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  1. Five of the best bonkers Benzes
  2. SL 65 AMG Black Series
  3. CLK 63 AMG Black Series
  4. SLK 55 AMG Black Series
  5. SLR McLaren 722 Edition
  6. CLK GTR

CLK GTR

To compete in the 1997 FIA GT1 class, Mercedes had to commit to producing at least 25 roadworthy examples of its CLK GTR racer. This job was given to AMG and the resulting cars were actually little different to the racing version.

One of the biggest changes was a power increase, thanks to the elimination of the air restrictor that was part of the racing regulations. Without this, the 6.8-litre V12 managed a massive 720bhp and 572lb.ft of torque. Thankfully, the road cars had traction control. So-equipped, the GTR was claimed to hit 60mph from rest in about 3.8 seconds and top out at 200mph. Despite attempts by Mercedes to keep the price down, the GTR's costly carbon fibre construction resulted in a price tag that was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive production car ever built.

Shane O' Donoghue

Tuesday July 15