2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster

In the realm of automotive excellence, few cars hold the same pedigree as the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster. This rarefied open-top supercar emerged from the depths of Mercedes’ motorsports prowess, bearing the legacy of its victorious competition counterpart.

The CLK GTR’s story began in 1997, when Mercedes-Benz embarked on a quest to dominate the FIA GT Championship, a new racing series that allowed for the homologation of road-going versions of the competition cars. To achieve this goal, Mercedes engineers penned the CLK GTR, a mid-engine beast powered by a monstrous 6.9-liter V12 engine that delivered an awe-inspiring 622 horsepower.

On the racetrack, the CLK GTR proved to be an unstoppable force, claiming victory in six of the 11 races it participated in, securing the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships for Mercedes in 1997. Its dominance continued in 1998, with the car’s successor claiming another Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship title.

To satisfy the desires of discerning enthusiasts, Mercedes decided to produce a road-going version of the CLK GTR, designated the Straßenversion. Only 20 examples were ever built, each one meticulously hand-crafted to exacting standards. These Straßenversion cars were mechanically identical to their race-bred counterparts, retaining the potent V12 engine and the same level of performance.

But the CLK GTR’s legacy transcended the confines of the racetrack, and Mercedes recognized the allure of an open-top version. Thus, in 2002, the CLK GTR Roadster was born, a limited edition of six cars that further elevated the model’s prestige.

Transforming the coupe into a roadster required careful modifications, including relocating the engine air intakes from the roof to the sides, mounting door-mounted mirrors, and integrating roll-hoops behind the seats to ensure occupant safety. The front grille and rear wing were also redesigned, giving the Roadster a unique identity while still retaining its signature aggressive stance.

The CLK GTR Roadster quickly became a coveted collector’s item, its rarity and performance making it highly sought after. One particular example, painted black with a purple interior, was commissioned for the Sultan of Brunei and later sold to Indian businessman Vijay Mallya. Another Roadster, finished in dark silver, was auctioned off by Bonhams in 2015 and now resides at Dutton Garage in Melbourne, Australia.

Today, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster stands as a testament to the marque’s engineering prowess and its unwavering commitment to motorsports excellence. It is a symbol of raw power, untamed performance, and the thrill of open-air driving, forever etched in the annals of automotive history.