One to Buy: 53km from new 1 of 4 in Mystic White 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
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Had sales of the base SLR met expectations, it’s doubtful whether Mercedes would have produced the wild Stirling Moss edition which, with its lack of roof, windscreen and other basic amenities, was arguably the most uncompromising road car ever to bear the three-pointed star emblem.
Although the McLaren-built C199 had revived the SLR moniker last seen on 1955’s all-conquering W196S, neither this 21st century Gran Turismo nor the harder, faster 722 Edition that followed had much in common with the revered machine which dominated the 1955 World Sportscar Championship.
That could not be said of the Stirling Moss edition though which, with its radical all-new body and pared back interior, instantly evoked memories of Mercedes’ most famous racing car as raced by the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.
Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009, the Stirling Moss edition was the last iteration of the C199 SLR. Produced in a limited run of 75 units, with a list price of over $1m it was more than twice the price of a standard SLR Roadster.
Availability was restricted to existing SLR customers and, unsurprisingly, all 75 cars were sold within a matter of days.
Disappointingly though, most buyers opted for a traditional silver paint scheme, but going under the hammer as part of RM Sotheby’s online Sealed Drop sale that closes on October 23rd is a rare Mystic White example, one of just four reputedly configured as such.
A home market example originally built for a German customer, chassis WDD1999761M900063 has been looked after by just two custodians, both of whom have preserved the car in as-new condition.
‘063’ heads to auction with less than 60km on the odometer and is accompanied by an array of original accessories to include its two leather driving helmets, two Oakley SLR Stirling Moss-specific driving goggles, protective cases for the driver and passenger tonneau covers, a cover for the wind deflector and silver-painted blank wind deflector panel for the passenger.
