See why this Mercedes CLK GTR is more than just a thoroughbred race car
The Mercedes CLK GTR is a remarkable piece of automotive history, originally crafted for the 1997 FIA GT Championship. Designed to dominate the racetrack, this car quickly became a legend due to its exceptional performance and rarity.
With a striking carbon fibre body weighing under 1,000 kilograms and a potent 592bhp V12 engine, the CLK GTR could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds and reach speeds exceeding 200 mph. Even by today’s standards that is insanely impressive, well, unless you count modern day race cars that is.
Moreover, its formidable power and lightweight design made it an awe-inspiring machine on the track, but the race-bred Mercedes CLK GTR came with a significant challenge, it lacked modern driver aids such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and traction control, making it a true test of driving skill and precision.
Incredibly, Mercedes-Benz didn’t limit the CLK GTR to the track alone. They produced 28 of these extraordinary cars for the road, transforming them into legal street machines while enhancing their practicality and comfort. The road-going version retained much of the racing technology but featured several key modifications to make it more user-friendly.
On top of that, these changes included an upgraded ABS system, additional soundproofing to reduce cabin noise, and air conditioning to improve driving comfort. Furthermore, the road version received a slight power boost, further enhancing its performance credentials. The CLK GTR’s exclusivity is mirrored by its remarkable value on the collector’s market.
In 2018, one of these rare machines was sold in the United States for an impressive £3.5 million (roughly RM19.8 million). This figure reflects the car’s status as a coveted collector’s item, with its racing pedigree and limited production run significantly contributing to its value.
What’s more, the allure of the CLK GTR was further underscored last year when an even rarer variant, the roadster version, was sold for a staggering sum exceeding £10 million (about RM56.8 million). This roadster is particularly notable for its open-top design, which adds an extra layer of exclusivity and appeal to an already exceptional vehicle.
The Mercedes CLK GTR is more than just a high-performance sports car, it represents a rare blend of engineering excellence and exclusivity. Its journey from a racing powerhouse to a coveted collector’s item underscores its significant place in automotive history, continuing to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike with its breathtaking performance and rarity.
