by A unique Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR roadster caused a stir in a small town in northern Italy. Residents stopped and admired the two-seater supercar as it drove through the narrow streets of Cernobbio, filling the air with the powerful sound of its V12 engine. This was reported by Autoevolution.
Seeing a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster is a significant event for a small town on the shores of Lake Como, home to fewer than 7,000 people. Most locals travel in Fiat 500s or other compact cars that are convenient for the narrow streets.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was produced in a limited series
The manufacturer built only 28 examples of the CLK GTR for road use to meet homologation requirements for the GT1 class racing car. The series included 20 coupes, six roadsters, and two development prototypes. Two cars left the factory in SuperSport specification.
The spotted roadster was the second CLK GTR built at the factory in Affalterbach, Germany. The uniqueness of this specimen lies in the fact that it is the only roadster with right-hand drive. The manufacturer also created one right-hand drive coupe.
The CLK GTR roadster has a rich ownership history
The car is finished in a unique steel grey color and originally had a magenta-colored interior. The car was ordered by Prince Jeffri Bolkiah of Brunei, but due to financial scandals, the Sultan of Brunei canceled the delivery.
The supercar was stored at the Automobil Manufatur showroom in Singapore until 2009. Almost 17 years ago, it was sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction in London. Former Force India Formula 1 team owner Vijay Mallya won the bidding for £616,000 (approximately $840,000).
In 2016, he sold the car. Seven years later, the CLK GTR underwent a complete restoration at DK Engineering. Specialists installed dark green leather upholstery with a tartan pattern and carried out a major engine overhaul.
The roadster is equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.9-liter V12 engine producing 622 hp and 744 Nm of torque. A six-speed sequential manual gearbox with a four-plate carbon clutch transmits power to the rear wheels. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 320 km/h.
