Rare cars often command exorbitant prices, and homologation specials, those vehicles created to legalize race cars for road use, can be even more valuable. A prime example of this is the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, which recently fetched a staggering sum at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Las Vegas.
The hammer price, including buyer’s fees, reached an incredible $10,235,000. This sky-high Mercedes Clk Gtr Value is attributed to its extreme rarity – this particular model is one of only six ever produced, and chassis number three to be exact. Essentially, it’s a race car stripped of its roof, making it an even more exclusive and desirable machine. Adding to its allure, this CLK GTR Roadster has barely been driven, boasting a mere 170 km (105 miles) on the odometer despite being over two decades old, according to the official listing.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster – Photo credit: RM Sotheby
The genesis of the CLK GTR lies in Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to compete in the fiercely contested GT1 class of endurance racing in the late 1990s. Homologation rules required manufacturers to produce road-going versions of their race cars. Although the GT1 class was discontinued in 1999, Mercedes-Benz honored commitments to build these exclusive road cars for a select clientele who were ready to pay a premium.
Originally, Mercedes planned to build 25 coupe versions of the CLK GTR, but ultimately produced only 20, alongside a single roadster directly from the factory. However, HWA, the motorsport engineering company founded by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht, further amplified the Mercedes CLK GTR value by constructing an additional five roadster examples in the early 2000s. These were built using leftover chassis, adding another layer of exclusivity to these already rare vehicles.
The racing pedigree of the CLK GTR is undeniable. The full racing variant dominated the 1997 and 1998 FIA GT seasons, securing 17 victories out of 22 races and clinching both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in both years. This motorsport heritage significantly contributes to the desirability and Mercedes CLK GTR value in the collector car market.
Interestingly, the CLK GTR Roadster is even more powerful than both its racing and coupe counterparts. It features an evolved 6.9-liter V-12 engine, producing 622 horsepower, a step up from the coupe’s 592 hp. The race car, constrained by regulations including air restrictors and a smaller 6.0-liter displacement, had even less power. Power in the Roadster is delivered to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential transaxle, ensuring a raw and engaging driving experience that befits its racing DNA and justifies its high Mercedes CLK GTR value.
While this CLK GTR Roadster commanded a significant price, it wasn’t the most expensive Mercedes-Benz sold at the RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas auction. That title belonged to a 2013 Mercedes Formula 1 race car driven by Lewis Hamilton, which sold for a staggering $18,815,000. However, the multi-million dollar sale of the CLK GTR Roadster firmly cements its status as a highly valuable and collectible automotive icon, reflecting its rarity, performance, and racing legacy.
