In 1997, for the new FIA GT championship, Mercedes-Benz decided to insert itself in the battle for the title with a new, radical car, the CLK GTR. With its 6-liter V12 SL 600 engine, originally 600 hp then brought to 630 hp after development, it underwent its first tests at Jarama, Spain in April of 1997, shortly before the beginning of the championship. In June, it won its first victory at the Nürburgring ring. A win that kicked off a great series of six total victories, Bernd Schneider becoming champion.

In 1998, in the face of the success achieved by this car that took on with gusto the McLarens, Mercedes-Benz decided to enter two CLK LMs (Le Mans) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This new version of the GTR was equipped with eight cylinders in V replacing the 12 cylinders in V. Bernd Schneider, Klaus Ludwig and Mark Webber shared the wheel of the No. 35. Christophe Bouchut, Ricardo Zonta and Jean-Marc Gounon drove the No. 36. In pole position (thanks to Bernd Schneider in 3:35:544), Mercedes-Benz missed out on Le Mans. Indeed, the No. 35 CLK LM only completed 19 laps and its sister car didn't do much better with 36 laps.

Bonhams is selling at auction one of the 25 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR produced. This car (No. 23 chassis) did not take the start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In fact, it never raced at a circuit, its one and only owner only having driven it 3,285 km, mainly between Switzerland and Stuttgart. But this road version of the CLK GTR seen at Le Mans looks in every way like a race car. With the exception of the rear spoiler that in this instance is integrated in the bodywork, separate on the race version, the exterior look is quite similar. Inside, comfort is much more important than in the race version: leather upholstery, baggage compartments and air conditioning (optional).

This legendary car, one of the most desirable Mercedes-Benz, will be up at auction on February 4, 2016 for the sale "Les grandes marques du monde au Grand Palais."

Geoffroy Barre, source: bonhams.com - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo: The profile of the CLK GTR shows its scissor doors and lines hewn for the track - a 24 Hours of Le Mans GT-like road car.