2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is an exceptionally open interpretation of the modern SLR. Its speedster form dispenses with a conventional roof and full-height windscreen, giving the historical tribute a physical effect on the car’s shape. Mercedes-Benz limited the programme to 75 cars.

History and verified programme identity

The 2009 model concluded the contemporary SLR family with a design named for Stirling Moss. The manufacturer connected the project to its 1950s racing heritage, while the vehicle itself remained a modern Mercedes-Benz and McLaren programme. A later factory announcement describes completion of the final examples. That completion account supports the original limited-series story without turning a retrospective appearance into a new production allocation.

Engineering and design

The maker describes a supercharged V8 producing 478 kW / 650 PS. The unusually low body and open cockpit make this a very different interpretation of grand touring from the closed SLR. A long bonnet, side exhaust treatment and twin rear fairings also give the design an identifiable silhouette. The important comparison is between the speedster’s whole configuration and that of the earlier SLR bodies, rather than an isolated power figure shared with another derivative. This specification belongs to the documented programme. It should be compared using the original measurement convention and the relevant configuration. A larger number copied from a different engine, market or racing derivative would describe a different car. Likewise, an engine change during restoration does not add another vehicle to the original production run. The distinction matters particularly when a model name appears in both road and competition histories: shared styling or ancestry can coexist with substantially different structures and equipment.

The physical car in the supplied photograph

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss on an illuminated show stand, with its open speedster cabin, low screens and twin rear fairings visible.

What makes this version distinct

Stirling Moss names this modern 75-car road programme; it should not be used as a replacement title for a 1955 300 SLR. A historical race number, a driver association and a modern model name can refer to different things. The photograph documents a real show appearance of the modern speedster, with its low screens and fairings visible. Its exhibition setting does not certify the allocation number of the individual car.

Collecting and chassis evidence

Keep the permanent chassis record, original allocation documentation and delivery specification together. In a design with such a distinctive open cockpit, preserve dated evidence of trim, fairings and any later changes. A display photograph establishes visible configuration but does not replace the vehicle’s complete build and ownership file. Start with the permanent chassis identity and a dated factory specification, then organise invoices, registration documents and photographs into a chronology. A recent photograph describes present appearance; the original delivery record establishes how the vehicle left its manufacturer. Record replacements and reversible changes without erasing their dates. For a limited edition, retain the allocation paperwork and edition plate together, since a badge alone cannot establish membership. Photographs of body seams, interior fittings and mechanical markings help a specialist understand changes across time. Where a vehicle has been repainted or restored, keep the earlier material alongside the finished appearance. A clearly documented change is more informative than an unsupported claim that every component has remained untouched.

Related Mercedes-Benz designs and meaningful comparisons

The 722 Edition coupé shows the SLR in enclosed grand touring form. CLK-GTR Roadster presents another scarce open Mercedes-Benz, using an entirely different mid-engined structure. Their similar rarity makes the comparison interesting, while their very different architectures keep the histories separate.

Reading the sources

The programme sources and the photograph answer different questions. Manufacturer and custodial records establish the original model, Type, category and published production scope. The creator’s file establishes the pictured subject, setting and image permission. An individual chassis history can then add ownership, competition entries and dated repairs without changing the scope of the original programme. Build references are not survivor counts, and a later specification does not automatically become an additional newly manufactured vehicle. Where primary evidence does not establish a complete fabrication census, that field remains unassigned.

Specifications and rarity evidence

Frequently asked questions

How rare is the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss?

Mercedes-Benz announced a 75-car SLR Stirling Moss series. It is separate from the 722 coupé and Roadster 722 S allocations and from original 1955 300 SLR racing cars. The count is a programme reference, not a current survivor tally.

How is SLR McLaren Stirling Moss classified?

This is a named original Mercedes-Benz road-car programme or factory body configuration within a qualifying low-volume family. The source-defined reference is below 7,500. Completed manufacture, shared allocation ceilings and current survivor counts remain separately labelled.

Which technical details are established for the programme?

The primary record supports programme: 2009 SLR Stirling Moss speedster; engine / output: Supercharged V8; 478 kW / 650 PS; body: Open speedster without conventional roof or full-height windscreen. These are programme or explicitly attributed photo references. A particular surviving car’s engine, chassis repairs and competition preparation require its own dated documentation.

Does the photographed appearance establish factory originality?

The caption records a real creator-identified SLR McLaren Stirling Moss subject and its documented setting. It establishes the illustration’s scope, while original components, restoration work and individual race provenance require chassis-specific evidence. A competition number, current paint or museum display is not used as an originality certificate.

What rarity or archive scope is verified?

Mercedes-Benz announced a 75-car SLR Stirling Moss series. It is separate from the 722 coupé and Roadster 722 S allocations and from original 1955 300 SLR racing cars. The count is a programme reference, not a current survivor tally.

Who photographed the supplied image?

Rutger van der Maar via Wikimedia Commons, under CC BY 2.0. The original file and licence are linked with the image. Retain the creator, source and licence when uploading, exporting or reusing it; local retouching and synthetic enlargement have not been performed.

Related Mercedes-Benz profiles

• 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
• 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Straßenversion Roadster

Sources and photo credits

• Mercedes-Benz manufacturer record
• Mercedes-Benz manufacturer record

Photograph: Rutger van der Maar via Wikimedia Commons original source, CC BY 2.0. Original image or source-provided thumbnail supplied without local cropping, retouching or synthetic enlargement.