Rudolf Uhlenhaut designed the Mercedes 300 SLR, to compete in endurance events such as the Mille Miglia, Le Mans, Carrera Pan Americana, under the direction of Alfred Neubauer their motorsport director who demanded a car that would dominate motor racing and win the 1955 World Championship.

Built as a front mid-engined two-seat sports car it was based on the 1954-1955 Mercedes W196 Formula 1 racecar. It did however bear a strong resemblance to the famous 1954 Mercedes 300 SL "Gullwing". The car took its name from references to its lightweight construction " Sport Leicht Rennen." Its front engine design meant that it offered a new perfect weight distribution. Using a space frame chassis and magnesium-alloy bodywork, resulted in a weight of just over 900kg.

Powered by an in-line 8-cylinder 2,981 cc fuel injected engine producing an astonishing 310 bhp. Longitudinally mounted and canted at a 33-degree angle to lower its profile for aerodynamic reasons, resulting in the distinctive bonnet bulge on the passenger side of the car. Fitted with huge inboard drum bakes, rear independent suspension and even "air brakes" to counter Jaguars disc brake system at Le Mans in 1955.

The most famous of outings for the 300 SLR was the 1955 Mille Miglia. Brescia, early May, and on the Piazza Della Vittoria at the heart of the Northern Italian city the 533 competitors cars engines were being warmed up. Only a few minutes remain until the start of the 22nd Mille Miglia, the legendary road race that takes drivers from Brescia to Rome and back again taking in some of Italy's most demanding roads. At the end of the grueling race, the 300 SLR with the car number 722 in the hands of Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson his co driver duly reeled off the final miles up to the finish line to win the 1000 mile road race. Having covered the entire course in a record time of 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds and averaging 97.9 mph, this still remains a record today. Juan Manuel Fangio came home in second place in another Mercedes 300 SLR.

At the end of May, barely four weeks later, the SLR pulled off another one-two in the Eifelrennen race at the Nurburgring. On this occasion Fangio took the honors with Moss following him home. These impressive victories were overshadowed at the Le Mans 24 hour race, when a horrific accident involving Pierre Levegh's Mercedes 300 SLR, hit a slower moving Austin Healey causing it to become airborne killing 82 spectators. Following this tragedy, Mercedes withdrew from competitive motorsport until the mid-1980s. That aside the Mercedes 300 SLR still remains one of the most successful racing sports cars of all time.

Mercedes only built 9 racing 300 SLR's, one was destroyed in the 1955 Le Mans accident, two were converted into the famous Uhlenhaut Coupe, leaving only six remaining cars, of which 722 is by far the most valuable. The remaining cars still remain the property of Mercedes Benz and can only be seen in museums or a very special motoring events.

In the 1980's Jim Marland the renowned Jaguar C-Type recreation specialist undertook the painstakingly precise process of recreating four replica 300 SLR's. These were all sold into German collections. He went on to sell his business Proteus Sports and Racing Cars (Which Hofmanns are the United Kingdom sole representative). The SLR project was considered too complex and expensive by the new owners and was shelved for some 20 years. In 2010 Proteus decided to sell the SLR project which included the original Jim Marland body buck, drawings, tooling and a part complete car. The finest craftsmen and materials of the very highest quality were used to produce a visually perfect recreation that is almost indistinguishable from the original cars.

The Mercedes Benz 300 SLR recreation offered here is No. 5 of only 6 cars built and was completed in 2010 to emulate/pay homage to the 1955 Moss/Jenkinson Mille Miglia wining car. Finished in Classic Silver with Mercedes patterned Tartan cloth and blue leather interior.

Built around a tubular steel "Birdcage" style space frame chassis closely resembling the original design. The Body is a fully hand formed lightweight double skinned design using 16 gauge aluminum. Taking over 2000man/hours alone to complete it offers original features including single door entry, concealed flush fitting bonnet and door release, fuel filler housed within the rear left head fairing, and drivers air vent. Chrome plated brass mouldings complete the stunning coachwork.

Front independent suspension with double wishbone and fully adjustable dampers. Rear independent suspension with drive shaft and bottom link shortened to give the correct track width. Power comes from a single overhead cam 2.8 litre Mercedes unit with mechanical fuel injection producing 180bhp. A fabricated inlet manifold, teardrop shaped oil tank and dual exhaust system exiting through the right hand wing give a true authentic feel. Sculptured instruments featuring a large diameter Veglia rev counter, fuel gauge, oil pressure, water temperature and supplementary speedometer. Full width windscreen in 10mm Perspex with Perspex brace and mirror pedestal as original.

This is a truly unique opportunity to own such a stunning sports car, which recreates the looks, sounds and sheer presence of one of the rarest and most expensive cars in existence. 

The registration number 722SLR is available for sale by separate negotiation. - POA.

As with all our vehicles the car will go through a comprehensive presales inspection prior to a new owner taking delivery.

All vehicles supplied through Hofmann's have funding options available and part exchanges are welcome.

If you are interested in this vehicle please contact Hofmann's of Henley on 01491 848800