Few partnerships in the automotive world have been more fruitful than that of Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. Mercedes-Benz started supplying engines to McLaren for Formula 1 in the mid-1990s, and over the course of the following two decades, McLaren racked up numerous victories. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren emerged after the partnership deepened in 2000, when Daimler AG acquired 40 per cent of the McLaren Group (which it later divested after the two companies eventually parted ways). The SLR was introduced in November 2003, a time when the Ferrari Enzo was set to do battle with the Porsche Carrera GT. Given McLaren’s aspirations to manufacture road cars of its own, the SLR would end up being the two companies’ first and only road car together, which only serves to heighten its mystique.

Instead of creating an uncompromising supercar, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren pursued a different route. Eschewing the rear-mid-engine formula, they devised a front-mid-engine layout. This not only allowed near-perfect weight distribution, but also gave the car a more spacious cabin and boot, making it more practical and usable than its competitors. It also created dazzling proportions, with a long, sculpted bonnet and an impressive dash-to-axle ratio, necessary to accommodate the Mercedes-built 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 nestled entirely behind the front axle. Supremely engineered and manufactured to incredible standards at McLaren’s facilities in Woking, the SLR boasted superlative performance, luxury, and comfort in equal measure, making it the ultimate mix of supercar and grand tourer. And with unique gullwing doors, its spectacle persists even when parked.

Following feedback from discerning clients who craved an even sportier SLR, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 722 Edition in 2007, named in honour of Stirling Moss’s historic drive in the 1955 Mille Miglia, and the 722-numbered Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR that carried he and navigator Denis Jenkinson to victory. Just 150 of these incredible machines were ever built.

With more than 300 modified components, nearly every aspect of the SLR was upgraded for the 722 Edition. Power rose from 617 to 641 horsepower, dropping the 0–60 time to 3.6 seconds; the ride height was lowered by 10 millimeters; new 19-inch alloy wheels were developed to fit larger carbon-ceramic brake discs; and a new carbon-fibre front splitter increased front downforce by 128 percent. Incredibly, despite the significant downforce increase, the drag coefficient of the 722 also decreased. Alcantara and carbon fibre replaced much of the leather and aluminium trim throughout the interior, giving the car a sportier, more exotic feel. Compared to its rivals—most significantly the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT—the 722 Edition represents breathtaking performance, exclusivity, and tremendous value in a stunning yet eminently usable package that can be easily driven and enjoyed.

The example offered here was released from the factory in December 2006 before being registered for the road on 4 January 2007. The car was finished in Crystal Antimon Grey Metallic over a Black/Anthracite leather and Alcantara interior, with its carbon fibre seats specified in the large size. It was further optioned with the Sports Package, and CD changer.

In November 2014 the SLR was subject to extensive fettling at Mercedes-Benz Hamburg, with a €39,260 invoice on file detailing a raft of maintenance work ranging from replacement of faulty ignition coils to the repair of corroded exhaust manifold studs. The car was acquired by the consigning owner the following year, and in September 2015 was registered for road use in the United Kingdom. The following month the SLR was taken to Autoficcina, where the seats were recoloured and the front bumper, bonnet and doors were painted to rectify stone chips. In November 2019, Autoficcina carried out an oil service and brake calliper rebuild at a cost of £4,775.

Most recently, in October 2023 the car was subject to approximately £20,000-worth of routine maintenance at SLR specialist Supercar Service Ltd, including a major service, new spark plugs, ignition coils, supercharger belt, transmission fluid, and lambda and crankshaft sensors. The secondary fuel pump was also replaced, while the bonnet fins and exhaust panels were refinished in heat-resistant paint.

A stunning example of one of the most exclusive supercars of the modern era, this SLR McLaren 722 Edition has had significant investment would make a fine addition to any collection.