Traditional costs like fuel economy, repairs, servicing, insurance and depreciation tend to go out the window when buying a supercar. Anyone that can afford to spend as much money on a mode of transport as many would spend on a house is unlikely to be bothered by running costs. Mercedes claims a 19.5mpg combined fuel economy figure, but bet on 10mpg in the rear world – which means a realistic 200mph range before refilling the 100-litre tank.

Used values are not going to be a great concern to those who buy the SLR, and first owners will lose a great deal of money over the first few years, although looking many years ahead it is bound to achieve classic status.

Green isn’t really the SLR’s thing. A 348g/km CO2 rating is not going to endear it to the environmental lobby. It’s very thirsty and the only concession to the future of the planet is there aren’t many of these vehicles around and most of those bought won’t be used as everyday transport.

The overwhelming impression of the SLR is one of solidity and mechanical integrity. Hand built by skilled engineers at McLaren’s high-tech headquarters in Woking, Surrey – in the same building where McLaren develops and assembles its Formula 1 cars – the SLR has been built to the exacting standards you’d expect from Mercedes and McLaren. There have, however, been a few recalls including one where the windscreen may not have been fitted properly.

Not what you’d expect of a car costing more than £300,000.