1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR

In 1997, the CLK GTR debuted after only 128 days of development and construction. Mercedes Benz and AMG had designed a race car and then derived a version meant for the road. McLaren had done the reverse, creating a road-going version first and then the racing version.

1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR photo
Coupe
Chassis #: WDB2973971Y000012
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Auction entries : 2
In 1994 the FIA created a new class for international GT racing, named GT1 with minimal restrictions including at least one road-legal version of the GT1 race car had to be created in order to be homologated. In November of 1998, the first road-going CLK GTR was completed, joining the ranks of McLaren, Porsche, Dauer, and others on the race track.

The vehicle was fitted with an AMG-tuned V12 that was originally 6.0 liters but had been increased to 6.9 liters. The result was 610 horsepower, thanks in part to a new intake system and modified exhaust headers. The sequential paddle shifters made it easy for a driver to shift through any of the six gears. The carbon fiber monocoque configuration aided in the vehicle's low weight while maintaining a high level of strength.

From 1998 to 1999 AMG built 25 road-going GTRs. The price was set around one million through 1.5 million dollars.

1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR photo
Coupe
Chassis #: WDB2973971Y000020
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Auction entries : 2
With drivers such as Klaus Ludwig and Bernd Schneider behind the wheel, the CLK-GTR was very successful at capturing many victories on the race track. The highlight of the 1997 season was Schneider being crowned the World Champion. The CLK GTR was entered in the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans but did not ascertain the success they had become accustomed to winning.

The first two races of the 1998 season were victorious for the CLK GTR. The remaining season was dominated by its replacement, the CLK LM. The CLK GTR was again entered into the LeMans race but victory once again eluded the car.

The CLK GTR has been featured in many video games including 'Need For Speed High Stakes', among others.

1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR photo
Coupe
Chassis #: WDB2973971Y000007
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This masterpiece was built with mechanical, technological, and racing expertise. Its racing heritage exemplifies its purpose and its exclusivity guarantees its price tag. The CLK GTR is one of the top supercars of the 1990's.


by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2005

Related Reading : Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR History

Two former Mercedes-Benz engineers, Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, formed the AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft in the late 1960s near Stuttgart. The acronym AMG was derived from Aufrecht and Melchers name along with the town of Grossaspach, the companys headquarters. After the AMG Company had proven itself by tuning Mercedes engines for use in competition, along with many....
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