For discerning collectors and automotive enthusiasts, an unparalleled opportunity has emerged to acquire a truly exceptional vehicle: a Benz Gtr For Sale. This isn’t just any supercar; it’s the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, a legend forged in the crucible of motorsport and refined for the open road. Representing the zenith of performance and exclusivity, this first-built example of the CLK GTR Roadster stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s racing pedigree and engineering prowess. Originally priced at $1.5 million, then the world’s most expensive production car, its rarity and historical significance make this offering an unmissable prospect for those seeking the ultimate automotive investment.
From Race Track to Road: The Genesis of the CLK GTR
The story of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR began with a bold decision. In 1996, Mercedes-Benz shifted gears from touring cars to sports car racing, setting their sights on the FIA’s new GT Championship. With the 1997 season looming, time was of the essence to develop a contender. The GT1 regulations stipulated production car origins, and while the racer adopted the “CLK” designation, it was a ground-up creation, entrusted to AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s performance division. Astonishingly, in just 128 days, the first Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR prototype roared to life at Jarama in April 1997 for initial testing.
Mirroring Porsche’s 911 GT1 approach, the CLK GTR shared a visual kinship with the front-engined CLK saloon but housed a mid-mounted, SL600-derived 6.9-liter V12 engine unleashing 600bhp. This formidable engine, coupled with a transverse six-speed sequential gearbox, acted as a stressed chassis member, integral to the rear suspension. The chassis itself was a marvel of carbon fiber and Kevlar monocoque construction. Despite homologation delays that initially sparked controversy among rivals, the CLK GTR’s racing debut was nothing short of spectacular. Its first victory at the Nürburgring in June 1997 ignited a dominant season, culminating in a GT Championship title in its maiden year. Even with the successor CLK LM on the horizon, the CLK GTR continued its winning streak in the 1998 GT Championship, securing victories at Oschersleben and Silverstone before retiring with an unblemished racing record after a brief but impactful career.
The Roadster Revelation: Elevating Exclusivity
Following its racing triumphs, Mercedes-Benz committed to producing 25 road-legal CLK GTRs in 1998 and 1999. These road versions closely echoed the race car’s DNA but were refined for civilian use, delivering a still staggering 550bhp and integrating the rear wing into the bodywork for a more streamlined aesthetic. The interiors were also elevated, offering enhanced comfort and amenities compared to the spartan racer. Priced upwards of $1,000,000, the CLK GTR was a statement of ultimate exclusivity, surpassed only by its breathtaking performance.
In 1999, Daimler Chrysler’s acquisition of AMG paved the way for further evolution. AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht established HWA GmbH to continue the racing legacy. It was HWA that conceived the audacious idea to transform six spare CLK GTR Coupé chassis into the ultimate open-top driving machines: the CLK GTR Roadster. By ingeniously removing the roof, reinforcing the chassis, and adding twin roll-over bars, HWA crafted a roadster that amplified the Coupé’s already extreme persona. The Roadster iteration further refined the formula, boasting an uprated 640bhp engine – a 40 horsepower increase over the race car – and incorporating a Formula 1-inspired, sequential six-speed transmission with steering wheel paddle controls.
The Benz GTR For Sale: A Unique Opportunity
The Benz GTR for sale is not just any Roadster; it is chassis number one of only six ever produced. This particular car was retained by Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart until 2014, underscoring its significance within the company’s history. Prior to its sale to the current owner, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive factory service, receiving new fluids, belts, seals, gaskets, and a complete set of eight new wheels and tires. Presented in essentially as-new condition with a mere 8 kilometers on the odometer, this CLK GTR Roadster is uniquely finished in black, setting it apart from its already rare siblings. Accompanied by German registration papers, this offering represents an almost unparalleled opportunity to acquire one of the most coveted Mercedes-Benz models of the modern era. For serious collectors seeking the ultimate Benz GTR for sale, this first-of-six Roadster is a chance to own a piece of automotive history, a fusion of racing pedigree and open-top exhilaration that is unlikely to be repeated.
Note: For potential buyers within the EU, please be aware that local import taxes of 20% will apply to the hammer price.
