Introduced in 2003, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a spiritual homage 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.

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-hp. 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. 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 with 0- to 60-mph times recorded by American car magazines in the 3.2 to 3.5 second range, the quarter mile in 11 to 11.5 seconds. Top speed is said to be a very impressive 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 300SLR. Their starting number was 722, signifying 7:22 a.m. Later came the more potent 722 GT and finally the SLR Stirling Moss was launched in 2009. 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 tastefully presented in the stunning color combination of black with red interior. With less than 5,500 actual miles from new, it is offered in wonderful, well-cared-for condition worthy of such a car. Side-ported exhaust, gullwing-type doors, Mercedes-Benz phone (in armrest), AM/FM radio, air conditioning, asymmetric “turbine design” factory alloy wheels, many power convenience functions and Mercedes-Benz books accompany this renaissance 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. 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.