The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster is more than just a car; it’s a statement of automotive prowess, a fusion of racing pedigree and open-top exhilaration. Born from the fiery crucible of motorsport competition, this rare machine represents the pinnacle of late 20th-century sports car design. Its very existence as a roadster variant of a homologation special, itself derived from a dominant race car, speaks volumes about Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to performance and exclusivity. The competition version of the CLK GTR secured consecutive Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships, further cementing its legendary status and the enduring legacy of Mercedes-Benz in motorsports.
Mercedes-Benz’s indelible mark on motorsports history is undeniable. From the pioneering achievements of Daimler and Benz to the Silver Arrows of the pre-war era, and the post-war dominance of the W196 and 300 SLR, Mercedes-Benz has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and racing excellence. This legacy continued into the 1990s with resounding success in the German DTM series. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class race cars, particularly the 190 E Evo variants, became virtually unbeatable between 1994 and 1996, leading to competitors withdrawing from the series. This triumph fueled Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to maintain its racing momentum, but the question remained: where next?
The answer arrived with the FIA’s new GT Championship for 1997. This series, with its relatively open regulations, featured the GT1 class. These cars, requiring a homologation run of just 25 units, blurred the lines between prototype racers and road-legal vehicles, setting the stage for cars that could challenge even at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Daimler-Benz responded swiftly and decisively, developing the CLK GTR with remarkable speed. While conceptually linked to the victorious DTM C-Class racers, the CLK GTR was a radical departure. Engineered from the ground up, it featured an aluminum honeycomb frame and carbon-fiber body panels, forming a true monocoque structure. At its heart was a mid/rear-mounted evolution of Mercedes’ six-liter M120 V-12 engine, previously utilized in their flagship S- and SL-Class models. This racing-focused iteration boasted titanium connecting rods and a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1, unleashing an impressive 592 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This power propelled the CLK GTR to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds, reaching a staggering top speed of 205 mph.
Power delivery was managed through a six-speed sequential transaxle, while the chassis incorporated front and rear double-wishbone suspension with pull-rod coil springs, adjustable shock absorbers, and massive six-piston brakes with carbon-composite rotors. Despite sharing the CLK name, the GTR had virtually no commonality with the standard production CLK, save for shared components like headlights, taillights, and the rear grille, emphasizing its purpose-built racing nature.
The CLK GTR’s racing debut in 1997 was nothing short of dominant. It secured victory in six of the eleven FIA GT events, consistently achieving podium finishes throughout the season. This performance ensured Mercedes-Benz claimed both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 1997, triumphing over formidable rivals like the Porsche 911 GT1 and the McLaren F1 GTR. In 1998, the CLK GTR continued its factory racing campaign for the initial two races before being superseded by an even more advanced successor, ultimately contributing to a second consecutive Driver’s and Constructor’s Championship for Mercedes-Benz.
Parallel to its racing success, a road-legal version, the Straßenversion, was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. Following two prototypes, a limited production run of just 20 coupes was entrusted to AMG and HWA, the latter founded by AMG’s founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht as an independent racing and development entity. The Straßenversion featured a further enlarged 6.9-liter version of the V12 engine, boosting output to 622 horsepower and 539 pound-feet of torque. Mechanically, the road cars remained remarkably close to their racing counterparts but offered enhanced refinement, including an anti-lock braking system, air conditioning, an audio system, and a choice of upholstery options.
Initially, only one roadster version was conceived during the coupe’s production. However, the allure of an open-top CLK GTR proved irresistible. Subsequently, five more roadsters were commissioned, utilizing spare CLK GTR chassis after the coupe production concluded. HWA was again tasked with the roadster conversion, which necessitated significant design adjustments. The removal of the roof and its signature central air intake led to repositioning the engine intakes to the sides. Further modifications included door-mounted mirrors, integrated roll hoops behind the seats for safety, and redesigned front grille and rear wing to complement the open-top configuration.
As the ultra-rare open-air iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s championship-winning GT supercar of the late 1990s, the CLK GTR Roadster stands as the ultimate expression of the model line. It solidified the car’s place as an icon of twentieth-century sports car engineering and design, representing a harmonious blend of racing technology and road-going luxury.
The Rarity Embodied: Chassis Number Three
This particular Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, chassis number 000034, is the third of only six ever produced, presented in a sophisticated silver exterior with a black and grey leather interior. Its history reflects meticulous care and minimal use, maintained throughout its life by certified Mercedes-Benz technicians. By the early 2010s, it had been imported to the United States and federalized to meet US emissions standards (excluding California), as evidenced by a J.K. Technologies decal. It’s important to note that US buyers will need to re-register the car with the US Department of Transportation under the show-and-display exemption.
In August 2011, the car was registered to a collector in Wisconsin, with a mere 25 kilometers displayed on the odometer. In March 2013, it was acquired by a sports car dealer in Arkansas, who commissioned Mercedes-Benz technicians from SPS Automotive Performance in Germany to perform a comprehensive service, despite the car having accumulated only 108 kilometers. Shortly after, a North Carolina-based dealer purchased the CLK GTR, and it remained there until April 2015, when it was acquired by its current owner, a discerning collector in the United Kingdom.
Currently showing just 170 kilometers at the time of cataloging, this CLK GTR Roadster is offered with a set of bespoke fitted luggage and original owner’s manuals. Its provenance is further documented by prior purchase agreements, titles, and a service report from SPS Automotive Performance detailing their 2013 maintenance work. As this example has been on static display since 2018, a service is recommended before extended road use.
The emergence of any CLK GTR Roadster onto the market is a significant event. This example, with its exceptionally low mileage and well-documented history, is even more noteworthy. For discerning supercar collectors, Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, or motorsport aficionados seeking a truly unique automobile that embodies Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant return to sports car racing after nearly a century, the CLK GTR Roadster represents the ultimate road-going embodiment of that legacy.
