In 1999, McLaren agreed to design and manufacture a sports car along with Mercedes-Benz. Thus, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was born, an Anglo-German sports car that rolled into the upper echelon of the automotive world.  We remember like it were yesterday and, yet, the partnership is just about up. The two will part ways but not before they introduce their grand finale. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss will debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

The speedster edition was, of course, inspired by the iconic 300 SLR raced by Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio in the late 1950s. Don’t think this SLR is more of what you’ve already seen. In 2007 came the SLR convertible and this isn’t that but, rather, a driving experience that brings you closer to the road. The windshield, windows and windscreens have been taken away for a pure driving experience. The 650-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8 speedster pays tribute to the end of the modern SLR in its own simple ways.

All of the limited 75 production units to be produced will feature a full carbon fiber chassis, gullwing doors and remarkable technology. The Stirling Moss SLR will run zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds and top out at 217 miles per hour. Only diehard SLR customers will be able to get close to the Stirling Moss SLR. Please don’t think that since there’s no roof or glass that the price will be cheap. That would not be Mercedes-Benz and McLaren fitting, no, no price break for you. The SLR Stirling Moss will cost you just over a million dollars. And the bittersweet story ends on that note.