As the spotlight shines on the upcoming F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the high-stakes world of auctions in Las Vegas is set to captivate enthusiasts. RM Sotheby’s is gearing up for an auction featuring two Strassenversions (road-going) of the highly coveted Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, each with an estimated price tag of a staggering $20 million.
In 1997, the FIA-sponsored GT Championship introduced the world to the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. This vehicle would go down in history alongside iconic models like the McLaren F1 and Porsche 911 GT1. The CLK GTR made a name for itself by clinching back-to-back FIA GT1 Championships in 1997 and 1998.
These magnificent machines were crafted by AMG’s Special Vehicle Construction Office and HWA AG, with just 20 coupes and six roadsters built to homologate the race cars. To the delight of collectors and enthusiasts, one of each type will be available for bidding at the same RM Sotheby’s auction.
The first gem up for grabs is a 1999 coupe, representing the seventh of only 20 produced. This impeccable machine comes with a rich history, boasting over $71,000 worth of service invoices from DK Engineering when it changed hands in April 2021. Finished in an elegant Iridium Silver Metallic, this GTR is not your average collector’s item; it features a custom sports exhaust system and a bespoke set of larger OZ light alloy wheels and tires commissioned by SPS Automotive. The interior has seen thoughtful modifications, including enhancements to the driver’s seat and headliner. Remarkably, this vehicle was not stowed away as a museum piece but has seen the open road, clocking in at 4,358 miles. The car has already been made road-legal in the US by JK Technologies in October 2017, adding another layer of desirability to this masterpiece. RM Sotheby’s estimates a potential sale price of up to $9 million.
On the other side of the spectrum lies a 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR with an open-top feature, making it even rarer than the coupe. This roadster, bearing chassis number 000034, showcases a mere 106 miles on the odometer, putting it in a league of its own. The CLK GTR roadster sports distinct features due to its roof removal, such as engine air intakes on its sides, door-mounted mirrors, integrated roll hoops, and a new front grille and rear wing. Imported to the US and brought up to the country’s emission standards in 2010, this roadster passed through the hands of a few owners until it landed with the current consignor in April 2015. With an estimated auction price of up to $13 million, this open-top marvel represents the epitome of rare collectables.
Read More:- Audi’s Foray into On-Demand Features: A Shift in the Auto Industry
Both versions of the CLK GTR share impressive technical specifications, and they are driven by a 6.9-liter V12 engine that generates around 623 horsepower and 539 lb-ft of torque. These numbers, though dwarfed by modern supercars, were nothing short of astonishing in their heyday. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox.
This thrilling auction is slated to commence on November 17, coinciding with the excitement of the Las Vegas GP weekend. It’s worth noting that RM Sotheby’s will also feature the 2013 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W04, the very car that seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton drove to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix when he joined the Silver Arrow team. It is a fitting addition to an already spectacular event.
In a world where automotive legends meet the thrill of high-stakes auctions, the forthcoming RM Sotheby’s event is set to leave an indelible mark on the collector car landscape. Stay tuned for the electrifying developments set to unfold in Las Vegas.
