You’re probably most likely to be struck by lightning (twice) than to own one of seven remaining genuine Mercedes Benz 300 SLRs, especially the 722 variant.
Considered by many the most valuable car in the world, and by Sir Stirling Moss “the greatest sports racing car ever built”, the SLR was a thoroughbred racer. Introduced in 1955, it was powered by an W196-based fuel-injected 2,981 cc straight-8 boosted to 310 bhp (230 kW), which was driven into the history books by the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Pierre Levegh.
So, as you’d imagine acquiring the car that won the famous Mille Miglia event in 1955 is very complicated and outrageously expensive, but there are alternatives. Like getting yourself a replica, for example.
This particular unit, is the fifth and final version, hand-built by the original founder of Proteus Sports & Racing Cars, over a period of two years. It’s a very rare example of automotive craftsmanship, as it took two years to finish. Being a high-end recreation, the car respects the exact dimensions of the original and utilizes the highest quality components.
The aluminum body, for instance, was crafted by Clive Smart of Shapecraft – one of the most noted UK body shops. Mechanically, the SLR is powered by a Mercedes-Benz M110 engine taken from a 280E model, mated to a four speed manual gearbox – reportedly rebuilt to the highest standards by Crewe Engines. Sure, the power deficit may be noticeable, but knowing it was constructed with carefully selected genuine Mercedes Benz parts, the car is close to the original as possible.
The vehicle is offered for sale by the original owner and it’s estimated to fetch between €320,000 and €360,000 ($361,984 – $407,232). Much cheaper than the $50 million original, right?
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