Highlights
- 53,000 miles from new
- Long MoT to 26th June, 2023
- Great all round condition
- ULEZ Compliant
- Near-impeccable MOT history
The Appeal
The first-generation CLK (‘97 – ‘02) did Mercedes-Benz very good service and commenced the marque’s fightback to more appreciable levels of respectability. However, it wasn't until the launch of this second generation car from late June 2002 that the CLK really came of age.
Evolving the original design by Michael Fink, it featured a reengineered and stiffer platform based on the post-2000 C-Class. The new platform provided the model’s developers and designers to introduce a pillar-less profile and deliver handling that was much more engaging.
At the time, the media remarked on its comfort, strong engine line-up, high specification and a more exhilarating drive. It was available in range-entry SE, mid-spec Avantgarde and Sports trims.
Used, well-care-for CLKs are becoming more sought-after as the years go buy. If you’ve always wanted to park one of those iconic three-pointed stars on your drive way, here’s an unmissable opportunity to do just that.
With just 53,000 miles on the clock and presented in a very good all round condition, this stylish coupe is ready for a new home.
With just 53,000 miles on the clock and presented in a very good all round condition, this stylish coupe is ready for a new home.
History and Paperwork
- Highly presentable in mid-spec ‘Avantgarde’ trim
- Low mileage and low ownership
- ‘Lovingly used’ condition throughout
This particular right-hand drive CLK320 concluded its build at the marque’s Osnabrück facility in northwest Germany during the second week of July, 2002. Following its brief nautical sojourn to the UK, it received its first UK registration almost six weeks later on 1st September, 2002.
During the intervening 20 years, its refinement and elegance has been enjoyed by just three keepers, the current of whom acquired the Mercedes-Benz in July, 2021.
Accompanying the car will be the V5c in the current owner’s name, the current MoT to June 2023 and a handful of service and maintenance invoices from recent years. Unfortunately, the owner’s holdall which will have contained the car’s service record, instruction manuals, etc., appears to have parted ways with the car and is no longer available.
However, the car’s service information since new and a replacement holdall could easily be obtainable from any Mercedes-Benz main dealer via their online records and parts department respectively.
The Interior
- Fully original interior
- Elegant dual-tone leather upholstery
- Tidy leatherwork, but would benefit from ‘re-nourishment’
The interior of this Mercedes-Benz CLK320 presents in very good condition throughout. All the furniture, door cards and tactile surfaces are finished in an elegant blend of light Alpaca Grey and contrasting Riff Grey (Code 858A).
The centre console, steering wheel, carpets, roof liner and door cards are in exemplary condition. All the electrics are in good working order, as are the instruments, dials and switchgear. The audio/navigation system is paired to a 6x CD-changer conveniently mounted in the dashboard cubbyhole.
The only noticeable blemishes to the interior are faint surface cracks appearing on the front seat squabs and backrests. The remedy is simple…like a horse’s saddle the leather requires re-nourishment on a regular basis to prevent such surface imperfections. The new keeper may expect its at-home remedy to be quick and inexpensive.
The carpeted boot is clean and tidy and houses the first-aid kit, space-saving spare wheel and the requisite set of tools.
The Exterior
- Presented in Iolith Blue metallic (Code 357U)
- Brightwork is in very good order
- Handsome set of AMG alloy wheels
The tidy interior continues out to the exterior of this Mercedes-Benz. Stunningly presented in Iolith Blue metallic which gleamed in the sunshine at the photo location. It’s smart and tidy bodywork is testament to the love and care afforded the car during its seemingly cossetted 20-year life so far. The front and rear light lenses are clear and a cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of collision damage.
The smart set of 18-inch AMG alloy wheels have been refurbished at some point recently and show no evidence of scuffing. All are shod with healthy tyres.
The brightwork around the car is in very good condition, but needing to be noted are two small chips and a blemish to the paintwork and a blemish on the rear bumper (as pictured in the accompanying gallery). Their repair would again be quick and inexpensive. Indeed if after 20 years those are all that’s wrong with the outside of this CLK320, then the next keeper is onto a winner.
The Mechanics
- Two original keys
- Said to run and drive ‘like a dream’
- Impeccable MoT history
- A long MoT awaits the new keeper
At the photo location, the CLK320 was frequently repositioned to obtain the best of the light direction. The car started first and every time and settled into an appreciative and throaty burble that a well-maintained 3.2-litre V6 engine should deliver.
The Merc’s five-speed 5G-tronic transmission connected smoothly and ‘Drive’ engaged with no drama and required a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The car has an impeccable MoT history which is online for perusal. Of its 12 recorded MoTs, it failed only one in 2009 for a faulty indicator switch. It recently received a new MoT with no advisories and the custodian reports the car to be in very good mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended.
Like the immediately visible parts of this car, the underside and lower sills present in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Summary
With clinically-engineered running gear, strong engines and drivetrains, impeccable build quality and high equipment levels across the three-trim line-up, the 2002 MkII CLK is a strikingly handsome coupé that had little in the way of direct rivals at the time and still looks great two decades on.
Little wonder then, that the model has become highly sought-after as a used buy, especially in this mid-spec Avantgarde guise powered by the truly excellent 3.2-litre V6 powerplant offering performance that is not too much, not too little, but just right whenever its needed.
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