1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR had a mid-mounted 6.9-liter V12 engine and two small storage compartments under each upward swinging door. The interior featured leather appointments, and a paddle-operated six-speed sequential manual gearbox similar to the ones in the GT1 cars.

There were 25 road-going CLK GTRs constructed with two built and heavily modified by AMG's sister company, H.W.A. GmbH. These two versions had a more powerful 7.3-liter V12 engine that produced an astonishing 720 horsepower. This example is one of those two vehicles; it is number 1 of 25 and features SuperSport badging from H.W.A., making it one of the most powerful and exclusive CLK GTR built. It is the only car fitted with a non-retrofitted factory power kit, delivered by AMG. It has traveled a mere 630 miles since new.

The other example with H.W.A. ties is number 17 which was originally painted red with a tan interior. It was later changed to silver.

This masterpiece was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $1,500,000 - 2,000,000. Prior to the auction, it sat with the other exclusive and highlight vehicles of the auction, in the lobby of the hotel near the entrance to the auction room. When bidding commenced, there was much interest, but sadly not enough to secure a sale. A high bid of $1,200,000 came close to a sale, but the vehicle's reserve was not met and the car would stay in its current ownership.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007