A limited-edition model produced by Mercedes-Benz in 2003 to commemorate its DTM championship victory has resurfaced and is drawing renewed attention on a collector car auction platform. Equipped with a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, this vehicle was once known as the world’s fastest four-seater convertible. So why is this legendary car now awaiting auction? The exclusive model in question is the CLK AMG DTM Convertible, and it is scheduled to go under the hammer on May 25.
The vehicle listed for auction was first registered in Germany and later exhibited at an automotive museum in South Korea before returning to Europe in 2016. Finished in Obsidian Black and with fewer than 22,000 kilometers on the odometer, the car has been preserved in near-perfect condition, representing a snapshot of Mercedes-AMG’s golden era. Those familiar with how museum cars are maintained in Korea can imagine the car’s pristine state.
Striking exterior presence
The interior built for pure driving
The CLK AMG DTM Convertible is worlds apart from the standard CLK in looks and intent. The front and rear fenders are dramatically flared to emphasize high performance, and unique 19- and 20-inch wheels, a fixed rear spoiler, and dual exhausts create an aggressive impression. The body design resembles a race car, with elements intended for extreme driving conditions. Large air vents behind the doors aid in cooling the rear tires and brakes.
Inside, the car features a refined sense of restrained luxury. Fixed carbon fiber bucket seats are finished in leather and blue Alcantara, and the rear seats also sport blue Alcantara, consistent with the front. It may not be ideal for long rear-seat rides as a two-door convertible, but the visual satisfaction is undeniable. The Itheel encourages driver focus, symbolizing the car’s design philosophy as a two-door convertible.
5.4-liter supercharged V8
Brutal performance, delicate detail
The powertrain features a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 582 horsepower and 81.6 kgf·m of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just 4 seconds and easily exceeds a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Even in an era when gentlemen’s agreements in Germany easily capped power at 280 hp, this car shattered expectations and showcased its dominance.
Despite its aggressive performance stats, the car’s fine details have been carefully refined. A reinforced chassis, well-balanced braking system, and lightweight construction ensure confidence at high speed and on the track. These elements combined have cemented the CLK DTM Convertible as a legendary high-speed andry. In today’s world of high-performance cars, anything less than exceptional would disappear in the rearview mirror.
Classic performance DNA
Impossible to recreate today
This car evokes a classic performance appeal that numbers alone cannot explain. Having traveled across Europe and Asia, I know this model is more than just a wealthy collector’s item—it’s a living testament to the brand’s motorsport heritage. Combining high performance with extreme rarity, the model is already drawing global enthusiast attention, and its expected auction price ranges from €420,000 to €550,000 (approximately $470,000 to $560,000).
The CLK AMG DTM Convertible is a product of a unique era for Mercedes—a street-legal car that also captures the emotion of the racetrack and its racing legacy. In today’s world of tightening environmental regulations, it represents a car that may never be built again. As this auction may represent the last chance to acquire such a model, collector interest is expected to intensify.
