[khanak]

Lewis Hamilton in the CLK GTR Roadster. What a car!

[moralfibre]

Way back in June 2008, I was at the 22nd Wine Country Classic Historic Car Races 2008 in Sonoma County. The event takes place at the Infineon Raceway. Amidst a sea of classics and really valuable ones at that, I noticed a very familiar looking figure walking up to the paddock:



It was indeed VJM going over to inspect a tow of his own 1968-1969 Eagle Formula 5000 car -- the 74A001. (Link)

He had acquired this car around 2005 and sold it later around 2013.








Mallya housed a lavish collection in Sausalito, CA which some of my friends had the privilege of visiting and lusting over. He also planned to develop a waterfront museum to showcase his collection of cars by the bay across from the wonderful city of San Francisco News link . His house in Marin county still remains I reckon. What's stored in the basement is still unknown. ;-)

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by ChiragM

Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster

Note the custom "VJM" plates! This is 1 of 6 CLK GTR Roadsters in the world, and was purchased from the Sultan of Brunei.

Wasn't this the only RHD Roadster ever made?

Originally Posted by Rehaan

Man... for me that CLK GTR is special! And that too a roadster.

Some articles on the net say that Mallya purchased the car in an auction, and hasn't even seen it in person yet!

Originally Posted by MSJ

The CLK GTR Was Although Made for the sultan of Brunei but it was Stored In Singapore And It is now under VJM's Ownership But he never collected/ drove it and is currently at DK Engineering.

Originally Posted by TrackDay

My pick of the collection would be the CLK GTR. I see it is abroad, most probably UK. Might he still be using it ? Also any clue what rides he uses these days over there ?

This link shows the CLK GTR's history and current location.

Originally Posted by Taronish_E

The CLK GTR Roadster is still in his possession and still wearing the VJM 001 number plates.
...maintained by the folks over at DK Engineering based in Chorleywood just outside London.

Seems like it is up for sale now. Saw this car in a 'Kidd in a Sweet Shop' video coverage of Girard & CO - an Exotic car dealer. 29:20 in the below video -

https://youtu.be/CM6bklgFbOo?si=_qzuUnXDknGfKxyU

Mysteriously, it is not listed in the 'on Sale' cars list on their website. Weird stuff. If it was merely for storing, the car was better of in DK Engineering and their exquisite garage.

[Taronish_E]

Originally Posted by 14000rpm

Wasn't this the only RHD Roadster ever made?

Yes, when I had posted about it, it was part of Mallya’s collection. The car earlier had a red-ish shade of seats and has now been retrimmed and sold onto another collector who took it on a drive through Greece.

Girardo & Co. are well known to not only sell cars but also store them for clientele and I believe this CLK GTR Roadster is in storage with them on the behest of the new owner. Additionally, this is the only RHD roadster ever made and the only Supersport specification Roadster ever made.

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by Taronish_E

Girardo & Co. are well known to not only sell cars but also store them for clientele and I believe this CLK GTR Roadster is in storage with them on the behest of the new owner.

Makes sense. Hence the missing listing in their website. Thanks.

[Taronish_E]

Since we are discussing the former Mallya CLK GTR Roadster, here are some fresh photos of it.

Car is currently at the Ascari track for an outing alongside some other tasteful machines. Attaching some photos for you guys.

Credit: Ken Saito & Alex Penfold on Instagram.