Mercedes-AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, has a long and storied history of creating some of the most exhilarating and exclusive sports cars in the world. In the early 2000s, AMG was at its zenith, consistently pushing boundaries and delivering models that captivated enthusiasts worldwide. Following the success of the CL, SL, and S 65 AMG, and the SL and E 55 AMG, AMG unveiled an even more exclusive machine: the CLK DTM AMG. This model was born from Mercedes-AMG’s dominant performance in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) – the German Touring Car Championship.
In 2002 and 2003, AMG-Mercedes teams were virtually unbeatable in the DTM, a hugely popular racing series in Germany where victories directly translated to brand prestige. After campaigning the CLK type W208, Mercedes and AMG developed the CLK type W209 for DTM competition. The 2003 season saw Bernd Schneider clinch the DTM driver’s title in his CLK DTM AMG, a testament to the team’s dominance, winning an astounding 9 out of 10 races that season. This overwhelming success sparked the idea of creating a road-going version of these formidable DTM race cars. The entire AMG team embraced the project, with official drivers racking up over 30,000 km of testing on both public roads and race tracks to fine-tune this new silver arrow: the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG. Even upon its initial release, the CLK DTM AMG was destined for collector status, produced in a limited, numbered series of just 100 coupes, priced at a substantial €243,386 in November 2004 (equivalent to approximately €331,300 in 2024). An additional 80 convertibles were later produced.
While the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG is well-known among enthusiasts, what is less known is that AMG crafted four even more special CLK AMG Coupés under the designation CLK DTM AMG P900. Of these four, only two are known to exist today. These prototypes served a crucial purpose: the development of an entirely new engine. The standard CLK DTM AMG models were equipped with the formidable 5.5-litre supercharged V8 (M113 K), delivering a staggering 582 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. However, the CLK DTM AMG P900 prototypes were different. They were the testbeds for the new naturally aspirated V8 engine, designated M156. This all-alloy powerplant boasted a massive 6,208 cm3 displacement yet weighed a mere 199 kg. Featuring four camshafts with variable valve timing and 32 valves, it produced around 510 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque. This engine, marketed as a 6.3-litre in homage to the legendary M100 engine of the 300 SE 6.3, debuted in the spring of 2006 under the hood of the E63 AMG, before being implemented across almost the entire AMG range.
This particular example, hand-assembled in 2005, acted as a mule for the development of the 6.2 V8 M156 engine – AMG’s first fully in-house designed engine. This Clk 2005 Mercedes CLK DTM P900 served as a crucial test vehicle and a demonstrator to VIP clients of AMG. It was used to chauffeur VIPs around race circuits, showcasing the capabilities of the new 6.2-litre V8 engine. Factory AMG drivers, including renowned names like Jean Alesi, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider, took VIP clients for exhilarating hot laps around European circuits in this very car! Evidence of its significance can also be found in period automotive publications, such as a feature in the esteemed British magazine, Evo.
Externally, the P900 exhibits an even more striking resemblance to the actual DTM race car, especially when considering elements like the rear spoiler, Lexan windows, and carbon fibre doors. Compared to the already flamboyant standard CLK DTM AMG, the P900 also features generously vented front wings, smaller DTM-style mirrors, carbon fibre front splitters, and a unique AMG livery. The interior further echoes the race version, equipped with fire-retardant fabric bucket seats, harnesses, a full roll cage, an Alcantara-clad dashboard, a digital display, and a bespoke steering wheel. Based on a series production CLK 500 Avantgarde, this P900 was constructed with meticulous attention to detail. Manufacturing quality was paramount, befitting a vehicle intended for presentation to VIP clients. While based on a production car, it more closely resembles a CLK DTM race car, enhanced and refined by AMG, incorporating full DTM technology. Its construction evokes the spirit of the DTM cars of the 1980s and 1990s.
This 2005 Mercedes CLK prototype remained within AMG’s ownership in Germany for several years, later being displayed at their facilities and various events. The second P900 prototype is still held by AMG USA. Neither car was ever officially sold to the public until recently. This particular example was acquired by a prominent Mercedes and AMG collector as part of a larger collection of race vehicles. Although occasionally used on track, it has spent most of its time carefully preserved within a private collection. While sparingly used in recent years, it is reported to remain in perfect working and driving condition.
This P900 represents a truly unique and irreplaceable prototype, arguably the only one of its kind available on the market. The other P900 resides within AMG’s own collection, displayed in a museum in the United States. This exceptional machine has been driven by legendary drivers such as Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, Jamie Green, and even Bernd Schneider himself. Presented with its Certificate of Conformity (COC) in pre-race configuration, it is theoretically road legal, although modifications would be necessary for full registration. As is typical for race cars, it currently lacks registration documents.
Please note that this car is subject to VAT on the hammer price.
