Star appeal

There's always something a little childish about the most exciting car designs. For all the modern technology involved in modelling a car to create ideal performance, the real stars at any motor show are the cars that appeal to that inner boy.

And in some ways, with its cartoon good looks and low-slung profile, the latest SLR from Mercedes-Benz McLaren looks about as childish as it gets; like a forgotten car from the Whacky Races, or the stuff of schoolboy doodles. Given a pen and paper, or a decent modelling kit, the new SLR is exactly the sort of creation that any self-respecting 10-year old might conjure up. Why let practical details such as a roof or windows get in the way of the perfect design? 

But a glance back at the McLaren story shows that this is just the latest in a long line of such creations. And it is anything but a joke. From the M6 GT to the legendary F1, McLaren's production cars have never allowed road-going practicality to get in the way of having a good time.

And here, as before, there is nothing ridiculous about the car. Acceleration figures of 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds speak for themselves. If it looks slightly odd in pictures, in person it's the sort of car that turns heads and draws a crowd. Even when placed among a host of fabulous cars, as when I saw it at the recent preview night for this summer's Salon Privé event (www.salonprivelondon.com), it's a car that commands attention.

With a blend of modern aerodynamics and straight-up good looks, it seems to shout "timeless classic". Add in the fact that all those visual references to the Mercedes and McLaren racing heritage are backed up by it being a tribute to British racing legend Stirling Moss, and Mercedes would seem to have a winner on their hands.

In keeping with the current crop of SLRs, the car is loaded with clever gadgetry and technology, alongside a supercharged V8 engine producing 650 BHP. Only 75 of the SLR Stirling Moss will be built and each will be sold for a credit-crunch busting £700,000. Production is due to start in June, so it's time to get out the chequebook and hope for a decent summer.