It was appropriate that the SLR Roadster made its first official public appearance at the world-famous Festival of Speed at Goodwood – an event local to where it is made at the McLaren Technology Centre in nearby Woking, Surrey.

With the same stunning performance as its coupé counterpart, the carbon fibre SLR Roadster accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds, and (where laws permit) on to a top speed of 207 mph.  Power comes from a handmade AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine which develops 626 hp and 780 Nm.

Alongside the new super car was a display celebrating 40 years of AMG.

Three models from the past showed some of the many highlights of the AMG range. A replica of the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 marked the start of the huge successes on track; the legendary 300 CE 5.6 AMG (better-known as The Hammer) is from the 1980s; and the first official model, the C 36 AMG, all represented some of the milestones in AMG’s history.

Alongside the classics was a selection of the latest models in the range, including the new S 63 AMG and the very special SLK 55 AMG Black Series.

The new cars were joined by some treasures from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre. The W125 Silver Arrow Grand Prix racer from 1937 was there; as was Juan Manuel Fangio’s 1955 Mille Miglia 300 SLR; and the 1990 World Sportscar Championship-winning Sauber-Mercedes C11 made a return appearance.