The 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster stands as a monument to automotive exclusivity and high-performance engineering. With a mere 22 kilometers on its odometer, this particular model is virtually untouched, a pristine example of a legendary car. Formerly part of a distinguished private collection in Saudi Arabia, this roadster is one of only six ever produced, underscoring its status as an extraordinary piece of automotive history and a direct descendant of a celebrated 1990s race car.
The genesis of the Mercedes Clk Gtr lies in Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to dominate the FIA GT Championship. To comply with homologation regulations, Mercedes-Benz was obligated to manufacture a limited number of road-legal versions of their GT1 race car—the very machine they campaigned on the track. The FIA GT Championship stipulated that manufacturers must create at least 25 street-legal iterations of their GT1 entrants. This rule ensured that the race cars were fundamentally based on production models, rather than being solely bespoke prototypes.
Mercedes-Benz adhered to these rules by producing 20 coupes and a mere 6 roadsters. The inaugural street-legal version was completed in late 1998, but the roadster variant, with its open-top configuration, arrived later, making it an even more exclusive and unique iteration of the already exceptionally rare CLK-GTR. Both the coupe and roadster variants shared near-identical engineering with their racing counterparts. Modifications for road use were minimal, primarily involving a slightly increased ride height and the inclusion of comfort-oriented features.
Beneath the surface, the mercedes clk gtr Roadster is propelled by a formidable 6.9-liter V12 engine. This powerplant, derived from the racing version, unleashes a staggering 612 horsepower. This immense power allows the car to achieve a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just over 3 seconds, with a breathtaking top speed of approximately 208 mph. At its time, the CLK-GTR was among the most potent and fastest cars available, delivering a racing-caliber experience on public roads that few other vehicles could rival.
Alt text: Profile view of a silver Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster showcasing its aerodynamic silhouette and open-top design, emphasizing its racing heritage and rarity.
The mercedes clk gtr was originally conceived for the 1997 FIA GT Championship, where it immediately asserted its dominance. Equipped with a 6.0-liter V12 engine and cutting-edge aerodynamics, the race-spec CLK-GTR triumphed in the championship during its debut year, firmly establishing Mercedes-Benz’s prowess in the GT1 category. Remarkably, the car was developed in a mere 128 days, a testament to the exceptional engineering capabilities of Mercedes-AMG. The CLK-GTR continued its reign in 1998, securing another FIA GT Championship title, although it began to face stronger challenges from competitors like Porsche and Toyota.
Following the FIA GT Championship’s decision to discontinue its GT1 category after the 1998 season, Mercedes-Benz shifted its focus to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race. They developed the Mercedes-Benz CLR, an evolution of the mercedes clk gtr, specifically engineered for endurance racing. However, the CLR’s Le Mans campaign in 1999 is unfortunately remembered for significant aerodynamic instability issues. The car became infamous for unexpectedly becoming airborne at high speeds during both practice sessions and the race itself, resulting in dramatic and concerning crashes. These incidents prompted Mercedes-Benz to withdraw from top-tier endurance racing for several years thereafter.
Alt text: Front angle of the Mercedes CLK GTR highlighting its aggressive styling, wide stance, and iconic Mercedes grille, symbolizing its blend of luxury and racing performance.
This particular mercedes clk gtr Roadster, boasting only 22 kilometers, represents a flawless example of the road-going manifestation of Mercedes’ GT1 racing legacy. The open-top design of the roadster variant elevates its rarity, adding another dimension of exclusivity to what was already an extremely limited-production, high-performance supercar.
With its origins firmly planted in racing history, the mercedes clk gtr Roadster stands as one of the most significant homologation cars ever created. The convergence of its extreme scarcity, direct lineage to a championship-winning race car, and its pristine, untouched condition solidifies its position as a highly coveted collector’s item. Witnessing one of these vehicles in such immaculate condition is akin to stepping back into the golden era of GT1 racing.
