Roofless AMG Mythos concept launched in Monaco

Mercedes‑AMG has used the Monaco Grand Prix pomp and pageantry, and the eminence of racing drivers Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, to showcase the new Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed concept car.

The car was unveiled on a floating pontoon in the harbour. It’s the first of the new and ultra-limited Mythos range, according to Mercedes-AMG.

It’s based on the SL-roadster but truncated A-pillars transform it into a modern day SLR Stirling Moss. Only 75 of the speedster from 2009 bearing the name of the late British driver were built. Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson drove a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR to victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia race in Sicily, Italy.

Only 250 units of the new Mythos with a long-bonnet and an AMG-One inspired front end will be available to collectors. Distinct design elements include a halo inspired by the curved driver crash-protection system used in Formula 1 cars, though this one splits the driver and passenger instead of acting as full head protection. A pair of helmets is provided.

More design details are the two flying buttresses behind the seats; reminiscent of the Moss-Jenkinson 300 SLR, while the eye-catching red, grey and black paintwork tips a hat to another victorious Mercedes car.

At the 1924 Targa Florio — another prestigious race in Sicily — Mercedes-Benz painted its entries red to avoid possible obstructions from Italian fans. Period-specific Mercedes-Benz race cars were painted white.

More exclusive features of the new Mythos include a custom dashboard clock designed by IWC Schaffhausen and front wheels finished with carbon fibre cladding.