Car Collector International
Hypercar · 1998–1999

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

FIA GT1 homologation Mercedes — V12, carbon tub, 25 road cars (20 coupes + 6 roadsters).

Car Collector International Editorial
Silver Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Straßenversion in a studio setting, front three-quarter view showing the FIA GT1 homologation bodywork, dramatic rear wing, carbon-fibre monocoque proportions, roof-mounted air intake, multi-spoke alloy wheels and the mid-mounted V12 cooling vents.
Overview

Why this car matters

Built by AMG to homologate the CLK GTR for the FIA GT Championship, the Straßenversion CLK GTR was the most expensive new car of its era. Power came from a 6.9-litre naturally-aspirated V12 producing 612 bhp (later 6.9L cars), mounted longitudinally amidships in a carbon-fibre monocoque. 20 coupes were built between 1998 and 1999; 6 roadsters followed.

The car was sold at approximately DM 3 million when new — a record for a road car at the time. Mechanically the CLK GTR shared little with the production CLK beyond styling cues.

Mercedes-AMG's most extreme road car; the homologation special that defined the late-1990s GT1 hypercar era alongside the Porsche GT1 and Toyota GT-One.

Variants

Range and production

VariantYearsProductionNotes
CLK GTR Coupe199820Approximate.
CLK GTR Roadster19996Open.
Buyer's Guide

What to look for

Provenance and originality

Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Original factory build documentation; AMG history.

Mechanical inspection priorities

Mid-mounted V12 requires Mercedes-Benz Classic / AMG service. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.

Body, paint and accident history

Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.

Specification strategy

Verified factory build; full Mercedes-Benz Classic service history; original spec. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.

Ownership

Living with it

Typical mileage
1,000–4,000 miles typical for collector use
Service interval
12 months; mileage interval varies by model and use
Annual running cost
$15,000 – $60,000+
Fuel economy
8–17 mpg depending on use
Insurance
Use an agreed-value collector or specialist supercar policy with limited mileage, secure storage, documented photography and an annual value review. Premiums vary sharply by age, storage location, declared value and driver profile.

Maintenance planning

Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres and date-coded rubber components must be replaced regardless of mileage, and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.

Parts and specialist access

Service through Mercedes-Benz Classic / AMG only. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific bodywork, electronics, gearbox and engine components. A discounted car waiting on unobtainable parts or a factory service slot is rarely a saving in collector ownership.
Common Problems

Known issues by system

Engine

V12 service intervals and parts lead time

MajorFactory service
Symptoms — AMG service window critical.
Inspection — Verify Classic Center service history.
Body

Carbon-fibre body section repair complexity

MajorHighly variable
Symptoms — Any damage = AMG / Classic repair.
Inspection — Specialist inspection.
Provenance

Re-shelled or race-derived presentation

CriticalSignificant value impact
Symptoms — Verify factory Straßenversion records.
Inspection — Cross-check Classic Center records.
Auctions

Recent results

DateAuctionCarMileageResult
2023-11-17
RM Sotheby's
New York
2002 CLK-GTR Roadster (Lot 38)
$10,235,000
Sold
Investment

Long-term outlook

Blue ChipHorizon: 10+ years

AMG's most extreme road car; GT1-era homologation; thinnest possible market.

Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.

Recommended

The trusted network

Specialists

  • Mercedes-Benz factory-approved specialist
    View →
    UK / Europe
    Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR inspections, major service planning and originality reviews.
  • Model-focused independent
    View →
    United States
    Pre-purchase inspections, scheduled service and market-correct preparation for the CLK GTR.
  • Concours preparation studio
    View →
    International
    Paint correction, PPF, detailing, preservation and sale preparation for premium collector cars.
  • Hagerty
    View →
    USA / UK / EU
    Agreed-value collector and supercar insurance with global recognition.
  • Lockton Performance
    View →
    UK / EU
    Specialist agreed-value cover for modern hypercars and limited-production supercars.

Storage

  • Windrush Car Storage
    View →
    London & Cotswolds, UK
    Climate-controlled storage and collection management for high-value collector and supercars.
  • AutoVault
    View →
    Essex, UK
    Dehumidified storage at 55% RH in purpose-built sealed buildings, with maintenance programmes and individual motor-trade insurance cover.
  • Classic Car Club Manhattan
    View →
    New York, NY
    Secure urban storage for collector and modern performance cars.

Transport

  • CARS UK
    View →
    UK & Europe
    Enclosed event, concours and collection transport across Europe.
  • Reliable Carriers
    View →
    USA (national)
    Enclosed coast-to-coast transport for premium supercars and classics.
  • FERRLOG
    View →
    Italy / Europe
    Air-ride enclosed transport for Italian and European collector cars.
Related

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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.