Rare cars often command exorbitant prices, especially homologation specials born from racing pedigree. The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster perfectly exemplifies this, recently fetching a staggering sum at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Las Vegas. The final Mercedes Benz Clk Gtr Price, including buyer’s fees, reached an impressive $10,235,000.
This particular CLK GTR Roadster, chassis number three of only six ever produced, represents the pinnacle of open-top motoring derived from motorsport engineering. With a mere 170 kilometers (105 miles) on the odometer after two decades, this vehicle is practically brand new, adding to its allure and value. The original listing from RM Sotheby’s highlights its exceptional condition and rarity, factors heavily contributing to its multi-million dollar sale price.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster – Photo credit: RM Sotheby
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR originated in the late 1990s as a homologation requirement for Mercedes-Benz’s participation in the FIA GT1 class of endurance racing. Although the GT1 class was discontinued in 1999, Mercedes-Benz honored commitments to build these exclusive road-going versions for select clientele. Initially planned as 25 coupes, production settled at 20 coupes plus one roadster. Adding to the Roadster exclusivity, HWA, founded by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht, constructed an additional five roadsters using remaining chassis in the early 2000s, making this auctioned car even more exceptional within its limited series.
The racing CLK GTR dominated the 1997 and 1998 FIA GT seasons, securing 17 victories out of 22 races and claiming both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in both years. The road-going Roadster variant, however, boasted even greater power than its racing and coupe counterparts. It featured an evolved 6.9-liter V-12 engine producing 622 horsepower, surpassing the coupe’s 592 hp and the race car’s restricted output from a smaller 6.0-liter engine. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 6-speed sequential transaxle gearbox.
While the mercedes benz clk gtr price achieved is remarkable, it wasn’t the highest sale at the RM Sotheby’s event. A 2013 Mercedes Formula 1 car, driven by Lewis Hamilton to his first Mercedes victory at the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix, fetched an even greater $18,815,000. However, the CLK GTR Roadster’s eight-figure sale price firmly establishes it as a highly coveted and valuable piece of automotive history, reflecting its rarity, performance, and racing lineage.
