2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430

Our car has been enjoyed by a mere four owners across its 22 year history. Not too much is known about the first three owners other than it was supplied new via Pentagon Mercedes Benz in Southampton. The first owners appear to have been an envelope company based in Wales. What we do know of the first and subsequent two owners is that they all maintained the CLK diligently. The service book documents a total of 13 services courtesy of both Mercedes Benz dealers and independent specialists. The owners also seemed to sparingly use the CLK. Its current mileage equates to a mere 2,700 miles a year on average.

Dominic, the current owner, bought the car approximately 4 years ago. He had owned an CLK in his youth and was keen to re-scratch that itch. His previous CLK was a 2-litre model, so when a low mileage and well presented 4.3L V8 version became available it was too much to resist. Although some suggest it is unwise “to meet your heroes,” it worked out well for the vendor. “I loved my previous CLK,” he says, “but this one is even better still. It’s a 4.3L V8, after all, so goes so much better and sounds amazing.”

It is only the demands of a young family, a hectic work life, a new build house project and the lack of a garage that has persuaded Dominic to regretfully part with the CLK. “Maybe when I finally get around to building my garage, I can get another one,” suggests the vendor.

The 1993 Geneva Motor Show concept was the first use of this method by Mercedes Benz to preview design elements to the public before their release. Designer Peter Pfeiffer and Head of Design, Bruno Sacco took Geneva ’93 as an opportunity to introduce a “new face of Mercedes Benz” to the automotive world. As chronology, or perhaps strategy, would have it the “four eyed face” made production on the front end of the 1995 E-Class 210 series first. None the less it went on to become a recognisable and defining feature of the CLK.

Our example looks great in Brilliant Silver (744) and presents in a highly original condition. The paint exudes a deep and lustrous shine throughout and the lacquer, a common Achilles-heel for German cars of this period, appears to be in fine order throughout. Only a small area of surface scratching about 8 inches by 2 inches was noted on the lower panel of the passenger side door.

Bodywork is presented in a very good overall condition, too, with no dings, dents or imperfections reported or noted. Light lenses, a signature feature, appear in a fine overall condition both front and rear. Cabin glass, likewise, appears original and well presented with no areas of delamination or fogging in evidence.

Our car sits on 17-inch Monobloc, five-hole Mercedes Benz alloy wheels which are in excellent condition. No dings, kerb-rash or lacquer peel was noted. The wheels are fitted with a matching set of quality Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres in a 225/45 configuration.

Regardless of its underpinnings, the CLK was specified to a level that placed it between the E-Class and the S-Class and, as we have already noted, the standard equipment levels were surprisingly generous. As a result there weren’t many option boxes to tick when ordering a CLK. No surprise, then, that the only extras noted on our car are anthracite leather, wood and leather steering wheel, folding mirrors and anti-dazzle rear mirror.

It's a lovely place to spend time, this cabin, and the condition is excellent throughout. The front seats are fully electrically adjustable and have three setting memory functions for both sides. The leather, even on the vulnerable bolsters, is unmarked and retains its original suppleness. The rear cabin is equally fault-free and offers a reasonable amount of room for shorter journeys for smaller people.

The dashboard features the, by now, familiar VDO gauge set with the centre console being home to the climate control and period-correct Mercedes Benz “Audio 10” cassette player head unit. Headlining, door cards and carpets all seem to be in fine fettle, with the latter having been protected by heavy duty Mercedes Benz carpet mats.

The surprisingly commodious boot is finished in its original grey, hard-wearing carpet. The OEM Mercedes Benz warning triangle is present and the boot’s underfloor is home to a full-sized spare and original jack and tools. An aftermarket CD changer is also present in a side pocket.

Our car is fitted with the well respected M113 43 engine making it one of the least common configurations of the mainstream CLK models. This is a well proven and advanced unit featuring two spark plugs and three valves per cylinder, sequential fuel injection, forged steel connecting rods and magnesium intake manifold. At 4.3-litres with a V8 configuration, the original 275 bhp output made for a powerful on road performance whilst ensuring the engine was operating well within its potential. This helped maintain longevity and reliability as well as delivering sensible economy. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a smooth changing, five-speed automatic transmission.

Our example has clearly been lightly and sympathetically used as well as regularly and diligently serviced. As such the car started immediately during our visit with no dashboard lights remaining illuminated. The car settled quickly to an even tick over and revved cleanly with no undue smoke being noted. The under bonnet presentation is very good indeed and an object lesson in originality with even the under bonnet insulation being complete and in good order. The underside of the car looks clean and straight with no obvious signs of areas of concern.

Our car comes with a full archive of provenance providing paperwork for the new owner. This includes the original book pack with all important service book. There are numerous invoices covering work undertaken throughout the car’s history together with its original order document. The V5 in the name of the current owner is on hand together with numerous hard copy MoTs verifying mileage. The MoT expired in October 2022 but the online record shows a consistently good history with any advisories being of a minor nature.

The service book documents the following inspection intervals – 10,630 miles / 28,519 miles / 39,448 miles / 47,668 miles / 48,864 miles / 50,610 miles / 51,702 miles / 52,918 miles / 57,507 miles / 59,032 miles / 59,661 miles / 60,035 miles / 60,847 miles

The CLK offers a compelling proposition. It was fondly thought of by Mercedes Benz who generously endowed it with equipment and specification to help it carve out a niche in the automotive firmament. In this 4.3L V8 guise it is not only rarer but significantly more interesting and engaging to drive than its lesser equipped brethren.

This example has a lot to offer. It boasts low, original milage, low owners and a consistent and diligent maintenance record. The condition is hard to fault, especially of the interior, and it looks surprisingly fresh and contemporary given its age. With the world moving to smaller and smaller capacity engines this may be your last chance to get behind the wheel of a smooth, tuneful and powerful V8 Mercedes Benz for such an attainable price. Bid today.

We estimate this car to fetch between £5,000 - £8,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Stamford, United Kingdom. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.