Rare Mercedes CLK GTR Coupe And Roadster Up For Grabs At Las Vegas GP Auction
Giancarlo Perlas November 4, 2023Automotive enthusiasts with deep pockets have a unique opportunity to add two exquisite Mercedes CLK GTRs to their collection during the electrifying Las Vegas Grand Prix week. RM Sotheby’s will hold an exclusive auction at the much-anticipated comeback of Formula One to the Sin City, featuring a coveted Mercedes CLK GTR Coupe and an ultra-rare Roadster version. These spectacular machines, born from the demands of Le Mans racing, are set to fetch staggering prices.
A Pair of Mercedes Masterpieces
RM Sotheby’s will present two prized Mercedes CLK GTRs in two guises: a Coupe and a Roadster. These cars are not designed for everyday rides as they represent the homologation ‘Strassenversion’ of the Le Mans racing series.
Their existence is tethered to the era when top-tier Le Mans competition mandated the production of road-legal counterparts to validate the on-road application of their race car tech.
Coupe: A Masterpiece of Rarity
Among the star attractions is the 1999 Mercedes CLK GTR Coupe, a shining personification of rare automotive heritage. Only 20 of these magnificent machines were ever crafted, making this Coupe an exquisite collector’s dream. With an AMG 6.9-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine generating a formidable 604 bhp and 572 lb-ft of torque, this beauty packs a serious punch.
RM Sotheby’s expects this rarity to command an astonishing $9 million, or approximately £7.4 million. Such is the allure of this masterpiece, appealing to discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Roadster: A Collector’s Holy Grail
For those seeking the ultimate exclusivity, the 2002 CLK GTR Roadster stands as a collector’s holy grail. This open-top marvel, one of just six in existence, is practically a time capsule, boasting a mere 106 miles on the odometer.
The Roadster is estimated to command an eye-popping $13 million, equivalent to about £10.6 million, at the auction. With its low mileage, this CLK GTR Roadster is virtually a brand-new gem from a bygone era.
A Diverse Selection of Mercedes Classics
While the CLK GTR Coupe and Roadster take center stage, the Las Vegas GP auction offers an array of special Mercedes vehicles. One remarkable standout is the one-of-a-kind CLK DTM AMG, one of only 100 ever produced. It shares the spotlight with other classics such as the 1957 300 SL Roadster, the AMG GT Black Series Project One edition, and the 190E Evo II.
Notably, the auction will also feature the 2013 W04 F1 car, the very machine that marked Lewis Hamilton’s debut with the Mercedes team and the chassis he piloted to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. A noteworthy piece of Formula One history.
Beyond Mercedes: A Diverse Auction Lineup
Despite the strong presence of Mercedes at the event, RM Sotheby’s will not be solely focused on the German automaker. The auction promises a diverse selection, including a Porsche 959, a Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package, and a legendary Ferrari F40 GT.
Notably, a Hermes Birkin handbag will also be up for bid, providing an opulent accessory for the successful bidder.
Final Thoughts
The Las Vegas GP auction promises to be a spectacle for automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. The rare Mercedes CLK GTR Coupe and Roadster, with their impeccable racing pedigree, are poised to command staggering prices.
Amidst an array of exquisite automobiles, this event will be a celebration of automotive excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history in the making.
Source of Photos: RM Sotheby’s
