A recent highlight at the RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas auction was the sale of a rare gem in the automotive world: one of just six Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadsters ever produced. This exceptional vehicle, being the third of its kind, commanded an impressive final sale price of $10,235,000, reaffirming the enduring allure of limited-edition, high-performance automobiles.
What makes this particular CLK GTR Roadster even more coveted is its remarkably low mileage, boasting a mere 170 kilometers (105.6 miles) on the odometer at the time of the auction. Such scarcity and pristine condition undoubtedly contributed to its allure among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the auction featured a companion coupe version, the final sale price of which remains undisclosed but is speculated to approach the eight-figure mark based on precedent.
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Notably, the sale’s location in the United States introduces potential financial considerations for the buyer. A 2.5% import duty could further augment the final price, and despite the car’s previous importation in the early 2010s, it necessitates re-registration under specific regulations, notably those governing show or display vehicles.
The eye-catching final price tag can be attributed, in part, to the inclusion of distinctive features such as a fitted luggage set, owner’s manuals, and comprehensive documentation detailing prior purchases and service records. Interestingly, the auction listing reveals that the vehicle has been on static display since 2018, indicating that prospective owners may need to consider a thorough servicing if they intend to take this rare roadster for a spin.
Under the hood, enthusiasts will find the heart of the CLK GTR—a legendary 6.0-liter M120 V12 engine, delivering an exhilarating 592 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This power is channeled to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transaxle. Given the era of its production in 2002 and the limited active safety features, pushing this machine to its limits promises an authentically thrilling driving experience.
While the $10 million price tag may not rival the record-breaking sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut at $142 million in 2022, it underscores the enduring appeal of iconic vehicles in the collector’s market. Even in a landscape where the Mercedes-AMG ONE, a hypercar with a Formula 1-derived engine, is available for under $3 million, the CLK GTR stands out as a testament to raw, motorsport-derived performance.
As the automotive industry evolves and vehicles like the CLK GTR become increasingly rare, their intrinsic value is expected to rise. The seeming paradox of acquiring a high-performance masterpiece only to preserve its pristine condition reflects the reality of classic cars as not just vehicles, but also investments that appreciate with time—a sentiment that resonates strongly among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
