Reprinted below is Bonhams’ description for this one-of-one SLR Roadster:

• Registration no. not UK registered

• Chassis no. WDD1994761M001637

• Engine no. 155980-60-001720

• Built to Swiss specifications

• Automatic transmission

• Circa 100km on the odometer

• Dry stored since acquisition

• Requires re-commissioning

Manufactured between 2003 and 2010, their new SLR supercar allowed Mercedes-Benz and its then Formula 1 partner, McLaren, to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction, and production of high-performance sports cars, and just like its legendary 300 SLR predecessor of 1955, it incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. Yet the term ‘supercar’ does not do full justice to the SLR, which, its peerless performance notwithstanding, is a luxurious and finely engineered Gran Turismo in the best traditions of Mercedes-Benz.

Built at Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division, the SLR’s engine is a 5.5-litre, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful ever found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it is the torque produced by this state-of-the-art ‘blown’ motor that is its most remarkable feature. The torque curve is almost flat: there is already 440lb/ft by 1,500 rpm and well over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 revs. As Car & Driver magazine observed: ‘This lends mind-boggling elasticity to the SLR, with passing performance that has to be felt to be appreciated.’

Needless to say, the SLR McLaren delivers performance figures that are still among the best in its class. Taking just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h (62mph), it passes the 200km/h (125mph) mark after 10.6 seconds and from a standing start takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300km/h (186mph). The two-seater has a top speed of 334km/h (207mph). The five-speed automatic transmission was specially optimised for very high torque while affording the choice of different shift characteristics using the Speedshift system.

Costing US$573,000 when new, the stylish SLR McLaren Roadster offered here was built to Swiss specifications for the current vendor and comes equipped with the following options:

• Yellow paintwork (special)

• Silver Arrow leather in Classic 300 SLR Red

• Panama Red-Black fabric soft-top

• Black carbon trim interior

• Stitching in contrasting black

• Embossing SLR logo

• Two-tone steering wheel in Black/Classic Red

• Leather edging for floor mats in Classic Red

• CD changer

• 19″ light alloy wheels with asymmetric ‘Turbine’ design

• 19″ brake system with red brake calipers

• Carbon-fibre bucket-type sport seats XL size

Offered with photocopies of its purchase invoice, receipt and manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity, the car has spent most of the time since delivery in dry storage and will require recommissioning before further use.

For more information visit Bonhams’ website at: https://cars.bonhams.com/