Each having an enviable racing record, few partnerships in the automotive world have been more fruitful than that of Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. Mercedes-Benz had been supplying engines to McLaren in Formula 1 since the mid-1990s, and over the course of the following 15 years, McLaren F1 cars racked up numerous victories. Mercedes-Benz eventually acquired 40 percent of the McLaren Group, and at this time, the two companies produced their first road car together, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The SLR was introduced in November 2003, a time when Ferrari Enzo was set to do battle with the Porsche Carrera GT.

Instead of creating an all-out, no-compromises supercar, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren pursued an entirely different route. Rather than placing the engine behind the cabin, as was the standard supercar formula, the car had a front-mid-engine layout. This not only helped to improve the SLR’s handling by giving it near-perfect weight distribution, but also gave the car a rather spacious trunk and cabin, which made it much more practical and usable than its comparable competition. As it was supremely engineered and built to incredible standards at McLaren’s facilities in Woking, it boasted a very high level of fit and finish, the kind befitting of any Mercedes-Benz. To many, it was the ultimate mix of supercar and grand touring car.

Mercedes-Benz received feedback from discerning clients requesting a car that was sportier than the SLR, but still just as practical. In 2007, Mercedes-Benz answered their demands with the introduction of the much improved and sportier 722 Edition. The new special edition was named in honor of Stirling Moss’ incredible win at the 1955 Mille Miglia in a 300 SLR, car number 722. The 722 was limited to just 150 units, and only about 25 of these are believed to have been brought to North America.

With more than 300 modified components, nearly every aspect of the SLR was upgraded for the 722 Edition. Power rose from 617 to 650 horsepower, the 0–60 time dropped to 3.6 seconds, ride height was lowered by 10 millimeters, new 19-inch alloy wheels were developed to fit larger carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and a new carbon fiber front splitter increased front downforce by 128 percent. Incredibly, despite the significant downforce increase, the drag coefficient of the 722 is also reduced. Alcantara and carbon fiber replaced much of the leather and aluminum trim throughout the interior, giving the car a more updated and sportier feel. Compared to its rivals, most significantly the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT, the 722 Edition represents breathtaking performance, unrivaled exclusivity, and tremendous value in a package that can be easily driven and enjoyed.

This SLR 722 Edition was ordered in Crystal Antimony Grey Metallic, a color exclusively for the 722, over black leather and Alcantara interior. It has had only two California owners from new and was optioned with XL driver and passenger seats. With only 3,200 miles, it is in virtually new condition and has never been re-painted. It was fully serviced in December 2016 by McLaren of Beverly Hills and has a continuous service history from 2008, with services from 2009 to 2014 being performed by Mercedes-Benz of South Bay. Included with the sale are the owner’s manuals, spare key, first aid kit, window sticker, battery tender, and service records.

The SLR 722 Edition is one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz production models and is the ultimate example of their partnership with McLaren.