The early 2000s marked a golden era for AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division. Fresh from dominating the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) – the German Touring Car Championship – AMG was riding a wave of success and innovation. The AMG-Mercedes team proved unbeatable in 2002 and 2003, leveraging the CLK models (W208 and then W209) specifically developed for DTM racing. In 2003, Bernd Schneider clinched the DTM driver’s title in his CLK DTM AMG, a testament to AMG-Mercedes’ dominance, winning 9 out of 10 races that season. This victory spurred the idea to create a road-going version of these race-winning machines, leading to the birth of the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG. This limited-edition, numbered series, priced at a hefty €243,386 in 2004 (equivalent to approximately €331,300 in 2024), instantly became a collector’s item, with a subsequent run of 80 convertibles.
While the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG is well-known among enthusiasts, fewer are aware of an even more exclusive variant: the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG P900. Only four of these CLK AMG Coupés were ever produced under the P900 designation, and remarkably, only two are known to exist today. These prototypes served a crucial purpose: to test and unveil an entirely new engine. The standard CLK DTM AMG models were equipped with the formidable 5.5-liter supercharged V8 (M113 K), delivering 582 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. However, the CLK DTM AMG P900 prototypes broke from this tradition, pioneering the naturally aspirated M156 V8 engine. This all-alloy powerhouse, boasting a massive 6,208 cm3 displacement yet weighing a mere 199 kg, was a marvel of engineering. Featuring four camshafts with variable valve timing and 32 valves, it generated an impressive 510 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque – a truly monstrous output for its time. Marketed as a “6.3-liter” in homage to the legendary M100 engine of the 300 SE 6.3, this M156 engine made its debut in the spring of 2006 under the hood of the E63 AMG, subsequently powering a wide range of AMG models.
This particular Mercedes-Benz 2005 CLK DTM AMG P900 prototype, chassis number WDB2093751F002397, was hand-assembled in 2005 and played a pivotal role as a development mule for the groundbreaking 6.2 V8 M156 engine – AMG’s first fully in-house designed engine. Serving as a test vehicle and VIP demonstration car, this P900 was instrumental in showcasing the new 6.2-liter V8 to exclusive AMG clientele. AMG factory drivers of the caliber of Jean Alesi, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider themselves piloted this very car, providing thrilling circuit experiences to VIP guests across European tracks. Its significance was further cemented by features in prominent automotive publications of the time, including a test drive featured in the renowned British magazine, Evo.
Visually, the Mercedes-Benz 2005 CLK DTM AMG P900 exhibits an even stronger resemblance to its racing counterpart than the production CLK DTM AMG. Key differences include the prominent rear spoiler, Lexan windows, and carbon fiber doors. Compared to the already aggressive standard CLK DTM AMG, the P900 distinguishes itself with generously vented front fenders, smaller DTM-style mirrors, carbon fiber front canards, and a unique AMG livery. The interior further echoes the race-bred nature of the car, featuring fire-resistant fabric bucket seats, racing harnesses, a full roll cage, an Alcantara-clad dashboard, a digital display, and a specialized steering wheel. Built upon a standard CLK 500 Avantgarde chassis, the P900 was meticulously crafted with exceptional attention to detail, befitting its role in showcasing AMG’s latest technology to VIP clients. Despite its road car origins, the P900 embodies the spirit and technology of a fully-fledged CLK DTM race car, reminiscent of the DTM vehicles of the 1980s and 1990s.
This Mercedes-Benz 2005 CLK DTM AMG P900 remained within AMG’s facilities in Germany for several years, later becoming a prized exhibit at various events and locations. The second P900 prototype is still held by AMG USA. Neither car was ever officially offered for public sale. However, the example presented here was eventually acquired by a prominent Mercedes and AMG collector as part of a larger purchase of racing vehicles. While occasionally enjoyed on track days, it has primarily resided within a private collection. Despite limited use in recent years, it is reported to remain in excellent running and driving condition.
This Mercedes-Benz 2005 CLK DTM AMG P900 represents an utterly unique prototype, and is essentially the only one of its kind available on the market. Its counterpart remains in AMG’s possession, displayed in a US museum. This P900 boasts a remarkable history, having been driven by racing legends such as Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider. Presented with its Certificate of Conformity (COC) in pre-race configuration, it is theoretically road-legal, although modifications would be necessary for registration. As with any true race car, it currently lacks registration documents.
Please note that this car is subject to VAT on the hammer price.
