Mercedes-Benz envisioned a spectacular racing future for its SLR McLaren 722 Edition, developing a GT competition version entrusted to Ray Mallock Ltd (RML) in the UK. The plan was ambitious: 21 cars for FIA homologation and a thrilling one-make racing series featuring celebrity owners alongside professional drivers like Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, and Jochen Mass. This vision, however, faced unexpected headwinds.
The Mercedes Benz Slr Gt project was ultimately hampered by its staggering 600,000-euro price tag – excluding the cost of the road car donor – and the global financial crisis that erupted. Only twelve discerning buyers emerged, resulting in sparsely populated grids for the intended race series. Disillusioned, the FIA withdrew its support, leaving owners understandably frustrated. Mercedes-Benz was compelled to repurchase several SLR GTs, a costly setback that reportedly caused significant unease within the Stuttgart headquarters.
Despite rumors of participation in the FIA GT Championship as GT1 entries, the reality was Mercedes-Benz was already phasing out SLR McLaren production. Consequently, the GT program was swiftly relegated to history, becoming a largely forgotten chapter in Mercedes-Benz racing lore. Now, an opportunity arises to rediscover this obscure racer. Dorotheum, the renowned Austrian auction house, has consigned the ninth of the mere 12 SLR McLaren 722 GTs to its Classic Car and Motorcycle 2020 auction in Vienna on August 29th.
This particular Mercedes Benz SLR GT boasts a unique history. Delivered new to the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Croatia dealership, Euroline, it sports a distinctive livery in Croatian national colors. It actively participated in the SLR Trophy, achieving a double victory at Spa-Francorchamps after competing at Paul Ricard. Subsequently, it was among the GTs reacquired by Mercedes-Benz. Later, a German collector, acquiring three GTs, added this car to his collection. Its current owner has meticulously maintained it, preserving its exceptional condition.
Beyond its largely standard supercharged V8 engine, boosted to 680 horsepower, and the paddle-shift AMG five-speed automatic transmission, the GT model shared little with its road-going counterpart. The original Mercedes Benz SLR was conceived as a luxurious grand tourer, which allowed Ray Mallock Ltd. to achieve a remarkable 398kg weight reduction during the GT conversion. Despite its racing pedigree, the car’s setup was reportedly engineered to be accessible even for amateur drivers.
This rare Mercedes Benz SLR GT is estimated to fetch between 700,000 and 1 million euros when it goes under the hammer on August 29th. This valuation seems justified for such an exceptionally rare, factory-sanctioned racer. One can only speculate on its potential value had the SLR 722 GT enjoyed the successful racing career initially envisioned by Mercedes-Benz.
Photos courtesy of Dorotheum © 2020
