One to Buy: 160km from new 2010 Mercedes-Benz C199 SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
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The extraordinary Stirling Moss edition was a fitting final iteration of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Launched at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009, production was limited to just 75 units.
Based on the uprated SLR 722 platform, the Stirling Moss edition was inspired by arguably the most iconic and successful sports racing car of its era: the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR
During the 1955 season, the 300 SLR won five times from six outings; the one time it did not bring home the honours was at Le Mans when Mercedes withdrew whilst leading following Pierre Levegh’s infamous crash.
Perhaps the most highly regarded single performance of 1955 was that of Stirling Moss at the Mille Miglia.
Moss was accompanied by journalist, Denis Jenkinson, who navigated the 1000 mile route around the public highways of Italy with an innovative pace note system. Moss and Jenkinson completed the event in a record time of ten hours and seven minutes.
At over $1m, the Stirling Moss edition SLR was more than twice the price of a regular SLR Roadster. Availability was limited exclusively to existing customers and the entire run sold out within a matter of hours.
As a consequence of its brand new carbonfibre body and pared down interior, the Stirling Moss edition weighed 126kg less than a 722 Coupe. Peak output was an identical 641bhp at 6500rpm and 605lb-ft at 4000rpm.
Considering the highly desirable nature of these cars, it is no surprise that most went straight into major collections where they saw relatively use. One such example is currently on offer with Mechatronik in Pleidelsheim, just north of Stuttgart. This particular car was delivered to a German customer who has retained it ever since. Having travelled just 160km, it remains in as-new condition:
