Having built the 3.0-litre V-10 engine that powered McLaren to the 1998 Formula 1 World Championship Constructors’ title, Mercedes-Benz didn’t have to look far to find the ideal partner to co-develop a flagship road car at the turn of the new millennium.

An example of the resulting SLR McLaren, the Roadster offered here was originally ordered to Switzerland. Delivered on 1 October 2007, the car was configured in Crystal Antimon Grey over a Black and Anthracite Exclusive leather interior, while red fabric was specified for the folding soft-top roof. The car subsequently paid a visit to FAB Design, a specialist vehicle converter based in the Swiss region of Hunzenschwil that has been in operation since 1997. There, it was transformed into the striking ‘Desire’ edition, as it presents today.

As part of the extensive cosmetic and mechanical overhaul, the hardware and software for the supercharged 5.4-litre V-8 engine were refined to increase power from the standard 626 up to 750 horsepower. The torque figure, meanwhile, rose from 780 to a total of 1,080 Newton-metres. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and breathing through two sets of triple side-exit exhaust pipes, the modified powerplant launched the car to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 310 km/h.

The installation of an imposing carbon fibre body kit brought aggressively revised styling for the front and rear wings, side skirts, bonnet, and front bumper. The reprofiled air brake and enormous rear diffuser reportedly improve downforce and stability, while new suspension was fitted. Replacing the conventional 19-inch turbine-style wheels fitted by the Mercedes-Benz factory, FAB Design installed fully forged, split-rim 20-inch Evoline units, which sit over bright orange brake callipers. This car’s exterior is now finished in white, while the roof has been changed to black. With the makeover continuing through the interior, the upholstery presents in two-tone pearl white and black leather, while extensive use of carbon fibre trim extends to the fascia, gear selector, handbrake, and roll hoops.

Taken to in Qatar in July 2019 by its consigning owner and currently showing 13,294 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, this Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster by FAB Design is sure to grab attention wherever it is driven and displayed.