In the realm of high-performance automobiles, Mercedes-AMG stands as a beacon of engineering excellence and thrilling driving dynamics. During the early 2000s, AMG was in a golden era, consistently pushing the boundaries of performance with models like the CL, SL, and S 65 AMG, followed by the SL and E 55 AMG. Yet, even amongst these titans, the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG emerged as something truly exceptional. This model was born from the white-hot success of AMG-Mercedes in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), Germany’s premier touring car championship.
The DTM series is immensely popular in Germany, with each victory on the track amplifying the prestige of the manufacturers involved. Following the CLK models of the W208 generation, Mercedes and AMG developed the W209 CLK for DTM competition. The 2003 season saw Bernd Schneider clinch the DTM driver’s title in his CLK DTM AMG, a testament to AMG-Mercedes’ utter dominance, winning an astounding 9 out of 10 races that season! This unparalleled success ignited the idea of creating a road-going version of these formidable DTM race cars. The entire team, including the factory drivers, passionately embraced this concept. After extensive testing, covering over 30,000 km on both public roads and race circuits, the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG was unleashed. Produced in a limited, numbered series of just 100 coupes, and later followed by 80 cabriolets, the CLK DTM AMG instantly became a highly sought-after collector’s item.
While the production Mercedes CLK DTM AMG is well-known and celebrated, an even rarer and more intriguing chapter exists: the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG P900 prototypes. Of the four CLK AMG Coupé P900s crafted, only two remain in existence today. These prototypes served a purpose far beyond mere aesthetics; they were instrumental in the development of an entirely new engine. The production CLK DTM AMG models boasted the formidable 5.5-liter supercharged V8 (M113 K), delivering a staggering 582 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. However, the CLK DTM AMG P900 prototypes broke from this mold, pioneering the naturally aspirated V8 engine, designated M156. This all-alloy powerplant, with a massive displacement of 6,208 cm3 yet weighing a mere 199 kg, was a marvel of engineering. Featuring four camshafts with variable valve timing and 32 valves, it produced approximately 510 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque. This engine, marketed as a “6.3-liter” in homage to the legendary M100 engine of the 300 SE 6.3, debuted in the spring of 2006 under the hood of the E63 AMG, subsequently becoming a cornerstone of the AMG model range.
This particular CLK DTM P900 prototype, meticulously hand-assembled in 2005, served as a crucial development mule for the 6.2 V8 M156 engine – AMG’s first fully in-house designed engine. It wasn’t just a testbed; this P900 functioned as a high-speed demonstration vehicle, a “demonstration taxi” for AMG’s VIP clientele. Imagine being a VIP guest of AMG, taken to a racetrack and experiencing the raw power of the new 6.2-liter V8 firsthand in this exclusive prototype. Legendary AMG factory drivers, including DTM stars like Jean Alesi, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider, piloted this very car, providing unforgettable high-speed experiences to VIP guests around European circuits. Its significance is further cemented by its appearance in prominent automotive publications of the time, such as the renowned British magazine Evo, which featured a test drive of this remarkable machine.
Visually, the CLK DTM AMG P900 prototype exhibits an even closer resemblance to the actual DTM race car than the production CLK DTM AMG. Key differentiators include a more pronounced rear spoiler, Lexan windows, and carbon fiber doors, all hinting at its racing pedigree. Compared to the already assertive production CLK DTM AMG, the P900 stands out with generously ventilated front fenders, smaller, DTM-style side mirrors, carbon fiber front canards, and a unique AMG livery. The interior further reinforces its racing DNA, featuring fire-retardant fabric bucket seats, racing harnesses, a full roll cage, an Alcantara-clad dashboard, a digital racing instrument cluster, and a bespoke steering wheel. Despite being based on a standard CLK 500 Avantgarde, the P900 was constructed with unparalleled attention to detail. The build quality had to be impeccable, befitting its role as a showcase for VIP clients. While derived from a production vehicle, it embodies the essence of a meticulously enhanced CLK DTM race car, incorporating authentic DTM technology reminiscent of the legendary DTM machines from the 1980s and 1990s.
Following its development and demonstration duties, this CLK DTM P900 remained within AMG’s possession in Germany for several years. It was subsequently displayed at AMG facilities and showcased at various events, becoming a silent testament to AMG’s engineering prowess. The second P900 prototype remains in the possession of AMG USA. Neither of these historically significant vehicles were ever officially offered for public sale. However, this particular P900 was eventually acquired by a prominent Mercedes and AMG collector, forming part of an extensive collection of significant automobiles. Although occasionally used on track, it has largely resided within this collection. Despite limited use in recent years, it is reported to be in perfect working and driving condition.
This Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG P900 is more than just a car; it’s a truly unique prototype, the only one of its kind available outside of AMG’s own collection. The other P900 resides within AMG’s heritage collection in the United States, making this example exceptionally rare. This prototype has been driven by DTM legends like Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider, further amplifying its historical significance and desirability. Presented with its Certificate of Conformity (COC) in pre-race configuration, it is theoretically road-legal, although modifications might be necessary for full road registration in certain jurisdictions. As with any true race car prototype, it is currently offered without registration documents.
Please note that this car is subject to VAT on the hammer price.
