Mercedes-Benz history · 2003–2009
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: history, versions and production numbers
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was a carbon-fiber grand tourer developed with McLaren and built in Woking, England. Mercedes-Benz Classic records 1,412 coupes (including 150 722 GT and 150 722 Edition cars), 670 roadsters and 75 SLR Stirling Moss speedsters — around 2,000 in total.
SLR McLaren history
The SLR McLaren debuted in 2003. It was the first series-production car to combine Mercedes-Benz and McLaren race-car expertise: bodyshell, doors, bonnet, boot lid and chassis were all carbon-fiber composite. It was built at McLaren in Woking, near London.
Its supercharged 5.5-liter V8 made 626 hp (460 kW) and was the first eight-cylinder developed completely by Mercedes-Benz AMG. Unlike rivals such as the Porsche Carrera GT, it used a front-mid-engine layout and grand-tourer usability.
The 722 Edition (2006, coupe; roadster later) raised output to 650 hp; "722" was the start number of the 300 SLR in which Stirling Moss won the 1955 Mille Miglia. The 75-car SLR Stirling Moss speedster closed the family.[1],[4]
Years and production numbers
| Model | Production period | Output | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLR McLaren coupe (incl. 722 GT and 722 Edition) | 12.2001 (pre-series) / 04.2004 – 06.2008 | 626 hp (722 Edition: 650 hp) | 1,412 (incl. 150 722 GT, 150 722 Edition) |
| SLR McLaren Roadster | 05.2007 / 08.2007 – 05.2009 | — | 670 |
| SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S | 2009 | 650 hp | 150 |
| SLR Stirling Moss | 2009 | 650 hp | 75 |
Engine and drivetrain facts
- The SLR Stirling Moss reached 0–100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h, per Mercedes-Benz Classic.
- The 722 S Roadster (650 hp) did 0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and 335 km/h.
- RM Sotheby's catalogs the 722 Edition at 641 hp and 605 lb-ft (US-style ratings), mated to a five-speed automatic.
What changed, year by year
- 2003–2004Coupe debuts; series production from April 2004.
- 2006722 Edition coupe, 650 hp, 150 cars.
- 2007Roadster with soft top.
- 2009722 S Roadster and SLR Stirling Moss end production.
What to check before you buy one
- Confirm which SLR it is — coupe, roadster, 722 Edition, 722 S or Stirling Moss — by VIN and build record; values differ sharply.
- Ask for the carbon-ceramic brake and carbon-body inspection history; carbon repairs require specialist work.
- Check service history at a dealer or specialist familiar with the SLR's supercharged V8 and five-speed automatic.
SLR McLaren prices and values today
Public sale results: RM Sotheby's sold a 2009 SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster for $775,000 at Monterey in 2021.[4]
How to verify the factory options of any SLR McLaren
The factory data card confirms whether an SLR is a 722 or a standard car and lists its paint, interior and option codes.
SLR McLaren data card by VIN
CarWhere decodes the Mercedes-Benz data card — the factory option codes, paint and upholstery a specific car was built with — from licensed VIN-level build data, when it exists for that VIN.
Free availability check first · $9.99 one-time only if detailed build data exists for the VIN · no subscription
Frequently asked questions
How many Mercedes SLR McLarens were made?
Around 2,000 in total. Mercedes-Benz Classic lists 1,412 coupes (including 150 722 GT and 150 722 Edition cars) and 670 roadsters, plus 75 SLR Stirling Moss speedsters.
Where was the SLR McLaren built?
At McLaren's facility in Woking, England, near London.
What does 722 mean on the SLR?
It refers to start number 722 — the 300 SLR in which Stirling Moss won the 1955 Mille Miglia.
How much horsepower does an SLR McLaren have?
626 hp from a supercharged 5.5-liter V8; 722 Edition, 722 S and Stirling Moss versions have 650 hp.
How much is an SLR McLaren worth?
Values depend on the version. RM Sotheby's sold a 2009 722 S Roadster for $775,000 in 2021.
Related Mercedes-Benz histories
More Mercedes-Benz research
Sources
Production figures and dates come from Mercedes-Benz Group, Mercedes-Benz Classic and Mercedes-Benz USA material wherever available; auction figures are public results from the auction house. Market medians are CarWhere's own analysis of live US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- 199 series SLR McLaren high-performance sports car, 2004–2009 — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- SLR McLaren (coupé) — production — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- SLR McLaren Roadster — production — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster — Monterey 2021 — RM Sotheby's
- 49 CFR Part 565 — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requirements — eCFR (U.S. Government)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz Group AG or Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, AMG and the model names are trademarks of their owner.