617 bhp, 5,439 cc SOHC supercharged V-8 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel coil spring independent suspension, and four-wheel Sensotronic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 110"

- New York Auto Show car 2007

- Special paint and interior combination

- 4,000 miles from new

- Offered with fresh service

Introduced in 2003, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a spiritual throwback to the immortal 300SL cars of 1954 to 1963 and the 300SLR racing car of 1955. Developed jointly with McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England, which at the time was partially owned by Mercedes, the SLR McLaren uses carbon-fiber construction and cutting-edge technology in all its systems.

The car’s architecture is described as “front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.” Although the engine is in front and drives the rear wheels, it is pushed as far to the rear as possible, in order to locate its center of mass behind the front wheels. Mercedes chose a five-speed automatic transmission as it was more reliable than the seven-speed units used in production passenger cars.

Power comes from Mercedes’ 5,439 cc supercharged single overhead-cam V-8. The all-aluminum unit has three valves per cylinder and a dry sump lubrication system. A Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger provides 13 psi of boost, good for 617 bhp (626 PS, 460 kW) at 6,500 rpm. There are two intercoolers. The transmission is an AMG Speedshift R with three manual modes.

The SLR uses Sensotronic brakes, a “brake by wire” system with carbon ceramic discs. These offer far better fade resistance than steel when at operating temperature. There is also an automatic air brake, engaged when the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is set to 65 degrees. The spoiler itself provides a form of active aerodynamics.

Despite its space-age construction, the SLR weighs in at nearly 4,000 pounds. Still, it’s a hearty performer. Zero-to-60 times recorded by the American car magazines are in the 3.2 to 3.5 second range, the quarter mile in 11 to 11.5 seconds. Top speed is said to be 209 mph.

Over the years there were five further variants of the SLR McLaren. In 2006, the “722 Edition” was introduced, commemorating the Stirling Moss-Denis Jenkinson victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia in an original 300 SLR. Their starting number was 722, signifying 7:22 a.m.

A roadster went on sale in September 2007. It had the same engine as the SLR McLaren coupe and a roof made of special materials as well. Electrically operated, it folded away in ten seconds. Mercedes said that the driver and passenger could carry on a normal conversation with the top down at 120 mph. 2009 brought a 150-car limited edition 722 roadster.

More potent yet was the 722 GT, available from 2007. Built by competition tuners Ray Mallock, Ltd. of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, with Mercedes sanction, it had wider bodywork for larger wheels, a racing wing and air extractors on hood and sides. Although the engine remained nearly stock, the car shed some 880 pounds via a Spartan cabin and greater use of carbon fiber.

Finally, the SLR Stirling Moss was launched in 2009. A limited run of 75 cars, the Stirling Moss was reconfigured as a speedster by Korean designer Yoon Il-hun. It used the 640-bhp engine and weighed some 440 pounds less than the original roadster, which it replaced at its June introduction. This was the last partnership of Mercedes and McLaren, and all production ceased in December. The Stirling Moss was apparently only available to previous SLR owners.

This SLR McLaren is believed to be one of only two created in the special combination of Crystal Palladium Grey with “Silver Arrow” light brown leather interior. One of them was built for the Los Angeles Auto Show and this, the other example, was built for the New York International Auto Show in April 2007. With two owners and only about 4,000 miles from new, it is offered with a fresh service. As one of the iconic first-generation coupes built, this very special SLR McLaren offers a rare opportunity for supercar ownership. With only about 1,150 cars originally sold, some driven harder than others, low-mileage examples such as this – which was the New York show car, no less – are difficult to find. This is unquestionably one of the finer opportunities available to own one of the world’s most usable supercars, one destined to become a future classic.