2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Tony’s Take: Mercedes McLaren. A strange combination. Mercedes – famous for luxurious GT’s. McClaren – famous for its “no compromise” F1 sports car (a vehicle that ended seven years before the SLR). The result? A supercar that splits the difference.

For example, the SLR’s all-aluminum supercharged AMG 5.4-liter V8 is good for 617 hp and 580 lb-ft of torque, powering the front mid-engine two-door from zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds, and on to 208 mph. With windshield wipers designed to work at that speed and an AC system that adjusts according to the sun’s angle, luminosity and intensity.

Make no mistake: the Mercedes McLaren SLR is a ‘bahn burner, fully capable of pressing occupants back into their seats from any speed to any speed, negotiating corners with wide-tired aplomb (using conventional springs and dampers). Note to those who lament the SLR’s five-speed autobox: see above. Or ask Jay Leno.

During its six-year production run, the MB/Big Mac partnership assembled 2,157 cars at McLaren’s Technology Center in Woking, England. The more powerful 722 version is already fetching a cool million at auction. The “standard” SLR not so much.

In November 2021 I was offered a black/black SLR with 700 miles. No one wanted it for more than $330k. O.K., it was it a tough color combo missing a major service. Low-miles serviced silver cars were bringing $400k.

I see no reason why inflation won’t inflate that number for the right machine. And beyond. I say SLR’s are undervalued. While SLR’s suffer from their visual similarity to SLs and the clean-sheet design AMG GT (especially RF’s heart throb Black Series), two words: scissor doors.

This dark silver SLR – with a red interior – is the best color combo. I say it will hammer for $430k, assuming it’s had its service (waiting on the listing). In five years, it will be a million dollar car. Downside: service bills and surprises if not exercised regularly.