Mercedes CLK DTM AMG: Spotted

Only 100 were ever made, and there's a pair of them in the PH classifieds!

All AMG Mercs are special in their own way - yes, even the four-cylinder crossover ones - but there are always some that are just a bit more so. Or a lot more so, in some cases. Various limited editions, Performance Packs, Black Series cars, that sort of thing.

Then there's the CLK DTM AMG. To the ignorant this is a CLK with some spangly wheels and ridiculous bodywork; if you know, however, then this is one of the most spectacular AMG products ever produced.

Definitely not shy

It makes just 3hp less than a new AMG GT R, thanks to an extensively modified (new pistons, valvegear, cranckcase, supercharger and more) 5.4-litre V8 driving through a five-speed automatic. It's also one of those AMG products where all manner of detail tweaks underneath hint at it being superb to drive. Changes like an entirely redesigned rear axle, with stiffer bushes, new hub carriers and reinforced driveshafts. Bonhams sold a DTM recently and said the rear suspension "owes little to that of the stock CLK." If you care about posing then extensive suspension work will mean nothing, but it sounds great if you care about driving. The suspension was adjustable too, albeit only for height.

Those outrageous bodywork extensions to accommodate the wider tracks were formed from carbon fibre, the brakes were upgraded and the rear seats removed too. AMG went to town on this CLK, as you might rightly expect for an as-new price of £180,000.

And why did they do this? To mark the CLK's success in, you've guessed it, the DTM. 2003 was the first year the then-new C209 CLK had won the DTM, with Bernd Schneider taking his fourth drivers' championship. So what better way to mark the occasion than with 100 cars built to be roadgoing racers? Racers that weighed more than 1,700kg, granted, but then full DTM spec might have been tricky...

Alright, so it's hardly a stripped out road racer...

Today the DTM is in demand, with just 100 coupes (and 80 cabrios) produced. Furthermore, contemporary press reports suggested it was really rather good, only adding to the allure. This black car, for sale at DK Engineering, is one of just 40 that were right-hand drive and has just 18,000 miles on it. With an "outstanding service record", it's up for £204,995. For another £65K, this silver car still has a four-figure mileage.

Expensive cars then, these DTMs. It's not like you're short of alternative either. Both the CLK63 and C63 Black Series cars are available at half the money, for example. £200,000 buys a lot of SLS AMG as well. And if you wanted a rare, German, motorsport inspired track car, you can take your pick of M4 GTSs on PH at the moment.

So would your £200,000 be spent on doing your best Bernd Schneider impression? Or would it find a home elsewhere? Thoughts, as always, more than welcome!

MERCEDES CLK DTM AMG
Engine: 5,439cc, V8 supercharged
Transmission: five-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 582@6,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 590@3,500rpm
MPG: 20.6 (combined)
CO2: 328g/km
First registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 17,950
Price new: c.£180,000
Yours for: £204,995