Question: How do you properly commemorate the production run of a supercar coming to an end? Answer: Name the final, limited-edition versions in honor of one of the most legendary race drivers ever—Sir Stirling Moss. To our delight—and despite the fact the SLR Stirling Moss will only be sold in Europe—Mercedes-Benz saw fit to unveil the car to the world at this year’s Detroit auto show. Although the SLR McLaren build cycle will come to an end in May of this year, Mercedes will offer 75 of these roofless and windowless special edition SLRs, to be built from June through December.
Why name the car after Stirling Moss? Because in 1955 Moss won the historic Mille Miglia race in 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds while driving a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. His average speed was just about 100 mph on the twisting and undulating country and village roads of Italy. Without doubt the 2009 Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss edition could top that astounding pace, powered by a supercharged V-8 with 650 horsepower, promising a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. With a top speed of 217 mph, the car is sure to be a wicked ride that requires driver and passenger alike to wear full face helmets, lest they get a 217-mph bug in the face. This retro racer, which is based on the M-B SLR McLaren Roadster, is fitted with a completely new carbon-fiber body. Inside, it carries the engraved signature of Sir Stirling Moss on a special aluminum plate surrounding the shift lever. Keeping true to the original 300 SLR of the 50s is an electrically adjustable rear aerodynamic spoiler/airbrake, along with two tonneau covers stored in the trunk. If you want to buy one of these Silver Arrows, first you must qualify as “the most loyal of SLR customers,” according to Mercedes. Only then do you get the chance to fork out just over $1,000,000 for the privilege of wearing a bug-splattered grin.
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