2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster
Key Points: 1 of 150 Examples, Crystal Antimon Grey Metallic Exterior Paint, Carbon Fibre Trim
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Roadster is one of the most sought-after versions of the SLR ever produced, combining the comfort and presence of a grand tourer with the performance and drama of a proper supercar. Developed as the open-top version of the celebrated 722 Edition, the Roadster was built during the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, and remains one of the defining cars of that era. Inspired by Stirling Moss’ Mille Miglia-winning 300 SLR, the ‘722’ name pays tribute to the race number carried by the original car and has since become one of the most recognised badges in the modern Mercedes performance catalogue.
Under the bonnet sits a hand-built supercharged 5.4-litre V8 producing 650hp, delivering huge performance with a character that feels completely different to modern turbocharged supercars. The power delivery is immediate, the supercharger whine is unmistakable and the side-exit exhausts give the car a sound that is every bit as dramatic as its appearance. With a top speed of over 200mph and a 0–62mph time of around 3.7 seconds, the 722 Roadster remains seriously fast even by today’s standards, yet still feels surprisingly usable and refined when driven normally.
Compared to the standard SLR Roadster, the 722 benefits from revised suspension, upgraded brakes, sharper steering and more aggressive aerodynamics, giving it a far more focused feel without losing the long-distance comfort the SLR was known for. The carbon fibre chassis keeps the car lightweight and rigid, whilst the cabin combines leather, carbon fibre and Alcantara with the solid build quality expected from Mercedes-Benz. Roof down, the Roadster offers an even more engaging experience, with the sound of the supercharged V8 becoming a huge part of the car’s appeal.
Produced in limited numbers and becoming increasingly difficult to find in the right condition, the SLR McLaren 722 Roadster has established itself as one of the standout modern collector cars from the 2000s. It represents a period when supercars still felt raw, mechanical and full of character, before hybrid systems and digital driving modes became the norm. Combining rarity, performance and genuine presence, the 722 Roadster remains one of the most memorable and desirable cars to come from the Mercedes-Benz and McLaren partnership.
