Mercedes SLR 722 S McLaren Edition goes up for auction

Six years ago, this Mercedes SLR was sold at auction for nearly $650,000. Today, the supercar is probably worth significantly more magazin de piese auto online.

Mercedes SLR 722 S McLaren Edition goes up for auction

750 horsepower? Connoisseurs will immediately notice that the power of the Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S announced for auction is higher than the standard 650 “horses” for the model. The explanation lies in the history of this particular car. The roadster will be sold at auction in May 2026 by Mecum in Indianapolis (lot R601). According to the description, it is one of six copies that were subsequently converted into the so-called “McLaren Edition” by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

The base model is the 2009 SLR 722 S Roadster – only 150 of this version were produced. The SLR was developed in collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren and is significantly different in design from other Mercedes models of the time.

The car uses a carbon monocoque, has a front-mounted engine and a rear-mounted transmission. The 722 S is powered by the familiar 5.4-liter AMG supercharged V8 engine (M 155). In its production version, it generates 650 hp and 820 Nm.

They are transmitted to the wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission. Although by today's standards this sounds quite archaic, for that time the choice of this box was completely logical – because it withstands the high torque supplied by the engine even when starting off, and the box is optimized for continuous acceleration and maintaining high speed.

The Mercedes accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of around 335 km/h. However, the SLR is not designed as an agile cornering machine, but rather as a car built for fast long-distance driving.

The story behind the SLR 722

The designation “722” is related to Mercedes’ victory in the Mille Miglia in 1955 with the starting number 722 (with a start time of 7:22). The special version features higher power, stiffer suspension and improved aerodynamics. However, this particular example has been “touched up” additionally. After it was handed over to its first buyer, the car was modified by McLaren. The tuning includes revised engine management, larger intercoolers and a new exhaust system. Thanks to all this, the super Benz reaches 750 hp.

This power is not according to official Mercedes data – it was achieved with the help of additional modifications. It is they who make the car so special – it is believed that only six such roadsters existed in the whole world. In addition, the car is finished in the typical McLaren two-tone color combination of orange and black and has additional carbon fiber components, including modified fenders, a redesigned rear end with an adjustable wing and a revised diffuser.

Sold for nearly $650,000 six years ago

Interestingly, the car has already been sold at auction – by RM Sotheby's in 2020. At that time, the Benz fetched around $648,500. Today, the SLR is likely to be worth significantly more – we'll find out exactly how much on May 16.

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750 horsepower? Connoisseurs will immediately notice that the power of the Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S announced for auction is higher than the standard 650 “horses” for the model

The base model is the 2009 SLR 722 S Roadster – only 150 of this version were produced