The 2002 Clk Mercedes Gtr Roadster stands as an icon of automotive exclusivity and racing pedigree. With a mere six ever produced and this particular model boasting just 22 kilometers on the clock, it represents a virtually untouched piece of motoring history. Housed within a private collection in Saudi Arabia, this car is not just a vehicle; it’s a direct descendant of one of the most celebrated GT race cars from the late 1990s, making it an exceptionally rare and significant machine.
From Race Track to Road: The CLK-GTR’s Origin
The genesis of the CLK Mercedes GTR lies in Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to dominate the FIA GT Championship. Regulations stipulated that to compete in the GT1 category, manufacturers had to produce street-legal versions of their race cars. This homologation rule was designed to ensure a genuine link between racing machines and production models, rather than allowing for pure prototypes on the track. Mercedes-Benz embraced this challenge, creating the CLK Mercedes GTR.
To meet these requirements, Mercedes-Benz meticulously crafted 20 coupe versions and an exceedingly limited run of just six roadsters. The inaugural street-legal CLK Mercedes GTR coupe emerged in late 1998, setting the stage for the even more exclusive roadster variant. The roadster, with its open-top configuration, amplified the rarity and unique appeal of the already scarce CLK Mercedes GTR lineage. Importantly, both coupe and roadster variants retained the core engineering DNA of their racing counterparts, with only subtle modifications for road usability, such as a slightly adjusted ride height and the inclusion of comfort-oriented features.
Engineering Excellence Under the Hood
Beneath the striking exterior of the CLK Mercedes GTR Roadster resides a formidable 6.9-liter V12 engine. This powerhouse, directly derived from the racing version, unleashes an astounding 612 horsepower. This immense power translates to breathtaking performance figures, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds, with a top speed reaching approximately 208 mph. At its time, the CLK Mercedes GTR reigned as one of the most potent and rapid vehicles available, delivering a driving experience that blurred the lines between road and race track, an experience unmatched by almost any other car.
Racing Heritage and Championship Dominance
The CLK Mercedes GTR was purpose-built for the 1997 FIA GT Championship, and it wasted no time in asserting its dominance. Equipped with a 6.0-liter V12 engine in its initial racing form and benefiting from advanced aerodynamic design, the race-spec CLK Mercedes GTR clinched the championship title in its debut year. This victory solidified Mercedes-Benz’s reputation within the GT1 category and underscored their engineering prowess. Remarkably, the CLK Mercedes GTR was developed in a mere 128 days, a testament to the rapid and effective engineering capabilities of Mercedes-AMG. The car’s success continued into 1998, securing another FIA GT Championship title, although it began to face increased competition from rivals like Porsche and Toyota.
Following the FIA GT Championship’s decision to discontinue the GT1 category after the 1998 season, Mercedes-Benz shifted its focus towards the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. This led to the development of the Mercedes-Benz CLR, an evolution of the CLK Mercedes GTR specifically engineered for endurance racing. However, the 1999 Le Mans campaign for the CLR is unfortunately remembered for aerodynamic instability issues. The cars suffered dramatic airborne incidents at high speeds during both practice and the race, resulting in crashes that prompted Mercedes-Benz to withdraw from top-tier endurance racing for a considerable period.
A Pristine Collector’s Gem
This particular CLK Mercedes GTR Roadster, showing a negligible 22 kilometers on its odometer, represents an exceptional example of the road-going manifestation of Mercedes’ GT1 racing legacy. The open-top configuration of the roadster variant elevates its rarity even further, adding another layer of exclusivity to what was already an extraordinarily limited-production, high-performance supercar.
With its deep roots firmly planted in racing history, the CLK Mercedes GTR Roadster stands as one of the most significant homologation cars ever brought to fruition. The convergence of its extreme scarcity, direct lineage to a championship-winning race car, and its remarkably untouched condition makes it an immensely desirable collector’s item. To encounter one of these vehicles in such pristine condition is akin to stepping back in time to the golden era of GT1 racing, a truly special and rare experience for any automotive enthusiast.
