These two Mercedes-Benz CLK GTRs are sure to steal the spotlight at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Las Vegas
The Mercedes CLK GTR was once the most expensive production car in the world and rarely receives the recognition it deserves. Owning a single CLK GTR is an impressive feat in itself, but the ability to own both versions at the same time is truly exceptional. RM Sotheby’s is offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to automotive enthusiasts and collectors as part of their upcoming Las Vegas auction.
In the mid-1990s, Mercedes, in collaboration with its motorsport partner AMG, designed and developed the CLK GTR for entry into the newly formed FIA GT Championship. The V12-powered machine proved to be a huge success, securing the team championship in the first two years of the competition. As such, this muscular race car is revered as part of the prestigious “GT1 Trinity” alongside the remarkable McLaren F1 and Porsche 911 GT1.
FIA homologation regulations required Mercedes to produce a road-legal version of the vehicle. They produced just 28 road-legal versions between 1998 and 1999, including 20 coupes, six roadsters and two prototypes. At the time of its launch, it was the most expensive production car in the world, with a price tag of almost $2.6 million.
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe This is the seventh model produced and features an iridium silver metallic finish. Its competition-inspired interior features a blue-gray tartan gabardine fabric reminiscent of the upholstery of Sir Stirling Moss and navigator Denis Jenkinson’s 1955 Mille Miglia-winning 300 SLR racing car. The car’s odometer shows less than 7,015 kilometers (4,358 miles) at the time of cataloging and it is expected to fetch up to $9,000,000.
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, is an even rarer variant, being the third of only six examples ever produced. It features a silver exterior paint finish and a black and gray leather interior. Given its well-documented history and an actual mileage of 170 kilometers at the time of cataloging, it is no surprise that this exceptional vehicle is estimated to be worth up to $13,000,000.
Aside from these two, RM Sotheby’s will also be offering a number of other exclusive cars, some of which can be seen below.
More highlights from the RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas auction
A 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, Featuring striking Nero Daytona metallic paint on Nero leather with Rosso accents, it is a stunning representation of Maranello’s powerful 70th anniversary flagship hypercar. With just 2,072 miles on the clock, its estimated value is between $5,300,000 and $5,800,000.
Also available is a 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari, Equipped with a sports exhaust system and carbon fiber lower fairing for an additional cost of $21,000. This meticulously maintained example with only 2,072 miles is expected to bring up to $4,400,000.
A carefully restored one 1990 Ferrari F40 GT, one of 21 F40s to compete in national or international GT championships in its day and one of only nine built to CSAI GT specifications, is being auctioned. RM Sotheby’s estimates its value at $3,250,000 to $4,000,000.
The 1996 Bugatti EB110 Super Sportknown for its advanced carbon fiber body, quad-turbocharged V12 engine and technological sophistication, is expected to sell for $2,500,000 to $3,250,000.
The Lexus LFAOfferings also include the , a spectacular and highly anticipated 21st century Japanese automobile. This particular model, one of only 64 LFAs with the Nürburgring package and one of 25 delivered to the United States, is estimated at $1,800,000 – $2,400,000.
The 2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4, the 66th built and 20th in the USA, is presented as a pure and elegantly designed example with minimal mileage and correct accessories. Estimated to be worth between $1,800,000 and $2,200,000, it is an excellent representation of a timeless supercar.
A 2015 Porsche 918 “Weissach” Spyder, a limited edition example of one of the fastest and most technologically advanced Porsches, features a striking white exterior over an unusual black leather interior with Weissach package. The estimated value is $1,900,000 to $2,200,000.
Lastly this McLaren Elva, McLaren’s premier open-cockpit road car and member of the Elite Ultimate Series, is presented as number 122 of 149 and features over $102,000 worth of bespoke options from McLaren Special Operations. Its estimated value is $1,800,000 to $2,400,000.
The auction for these multi-million dollar vehicles is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas and online via RM Sotheby’s official website on Friday November 17thbefore the first ever Las Vegas Grand Prix.
