The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show; a lightweight speedster variant of the SLR as potent in performance as it is arresting in appearance. Just 75 examples were built, offered exclusively to existing SLR owners as a modern homage to the exquisite 300 SLR that Stirling Moss campaigned to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Rather like the 300 SLR, nearly all the creature comforts of the car it is based on were sacrificed in the pursuit of performance, aesthetics and extreme driver (and passenger) enjoyment. This even included the windscreen and roof, which not only adds to the visual drama but ramps up the intensity of the driving experience ten-fold. Indeed, when Car Magazine road tested the car in 2009, they likened the experience of full throttle acceleration to “standing on the wingtip of a 747” and sighted the 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds and top speed of 354 km/h achievable only by those “whose neck muscles can bear it”. This level of performance is accomplished by utilising the same 641 bhp, 5.5-litre supercharged AMG V-8 that powers the SLR 722 Edition and pairing it with 200 kg of weight savings; achieved by adoption of the speedster style as well as the extensive use of carbon fibre for the bodywork, underside and new aerodynamic package.
This fantastic Stirling Moss edition left the factory in December 2009 as a European-specification example delivered to Luxemburg. Specified in the special order colour of Antimony Grey Crystal over a spartan, yet luxurious interior of black leather, enhanced with Silver Arrow 300 SL red trims and accents. It is truly breath-taking in its appearance. It subsequently passed to its second owner, a notable collector in the Middle East, before being acquired by the consignor in 2019. It presents in excellent condition throughout, having only been driven less than 9,000 km from new.
Like all cars of this type, it has benefitted from being regularly exercised and enjoyed during its life and is notable for its participation in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz 1000 Miglia challenge. Naturally, it has always been looked after by Mercedes-Benz and it will be offered fully serviced and with numerous accessories including goggles in their original bags, hats, tonneau covers, and service manuals; ready for its next owner to enjoy to the full. Importantly, the car was most recently serviced by Mercedes-Benz Brussels in February of 2020, and invoices for this work are on file.
Undoubtably one of the most memorable supercars produced thus far into the 21st century, the SLR Stirling Moss provides a truly unrivaled driving experience to its privileged owners. This example would be no exception to that rule, and would surely thrill the most demanding of enthusiasts.
This lot is one of over 80 on offer in RM’s Open Roads, The European Summer Sale online auction. Lots are open for bidding now, and begin closing 21 July.
