For discerning collectors and automotive enthusiasts, an unparalleled opportunity has emerged to acquire a truly iconic vehicle: a Mercedes Gtr For Sale. This isn’t just any car; it’s the first example ever produced of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, an ultra-exclusive, open-top iteration of the already legendary CLK GTR Coupé. Born from Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant return to international sports car racing in 1997, the CLK GTR Roadster instantly became the world’s most expensive production car upon its release, boasting a staggering $1.5 million price tag – a figure only recently surpassed by hyper-exclusive models like the Ferrari FXX. This vehicle represents not just peak automotive engineering, but a tangible piece of motorsport history, meticulously crafted for the road.
Mercedes-Benz’s foray back into sports car racing at the end of the 1996 season was an ambitious undertaking, leaving minimal time to engineer a competitor for the FIA’s new GT Championship. The GT1 category regulations mandated production-based vehicles, and while the racer adopted the ‘CLK’ designation from Mercedes’ existing road car line, it was a ground-up redesign. The formidable AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s performance division, was entrusted with this monumental task. In an astonishing feat of engineering and dedication, the initial Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR prototype was track-ready for its first test at Jarama in April 1997 – a mere 128 days after design work commenced in December 1996.
Image alt text: Front three quarter view of a black Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster parked on a paved surface, showcasing its aggressive stance and open-top design.
Mirroring Porsche’s 911 GT1 approach, the CLK GTR maintained a visual link to its road-going namesake – the front-engined CLK saloon – yet fundamentally transformed into a mid-engined marvel powered by a potent 6.9-litre V12 engine derived from the SL600, unleashing 600bhp. This powerhouse was coupled with a transverse six-speed sequential gearbox, with the engine cleverly integrated as a stressed chassis member, reinforcing the rear suspension structure. The monocoque chassis itself was an advanced composite of carbon fibre and Kevlar, prioritizing lightness and rigidity. Despite initial homologation delays for the road version, the racing CLK GTR was permitted to compete, a decision that sparked controversy among rivals. The CLK GTR secured its maiden victory at the Nurburgring in June 1997, subsequently dominating the season with five more wins out of eleven rounds, clinching the GT Championship title in its debut year. Even with the successor CLK LM (Le Mans) model on the horizon, the CLK GTR continued its winning streak in 1998, triumphing in the first two GT Championship races at Oschersleben and Silverstone before retiring from active racing after just over a season, leaving behind an unblemished competitive legacy.
Image alt text: Action shot of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR race car speeding around a track corner, highlighting its aerodynamic profile and racing pedigree.
Between 1998 and 1999, Mercedes-Benz meticulously produced 25 road-legal CLK GTRs. These road versions closely echoed the racing variant but were detuned to a still formidable 550bhp and replaced the racing car’s separate rear wing with a seamlessly integrated body design. Furthermore, the road-going models were significantly enhanced with improved equipment and a greater emphasis on driver and passenger comfort compared to the spartan race car interior. Commanding a headline-grabbing price exceeding $1,000,000, the CLK GTR’s exclusivity was only surpassed by its breathtaking performance capabilities.
Image alt text: Close-up interior view of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, showcasing the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and minimalist, performance-focused cockpit design.
In 1999, Daimler Chrysler solidified its partnership with AMG by acquiring the company and renaming it ‘Mercedes AMG GmbH’. Concurrently, Hans-Werner Aufrecht, a co-founder of AMG, established HWA GmbH in Affalterbach, Germany, AMG’s original hometown, to carry on the legacy of AMG’s racing endeavors. HWA’s initial project was the unfortunately short-lived Mercedes-Benz CLR sports prototype. Following Mercedes-Benz’s withdrawal from international sports car racing, HWA has been instrumental in building and managing cars for the prestigious Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. It was HWA that conceived the visionary idea of utilizing six spare CLK GTR Coupé chassis to engineer the ultimate roadster. This was achieved through the elegant solution of removing the roof, reinforcing the chassis, and integrating two roll-over bars for enhanced safety. The Roadster variant further refined the Coupé’s specifications, boasting an upgraded engine producing a staggering 640bhp – a 40 horsepower increase over the race car – and incorporating a Formula 1-inspired, sequential six-speed transmission operated via steering wheel-mounted paddles, offering an unparalleled driving experience.
Image alt text: Side view of the black Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, emphasizing its long wheelbase, low-slung profile, and aerodynamic bodywork.
This particular CLK GTR Roadster, one of only six ever produced, was originally retained by Mercedes-Benz and housed in Stuttgart until its acquisition by the current owner in 2014. Prior to delivery, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive factory service, including replacement of fluids, belts, seals, and gaskets, and was fitted with eight new wheels and tires. Presented in essentially showroom-fresh condition, with a mere 8 kilometers on the odometer, this example is uniquely distinguished as the only Roadster finished in striking black. Accompanied by its German registration documents, this Mercedes GTR for sale represents an almost once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the rarest and most significant Mercedes-Benz models of the modern era. For prospective buyers within the EU, please note that local import taxes of 20% will be applied to the hammer price.
