Is this the most exclusive modern Mercedes-Benz?
Webb's current Collectors' Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia auction to offer a very rare 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. With estimates between $550,000 - $700,000, this Cabriolet stands among the most coveted modern Mercedes-Benz models, with just 100 coupés made and only 40 of those in Right Hand Drive.
The CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet stands among the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz models, surpassing even the SLR McLaren and SLS AMG Black Series in rarity.
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Coupé RHD. EST: $550,000 - $700,000
Produced in limited numbers—just 100 coupés and 80 convertibles between 2004 and 2006—the majority were sold in Europe, with no official sales in the United States. Designed and built by the renowned racing department HWA AG to commemorate Mercedes-Benz’s win at the 2003 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) racing series, the CLK DTM was the pinnacle of AMG’s track-focused lineup, exceeding the later CLK63 AMG Black Series in performance enhancements.
While the DTM competition cars were limited by the regulations to a normally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 engine producing less than 500bhp, AMG’s road-going version came with a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 unit pumping out some 582bhp. The supercharged engine responsible for these figures was paired with a 5-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission, capable of a top speed of 322kmph. Weighing 1,742kg, the CLK DTM AMG goes from 0–100kmph in a mind-blowing 3.9 seconds.
Styling was of course also modelled on the racing version used by AMG works driver Bernd Schneider to win the 2003 DTM championship. Its deep front apron, large air intake ducts, prominently flared wheel arches, boot-mounted rear wing, and large-diameter alloy wheels are all elements developed from the DTM cars. All the 100 coupés built sold out immediately. High-profile owners included Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Takuma Sato.
Though build numbers of 100 are seldom beaten in terms of rarity, this example is one of just 40 factory right-hand drive (RHD) models delivered to the UK market. It was notably owned previously by former Megaupload CEO Kim Dotcom, known for his large car collection. It is one of the three CLK DTM’s he owned, with one other in Cabriolet form having been offered by Webb’s in August 2024. In 2012, the collection of CLK DTM’s was featured in a highly publicised track lap with Formula 1 driver Kimi Räikkönen at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife, captured by a film crew. The video is widely available online.
With just 21,000km on the odometer, it has been serviced annually by local marque experts, trickle charged, and kept in dry, temperature-controlled storage for several years. Documents indicate that the most recent service included a replacement fuel pump. This car is listed as having been ‘AMG DIRECT BUSINESS,’ likely having been ordered at the factory on 10 May 2005 and delivered two days later according to its records.
During Dotcom’s ownership, several modifications were made to the car. Black and red vinyl trim was applied, the inner wheels painted black, and head and rear lights overlaid. More significantly, a nitrous-oxide system was added, with controls fitted in both the centre console and on the steering wheel. Any non-standard components should be verified by potential buyers.
Presented in exceptional condition, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of AMG’s most exclusive and exhilarating creations, with a unique ownership history to match. Seldom do such cars come to market, and seldom are they imbued with tandem performance and cultural significance on such a scale.
This and other feats of engineering and design form part of Webb's April 2025 Collectors' Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia catalogue.