617 bhp, 5439cc, supercharged V8 - the ultimate 'Grand Tourer' with everyday usabilityIntroduced in 2003 and developed jointly with theMcLarenTechnologyCentreUK-supplied and only 16,500 miles from new. On offer from a significant private collectionOver 16,000 in care and attention only 1,000 miles ago at the SLR Centre in BrooklandsSupplied with a good history file and offered at a very realistic and sensible guide priceManufactured between 2003 and 2010, 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 300 SLR predecessor of 1955, it incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. Yet the term 'supercar' does not do full justice to the SLR, which, its peerless performance notwithstanding, is a luxurious and finely engineered Gran Turismo in the best traditions of Mercedes-Benz. Rather than creating an all-out, no-compromise supercar, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren decided to take a slightly different route. Instead of placing the engine in behind the cabin, the car had a front-mid-engine layout, with the engine sitting behind the front wheels and just ahead of the cabin. This, near-perfect, weight distribution not only helped to improve the SLR's handling but also provided the car with a rather spacious cabin and a decent boot, not common in cars boasting such performance credentials. As it was supremely engineered and built to incredible standards at McLaren's facilities in Woking, it boasted a very high level of fit and finish, absolutely appropriate for any car wearing a Mercedes-Benz badge.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, it's a 5.5-litre, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines ever found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it's the torque produced by the Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger 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, and acceleration is equally phenomenal, with 0 to 60 mph taking just 3.8 seconds and the quarter-mile only 11 seconds. Of course, a car with such impressive speed credentials also requires an equally impressive braking system. An automatic airbrake and Mercedes-Benz's Sensotronic "brake by wire" system assist the massive carbon-ceramic disc brakes and help bring the SLR McLaren down from 120 mph to a stop in less than 240 feet.This particular SLR has formed part of our vendor's significant private collection since July 2015 and certainly looks the part in its Crystal Black Metallic paintwork with a Red Nappa leather interior. The odometer indicates that the car's four former keepers have only covered 16,500 miles since it was delivered new in 2006. In November 2015, our vendor took the SLR to the SLR centre at Brooklands and spent 16,000 at the time, when the odometer was showing 15,400 miles, so only 1,000 miles have been completed since this significant expenditure. Details of all of this work are on file along with a fully stamped service book from the previous five services at the SLR facility in Surrey.The cherished plate 'F13 SLR' is generously included in the sale along with the aforementioned history file and a fresh MOT will be issued prior to the auction. Offered at a very competitive and sensible guide price, when you compare it with asking prices elsewhere, this really is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very special car that delivers in terms of both value and collectability.