Fascinating facts about the road-legal Mercedes-Benz CLK LM and CLK GT ROADSTER for sale:

💰 Price: 11.5m euros (as of March  2024) 🏎️

Unveil the remarkable story of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR:

🏎️ Engineered by Mercedes-AMG, the CLK GTR stands as a testament to performance and innovation, born to conquer the FIA GT Championship series in 1997. 🌟 Crafted as a purebred race car, the CLK GTR’s limited road variants were meticulously designed to meet homologation standards, blending racing prowess with street-legal finesse. 🚗 Following a triumphant debut in 1997, the CLK GTR underwent a remarkable evolution in 1998, emerging as the formidable CLK LM to dominate the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. 🔧 Born out of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to motorsport excellence, the CLK GTR showcased cutting-edge engineering and aerodynamics. 🏆 With its success in the 1997 season, the CLK GTR left an indelible mark on the racing world, paving the way for future innovations. 🌟 While the CLK GTR project concluded in 1999, its legacy lives on, inspiring generations of automotive enthusiasts and cementing its place in motorsport history.

Uncover the legacy of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, where performance meets passion.

Racing car
CLK GTR

Discover the genesis of the CLK GTR:

🏁 In the wake of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft’s demise and the departure of rivals Opel and Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz sought a new arena for competition. 🌍 With the transformation of the BPR Global GT Series into the prestigious FIA GT Championship, Mercedes-Benz seized the chance to challenge industry giants like Porsche and Ferrari. 🔧 Inspired by Porsche’s 911 homologation masterpiece, Mercedes-AMG embarked on a mission to craft an unparalleled racing machine while retaining traces of street-legal functionality. 🏎️ Integrating elements from the iconic Mercedes-Benz CLK, AMG’s engineers forged a masterpiece beneath the surface, housing a potent Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine at its core. ✨ Constructed entirely of carbon fiber, the CLK GTR boasted a myriad of aerodynamic enhancements and cooling systems, ensuring its dominance on the racetrack.

 

the CLK GTR’s testing phase:

🏎️ Before the inception of the first chassis, Mercedes-AMG embarked on an unconventional path. With utmost secrecy, they acquired a retired McLaren F1 GTR, reigning champion of the BPR GT series, from Larbre Compétition. 🔍 This strategic move allowed Mercedes-AMG to gauge their competitors’ lap times, providing crucial insights into the CLK GTR’s capabilities. 🛠️ More significantly, Mercedes-AMG meticulously tailored this F1 GTR by integrating bodywork intended for the CLK GTRs and swapping the BMW V12 engine with their own LS600 6.0-liter engine. This allowed them to fine-tune the car’s aerodynamics before actual production. 🚀 Within an astonishing 128 days from initial sketches, the first two CLK GTR prototypes roared into action at the 1997 FIA GT Championship. Despite initial setbacks, including brake issues, the CLK GTR soon showcased its prowess at tracks like Silverstone and Nürburgring. 🏆 By the season’s end, Mercedes-Benz dominated with multiple victories, securing both the team championship and the coveted driver’s championship for the legendary Bernd Schneider.

 

🏁 Flashback to the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014!

🚗 Did you know? Mercedes-Benz unleashed the CLK GTR for the first two rounds of the 1998 season, later upgrading to the CLK LM. Meanwhile, Persson Motorsport held the fort with two CLK GTRs throughout the season, clinching a remarkable second place at Oschersleben and finishing third in the team championship.

🔥 Initially packing a punch with a V12 engine generating around 600 hp, the CLK-GTR underwent enhancements during the 1997 season, boosting its power to 630 hp. While Mercedes-AMG shifted focus to the V8 in the CLK LM, Persson Motorsport’s CLK GTRs maintained their impressive performance throughout

 

 

🏁 Mercedes-Benz CLK LM: Taking on Le Mans 🏁

Mercedes-Benz aimed for victory at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998, a challenge unlike any other. To conquer this grueling race, they knew they needed to adapt their formidable CLK GTR.

