Facing stiff competition from the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes-Benz enlisted the help of its then Formula 1 partner McLaren to produce the stunning SLR. The vehicle’s namesake is shared with the celebrated 300 SLR racer of the 1950s. Like that car, sustaining high speed over the course of hundreds of miles remained the focus of development, and so Mercedes–McLaren carved out a specific niche among its contemporaries by focusing more on grand touring than on out and out performance.

Powered by a 5.5-liter all-aluminum V-8 fitted with a twin-screw supercharger feeding 13 psi of boost, the engine produced an impressive 617 hp and 580 foot-pounds of torque. Testing conducted by Car and Driver magazine proved the SLR to be a world-class performer. The 0–60 sprint was over in just 3.4 seconds, while an 11.2-second quarter mile was achieved at a final speed of 130 mph. Given enough room, the Mercedes–McLaren topped out at an impressive 208 mph.

For the SLR to perform through the corners, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren employed all their latest technologies. A state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque provided the vehicle with incredible strength and rigidity, but with the added benefit of being lightweight. Carbon-ceramic disc brakes measuring 15 in. in the front and 14 in. in the rear were fitted as standard and provided far superior stopping power and fade resistance. In addition, the SLR was fitted with an active rear spoiler that, through varying degrees of elevation, could act as an airbrake or increase downforce. These factors working in conjunction with each other resulted in supreme handling characteristics and an incredible 1.13 g around the skidpad.

Quite possibly the most brilliant aspect of the SLR was its everyday usability. For a 200-mph supercar, the ride was comfortable, and there is even a functional trunk. Inside, custom-fit leather seats, high-end speakers, and automatic climate control reinforced the grand touring ambitions Mercedes-Benz envisioned when it initially began development.

This 2006 model presents in as-new condition, finished in unusual and very attractive Crystal Digenit Blue with a two-tone Anthracite and Beige leather interior. This SLR has covered only 751 miles from new and is one of only 189 models delivered to the U.S. for 2006. The SLR was a unique collaboration between two storied racing marques, and the example on offer, with its limited mileage, is a highly collectable supercar and one that’s breathtaking design is backed up by its impressive performance.