula 1, the SLR's carbon fiber composite monocoque body/chassis structure was produced in the latter's all-new facility in Woking, England. Carbon fiber has been used for decades in the aeronautical industry and in the construction of Formula 1 cars but is comparatively rare in series-produced road cars because of the expense involved in manufacturing composite structures by hand. Using several patented innovations, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren brought a measure of automation to the carbon fiber manufacturing process, enabling the material's benefits of low weight, exemplary rigidity and strength, corrosion resistance and significantly higher energy absorption in the event of an impact, to be offered in the SLR.
This philosophy of weight saving was extended to the design of the suspension. Clearly showing its Formula 1 parentage, the latter is by means of double wishbones all round, forged in aluminum, as are the hub carriers. The anti-roll bar is positioned above the front suspension and - as in Formula 1 - is controlled via rocker arms. A relatively long wheelbase (at 2700mm) also contributes to the SLR's exemplary handling and directional stability, while the wide track, combined with the low center of gravity, allows high cornering speeds.
The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is speed sensitive, while the SLR's Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) enable its sporting nature to shine through while maintaining the usual safety standards, achieving an ideal compromise between outstanding dynamic handling and exemplary directional stability. The pioneering use of composite technology was also extended to the brake discs, which are manufactured from a fiber-reinforced ceramic material capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures and offering a level of fade resistance hitherto unattainable in series-produced road cars. Topping off this technological tour de force is the electronically controlled rear spoiler, which rises to an angle of 65 degrees when the driver brakes heavily, boosting the braking effect by increasing aerodynamic drag and lending the SLR outstanding stability when braking from high speeds. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was launched in South Africa and introduced for the 2005 model year and remains one of the most successful supercars ever made.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This exceptional SLR Roadster was created largely by hand at the bespoke Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren production facility during the Spring of 2008. The car was equipped and finished just as it appears today, in striking Palladium Grey Metallic over a red and black interior, and a neatly contrasting burgundy soft top. The car was one of just 106 SLR Roadsters produced during the 2008 model year. After final tuning and testing, the new SLR was shipped off to the US, where a Houston, Texas based enthusiast took delivery and became the first owner. The Palladium Grey Metallic SLR Roadster appears to have remained in the Lone Star State until 2011, when it was purchased with just over 2,000 miles by the consignor, a La Jolla based collector of motorcars of the highest quality.
The SLR Roadster has since received regular service and maintenance by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships, most recently in September of 2019. With just 5,451 miles recorded on the odometer at the time of cataloging, this rare Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster presents in exceptional, nearly showroom-fresh condition inside and out. Retaining factory accessories, this powerful and luxurious Supercar is a collector's motorcar which will surely be admired by generations to come.
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