***Vendor supplied photos***
Highlights
- MOT until May 2023
- Complete service history
- Very original condition
- High specification
- 5.5-litre V8 powertrain
- Maintained to a high standard by previous keeper
The Appeal
One of the things Mercedes does better than almost anyone else is building effortlessly powerful, wonderfully luxurious grand touring coupés. And there are few finer examples in the company’s modern history than the CLK.
With a mighty 5.5-litre V8 at its heart, it’s the kind of machine that the phrase “continent crushing” was invented for. 0-60 is dispatched in 5 seconds, while it is capable of an electronically-limited 155mph. To say this is a capable machine is to do it a grave disservice.
With a mighty 5.5-litre V8 at its heart, it’s the kind of machine that the phrase “continent crushing” was invented for. 0-60 is dispatched in 5 seconds, while it is capable of an electronically-limited 155mph. To say this is a capable machine is to do it a grave disservice.
Of course, it’s not all about power, the CLK is also a roomy, luxurious and very comfortable cruiser. Just as happy wafting down a French motorway as attacking a road on the Amalfi coast or thundering across an Autobahn. Few cars have such a wide range of abilities.
This example has been very well-kept too, with a fine maintenance and service record and presenting in excellent original condition. Benefitting from a subtle and classy specification, it’s the kind of vehicle that just works beautifully, in all situations.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in early 2003
- C209 early 2nd generation car (2003-2010)
- 6 owners from new
- MOT to May 2023 with no advisories
- Complete Mercedes / specialist service history (13 stamps)
- Original owner’s manuals
- Previous MOT certificates
- Some servicing and maintenance invoices
The Interior
- Black leather upholstery
- Electric sunroof
- Electric mirrors and windows
- Heated, electric 3-position memory seats
- CD/radio system
- Handsfree phone connection
- Dual-zone air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Front and rear heated windscreens
There are few better places to be than the cabin of a big Mercedes coupé, and this CLK is no different. With soft, supple leather upholstery and heaps of luxuries, it’s every inch the lavish cruiser. The owner informs us that all of the instruments, switchgear and features work exactly as they should. So what you have here is a high-specification cabin, even by today’s standards. Everything you could want is here and in good working order.
The leather of the front seats is beginning to show signs of some age-related wear – unsurprising for a 19 year old vehicle – but it’s definitely nothing that would concern us. Certainly there is no evidence of rips or considerable wear. With a clean and feed, the leather will soon look its best.
Much the same can be said of the rest of the cabin, it’s neat, tidy and overall in very good condition. There is some wear and some blemishes, as should be expected for a vehicle that has been regularly used, but generally it has worn very well indeed.
The Exterior
- Brilliant Silver paintwork
- 18” AMG five-spoke alloys
- Uniroyal Rainsport 5 tyres
There’s no mistaking the fact that the CLK is a very handsome coupé. Heralding from a time in Mercedes history when subtlety and restraint were the watch-words for the design team, it strikes an imposing and elegant figure, while never looking aggressive. In comparison to modern AMGs, it’s restrained, with an almost Q-car aesthetic.
This particular model has clearly been loved and looked after. The paintwork itself is original and in fine condition. Yes, there are some minor blemishes, scratches and marks, but nothing that some time with a good valeter and some polish wouldn’t sort out. On the driver’s side there is some minor lacquer peel but only towards the front of the car, but there’s certainly no evidence of corrosion or damage that we could see.
All of the external brightwork, trim and badging is present and correct, and in very good condition. Similarly, the wheels, AMG 18” five-spokes, are in good condition, with no signs of curbing or damage.
Underneath the car is straight and neat. The drivetrain elements, floor pans and chassis rails that we could see all looked straight and free from corrosion or damage repair. We have to say, it looks to be a very solid, clean car.
The Mechanics
- 5.5-litre V8 engine
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- MOT to May 2023 (no advisories)
- Full main dealer / specialist service history (13 stamps)
- Last service: January 2020 @114,500 miles
Featuring the now legendary AMG 5.5-litre V8, at the heart of this super-coupé is a truly mighty naturally-aspirated powerplant. Pushing an epic 367bhp to the rear wheels, realistically this offers all the performance you could ever need, and then some.
Mechanically, it’s clearly been well maintained, as evidenced by the service record and handful of invoices that come with the car. The owner tells us the Mercedes starts, idles and runs very well, with a fine engine note.
This particular drivetrain is known for its robust nature and reliability, and we see no reason to doubt that this model would be any different.
Summary
Some cars are just right. The manufacturer manages to find a perfect combination of spec and drivetrain to create something that is more than the sum of its parts. The CLK55 AMG is one of those cars.
Of course, that indefatigable V8 is a core part of the experience, and is all-consuming when let off the leash. However, the car really has a dual character. Yes, it can be a snorting, thunderous muscle-car if that’s what you want it to be. But it’s just as happy cruising, mighty eight-cylinder quietly rumbling along in the background as you effortlessly pound through the miles in sumptuous grandeur.
This particular model is very clean and straight, with a fine history and is presented in unmolested, original condition. It’s a great opportunity to obtain one of the finest cars built in the 2000s, and one of the finest drivetrains of all time.
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