Mercedes even translates the original 300's bulge on the passenger side of the Stirling Moss' hood, necessary at the time to fit the 310-hp inline-eight. The supercharged 5.4L V-8 underhood dwarfs the original motor and adds another 340 ponies for a total output of 650 hp. The Stirling Moss SLR also employs a closed underbody and a bigger rear diffuser than on the base SLR in an effort to further improve downforce. The Mercedes Airbrake system, a spoiler that deploys under aggressive braking, can also be manually operated by the driver.
The relatively Spartan cabin features a mix of carbon fiber, aluminum, and leather trimmings. An aluminum plate located in the area around the gearshift features a Stirling Moss signature, and the cockpit can be closed with the two tonneau covers stored in the trunk.
After its world debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show, Mercedes will begin production of the Stirling Moss in May 2009, just after the SLR run ends. The company plans on building a scant 75 examples for European customers only between then and December, which will officially spell the end of the SLR partnership between Mercedes and McLaren. Each model will be offered only to current, "most loyal" SLR customers with an expected price in the if-you-have-to-ask nature. OK, if you really have to ask, it's 750,000 euro, or just over $1 million a copy.
A word of advice to those auspicious customers: Keep an eye out for wayward bugs.