To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17 August 2024.

• One of only 100 examples produced; firmly within the most exclusive echelon of sought-after AMG models
• Built by Mercedes-Benz racing department HWA AG and first delivered to Germany
• One of very few examples fully federalized for US road use
• Specified in Brilliant Silver Metallic over Anthracite leather
• Currently indicates fewer than 875 miles at time of cataloguing; treated to recent servicing at Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

The CLK DTM AMG Coupe is among the most coveted models Mercedes-Benz’s elite AMG division has ever created. Unveiled in 2004, just 100 were produced to celebrate the German automaker’s victory in the 2003 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) Championship.

HWA AG, the firm responsible for the racecar that AMG works driver Berd Schneider took to victory in 2003, built the limited run of roadgoing coupes under AMG’s supervision. Following in the footsteps of the heralded CLK GTR from the late-Nineties and with DTM racing pedigree unmistakably evident inside and out, these super coupes are highly prized for their rarity and superlative engineering—so much so that racing greats Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Takuma Sato reportedly were among the lucky few who managed to acquire one before they quickly sold out.

Formidable though the championship-winning competition CLK DTM was, the roadgoing CLK DTM AMG exceeded its performance in some ways. Whereas the DTM track cars were limited by racing regulations to a normally aspirated 4.0-liter V-8 engine producing fewer than 500 horsepower, AMG equipped the roadgoing version with a far more powerful supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 pumping out 582 horsepower, making it by far the most powerful model in the type-C209 CLK range. It could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 198.8 mph—truly stunning performance. Renowned for its brutal power delivery, these outrageous cars are famous for their ability to smoke the rear tires under hard acceleration—well into third gear.

At the time of the CLK DTM AMG’s release, only the top supercars of the day could keep pace, but few if any could match its blend of comfort, and usability—appealing attributes that have defined AMG models since inception. The specially tuned SpeedShift 5G-Tronic automatic transmission could fire off quick shifts using paddles behind the steering wheel and recede into the background for smooth, seamless operation in daily driving. The interior was a lesson in minimalist luxury.

Rear seats were jettisoned to save weight and the plush front seats replaced with lightweight carbon-fiber racing buckets featuring multi-point harnesses and trimmed in contrast-stitched leather with grippy Alcantara inserts. Streamlined door panels made of exquisitely crafted carbon fiber shaved more weight, while a slightly squared steering wheel in Alcantara and simple toggle switches in the center console for traction-control and transmission settings imbued a distinct sense of purpose to the sumptuous cabin.

The chassis was significantly upgraded relative to the standard CLK, with stiffened springs and height-adjustable shock absorbers, along with a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, new hub carriers, driveshafts, and metal joints in place of the standard rubber bushings. Large brake discs front and rear and a beefier limited-slip differential worked in conjunction with recalibrated traction- and stability-control systems to tame the prodigious power on tap. Looking to the exterior, a deep front apron, large air ducts, prominently flared wheel arches, and a large rear wing were all made of carbon fiber and modeled after those of the competition car.

Importantly, the CLK DTM AMG was never made available in North America at launch, and very few have been imported to these shores. Offered here is a stellar example of this most remarkable and coveted of CLK coupes, which has already been put through the arduous, costly, and time-consuming federalization process, saving its future owner untold effort and expense.

Finished in the Mercedes-Benz racing color of Brilliant Silver over Anthracite leather upholstery, this DTM Coupe was delivered new to its first owner in Germany during May 2005. In 2021, the consignor imported this car to the United States under the “Show or Display” exemption and subsequently had it federalized by G&K Automotive Services in Santa Ana, California. Since then, it has seen very minimal use, with the odometer showing fewer than 875 miles since new! Please note that the consignor chose to keep the car on its original tires for display and originality purposes. If the next owner wishes to drive the car on the street, it is advisable to replace the tires.

AMG models of this era are rising in popularity, finally gaining well-deserved recognition for the exquisite and historically important machines that they are—offering an experience as close as one can get to a championship-winning DTM racecar, but with the benefit of being certified for road use.

This vehicle is in the US under a “show or display” exemption. It is imperative that any transfer of ownership be approved by NHTSA prior to the title changing hands and that this vehicle cannot be transferred to a dealership entity. The seller will work with the buyer to ensure all limitations are understood and that compliance with the current “show or display” requirements are met. Buyers should be aware that the vehicle is limited to use of no more than 2,500 miles per year and must be made available for inspection by NHTSA until the vehicle is not less than 25 years old.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo24/.