The Last Blast of Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “722”

Probably the most legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, the Mille Miglia-winning number 722 took one last lap through London. Then it was back to the Mercedes-Benz Historical Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Happily, the event was recorded, with a full film crew, still photographers and others there to record the event. Napleton News is proud to show the results of this memorable excursion today.

 

Who do you think you are?

“Who do you think you are? Stirling Moss? Supposedly, a London police officer asked that very question after pulling over the legendary driver following a spirited overtake on the city streets. “Yes sir, I am,” was his honest reply. That phrase is seen as a London motorcycle officer gestures for the driver of the legendary Silver Arrow to slow it down. The camera pans and a closeup of the words are seen on the police bike.

The filming captures a police-escorted drive around London to celebrate the famous Londoner in his town. Sir Stirling Moss passed away on April 12, 2020, at 90 years of age. He lived in London for more than 60 years, but the famous number 722 had never been on the streets of his hometown.

This legendary Silver Arrow is clearly the show’s star, but so is the feeling that Sir Stirling’s spirit is not far away. Together with navigator Denis Jenkinson, he bagged a famous victory for Mercedes-Benz in the 1955 Mille Miglia. The race was a classic that ran on Italian streets from Brescia to Rome and back. Mercedes paid tribute to Moss and Jenkinson by running the 300 SLR on its first and only lap through London.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “722” takes in London

During its time in London, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR is seen passing various notable sights in the city. These include The Temple, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the Ritz Hotel. It even gets a tip-of-the-hat from the doorman at the Royal Automobile Club. Along the way through London town, 722 even passes Sir Stirling’s own 300 SL Gullwing that took him from London to the Mille Miglia in 1955.

Eventually, the 722 arrives in front of Moss’s own home in the Mayfair area. At this point, his son, Elliott Moss, checks his wristwatch to see the arrival time: 7:22 am. That was the exact starting time that Moss and Jenkinson’s 300 SLR took off from Brescia so many years earlier. At that point, 722 rolls to a stop one last time. Its engine is switched off.

The 722 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR has had quite a life at the hands of one of the most legendary drivers of all time. It can be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.