The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG is already a legend, a street-legal embodiment of Mercedes’ dominant years in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). However, within the annals of AMG history, a secret, even more exclusive chapter exists: the Mercedes Benz 2005 Clk DTM AMG P900 Prototype. This isn’t just a limited edition; it’s one of only two remaining prototypes, a rolling testament to AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance and innovation. This article delves into the fascinating story of this ultra-rare Mercedes Benz 2005 CLK, a vehicle that served as the testbed for a groundbreaking engine and remains a jewel in the crown of AMG’s heritage.
In the early 2000s, AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division, was on a roll. Their creations were setting new benchmarks for power and luxury. Following the success of the CL, SL, and S 65 AMG, and the SL and E 55 AMG models, AMG sought to push the boundaries further. The inspiration came directly from the racetrack. AMG-Mercedes dominated the DTM championship in 2002 and 2003 with the CLK race cars (W209 generation). These thrilling races captivated German audiences, and each victory amplified Mercedes’ sporting image. Bernd Schneider’s 2003 DTM title in his CLK DTM AMG was the culmination of a season where AMG-Mercedes won an astounding 9 out of 10 races. This unparalleled success ignited the idea of creating a road-going version of these dominant DTM machines.
The entire AMG team embraced the project. Official drivers clocked over 30,000 km in testing, both on public roads and race circuits, to perfect this new silver arrow: the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG. Launched as an instant collector’s item, the CLK DTM AMG was produced in a limited, numbered series of 100 coupes, priced at a hefty €243,386 in November 2004 (equivalent to around €331,300 in 2024). Later, 80 cabriolet versions were also released.
While the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG is well-known to enthusiasts, few are aware of the existence of four even more special CLK AMG Coupes, dubbed the CLK DTM AMG P900. Of these four initially produced, only two are known to survive today. These prototypes served a critical purpose: to pioneer a completely new engine. While all production CLK DTM AMG models were equipped with the formidable 5.5-liter supercharged V8 (M113 K), producing 582 hp and 800 Nm of torque, the CLK DTM AMG P900 variants were different. They were the testbeds for the new, naturally aspirated M156 V8 engine. This all-alloy powerplant boasted a massive 6,208 cc displacement yet weighed a mere 199 kg. Featuring four camshafts with variable valve timing and 32 valves, it generated an impressive 510 hp 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 and subsequently powered a vast range of AMG models.
This particular Mercedes Benz 2005 CLK DTM AMG P900, hand-assembled in 2005, was instrumental in the development of the 6.2 V8 M156 engine – AMG’s first fully in-house designed engine. This CLK DTM P900 acted as a crucial test vehicle and a VIP demonstration car for AMG. It was used to chauffeur VIP clients around race tracks, showcasing the capabilities of the new 6.2-liter V8. Legendary AMG factory drivers such as Jean Alesi, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider themselves drove this very car, taking VIP guests for thrilling laps around European circuits! This prototype even graced the pages of prominent automotive publications, including the renowned British magazine Evo, in period road tests.
Visually, the CLK DTM AMG P900 prototype bears an even stronger resemblance to the actual DTM race car compared to the production CLK DTM AMG. Key differences include a more pronounced rear spoiler, Lexan windows, and carbon fiber doors. Compared to the already aggressive series-production CLK DTM AMG, the P900 features generously vented front fenders, smaller DTM-style side mirrors, carbon fiber front splitters, and a unique AMG livery. The interior further echoes the race car aesthetic, equipped with fire-resistant fabric bucket seats, racing harnesses, a full roll cage, an Alcantara-clad dashboard, a digital instrument cluster, and a specific racing steering wheel.
Despite being based on a standard CLK 500 Avantgarde, the P900 was meticulously constructed with exceptional attention to detail. Manufacturing quality had to be impeccable for presentation to VIP clients. While derived from a production vehicle, it feels more akin to a CLK DTM race car, enhanced and refined by AMG, incorporating genuine DTM technology. Its construction evokes the spirit of the legendary DTM cars of the 1980s and 1990s.
This Mercedes Benz 2005 CLK DTM AMG P900 prototype remained within AMG’s ownership in Germany for several years, later being displayed at various events. The other surviving P900 prototype is still held by AMG USA. Neither car was ever officially sold to the public. However, this particular P900 was eventually acquired by a prominent Mercedes and AMG collector with an extensive car collection, purchased as part of a lot of several racing vehicles. Although occasionally used on track, it has primarily resided within this collection. While seeing limited use in recent years, it is reported to be in perfect working and driving condition.
This Mercedes Benz 2005 CLK DTM AMG P900 represents a truly unique opportunity. It is an unparalleled prototype, the only one of its kind available outside of AMG’s own collection. The other example remains in AMG’s possession, showcased in a US museum. This car has been piloted by motorsport legends such as Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider. Presented with its Certificate of Conformity (COC) in pre-race configuration, it is theoretically road-legal but would require modifications for registration. As with any race car, it currently lacks registration documents.
Please note that this car is subject to VAT on the hammer price.
