The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren stands as a monumental achievement in automotive engineering and design, born from the prestigious partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. This supercar, designated SLR for Sport Leicht Rennsport (Sport Light Racing), was introduced to showcase the combined expertise of these two giants in Formula 1 and high-performance vehicle development. Echoing the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SLR of 1955, the 2005 SLR McLaren incorporated cutting-edge technologies that were truly ahead of their time, cementing its place as a modern classic.
At the heart of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren lies an extraordinary engine, a testament to the prowess of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division. Each 5.5-liter, all-alloy, 24-valve, supercharged V8 engine was meticulously hand-assembled by a single dedicated engineer, reflecting the bespoke nature of this supercar. This powerhouse generates an astounding 617bhp at 6,500rpm, establishing it as one of the most potent engines ever fitted to a production road car. However, the sheer horsepower figure only tells part of the story. The engine’s most remarkable attribute is its immense torque, delivered across a broad rev range. Even at a mere 1,500 rpm, it produces 440lb/ft of torque, surging to over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm, ensuring breathtaking acceleration and responsiveness in virtually any driving situation.
To optimize weight distribution, handling, and braking stability, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren adopted a front-engine layout. The engine’s dry-sump lubrication system, a feature typically found in racing cars, allowed for a lower engine mounting position, further enhancing the car’s center of gravity. The five-speed automatic transmission, already proven in other high-performance Mercedes-Benz models, was specially refined to manage the SLR’s immense torque. The AMG Speedshift R transmission system offered drivers a choice of different shift characteristics, allowing for a tailored driving experience, from smooth cruising to aggressive performance.
Leveraging the deep technological alliance between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren in Formula 1, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren features a carbon fiber composite monocoque body/chassis structure. This advanced structure was manufactured at McLaren’s state-of-the-art facility in Woking, England. While carbon fiber had been a staple in aerospace and Formula 1 for decades, its application in series-production road cars was limited due to the complex and costly manual manufacturing processes. Mercedes-Benz and McLaren pioneered innovative, patented techniques to introduce a degree of automation into carbon fiber production for the SLR. This breakthrough enabled the material’s exceptional properties – low weight, exceptional stiffness and strength, corrosion resistance, and superior energy absorption in impacts – to be realized in a production vehicle.
The pioneering use of composite technology extended to the braking system of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The brake discs are crafted from a fiber-reinforced ceramic composite material, engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and provide unprecedented fade resistance for a production road car. Adding to the technological sophistication is the electronically controlled rear spoiler. During hard braking, this spoiler automatically elevates to a 65-degree angle, significantly enhancing braking performance by increasing aerodynamic drag and ensuring exceptional stability during high-speed deceleration.
THE SPECIFIC 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN OFFERED
This particular Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe, bearing chassis number 428 and production number 496, rolled off the factory line in January 2005. It was configured to mirror the iconic silver livery of the presentation model, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz’s legendary Silver Arrows racing cars.
Finished in striking Crystal Laurite Silver Metallic exterior paint, complemented by a luxurious black Semi-Aniline leather interior, this 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was initially delivered to Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan. Mr. Joffrey A. Robert took delivery on March 14, 2005. The car soon relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and by July 2008, it had accumulated a mere 2,700 miles. Later in October of the same year, it was exported to Belgium. In the 2010s, the current owner acquired the SLR and added it to a distinguished private collection. Maintenance records from Mercedes-Benz Merbag in Luxembourg document services in 2016 and again in November 2022, ensuring its continued peak condition.
Today, this exceptional 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren boasts fewer than 5,000 miles from new and remains in excellent condition. It is equipped with desirable carbon fiber seats, configured in Large size for the right side and Extra Large for the left, accommodating a range of driver and passenger sizes. It retains its original 19-inch Turbine wheels and is accompanied by its two keys, service booklet, warranty card, and complete set of owner’s manuals in the original SLR pouch.
This 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, originally delivered to the US market and exhibiting remarkably low mileage, represents a prime opportunity for discerning supercar enthusiasts and Mercedes-Benz collectors alike. Its blend of groundbreaking technology, exhilarating performance, and historical significance solidifies its position as a true automotive icon.
