Michael Satterfield
Just nine examples of the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR were ever produced, and with only six left in existence today, the value of each car is known to be simply priceless, making recreation examples highly sought after.
This particular example is very rare and the fifth and final version hand-built by Jim Marland, the original founder of Proteus Sports & Racing Cars. It was constructed over a period of two years, finished in 2010 to the exact dimensions of the original and utilizing the very highest quality components throughout.
The aluminum body was handcrafted by Clive Smart of Shapecraft, one of the most noted of all UK bodybuilders. The paintwork was carried out by a well-known Midlands specialist, XK Engineering Ltd, and the car is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 280E engine, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, rebuilt to the highest standard by Crewe Engines.
With other carefully selected genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, visually the car is as close to the original as possible. Not only that, the interior is all handmade, with hand-painted dials and instruments, again maintaining the highly faithful and original look of the car.
Offered now by the original owner, the car is estimated at between €320,000 and €360,000.
Speaking ahead of the sale, Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, explains “We’re absolutely delighted to be offering this car at the Classic Race Aarhus Auction. The attention to detail in this car proves that this build was truly a labor of love, and the car exudes outstanding quality. It would not look out of place in any of the finest of car collections anywhere in the world.”
The left-hand drive model is UK registered and carries the very appropriate registration number, ‘300 LFX’. The unique registration number ‘722 SLR’ is available by separate negotiation.
Nick concluded, “With the other four examples all in private collections in the USA and Germany, this is an extremely rare and special opportunity to acquire an outstanding recreation of the legendary 300 SLR, quite simply one of the most famous race cars of all time.”
To find out more about the car and Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Classic Race Aarhus, please CLICK HERE.
