The early 2000s were 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. Following the formidable CL, SL, and S 65 AMG models, and the SL and E 55 AMG, Affalterbach conceived an even more exclusive machine: the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. This road-going marvel was born from AMG-Mercedes’s unparalleled DTM triumphs in 2002 and 2003. The DTM series, immensely popular in Germany, saw AMG-Mercedes secure victory after victory, culminating in Bernd Schneider’s 2003 DTM driver’s title in his CLK DTM AMG. In fact, the AMG-Mercedes team dominated the 2003 season, winning an astounding 9 out of 10 races. This dominance fueled the idea of creating a road-legal version of their race-winning DTM cars. The entire team, including the drivers, enthusiastically embraced this project. Official drivers clocked over 30,000 km in road and track tests, refining what would become the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. Limited to a numbered series of just 100 coupes, the CLK DTM AMG was an instant collector’s item, priced at a staggering €243,386 in November 2004 (equivalent to approximately €331,300 in 2024). An additional 80 cabriolet versions were later produced.
While the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG is well-known among enthusiasts, fewer are aware of an even more exclusive chapter in its history: the four Mercedes-Benz CLK AMG Coupé models designated as CLK DTM AMG P900. Of these four prototypes, only two are known to exist today. These P900 prototypes served a crucial purpose: they were instrumental in the development of an entirely new engine for AMG. The standard CLK DTM AMG models were equipped with the potent 5.5-liter supercharged V8 (M113 K), delivering an impressive 582 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. However, the CLK DTM AMG P900 variants broke from this mold, pioneering the naturally aspirated M156 V8 engine. This all-alloy powerplant boasted a massive 6,208 cc displacement yet weighed a mere 199 kg. Featuring four camshafts with variable valve timing and 32 valves, it generated approximately 510 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque. Marketed as a 6.3-liter engine to honor the legendary M100 engine of the 300 SE 6.3, this groundbreaking engine made its debut in the spring of 2006 under the hood of the E63 AMG, subsequently powering a wide range of AMG models.
The specific prototype in question, hand-assembled in 2005, served as a development mule for the 6.2 V8 M156 engine – AMG’s first fully in-house designed engine. This CLK DTM P900 functioned as a test vehicle and a demonstration taxi for AMG’s VIP clients. It was used to chauffeur VIPs around race circuits, providing them with a thrilling experience and showcasing the capabilities of the new 6.2-liter V8. Renowned AMG factory drivers, including Jean Alesi, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider, piloted this very car, taking VIP clients for exhilarating laps around European circuits. This prototype also garnered attention from the automotive press, featuring in tests conducted by prominent publications like the UK’s Evo magazine.
Visually, the CLK DTM AMG P900 exhibits an even closer resemblance to the actual DTM race car than the production CLK DTM AMG. This is immediately apparent in features like the prominent rear spoiler, Lexan windows, and carbon fiber doors. Compared to the already assertive standard CLK DTM AMG, the P900 further distinguishes itself with generously ventilated front fenders, smaller DTM-style mirrors, carbon fiber front splitters, and a unique AMG livery. The interior echoes the racing version, equipped with fire-resistant fabric bucket seats, racing harnesses, a full roll cage, an Alcantara-clad dashboard, a digital instrument cluster, and a specialized steering wheel. Based on a series-production CLK 500 Avantgarde, the P900 was meticulously constructed with unparalleled attention to detail. Manufacturing quality was paramount, reflecting its role in VIP client presentations. While based on a production vehicle, its engineering and execution align it more closely with a CLK DTM race car enhanced by AMG, incorporating genuine DTM technology. Its construction evokes the spirit of DTM cars from the 1980s and 1990s, emphasizing performance and racing pedigree.
This particular Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG P900 prototype remained within AMG’s facilities in Germany for several years, subsequently becoming a display piece at various events. The second P900 prototype is reportedly still held by AMG in the USA. Neither of the two cars was ever officially offered for public sale. However, the example featured here was eventually acquired by a prominent Mercedes and AMG collector with an extensive car collection. He secured this P900 as part of a larger acquisition of racing vehicles. Although occasionally used on the track, it has primarily resided within his collection. While seeing limited use in recent years, it is reported to be in perfect working and driving condition.
This CLK DTM P900 represents a truly unique prototype, arguably the only one of its kind available on the market. Its counterpart remains in AMG’s possession, displayed in a museum in the United States. This very car has been piloted by motorsport legends including Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider. Presented with its Certificate of Conformity (COC) in a pre-race configuration, it is theoretically road-legal but would require modifications for registration. As with any genuine race car, it currently lacks road registration documents.
Please note that this car is subject to VAT on the hammer price.
