Debuting in 2003, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was developed jointly by Mercedes-Benz and its then-Formula 1 partner, McLaren, with a clear trace to the Star and Laurel’s contemporary design language but the advanced engineering that came from assembly at McLaren’s facility in Woking, England. McLaren’s first venture into roadgoing automobiles since the earth-shaking F1, it was a true supercar, with massive power and a 200-mph top speed, as well as a front-mid-engine chassis configuration. Yet it boasted everyday usability more typical of a traditional grand tourer.

The 722 S Edition, launched as a coupe in 2006 and a Roadster in 2009, took the SLR to the next level: Its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, was reworked to produce 641 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque. This was combined with further enhancements, including a lower, stiffer suspension and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, while the more focused interior incorporated bucket seats and a steering wheel upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara. Zero-to-62 mph acceleration took just 3.1 seconds, and top speed was a screaming 208 mph. This performance was true to its heritage; the 722 name and subtle badging referenced the starting number of the 300 SLR driven to victory by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson in the 1955 Mille Miglia.

Just 150 722 S Roadsters were produced. The example offered here was finished in perhaps the most iconic livery for the model, Crystal Laurite Silver over black interior with red seat belts and stitching, and desirably equipped with the larger braking system, with red calipers visible behind the 19-inch black-finished wheels. Originally sold in the Canadian market, it has been Stateside for most of its life, and is distinguished by its excellent state of preservation after fewer than 15,200 km or about 9,450 miles at the time of cataloguing. Acquired by Angus Mitchell in the summer of 2021, it has been well-kept since as part of his collection, and it is offered today with a bottle of iconic Paul Mitchell shampoo.

A ideal example of Angus Mitchell’s passion for automobiles that combined extreme performance with a reflection of their marque’s history, this is a thrilling modern Mercedes-Benz, and worthy of joining any 300 SL, or F1, in its next distinguished owner’s collection. It is still every bit as thrilling as it was in 2009.