2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupé
Registration no. to be advised
Chassis no. WDD1993761M0003883

Introduced in 2005, their new supercar 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-litre, 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.

In the interests of maximum fuel efficiency, the screw-type compressor is controlled by the engine management system, which is sensitive to engine speed and load, and is only activated - albeit instantaneously - when the driver floors the accelerator. Needless to say, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren delivers performance figures which are among the best in its class, taking just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph), it passes the 200km/h (125mph) mark after 10.6 seconds and from a standing start takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300km/h (186mph). The two-seater has a top speed of 334km/h (207 mph).

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 optimised 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 fibre composite monocoque body/chassis structure was produced in the latter's all-new facility in Woking, England. Carbon fibre 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 fibre 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 aluminium, 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 centre 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 fibre-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 priced at $455,000 (approximately £242,000).

This SLR was supplied new in Italy to the Berlusconi family and has had only two Italian keepers and its one current UK owner. This car comes with full Mercedes-Benz service history and in May 2015 underwent its major eight-year service at SLR Brooklands in Surrey at a cost of £12,000. A clean bill of health from Brooklands will be supplied together with the remainder of its two-year Worldwide Warranty for parts.

Having covered a mere 4,910 kilometres in the last 10 years, mainly in Italy, this car is presented in completely un-touched original condition and appears 'as new', just as one would expect from such sparing use. A Tracker system was fitted recently fitted for insurance purposes, and the car comes with all handbooks, service book pack and spare key. Finished in Crystal Laurite Silver Metallic with Exclusive Red, Silver Arrow leather interior, this pristine SLR is offered with current MoT certificate and a V5C registration document. It should be noted that the current registration 'F1 SLR' is being retained by the vendor.