Rare cars often command exorbitant prices, but when it comes to homologation specials – vehicles born from racing regulations – the value can skyrocket into another realm. A stunning example of this phenomenon is the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, a machine so exclusive and potent that it recently fetched over $10 million at auction. This open-top marvel, a mere handful in existence, epitomizes automotive rarity and racing pedigree, making it a highly coveted prize for collectors worldwide.
Last week, at an RM Sotheby’s auction in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster crossed the block, igniting a bidding frenzy that culminated in a staggering final price of $10,235,000, inclusive of buyer’s fees. This eight-figure sum underscores the unparalleled desirability of this particular vehicle and its place in automotive history.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster at RM Sotheby's Auction
This exceptional specimen, bearing the chassis number three, is one of only six Mercedes CLK GTR Roadsters ever produced. Born from the need for Mercedes-Benz to homologate a car for the fiercely competitive GT1 class of endurance racing, the CLK GTR is fundamentally a race car adapted for road use, albeit with the roof elegantly removed in this Roadster variant. Adding to its allure, this particular car has been sparingly driven, boasting a mere 170 kilometers (approximately 105 miles) on the odometer despite being over two decades old. This incredibly low mileage further enhances its collectibility and pristine condition.
The genesis of the Mercedes CLK GTR lies in the late 1990s, when Mercedes-Benz sought to dominate the GT1 racing category. Homologation rules mandated the production of road-legal versions of their race cars, leading to the creation of the CLK GTR. Although the GT1 class was discontinued in 1999, Mercedes-Benz honored commitments to build these exclusive homologation specials for a select clientele eager to own a piece of racing history. Initially, plans called for 25 coupe versions, but ultimately, only 20 coupes were manufactured, alongside a single prototype roadster. However, the story of the Roadster doesn’t end there. HWA, the motorsport engineering company founded by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht (after he sold AMG to Mercedes in 1999), undertook the construction of an additional five Roadster examples in the early 2000s, utilizing leftover chassis components. This further cemented the extreme rarity and bespoke nature of the Mercedes Clk Gtr Convertible.
The racing pedigree of the CLK GTR is undeniable. The full racing version fiercely competed in the 1997 and 1998 FIA GT seasons, achieving remarkable success. Across 22 races, the Mercedes-AMG team secured an astounding 17 victories, clinching both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in both seasons. This dominance on the track directly translates to the desirability and value of the road-going versions.
Interestingly, the Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster boasts even greater power than both its racing counterpart and the coupe version. It is equipped with the most evolved iteration of the V-12 engine that powered all CLK GTR variants. This naturally aspirated 6.9-liter V-12 engine generates a formidable 622 horsepower in the Roadster, a step up from the 592 horsepower found in the coupe. The race car, constrained by regulations such as air restrictors and a smaller 6.0-liter displacement, produced even less power. Power in the CLK GTR Roadster is delivered to the rear wheels through a sophisticated 6-speed sequential transaxle, ensuring a driving experience that is both exhilarating and engaging.
While the Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster commanded a significant price at the RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas auction, it wasn’t the most expensive Mercedes-Benz sold at the event. That distinction belonged to a 2013 Mercedes Formula 1 race car, driven by Lewis Hamilton to his first victory for Mercedes at the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix. This F1 car achieved an even more astonishing price of $18,815,000. However, the $10 million-plus sale of the Mercedes CLK GTR convertible firmly establishes its position as one of the most valuable and sought-after open-top supercars in the world, a testament to its rarity, racing heritage, and breathtaking performance.
