The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a spiritual tribute to the immortal 300 SL cars of 1954 to 1963 and the 300 SLR “Le Mans” racing car of 1955. Introduced in 2003 and developed jointly with McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. The SLR McLaren uses carbon-fiber construction and cutting-edge technology in all its systems.

The car’s platform 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. The side port exhaust exits impressively from behind the front wheels below attractive and functional cooling louvers. The doors are front hinging and open in the gullwing-type style.

Power comes from Mercedes’ 5,439 cubic centimeter supercharged single overhead-cam V-8 engine. 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 horsepower. Along with two intercoolers; the SLR has an AMG Speedshift R automatic transmission with three manual modes.

The SLR uses Sensotronic four-wheel disc brakes, a “brake by wire” system with carbon ceramic discs. 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. Auto leveling suspension and speed sensing steering are additional tools that allowed Motor Trend online magazine to comment; “...anyone who can smash a gas pedal to the floor can drive this new SLR McLaren with nearly the same results and do it over and over again with impunity.” Despite its space-age construction, the SLR weighs in at nearly 4,000 pounds. Still, it’s a hearty performer, top speed is said to be a very impressive 209-mph.

This SLR McLaren is finished in Crystal Lurite Silver with a Berry (with black and aluminum-type trim) and comes with less than 8,000 miles on the odometer from new. Cared for in the proper manner, this is a supercar that demonstrates everyday usability with such features as air conditioning, seven-speaker Bose premium sound system, power adjustable carbon fiber seats with leather inserts, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, heated exterior mirrors, navigation, AM/FM radio; power steering, brakes, and windows. Asymmetric “turbine design” factory alloy wheels provide another excellent styling cue and Mercedes-Benz books and keys also accompany this reawakening of a legend.

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 are difficult to find.