Remember the name "Mythos" – it's the new, ultra-exclusive lineup from Mercedes that's about to make waves. Leading the charge is the AMG SL PureSpeed, a car that’s thrown the rulebook out of the window along with its roof. Not just the top – it's ditched the A-pillars and the windshield too, giving this Sport Leicht a daring, wind-in-your-teeth vibe. After its global debut in Monaco this May, the PureSpeed is finally gracing public roads.

These latest shots capture the AMG PureSpeed in its natural habitat, putting in some final miles on public roads. The testing program clocks just over 3,000 kilometers – not much, you might think. But remember, this is a heavily modified SL, not a fresh-from-the-ground-up model. The drives are happening on a mix of northern Italy’s finest tarmac. From there, the next stop is the legendary Nardo circuit, where Porsche Engineering – those wizards from Weissach who gave us the 911 – will put it through its paces.

Having spent some time with the SLR Stirling Moss, the PureSpeed doesn’t quite have the same edge-of-the-seat allure. Sure, it stands out – how many cars have you seen without a roof, A-pillars, or a windscreen? But this formula isn’t brand-new; McLaren’s Elva, Lamborghini’s SC20, Ferrari’s Monza SP1/SP2, and Aston Martin’s V12 Speedster have already danced this dance since the SLR’s original curtain call in 2009.

Despite the camouflage, there’s little left to the imagination – it looks nearly identical to the car we saw a few months back. The Formula 1-inspired halo is still intact, a curved aero bar fixed to the body, screaming motorsport flair. And yes, Mercedes is throwing in two helmets with the purchase – a nod to the car’s roofless bravado.

It may not pack the pure drama of the SLR Stirling Moss, but the PureSpeed is bound to be an eye-catcher, assuming owners are brave enough to take them out of their climate-controlled garages. Picture it now – a few decades down the line, pristine examples fetching eye-watering sums at auction.

However, the PureSpeed won’t be quite as rare as the Stirling Moss, which saw only 75 units made. Mercedes-AMG plans to build 250 of these first Mythos models, offering them to “enthusiasts and collectors.” To bring this “unique driving machine for connoisseurs” to life, they’ve partnered with Pininfarina, leveraging their expertise in crafting low-volume, specialty vehicles.

Will it be a future classic? Only time – and the roar of its engine – will tell.