🔧 The M120 V12 engine was deemed insufficient for the demanding endurance of Le Mans. Instead, Mercedes-AMG reverted to the M119 V8, previously used in Group C racing. By ditching turbochargers and increasing displacement, they ensured reliability while meeting air restrictor regulations.

🚗 This strategic engine swap was just one part of Mercedes-Benz’s quest for Le Mans glory, marking a pivotal moment in motorsport history.

 

Experience the evolution of the Mercedes-AMG CLK LM:

🔧 With the engine refined, Mercedes-AMG turned its attention to enhancing the bodywork for the rigors of Le Mans. The nose was lowered, and the front brake cooling ducts were revamped, replaced by a single, larger opening for improved aerodynamics. Additionally, the roof was lowered, and a new engine air intake was implemented. Various mechanical tweaks were made, culminating in the birth of the CLK LM, symbolizing its Le Mans heritage.

🏁 Making its debut at Le Mans, the CLK LMs immediately showcased their speed, securing pole position ahead of bespoke open-cockpit Le Mans prototypes. However, despite their promising start, both cars faced engine failures early in the race, leaving Mercedes-Benz disheartened.

🏆 Returning to the FIA GT series, Mercedes-Benz replaced their older CLK GTRs with the new CLK LMs, resulting in unparalleled success. The duo dominated every race, claiming six 1-2 finishes and securing both the team championship and the prestigious drivers championship for Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta.

 

🏁 In 1999, the FIA GT1 class saw a surprising absence of competitors, with only Mercedes-Benz daring to enter. This compelled the FIA to discontinue the class, reminiscent of the DTM/ITC cancellation two years prior. 🔧 Undeterred by setbacks, Mercedes-Benz embarked on crafting an entirely new car to redeem their Le Mans disappointment. Freed from the constraints of dual-purpose design, Mercedes-AMG initiated the creation of the Mercedes-Benz CLR. 🚗 Powered by a potent V8 engine, the CLK LM boasted around 600 hp (450 kW), propelling it to speeds of up to 330 km/h (205 mph) during testing for the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mercedes-AMG boasted a virtual top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). 🛠️ Four racing variants of the CLK-LMs were meticulously constructed, alongside a single road-going version crafted to adhere to the 1998 FIA regulations. 🚥 Equipped with a 6-speed sequential manual transmission, the CLK LM exemplified precision and power on the track, embodying Mercedes-AMG’s relentless pursuit of excellence

 

Unveiling the dimensions and weight of the iconic Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR:

📏 Curb Weight: 1,440 kg (3,175 lb)

Despite the cancellation of the FIA GT1 class in 1999, Mercedes fulfilled their commitment to produce 25 road cars. Constructed between the winters of 1998 and 1999 at the AMG factory in Affalterbach, each vehicle closely resembled the race car, with minor differentiations. Notably, all 25 CLK GTRs were left-hand drive, except for a custom-built version for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.

To maintain authenticity as a race car and ensure affordability, Mercedes-Benz minimized driver comfort and enhancements. The interior featured leather upholstery and an optional air conditioning system, while two small storage lockers were cleverly integrated beneath each upward-swinging door. Traction control was added for enhanced safety.

Remaining true to its racing roots, the CLK GTR retained much of its original design, including the powerful V12 engine and distinctive stylistic elements. Noteworthy alterations included a hoop-style integrated rear wing, distinguishing it from its racing counterpart.

Enhancements by Ilmor Engineering boosted the engine’s displacement to 6.9L, unleashing impressive performance figures: 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp) and 775 N·m (572 lb·ft) of torque. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds, it boasted a top speed of 344 km/h (214 mph).

The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the CLK GTR as the most expensive production car of its time, priced at $1,547,620 (USD).

 

Unveiling the diverse variants of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR:

🌟 CLK GTR Roadster: Witness the third masterpiece on display, showcasing the epitome of open-air exhilaration. Following the completion of the initial 20 CLK GTRs, AMG’s H.W.A. specialists embarked on crafting this roadster version. With meticulous modifications, including roof removal and redesigned engine covers, this model boasts a distinct design, featuring a separate black rear wing and a unique grille adorned with a large star.

