rare Mercedes CLK-GTR Seized by U.S. Authorities
U.S. federal authorities have seized a impressive 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR,a highly collectibleโ supercar originally built for homologation purposes in teh FIA GT Championship. The vehicle,one โof only 142 produced,was reportedly subjectโ to forfeiture proceedings linkedโ to alleged financial crimes.
The seizure highlights the increasing scrutiny of high-value assets in investigations involvingโ financial misconduct. The โCLK-GTR, valued at upwards of $2โฃ million, represents a significant recovery for authorities and underscores the potential for luxury vehicles to be leveraged in illicit activities.The fate of theโ vehicle will beโค determined by โคthe courts,โค perhaps leading to its auction to compensate victims of the alleged crimes or โfurther use in legal proceedings.
Originally created toโข meet homologation requirements for the FIA GT โChampionship, the CLK-GTRโฃ was a purpose-builtโ racing carโฃ adapted for limited streetโ use.โค Designed by โฃGerhart Ungard, the vehicle’s aerodynamic body, constructed from carbon โfiber to minimizeโค weight, remains โขstrikingly modern in appearance โคover two decades afterโ its production.
The CLK-GTR โคboasts a 6.9-liter naturallyโฃ aspirated V12 engine, delivering considerable power andโข performance. Modern safetyโ and driving assistance systems,such as โABS and air conditioning,were included as features,even โin this high-performance machine.The car’s โdesign effectively manages air resistance, contributing to its โขsporty handling andโ agility.