Mercedes CLK LM Endurance Racer Street-Legal Is Up For Sale

Street Legal Race Car
In the realm of automotive wonders, there exists a peculiar breed of cars that defies logic – the road-going race cars. Before you raise your pitchforks, let’s clarify; we’re not talking about those homologation-purpose cars. Neither are we counting those cherry-picked hybrids like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. No, we’re referring to those rare gems crafted solely to unleash their racing prowess on a track, yet somehow finding their way into someone’s driveway, serving as a weekend toy.
 

CLK
One awesome contender in this league is the legendary Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, renowned for its dominance in GT1 racing during the ’90s. However, our focus is on its successor, the CLK LM, meticulously designed for the long straights of La Sarthe. Unlike the GTR’s V12 engine, the LM boasts a naturally aspirated version of the 5.0-liter M119 V8, prioritizing reliability. With only two LM ‘Strassenversions’ in existence – one for homologation and the other lost to a crash test – one ended up in the hands of a private collector, who recently decided to resurrect its racing spirit on public roads.
 
Chassis 005
Chassis 005 of the CLK LM, having passed through various collectors in Japan and Europe, eventually found itself in the UK. The devoted owner undertook extensive restorations, from a new fuel tank and pump installation to refreshing the suspension and resurfacing the carbon racing discs.
 
Racing History
The car’s racing legacy remains evident with its towering rear wing, adorned with Mobil 1 and Bridgestone graphics. The stripped interior, bereft of luxury and a second seat, mirrors its Le Mans heritage. If the livery-less look isn’t to your taste, a few stickers and light pods could effortlessly restore its former Le Mans glory, including its pole-sitting prestige.
 

Multi-Million Dollar Commodity
Of course, acquiring such a rarity comes at a price. The exact figure may be a well-guarded secret, but given its incredible motorsport heritage and its road capabilities, be prepared to shell out quite a substantial sum. Even more than the jaw-dropping $4.5 million that a CLK GTR road car commanded at a past auction.
 
Crazy Proposition?
Yes, it may seem crazy to own a car that could be a tad unnerving to drive around other road users, but why let that pesky voice of reason spoil the thrill? This is a rare opportunity for one lucky (and wealthy) enthusiast to embrace the madness and share joy with the world as they hit the streets.