🚗 CLK GTR Super Sport: Delve into the realm of performance excellence with this remarkable variant. Powered by the potent Mercedes-AMG 7.3L V12 engine, akin to the Pagani Zonda and Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG, this supercar generates an impressive 664 PS and 786 N·m of torque. Enhanced with an additional front splitter for enhanced stability at high speeds, only five units were ever built, making it a coveted gem among enthusiasts.

🏎️ Production Road Versions: With a total of 26 CLK-GTR road versions, comprising 20 coupes and six roadsters, each model epitomizes luxury and performance. Among them, two models boast right-hand drive steering, specially crafted for Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. Witness automotive history unfold as these iconic vehicles were auctioned in London, fetching staggering prices and captivating collectors worldwide.

 

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Serial chassis#’s are as follows:

WA000001-11 = 11 Race cars
Y000012-37 = 26 Road cars
plus the one off CLK-LM Road car WDB2983701Y000002  the CLK-GTR/LM race versions from 1997/98

RHD Roadster from AM Singapore

 

#01/25 – USA (7,3l engine); WDB2973971Y000012 01 – Owned by Don Wallace, USA. Was offered at the RM Monterey Auction, SOLD since
Prototype No.2 – (7,3l engine); sold at the Bonhams Nuerburgring Auction on August 9th 2003 – WDBA2973971Y000002
#03/25 – Dubai (7,3l engine); [B 21151] Owned by Mohammed bin Sulayem, Dubai. WDB2973971Y000014
#04/25 – USA; [MF0 60R] Owned by Gerd Petrik, USA.WDB2973971Y000015
#05/25 – Germany; (HWA Showroom?), currently for sale – WDB2973971Y000016
#06/25 – Japan; currently for sale – WDB2973971Y000017
#07/25 – Netherlands; even though swiss reistered [SG 110 706]
#08/25 – Japan; [28-01]
#09/25 – Germany; [NF-HE 72]
#10/25 – Sweden; currently for sale in Germany at KS-Autohandel [RRU 493] – WDB2973971Y000021
#11/25 – ???
#12/25 -Was for sale @ Autosalon Singen.Switzerland; bought at the Bonhams Monaco Auction on May 26th 2003 – WDB2973971Y000023
#13/25 – Singapore (7,3l engine, RHD); with Automobil Manufactur
#14/25 – Germany; currently for sale – WDB2973971Y000025
#15/25 – Hong Kong; with SPS-Performance (tuned engine, race livery and was also seen with a race spec. rear wing)
#16/25 – Hong Kong; with SPS-Performance, currently for sale – WDB2973971Y000027
#17/25 – USA (7,3l engine); Silver / Red, the one and only ever converted real/original Supersport!! – WDB2973971Y000028 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK GTR SUPERSPORT 5 CLK GTR Super Sport built. USA street legal, federalizedon a Florida title. Mercedes-Benz-AMG 7.3 liter V12, 720
HP, 0-60 in 3.0 seconds, 0-100 in 5.2 sec  Only 1,492 miles.
#18/25 – Silver Bahrain?
#19/25 – Germany; Dark Blue / Black and White [MKK-VC 189]
#20/25 – Germany; Black / Black and Brown, currently for sale [D-NR 20] 
#21/25 – Roadster No.1 – 1998 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK GTR ROADSTER Black/Black WDB2973971Y000008
#22/25 – Roadster No.2 – Singapore (RHD); Dark Silver / Magenta, with Automobil Manufactur
#23/25 – Roadster No.3 – Germany; Silver / Black and White, currently for sale
#24/25 – Roadster No.4 – Germany; (HWA Showroom?), Silver / Blue
#25/25 – Roadster No.5 – USA; Silver / Black and White WDB2973971Y000034
#26/25 – Roadster No.6 – ??? (7,2l engine); Silver / Blue – WDB2973971Y000037