The name AMG resonates with automotive enthusiasts worldwide, synonymous with high-performance Mercedes-Benz vehicles. But the journey of AMG, or Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach, began humbly in the late 1960s, founded by former Mercedes engineers Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. The company’s moniker cleverly combined Aufrecht and Melcher’s surnames with Großaspach, Aufrecht’s birthplace near Stuttgart. Initially, AMG carved its niche by expertly tuning and enhancing Mercedes-Benz engines, quickly gaining recognition for their prowess, particularly in the demanding European Touring Car Championship. This expertise transformed them from an aftermarket tuner into an increasingly vital partner for Mercedes-Benz.
Alt text: Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, founders of AMG, standing beside a classic Mercedes-Benz.
Before officially joining forces, AMG operated somewhat independently, offering performance upgrades to discerning Mercedes-Benz owners seeking more exhilarating driving experiences. However, the landscape shifted dramatically with the 1988 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) season. This year marked the debut of the Mercedes-Benz AMG team and their striking W201 touring race cars. This pivotal moment significantly elevated AMG’s standing within Mercedes-Benz, ultimately leading to the formal acquisition of the tuning powerhouse. This acquisition paved the way for the production of a limited run of road-legal performance vehicles, starting with the AMG 190 E 3.2. Priced around $90,000, these compact yet potent sedans commanded a price tag comparable to the luxurious S-Class, boasting Autobahn-ready performance with top speeds exceeding 250 km/h. This initial project laid the foundation for the immensely successful C-Class DTM cars, which dominated the 1990s with an impressive 84 victories, marking the dawn of AMG’s foray into production sports car manufacturing.
The Birth of a Legend: The CLK GTR
The mid-to-late 1990s witnessed a resurgence of interest in ultra-exclusive racing formats, reminiscent of the golden era of Gran Turismo racing. Both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche were eager to participate in this revival, which materialized as the FIA GT Championship, launched in 1997 amidst considerable excitement. Mercedes-Benz AMG was poised to compete in the premier GT1 class, facing formidable rivals like the Porsche 911 GT1 and the BMW-powered McLaren F1. This elite tier of FIA GT racing essentially became a high-stakes battleground for Germany’s top automotive giants. Crucially, FIA GT regulations mandated that each participating manufacturer produce at least 25 homologated road cars. These limited-production machines instantly became highly coveted collector’s items.
Alt text: The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR race car in action on the track, showcasing its aerodynamic design and racing prowess.
AMG faced a herculean challenge: design, build, and rigorously test both a competitive race car and its road-legal counterpart within a mere four months, with the ambitious goal of achieving consistent victories. In the initial design phase, traditional pencil and paper were employed, followed by Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for refinement and the creation of 1:5 scale clay models. Early in 1997, the chosen powerplant for the CLK GTR, a potent 6.9-liter V-12 engine, was already undergoing intensive testing by AMG’s seasoned engineers.
By March 1997, AMG’s multifaceted racing endeavors were in full swing. The American CART series commenced in Homestead, Florida, and the McLaren-Mercedes MP412 made its Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, securing a historic victory – the first Silver Arrows win since 1955. However, AMG reserved their most groundbreaking creation for last. Their mechanics worked tirelessly around the clock on what would become their most iconic product to date. Remarkably, just 128 days after the initial sketches, the very first Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR prototype took to the track in Spain for testing.
Mercedes veteran Bernd Schneider and AMG’s rising star, Alexander Wurz, conducted the initial tests, achieving exceptionally promising results. Norbert Haug, witnessing the Brazilian Grand Prix, immediately contacted Hans-Werner Aufrecht from the pits to inquire about the testing progress in Spain. Aufrecht, with characteristic understatement and a grin, reported, “Er fährt . . . sieht gut aus” (“It runs . . . and looks good.”). This concise yet reassuring update was enough to secure the project’s green light from Mercedes’ board of directors.
Racing Success and Road Car Debut
The Mercedes CLK GTR exceeded all expectations. Within a mere four months, AMG had delivered not only two race-ready CLK GTRs but also a fully homologated road version. An impressive 300 prospective buyers were already eagerly waiting in line. The inaugural CLK GTR road car was presented to FIA Head of Constructors Gabriel Katringer on April 1, 1997, just six days before its racing siblings were set to debut at the Hockenheimring, Mercedes’ home track in Germany. The race debut was nothing short of spectacular. Bernd Schneider secured pole position and fastest lap honors in the CLK GTR‘s maiden race. Despite a somewhat uneven start to the season, the new AMG supercars dominated, claiming victories at the A-1 Ring, Suzuka, Donington, Sebring, and Laguna Seca. This string of successes secured the team championship for Affalterbach, AMG’s home, and Schneider clinched the Drivers’ Championship.
