2003 MERCEDES-BENZ (C209) CLK 55 AMG

This 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG is a capable performance coupe with a number of discreet modifications. Under the bonnet sits the 5.4-litre V8, which has been tuned to produce around 400bhp, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission. The odometer currently indicates 131,669 miles from new.

First registered in July 2003, this CLK 55 has been in the possession of its current keeper for seven years. It was specified from the factory with the optional Bose sound system and Distronic cruise control. The original owner fitted a Quaife limited-slip differential, stiffer anti-roll bars, a larger exhaust, uprated AMG brakes and a de-restricted DMS remap to take the power output up to 400bhp.

The bodywork is all in generally good shape, and the history indicates the car was fitted with a new front bumper in 2004. The main body panels all look straight and smooth but some panels have had some previous paint. There is a small taped crack in the front bumper and minor scuffs evident in the photos. Likewise, both bumpers have had paintwork in the past, but otherwise the finish is believed to be original, and is in fair order for the age and mileage. Minor imperfections are visible in the photo gallery, including to the five-spoke AMG alloy wheels.

Inside, the black leather seats present with some light creasing to the base panels, and there is of course slightly more wear on the driver’s side. The rear seats have unsurprisingly seen far less use, but overall the condition of the leather is still very good. The vendor has reported a bulb fault in the wing mirror when the headlamps are switched on, though there are no other electrical foibles, and no dashboard warning lights present.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in October 2020 at around 130,000 miles, where technicians at Performance Car Specialist Ltd in Hampshire carried out a Mercedes Service A, changing the engine oil, filter, and spark plugs. Prior to this, in July 2019 at 126,400 miles, Miller Commercial Motors in High Wycombe changed the front brake pads and power steering pipe, before replacing the heater motor. Prior to this, in May 2019 at 125,354 miles, Mercedes specialist Tim Purslow in Hampshire replaced the PSE pump, the nearside seat switch, and various fuses, connectors and trim pieces. This attention means that both of the heated seats, all seat motors, and the air lumbar cushions work as they should. The car has been very well maintained, and is reported to drive extremely well having had attention to all bushes and track rods.

The most recent MOT test was on 16 November 2020 at 131,144 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The wheels come wrapped with correct Mercedes specification Continental SportContact tyres, which are less than 1,000 miles old.

Accompanying the vehicle are the stamped service book, various handbooks and a raft of maintenance invoices.

This Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG is a relatively rare pillarless V8 coupe, which has been fitted with performance-enhancing modifications and presents in generally good condition throughout, benefiting from continuous maintenance to keep it in impressive mechanical order.

The owner states that the car will be missed by them for its combination of practicality and intoxicating performance, and sheer usefulness. The rear seats fold, and take Isofix child seats; indeed, the owner’s first trip with the car was to Switzerland with a three-month old in the rear, and it has been used for practical touring on many occasions. The servicing and mechanical maintenance has been ongoing without regard to cost during his ownership. While it may benefit from some cosmetic ‘TLC’, it should prove to be eminently usable as-is, and a great choice for an exciting daily driver.

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