2005 McLaren Mercedes SLR

617 bhp, 5439cc, supercharged V8 - the ultimate 'Grand Tourer' with everyday usability

Introduced in 2003 and developed jointly with the McLaren Technology Centre

Bought by our vendor through Taylor and Crawley in 2005 and owned by him since

Only 6,700 miles from new and last serviced in 2017 by M-B specialists, Avantgarde

Offered at a very sensible and realistic guide price

Manufactured between 2003 and 2010, their new 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. Rather than creating an all-out, no-compromise supercar, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren decided to take a slightly different route. Instead of placing the engine in behind the cabin, the car had a front-mid-engine layout, with the engine sitting behind the front wheels and just ahead of the cabin. This not only helped to improve the SLR's handling by giving it near-perfect weight distribution but also gave the car a rather spacious boot and cabin, which was not common in cars boasting such performance credentials. As it was supremely engineered and built to incredible standards at McLaren's facilities in Woking, it boasted a very high level of fit and finish, the kind befitting any Mercedes-Benz.

The heart of any car is its engine, and that of the SLR McLaren is truly outstanding. Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG Performance Division, it is a 5.5-litre, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines ever found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it is the torque produced by the Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger 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, and acceleration is equally phenomenal, with 0 to 60 mph taking just 3.8 seconds and the quarter-mile only 11 seconds. Of course, a car with such impressive speed credentials also requires an equally impressive braking system. An automatic airbrake and Mercedes-Benz's Sensotronic "brake by wire" system assist the massive carbon-ceramic disc brakes and help bring the SLR McLaren down from 120 mph to a stop in less than 240 feet.

This particular SLR was bought by our private vendor through Taylor and Crawley in 2005 and has been owned by him ever since. Finished in the SLR's quintessential colour combination of 'Crystal Laurite Silver SLR' over 'Silver Arrows 300SL Red' leather, it remains in remarkable condition, having covered just 6,700 miles from new. Naturally, it has a full service history with the most recent being in 2017 by Mercedes specialists, Avantgarde. Our vendor reports that he hasn't used the car since, hence the reason why he is selling it - this car needs to be used and enjoyed which is why it's coming to the open market for the first time in 14 years.

Offered at a very competitive and sensible guide price, when you compare it with asking prices elsewhere, this really is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very special car that delivers in terms of both value and collectability. Though the partnership between McLaren and Mercedes-Benz, with the intention of creating world-beating road cars, was a brief one, it was also a spectacular moment that may never occur again. Given the significance of this venture and the skyrocketing appeal of the SLR's direct competitors, the Ford GT and Porsche Carrera GT, there is no doubt that this is the moment in time when a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should be considered for one's collection. The Cherished Registration Number, WHO5 SLR, will pleasingly remain with the car.