The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR stands as a monument to automotive engineering and racing pedigree. Born from the white-hot competition of the FIA GT Championship in the late 1990s, this car isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement. For enthusiasts and collectors on the hunt for a Mercedes Benz Clk Gtr For Sale, understanding its history, development, and significance is paramount. This guide delves into the fascinating story of the CLK GTR, exploring why it remains one of the most sought-after and exclusive cars in the world.
The story begins with AMG, an acronym derived from the surnames of Mercedes engineers Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and Grossaspach, Aufrecht’s birthplace. Founded in the late 1960s, AMG initially carved its niche by enhancing Mercedes-Benz engines, earning respect in tuning and racing circles, most notably in the European Touring Car Championship. This expertise led to a closer, more formal relationship with Mercedes-Benz. By 1988, the Mercedes-Benz AMG team was a reality, showcasing their prowess with the W201 touring race cars in the DTM season. This pivotal moment accelerated AMG’s integration into Mercedes, culminating in the acquisition of AMG and the subsequent production of limited-edition road cars like the AMG 190 E 3.2. These high-performance sedans, carrying a price tag akin to the S-Class, demonstrated AMG’s commitment to Autobahn-ready speed and exclusivity, paving the way for the legendary C-Class DTM cars and AMG’s foray into production sports car manufacturing.
By the mid-1990s, a resurgence of interest in ultra-exclusive racing, reminiscent of the classic Gran Turismo era, emerged from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. This resurgence materialized into the FIA GT Championship in 1997. For Mercedes-Benz AMG, this meant entering the fiercely competitive GT1 class, facing rivals like the Porsche 911 GT1 and the McLaren F1. The FIA GT series became a high-stakes battleground for Germany’s automotive giants. Crucially, FIA regulations mandated that each manufacturer produce at least 25 homologated road-legal versions of their GT1 race cars. These limited production vehicles were instantly destined for collector status, making the prospect of a Mercedes Benz CLK GTR for sale incredibly enticing even before production began.
AMG faced a Herculean task: design, build, and test both a race-ready GT1 car and its road-going counterpart in a mere four months. In an era increasingly dominated by digital design, the CLK GTR’s initial concepts were sketched using pencil and paper, later refined with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and translated into 1:5 scale clay models. Simultaneously, AMG’s engine experts were rigorously testing the proposed powerhouse: a 6.9-liter V-12 engine. This intense development period coincided with other significant Mercedes motorsport endeavors, including the American CART series and the Formula 1 debut of the McLaren-Mercedes MP412, which secured a historic victory in Melbourne, marking the first Silver Arrow win since 1955.
However, AMG’s pièce de résistance was the CLK GTR. In an astonishing feat of engineering and dedication, just 128 days after the initial sketches, the first CLK GTR prototype hit the track in Spain. Mercedes veteran Bernd Schneider and rising star Alexander Wurz conducted testing, achieving remarkably successful results. Norbert Haug, witnessing the progress, immediately contacted Hans-Werner Aufrecht from the Brazilian Grand Prix pits for an update. Aufrecht, with characteristic understatement, reported, “Er fährt . . . sieht gut aus” (“It runs . . . and looks good.”). The Mercedes board promptly greenlit the project.
The CLK GTR exceeded all expectations. Within four months, AMG delivered two race-ready cars and the first homologated road version. Prospective buyers, numbering around 300, eagerly lined up. The inaugural road-going CLK GTR was presented to FIA Head of Constructors Gabriel Katringer just days before its racing debut at the Hockenheimring. Bernd Schneider dominated the event, securing pole position and fastest lap in the CLK GTR’s maiden race. Despite a somewhat uneven start to the season, the CLK GTR dominated, claiming victories at the A-1 Ring, Suzuka, Donington, Sebring, and Laguna Seca. AMG clinched the team championship, and Schneider secured the Drivers’ Championship.
In 1998, the CLK GTR’s racing role diminished as the focus shifted to its successor, the CLK LM, designed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Le Mans regulations necessitated changes, including replacing the race-proven M120 V-12 with the M119 V-8, surprisingly producing similar horsepower and deemed more suitable for endurance racing. Aerodynamic modifications included a lowered roofline, nose, and redesigned air intakes. Ironically, both CLK LMs retired early at Le Mans due to engine failures. Undeterred, AMG returned to the FIA GT series, achieving six 1-2 finishes, securing both team and Drivers’ Championships with Ricardo Zonta and Klaus Ludwig. The FIA GT1 class was canceled in 1999, leading Mercedes to develop the CLR, a car inspired by the CLK GTR but free from homologation constraints.
Mercedes’ homologation approach for the CLK GTR contrasted sharply with McLaren’s. McLaren adapted their existing McLaren F1 road car for racing, while AMG started with a clean sheet, designing a GT1 race car first, with the homologated versions being essentially road-legal race cars. Adhering to FIA rules, Mercedes produced 25 CLK GTRs, primarily in silver, the traditional German racing color. Each car was hand-built in Affalterbach, with minimal concessions to luxury, ensuring owners received a machine as close as possible to the race-winning GT1 cars. Air conditioning and ABS were added, and while trunk space was virtually non-existent, small storage compartments were integrated into the upward-swinging doors. Leather trim subtly enhanced the interior. Aerodynamic changes were minimal, with a smoothed rear wing and redesigned front air dam.
Driving the CLK GTR on the road was an experience unlike any other “road car.” The paddle-operated six-speed sequential manual gearbox, directly from the GT1 cars, delivered lightning-fast gear changes. The mid-mounted 6.9-liter V-12 engine unleashed a raw and visceral exhaust note, placing the driver at the heart of a racing machine. Visually, beyond the four round headlamps and taillights, the CLK GTR shared little with the standard Mercedes-Benz CLK coupe introduced concurrently.
The CLK GTR, chassis number 09/25, exemplifies the rarity and exclusivity of these vehicles. The ninth of only 25 examples (20 coupes), it was initially delivered to Hermann Eschmann in Germany. After changing hands and residing in Hong Kong for 12 years, it was imported to the U.S. in 2017. Prior to import, marque expert Marc Kienle inspected the car, confirming its original condition, including body, engine, and drivetrain, and original factory paint. Despite an aftermarket front belly panel (the original carbon fiber panel is retained), the car showed only 1,439 original kilometers at the time of inspection. Imported under the Show or Display exemption, it underwent federalization by J.K. Technologies. Accompanying the car are its original AMG SPS tool chest, owner’s manuals, service booklets, spare keys, and first aid kit, further enhancing its collector appeal.
For those seeking the ultimate road-going race car, a Mercedes Benz CLK GTR for sale represents an unparalleled opportunity. Its performance figures remain breathtaking, and its rarity solidifies its status as an automotive legend. Holding true to the spirit of homologated GT racing, the CLK GTR is more than just a car; it’s a piece of motorsport history, an instant classic that continues to captivate and inspire awe.