Alt text: A stunning silver Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR road car, highlighting its sleek lines and road-going features.
In 1998, the original CLK GTR saw reduced track time as the 630-hp powerhouse was superseded by its successor, the CLK LM, specifically engineered for the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. Le Mans regulations necessitated specific modifications, leading to the replacement of the race-proven M120 V-12 engine with the naturally aspirated M119 V-8. Surprisingly, the V-8 delivered comparable horsepower and was deemed more suitable for endurance racing. Aerodynamic enhancements included a lowered roofline and nose, along with redesigned air intakes. However, in a twist of fate, both CLK LM entries were forced to retire early at Le Mans due to engine failures.
Undeterred, AMG returned to the FIA GT series, achieving remarkable success with six 1-2 finishes, securing both the team championship and the Drivers’ Championship for Ricardo Zonta and seasoned Mercedes racing driver Klaus Ludwig. In 1999, the FIA GT1 class was discontinued due to dwindling competitor interest. Consequently, Mercedes shifted focus to designing and building the CLR, a car heavily influenced by the CLK GTR‘s design but unconstrained by homologation requirements.
FIA Homologation: Race Car for the Road
McLaren’s FIA GT1 entry involved adapting their already exceptional McLaren F1 road car for racing. AMG, however, adopted a fundamentally different approach to homologation. Instead of modifying a road car for racing, AMG engineered an entirely new GT1 contender, whose homologated versions were essentially uncompromising road-legal race cars.
Adhering to FIA regulations, Mercedes meticulously produced 25 examples of these legendary machines, typically finished in classic German racing silver. Each CLK GTR was hand-built in Affalterbach, Germany, with minimal concessions to creature comforts, ensuring owners received the closest possible experience to the race-proven CLK GTRs. Notably, an air conditioning unit was integrated near the inboard suspension and radiator system, and an anti-lock braking system was added for enhanced safety. While trunk space was virtually non-existent, two small storage compartments were cleverly incorporated under each upward-swinging door. Interior appointments were refined with leather trim, enhancing the sense of exclusivity. Aerodynamic modifications were subtle, with a rear wing sculpted for a smoother integration with the body and a redesigned front air dam.
Unlike the McLaren F1, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR delivered an authentic race car experience on public roads. Gear changes were lightning-fast, courtesy of a paddle-operated six-speed sequential manual gearbox directly derived from the GT1 race cars. The mid-mounted 6.9-liter V-12 engine, positioned directly behind the driver, produced a raw and menacing exhaust note. Visually, aside from the four round headlamps and distinctive taillights, the CLK GTR shared minimal resemblance with the concurrently introduced Mercedes-Benz CLK passenger car.
CLK GTR 09/25: An Exemplary Specimen
This particular CLK GTR, chassis number 09/25, is the ninth example produced out of a mere 25, with only 20 coupes built. It was originally delivered to Hermann Eschmann in Gummersbach, Germany. Eschmann retained ownership until 2005, when it was sold and exported to Hong Kong, residing in a private collection for 12 years. In 2017, the current owner acquired the car and imported it into the U.S. Prior to importation, marque expert Marc Kienle of Kienle Automobiltechnik conducted a thorough inspection on March 29, 2017, confirming in his report that serial no. 09 remains entirely original, including its body, engine, and drivetrain. A comprehensive paint analysis verified that the CLK GTR retains its original factory-applied finish. While an aftermarket front belly panel was fitted, the original carbon fiber panel was preserved and is included with the car. At the time of inspection, the odometer displayed a mere 1,439 original kilometers, and the car had recently received a service including a new fuel bladder and filters.
Imported to the U.S. under the Show or Display exemption in late 2017, the CLK GTR was entrusted to J.K. Technologies for import and federalization procedures, completed in April 2018. Documentation for this process is included. J.K. Technologies’ conversion work remains under limited warranty for EPA and DOT compliance for display purposes on public roads, excluding racing or modifications. J.K. has offered to assist with transferring the Show or Display allowance to a subsequent owner.
Accompanying CLK GTR 09/25 are its original AMG SPS tool chest, owner’s manuals and service booklets in both German and English, SPS service documentation, manual folio, original spare keys, and first aid kit. The car also retains its original air compressor and tanks, hazard triangle, and torque wrench.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR epitomizes the closest a road-legal car can come to its racing counterpart. Its performance figures remain astonishing, and its rarity as one of the most exclusive German sports racing cars ever created solidifies its place in automotive history. The CLK GTR embodies the spirit of homologated GT racing, instantly becoming a timeless classic among automotive icons.
