Words: Richard Edwards
Published 25 March 2025
A 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG once owned by controversial internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom is set to turn heads when it crosses the block at Webb’s Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia auction this April.
With only 100 coupés ever built—and just 40 of those in right-hand drive—this exclusive model is a standout for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
Webb’s has placed an estimate of NZD $550,000–$700,000 on the car, reflecting its scarce availability and notable provenance.
Developed by HWA AG, the specialist racing division behind Mercedes-Benz’s DTM program, the CLK DTM AMG was launched to commemorate the marque’s triumph in the 2003 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) championship. Equipped with a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 that delivers around 582bhp, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in about 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of roughly 322km/h.
And did we mention the three huge bottles of nitrous lurking where the back seat once did?
High-profile owners over the years have included Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Takuma Sato, underscoring the car’s motorsport pedigree.
Dotcom’s history with the car adds another dimension. Known for his passion for high-performance machines, he had the CLK DTM AMG regularly serviced and stored in a controlled environment, ensuring it remains in excellent condition. Offered unregistered and without a current WOF, this coupé is poised to attract serious bidders looking for a rare slice of motoring history.
The car will go under the hammer on April 6 at Webb’s Mount Eden Gallery.
