The first SLR customers came together in 2002 at "Event No. 01" in Monte Carlo during the Monaco Grand Prix. The "Vision SLR" was unveiled to this select group in an exclusive showing.
Exactly one year later, again in Monte Carlo during the Monaco Grand Prix, the customers were given an exclusive live sneak preview of the version of the SLR by the then McLaren Mercedes team driver David Coulthard.
The Mercedes-Benz line-up at the 60th German International Motor Show (IAA) in September 2003 was dominated by an automobile that sent out a clear signal in terms of design and technology, thereby reinforcing Mercedes-Benz's role as pacesetter and innovation leader among passenger car brands: the SLR McLaren high-performance sports car.
The new SLR high-performance sports car was unveiled in Frankfurt/Main as a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation – a modern-day "gullwing" following in the footsteps of the SLR racing cars of the 1950s.
From May 2004, the "21st Century Silver Arrow" was produced exclusively by hand in Woking near London, where the vehicles were also handed over to their proud new owners. All work steps were in line with Mercedes-Benz standards and processes, which were adapted to meet the special requirements for producing the SLR. Production brought together the advantages of Mercedes-Benz's manufacturing system with McLaren's expertise in the construction of super sports cars. High-tech materials from the fields of aviation and Formula 1 went into the making of a standard-production automobile.
With an architectural design created by the celebrated Sir Norman Foster, the McLaren Technology Centre not only offered ideal conditions for producing the super sports car, but could also wonderfully meet the high expectations of its exclusive customers. Customer access to the Technology Centre was strictly limited. Only SLR customers enjoyed an exclusive and diverse programme that included a peek behind the otherwise closed doors of Formula 1 development as well as a spectacular vehicle handover ceremony.
