Mercedes-Benz envisioned a thrilling motorsport chapter for its formidable SLR McLaren 722 Edition, entrusting Ray Mallock Ltd in the UK with the transformation into a competition GT variant. The ambitious plan involved crafting 21 units to meet FIA homologation criteria, paving the way for a multi-season, one-make racing series. This exclusive series was designed to pair affluent owners with seasoned professional drivers, including luminaries like Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, and Jochen Mass.
However, the staggering 600,000-euro price tag for the GT conversion – excluding the donor road car – coupled with the sudden onset of a global financial crisis, drastically curtailed these aspirations. Ultimately, only 12 buyers materialized, leading to a race series plagued by sparsely populated grids. Disillusionment grew, and the FIA eventually withdrew its support, bringing the series to an abrupt end. Owners, understandably frustrated with the project’s outcome, voiced their discontent, compelling Mercedes to repurchase several GTs in a move that reportedly caused considerable unease within Stuttgart’s upper management.
Whispers circulated about potential entries into the prestigious FIA GT Championship as GT1 contenders. Yet, the reality was that Mercedes was already nearing the conclusion of SLR McLaren production. Consequently, the GT was swiftly relegated to the annals of history, becoming a largely forgotten racing machine. But now, an opportunity arises to rediscover this obscure racer. Austrian auction house Dorotheum has consigned the ninth of the mere 12 SLR McLaren 722 GTs to its Classic Car and Motorcycle 2020 auction, scheduled for August 29th in Vienna.
This particular model boasts a distinctive color scheme reflecting the Croatian national colors, a bespoke touch as it was initially delivered to the CEO of the Croatian Mercedes dealership, Euroline. It actively participated in the SLR Trophy, competing at both Paul Ricard and Spa-Francorchamps rounds, notably securing a triumphant double victory at Spa-Francorchamps. Subsequently, it became one of the GTs Mercedes was compelled to buy back. A discerning German collector later acquired three GTs, including this very car, before it found its way to its current custodian who has meticulously preserved it in pristine condition.
Beyond the largely untouched supercharged V8 engine, boosted to 680HP, and the paddle-shift AMG five-speed automatic transmission, the GT shared minimal commonality with its road-going counterpart. Mercedes had originally conceived the SLR as a luxurious Grand Tourer, which underscores the remarkable 398kg weight reduction achieved by Ray Mallock during the GT conversion. Despite its racing pedigree, reports indicated that the car’s setup remained approachable even for amateur drivers.
This exceptional Mercedes Benz Slr Gt is anticipated to fetch between 700,000 and 1 million euros when it goes under the hammer on August 29th. This valuation seems justified for an exceedingly rare, factory-sanctioned racing machine. One can only speculate on its potential worth had the SLR 722 GT enjoyed the sustained racing career originally envisioned by its creators.
Photos courtesy of Dorotheum © 2020
