Description
This car is Lot 142 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on 6 February, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Tuesday 4 February from 08:00 until 18:00 and Wednesday 5 February from 9 AM - 6 PM, at The Grand Palais Historique, Paris.
Lot 142
One of only two test prototypes ever built
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG 6. 2-Litre V8 P900 Prototype
Registration no.
Chassis no. WDB2093751F002397
An incredibly desirable Mercedes-Benz collector's item
1 of only 2 based on a CLK 500, unlike the production CLK DTM's
Test mule for the development of the 6. 2 V8 M156 engine, the first engine fully designed by AMG
Only 3, 500 km from new
Offered without any registration document
At the dawn of the 2000s, AMG, the famed division of Mercedes-Benz dedicated to crafting the most exclusive and high-performance cars, seemed to be an inexhaustible wellspring of extraordinary sports vehicles. Following the mighty CL, SL, and S 65 AMG, as well as the SL and E 55 AMG, the Affalterbach workshop unveiled an even more exclusive model: the CLK DTM AMG.
In 2002 and 2003, the AMG-Mercedes team proved unbeatable in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters), the German Touring Car Championship. These exhilarating races enjoy immense popularity in Germany, with each victory enhancing the reputation of the winning manufacturer. After transitioning from the W208 generation to the W209 for the DTM, Bernd Schneider drove his CLK DTM AMG to the drivers' championship title in 2003. AMG-Mercedes dominated that season, winning 9 out of 10 races! It was following these two highly successful seasons that the idea emerged to develop a road-going version of these race-winning AMG cars. The entire team embraced the concept enthusiastically. Official AMG drivers completed over 30, 000 km of testing on both roads and circuits to perfect the latest "Silver Arrow": the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG.
An instant collector's item, the CLK DTM AMG was produced as a limited and numbered series of just 100 units, priced at 243, 386 in November 2004 (equivalent to 331, 300 in 2024). An additional 80 convertible models were later introduced.
An Even Rarer Creation: The CLK DTM AMG P900
You may be familiar with the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG, but did you know that AMG built four even more special CLK AMG Coupés under the name CLK DTM AMG P900? Of these four cars, only two survive today. These prototypes were developed to unveil an entirely new engine.
All CLK DTM AMG models were equipped with the 5. 5-litre supercharged V8 engine (M113 K), delivering an impressive 582 hp and 800 Nm of torque. All except these CLK DTM AMG P900s, which were the first to feature the new naturally aspirated V8 engine, the M156. This all-aluminium block boasted a colossal displacement of 6, 208 cc while weighing only 199 kg. Equipped with four camshafts with variable timing and 32 valves, it delivered a remarkable 510 hp and 630 Nm of torque. Marketed as a "6. 3-litre" in homage to the legendary M100 engine of the 300 SEL 6. 3, this powertrain debuted in the E 63 AMG in spring 2006 and was later adopted across nearly the entire AMG range.
Hand-assembled in 2005, this particular example served as a development mule for the 6. 2-litre V8 M156, the first engine fully designed by AMG. This CLK DTM P900 was subsequently used as a test car and a demonstration vehicle for AMG's VIP clients. It transported VIPs on circuits, showcasing the new 6. 2-litre V8 engine. Factory drivers such as Jean Alesi, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider took AMG VIP clients for laps around European circuits in this very car. The car also appeared in the specialised press of the time, including a test drive by the renowned British magazine Evo.
Visually, the P900 bears a striking resemblance to its racing counterpart, particularly with its rear spoiler, Lexan windows, and carbon-fibre doors. Compared to the already flamboyant production CLK DTM AMG, the P900 features generously ventilated front wings, small DTM-style mirrors, carbon-fibre front canards, and a bespoke AMG livery. The interior also mirrors the racing version, with fire-resistant bucket seats, harnesses, a full roll cage, an Alcantara dashboard, a digital display, and a unique steering wheel. Based on a standard CLK 500 Avantgarde, the P900 was crafted with utmost care to meet the highest quality standards demanded by AMG's VIP clientele. While based on a production car, it is closer to a fully-fledged DTM race car, showcasing all the technological prowess of AMG. Its construction evokes the spirit of DTM cars from the 1980s and 1990s.
This car remained with AMG in Germany for several years before being displayed at their facilities and various events. The second P900 remains in the possession of AMG USA. Neither of the two cars was ever officially sold. However, this example was eventually acquired by a Mercedes and AMG client who owns an extensive collection of cars. He purchased the P900 as part of a package of racing cars. While occasionally used on track, it has spent most of its time in his collection. The car has hardly seen any use in recent years but remains in perfect running and driving condition, we're advised.
In conclusion, the P900 is a truly unique prototype and the only one of its kind available on the market. The other car is displayed in a museum in the United States. These cars were driven by motorsport legends such as Jean Alesi, Klaus Ludwig, Jamie Green, and Bernd Schneider. Supplied with pre-race trim COC documents, it is theoretically road-legal but will need modifications in order to get it road-registered and like any race car it currently has no registration documents.
Please kindly note this car is subject to VAT on the hammer price.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
