Rare cars often command exorbitant prices, but when it comes to homologation specials – vehicles born from racing regulations – the value can skyrocket into the stratosphere. A prime example of this is the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, a machine that recently fetched a staggering sum at auction, underscoring the immense Mercedes Clk Gtr Cost and desirability.
Last week, at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Las Vegas, a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster changed hands for an eye-watering $10,235,000, including buyer’s fees. This monumental Mercedes CLK GTR cost immediately positions it among the most expensive cars ever sold at auction, and certainly highlights the premium associated with this rare breed of automotive engineering.
This particular CLK GTR Roadster is chassis number three of just six ever produced. Essentially a roofless variant of the CLK GTR coupe, it’s a genuine race car adapted for road use. Adding to its allure and therefore its Mercedes CLK GTR cost, this example has barely been driven, showing a mere 170 km (105 miles) on the odometer despite being over two decades old. According to the RM Sotheby’s listing, this minimal mileage further contributes to its pristine condition and collector value.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was conceived in the late 1990s as a homologation special, a necessary step for Mercedes-Benz to compete in the fiercely contested GT1 class of endurance racing. Although the GT1 class was discontinued in 1999, Mercedes-Benz honored commitments to build these road-going versions for affluent clientele who were eager to own a piece of racing history.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster – Photo credit: RM Sotheby
Initially, the plan was to produce 25 CLK GTR coupes. Ultimately, only 20 coupes were manufactured, along with a single roadster directly from the factory. However, HWA, the motorsport engineering firm founded by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht, later built an additional five roadster versions in the early 2000s using leftover chassis components, adding to the limited production run and thus influencing the Mercedes CLK GTR cost.
The racing pedigree of the CLK GTR is undeniable. The full racing version dominated the 1997 and 1998 FIA GT seasons. Across 22 races, the Mercedes-AMG team secured an impressive 17 victories, clinching both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in both years. This racing success story is intrinsically linked to the desirability and high Mercedes CLK GTR cost in the collector car market.
Interestingly, the CLK GTR Roadster boasts even more power than both its racing sibling and the coupe version. It features an evolved 6.9-liter V-12 engine, producing 622 horsepower. This is an upgrade from the coupe’s 592 horsepower. The race car, due to regulations such as air restrictors and a smaller 6.0-liter displacement, had even less power. All versions of the CLK GTR deliver power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential transaxle. This potent combination of racing DNA and enhanced performance further justifies the significant Mercedes CLK GTR cost.
While the Mercedes CLK GTR cost is undoubtedly substantial, it’s worth noting that it wasn’t the most expensive Mercedes-Benz sold at this particular RM Sotheby’s auction. That title belonged to a 2013 Mercedes Formula 1 car, driven by Lewis Hamilton to his first Mercedes victory at the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix. This F1 car commanded an even higher price of $18,815,000. However, the multimillion-dollar Mercedes CLK GTR cost solidifies its position as a highly sought-after and valuable piece of automotive history, reflecting its rarity, racing heritage, and exceptional engineering.
