Auction Highlight: 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition #001

When automotive brands collaborate, it can lead to fascinating results. Take the partnership between Audi and Porsche that led to the exhilarating yet practical Audi RS2, the Lotus-tweaked Carlton, the Cosworth-powered Ford RS200, and even the Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet.

However, one of the most exciting products of such collaboration came in the early 2000s, when Formula One partners McLaren and Mercedes-Benz set about creating what would become an icon for both manufacturers: the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

Retaining the same philosophy employed with the three-time World Drivers’ Championship and one-time Constructors’ winning Formula One cars, Mercedes-Benz supplied the engine and McLaren would design the chassis, though there was input from both sides on the car’s head-turning exterior.

Impressive aesthetics wasn’t all the SLR had, as it was powered by a 5.4-litre supercharged V8, producing a mammoth 626bhp and 575lb-ft of torque. The car also featured butterfly doors, an active rear air brake, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a carbon-fibre reinforced monocoque – cutting-edge technology back when production began in 2003.

In September 2020, Collecting Cars offered this very special Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition Roadster. The first of only 25 SLRs converted by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to ‘Edition’ specification, and one of just six Roadsters upgraded; this SLR featured a host of bespoke features.

As part of the conversion, MSO applied a custom tune to the 5.4-litre V8, modified the steering setup, and fitted upgraded suspension and striking new bodywork elements, as well as mounting a plaque behind the gear lever denoting the car as ‘001’ of just 25 examples converted.

An original UK-market car, it was first delivered in Crystal Laurite Silver paintwork over a ‘Silver Arrow 300 SL’ red leather cabin, and handed over to its owner in September 2007 at the SLR Centre of Excellence at Mercedes-Benz Brooklands.

The car returned to McLaren in January 2009, when an agreement was signed to convert the car to the latest ‘McLaren Edition’ specification. The car was fully repainted in Alabaster White, and a host of 722 Edition exterior features were added, as well as red enamel badges on both front wings and the boot lid, red ‘tick’ wheel centres, and a louder sports exhaust.

In 2010, further upgrades were installed by MSO, which included fitment of the front wheel arch vents, carbon-fibre door mirrors, and repainting of the brake callipers in a vibrant red hue. A carbon-fibre steering wheel was also fitted, and the lightweight carbon-fibre bucket seats were re-trimmed to McLaren’s latest specifications. In total, the ‘Edition’ conversion works to this car alone came to an eye-watering £106,831.

Prior to its sale on Collecting Cars, it was repainted once again, this time in a captivating grey hue, which in the sunlight reflects specks of gold and red. The fresh paintwork and bespoke cabin were presented in excellent condition, reflecting the car’s ultra-low 1,696 miles from new, which was fully verified by a comprehensive service history.

Unsurprisingly, this sensational bespoke supercar attracted significant attention, with the listing achieving more than 38,000 views. A host of potential new owners battled to secure this rare and unique SLR, and after 58 bids the car found a new home with a hammer price of £405,000.

Unique vehicles with fully documented history are well suited to the auction environment, attracting a broad range of collectors who compete to own these rare-to-market models. If you have a limited-run or bespoke automobile that needs a new home, then contact our Consignment Team today.