It all began in 1999 as a concept (I remember cause I wrote about it in my SPM English paper), and in 2004, the Mercedes-Benz and Mclaren love story began. The two legendary companies set out to produce a memorable supercar and came up with the SLR (Sport, Light, Racing). The SLR spawned two coupe’s, two roadster’s and one Stirling Moss edition which was the final edition of the SLR range. In a span of five years 2,000 SLR’s were built but only 75 would ultimately be badged Stirling Moss, making it even more exclusive than the already very exclusive coupe and roadster SLR.The SLR is powered by a 5.5-liter supercharged V8 powerplant that makes 626hp in the Coupe and Roadster models. The same engine makes 650hp in the 722 and Stirling Moss editions. The latter has a blistering speed that does the 0-100 run in 3.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 350km/h. With no roof, windscreen or side windows, a helmet for the driver and passenger of the Stirling Moss, is highly recommended.
The original 300 SLR racing cars was piloted by Moss himself and went on to a succession of victories in the 50s. The legendary Juan Manuel Fangio later became a five time Formula One World Champion in the cars too.
So it is in fact a sad day for the SLR legacy that goes back decades but with such a glittering history, we’re sure there will be future models of the SLR. Meanwhile, members of the SLR.CLUB (open to anyone who owns a SLR) will keep the history alive by getting together regularly and continue organising club events such as drives on famous racing circuits and participation in the Mille Miglia.
