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One of the rarest examples of the McLaren-Mercedes SLR ever produced is currently listed with RM Sotheby’s, and you'll need $700,000 to get it. If that seems a bit steep, you're right. But this SLR isn't like most. Only 25 were built like this, and lest we forget – when the SLR was introduced in 2004, its new price was only just under half a million dollars.

This is an original Japanese market SLR McLaren Edition, delivered to its first owner in September 2005. It's number 14 of the 25 produced and has done a surprisingly liberal 17,500 miles (approximately 28,200 kilometers) over the last 20 years. As one of only 25 ‘McLaren Edition’ models officially commissioned by McLaren Special Operations – the brand’s in-house customization arm – this Japanese model is rarer even than the Barchetta-style SLR Stirling Moss, of which 75 were produced from 2009 onwards. And those sold for roughly $1 million each.

Offered as an “enhancement package” after production of the SLR came to a close in 2010, the appropriately named McLaren Edition was specifically developed by Woking to give its Porsche Carrera GT-challenging supercar better performance and a more aggressive look. It's something many SLR customers apparently wanted, which might be surprising considering the car was already ahead of its time with 617 horsepower and a 207-mph top speed.

The McLaren package primarily prioritized aero tweaks, the most notable of which included a re-sculpted front apron and larger front splitter (both borrowed from the also-limited edition SLR 722 Edition) to aid airflow. The package also added new side intakes, an even larger active rear wing to generate more downforce (by as much as 15 percent over that of the SLR 722), and a new rear diffuser. Restyled air intakes above the newly ceramic-coated exhaust tips were shaped to replicate the McLaren speedmark, though this was more an artistic touch than something performance-focused. The history of which, incidentally, is far stranger than you might think.

To offset the additional weight – the SLR still weighed approximately 3,800 pounds despite its carbon-fiber build – a new carbon-Kevlar front floor was installed, and newer, lightweight wheels replaced the production alloys. This particular model dons the bespoke design originally intended exclusively for the 722 S. Beneath its slimmer-fitting jacket, meanwhile, the SLR also received a racier suspension setup that lowered the ride height a further 10 millimeters. It’s been said that each McLaren Edition also received an MSP engine tune. While exact figures have never officially been published, it’s speculated that the upgraded 5.4-liter supercharged V8 exceeded even the 640-horsepower rating of the SLR 722 S.

Changes to the cabin, meanwhile, were more cosmetic than performance-focused. The seats and upholstery across the dashboard and center console were repurposed in black leather – with contrast red stitching – and black suede, respectively. A new carbon fiber steering wheel was also included as part of the ‘McLaren’ package, although this Japanese model retains the original Alcantara design. The MSO logo is also embossed across the headrests, while a ‘McLaren Edition’ plaque has been mounted at the top of the transmission tunnel.

Ludicrous as it may sound, don’t be too surprised to see that $700,000K asking price go up, given that another ‘McLaren Edition’ SLR sold for £623,750 (just north of $840,000 USD) at auction in the UK last year.

RM Sotheby’s