Rare Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR models showcased at Lake Como event

Two rare CLK GTR models and the C11 racing car highlighted Mercedes-Benz Classic’s stunning display at FuoriConcorso 2025 in Villa del Grumello.

At FuoriConcorso 2025, held on May 24 and 25 in the gardens of Villa del Grumello on Lake Como, Mercedes-Benz Classic delivered a spectacle that quite literally elevated automotive history. With the help of a mobile crane, three legendary sports cars were delicately placed in the scenic park: the Mercedes-Benz C11, the 1997 racing version of the CLK GTR, and its ultra-rare road-legal sibling — the CLK GTR Straßenversion.

This dramatic setup became the opening act of a weekend rich in heritage and cutting-edge engineering. The symbolic reunion of the CLK GTR’s racing and street versions highlighted the brand’s ambitions in late 1990s GT racing. The racing car had finished second at the 1997 FIA GT race in Mugello, contributing to Mercedes-Benz clinching the championship title that year. Its road-going successor — produced in just 20 coupés and 5 roadsters — emerged as one of the most exclusive hypercars of its time. The car on display came from the prestigious Nationales Automuseum The Loh Collection, offering enthusiasts a rare close-up view.

The Mercedes-Benz C11, meanwhile, made its debut in 1990 with a victorious one-two finish at Monza. Designed in collaboration with Sauber and powered by a biturbo V8 engine, it represented the pinnacle of Group C engineering and went on to dominate the championship that season. Together with the CLK GTR, the C11 served as a powerful reminder of two landmark years in Mercedes-Benz’s motorsport legacy.

Adding depth to the event, Villa Sucota hosted expert panels featuring Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH. His participation emphasized the ongoing commitment to preserving and reinterpreting the brand’s racing heritage — a pursuit that resonates ever more strongly in an age increasingly fascinated by analog technology and mechanical purity.

Founded in 2019 by Guglielmo Miani, FuoriConcorso has quickly established itself as one of the most vibrant stages in the classic car world. This year’s edition reaffirmed that status. And with its bold display and precise storytelling, Mercedes-Benz Classic set a new benchmark in how historic vehicles can be celebrated in the 21st century.

Source: mercedes-benz.com