All Original: A Journey with the Mercedes Safety Cars CLK 55 AMG and 63 Black Series
Mercedes-Benz has a storied history with Formula 1 (F1) safety cars, celebrating 30 years of providing these essential vehicles to the iconic racing series. As the brand with the three-pointed star continues to evolve, its original, minimally modified sports cars, such as the CLK 55 AMG and CLK 63 Black Series, remain celebrated staples.
Celebrating History at Goodwood and Brooklands
Mercedes’ decision to commemorate this milestone at Goodwood during the renowned “Festival of Speed” was strategic. The CLK 55 AMG has become a classic, even if it hasn’t yet reached its thirtieth anniversary. Brooklands, merely an hour’s drive from Goodwood, is notable as one of the world’s first official race tracks, providing a perfect backdrop for this celebration.
At Brooklands, car enthusiasts gather at the Mercedes-World complex, which features a small track adjacent to the historical site. Although it doesn’t replicate the old circuit’s charm, it offers ample space to pilot the historic safety cars through the winding roads.
Riding with the Heroes
Present at this event was Bernd Mayländer, the long-standing and still-active F1 safety car driver. I jumped into the passenger seat of the rare CLK 63 Black Series, where Mayländer revealed that developers had made slight modifications to the original model. While the standard CLK 63 is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 507 horsepower, the safety car variant purportedly boasts around 550 horsepower.
As we sped around the track, the lightweight coupe—under 1,800 kilograms—demonstrated impressive performance, even for a vehicle developed 17 years ago. This model famously completed the Nürburgring in just under eight minutes, setting a standard for what a comfort-focused sports coupe could achieve.
The Thrill of the Drive
Later, I took my turn at the wheel. What the CLK 63 Black Series can do is astonishing, considering its hardware remains largely unchanged. It utilizes a conventional seven-speed automatic transmission, yet the thrill of pushing it to its limits on a small track felt daunting. The Mercedes team had disabled all driving aids, eliminating any electronic safety nets that might prevent the rear from sliding out during aggressive driving.
Rather than take unnecessary risks, it was wiser to savor the exhilarating power as we raced down the short straights. The experience of controlling such a distinguished car was indeed special.
A Glimpse into the Past: The CLK 55 AMG
Following my drive in the Black Series, I got the chance to experience the CLK 55 AMG, the predecessor of my previous ride. Not widely available to customers during its debut, the CLK 55 AMG initially started as a pre-production model. The W210, introduced in 1996, initially sported a five-liter M113 engine before transitioning to a more robust 5.4-liter V8 with 347 horsepower. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, this model remains a sporty yet comfortable option, achieving 0-100 km/h in around 5.4 seconds—a notable feat despite the evolution of today’s sports cars.
Authenticity of the Safety Cars
What’s captivating about these safety cars is their authenticity. Aside from essential communication and signaling equipment, they remain true to their original factory settings. While deployed during races, they serve as a means to safely clear debris or address hazards on the track. Mayländer often shares that driving them involves navigating close to their limits. Presently, he pilots the incredibly fast AMG GT Black Series.
Conclusion: Driving Home the Legacy
For those intrigued by the CLK 55 AMG or 63 Black Series, they can find models priced around €20,000 online, making them nearly accessible treasures in today’s market. The CLK 63 Black Series, however, commands a higher price tag—typically above €180,000—yet grants an unparalleled taste of the safety car experience, especially in terms of performance.
Mercedes-Benz’s safety cars are more than just fleeting symbols of speed and safety—they are legacies that bridge the past and present, encapsulated in iconic models that continue to inspire enthusiasts.
