The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S McLaren Edition Roadster represents the absolute apex of the brief but brilliant collaboration between Woking and Stuttgart. This specific chassis started life as a standard 722 S before traveling back to McLaren Special Operations for a full McLaren Edition conversion. It stands as the only U.S. specification example among just six Roadsters ever given this treatment by MSO. Finished in a striking one-off two-tone McLaren Orange and Black, the car serves as a rolling tribute to the 1955 Mille Miglia victory. Every inch of this machine has been scrutinized and enhanced to provide a level of performance that eclipses the standard SLR. It is quite simply the most exclusive version of an already legendary supercar platform.
MSO Engineering and Custom Carbon Bodywork
The transition from a standard 722 S to a McLaren Edition involved a massive overhaul of the car’s aerodynamic profile. MSO technicians fitted the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S with entirely new carbon fiber front fenders and a revised decklid. A manually adjustable rear wing and an upgraded rear diffuser work together to significantly increase downforce at high speeds. Even the side-view mirrors and hood slats were swapped for lightweight carbon fiber components to shave every possible gram. These additions are not merely cosmetic; they fundamentally change how the air interacts with the chassis during high-speed runs. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency makes the McLaren Edition a far more composed weapon on the track or open road.
Exclusive Interior and Nappa Leather Appointments
Inside the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S, the cabin reflects the vibrant McLaren Orange exterior theme with precision. Black Nappa leather upholstery is complemented by microfiber inserts and bright Orange contrast stitching throughout the cockpit. Orange seatbelts and embroidered McLaren insignias on the headrests further distinguish this MSO build from its standard counterparts. The start button remains famously mounted atop the shift knob, a signature detail of the SLR’s fighter-jet inspired interior. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures comfort while the side-dump exhaust provides a constant mechanical soundtrack to the drive. It is a space that feels both incredibly luxurious and strictly purposeful for the serious driver.
Supercharged M155 Power and Technical Specs
The 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine in this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S was pushed far beyond its original factory ratings. Thanks to upgraded engine management software and improved intercoolers, this specific unit produces a staggering 750 horsepower. This power is managed by an AMG Speedshift 5-speed automatic transmission designed to handle the massive torque of the Lysholm twin-screw supercharger. A McLaren sports exhaust system, unique to this specific Roadster, allows the engine to breathe more freely than other McLaren Edition cars. Stopping power is equally impressive, utilizing eight-piston front calipers finished in McLaren Orange over massive carbon ceramic discs. The specially tuned suspension features stiffer springs and a lower ride height for razor-sharp handling dynamics.
Performance Heritage and Collectibility
The “722” nomenclature on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S honors Stirling Moss’s starting time during his historic 1955 race win. This McLaren Edition takes that heritage a step further by incorporating modern racing technology directly from the Woking factory. It features a dry-sump oiling system to maintain lubrication during high-G cornering, a necessity for a car with this much lateral grip. The 19-inch multi-spoke wheels are wrapped in high-performance rubber to ensure the 750 horses reach the pavement effectively. Xenon headlights and tinted tail light lenses provide a modern aesthetic touch to the classic long-nose, short-deck proportions. This car is a physical manifestation of the racing success shared by two of the world’s most powerful automotive brands.
Summary of the Indy 2026 Spotlight
This 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S McLaren Edition Roadster is a once-in-a-lifetime offering for the serious supercar collector. Its status as the only U.S. spec McLaren Edition Roadster makes it a true “1 of 1” opportunity on the global market. The combination of its Woking-born upgrades and its unique McLaren Orange livery ensures it will be the focal point of the Indy 2026 auction. Since it carries the MSO pedigree and the rare 750 HP engine tune, its performance is as breathtaking as its visual presence. This vehicle represents a final, unrestrained expression of what the SLR platform was truly capable of achieving. It remains a definitive landmark in the history of the modern supercar era.
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Source: mecum.com
