Aspiring to go toe-to-toe with Porsche and Ferrari, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was the two companies’ entry into the supercar world. Jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and the McLaren Technology Centre, the SLR McLaren sought to bring something slightly different to the supercar ring. Rather than pursue all-out performance head-on, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren wanted a car that could easily outperform its competition as well as serve as a capable and luxurious high-speed grand tourer.

Endowing the SLR with exceptional handling, engineers at Mercedes-Benz and McLaren moved the V-8 as far back as possible in the chassis, giving the car near-perfect weight distribution. Nothing to scoff at, the engine produces 617 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, care of the Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger, providing 13 psi of boost pressure. Sprinting from 0–60 mph takes just 3.8 seconds, leading the SLR McLaren to a quarter-mile time of just over 11 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. To rein in the speed, the SLR McLaren is equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s Sensotronic “brake by wire” system, along with carbon-ceramic disc brakes and an automatic air brake. These systems working in unison can bring the car to a screeching halt from 120 mph in less than 240 feet.

Looking to ratchet up the excitement of the SLR even further, Mercedes-Benz introduced the convertible roadster version. Dropping the car’s top takes just 10 seconds after being manually unlatched from the cabin; it folds neatly into a compartment behind the rear seats. Engineers also spent significant time focusing on structural rigidity in both the coupe and the roadster models of the SLR, and Mercedes claims that the drop-top chassis is as rigid as its fixed-head companion.

Offered here is an incredibly low-mileage example, with just 874 miles on the odometer. In the manacing color combination of non-metallic Pure Black over black leather, this US-specification SLR McLaren roadster was optioned with extralarge driver and passenger seats—ensuring a truly comfortable ride. According to the accompanying CARFAX report, the roadster was delivered to the United States in February 2008 in Maryland before being offered for sale in Illinois. First titled in Louisiana in early 2009, the car was later registered in Montana in 2013—at the time it had recorded just 149 miles. Subsequent ownership is recorded by CARFAX with limited mileage slowly accruing until it was acquired by the consignor in 2018 with only 549 miles.

Presented here in immaculate condition, this SLR McLaren roadster would be an exciting addition to any collection of modern supercars, be it Mercedes-Benzes, McLarens, or others.