2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series (P98) - UK Model

Following on from the SLK55 AMG Black Series, Mercedes-Benz launched the CLK63 AMG Black Series - a limited edition coupé (only) model with just 700 examples produced worldwide between April 2007 and March 2008 - and a car that AMG says was largely inspired by the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. 'It 's pretty hardcore. We’ve got down to 7min 52sec on the Nürburgring….and that was in traffic. I don’t think we’ve ever done a more complete performance car' , says Tobias Moers, the man who oversees the engineering, development and testing of Mercedes-Benz’ AMG range.

The CLK Black Series is based around the regular CLK63, but this is no ordinary AMG Mercedes as, although the two share the same driveline, the Black Series is a very different car. With a huge front spoiler designed to force cooling air into an enlarged radiator whilst also dialling out lift to make it more neutral at speed, the CLK Black Series instantly appears more menacing than the standard coupé. Bulging wheel arches incorporated into the body panels, air vents in the front wings, a deep rear valance and a carbon fibre rear spoiler complete the makeover. That and a set of 19" alloys weighing just 11kg each – 3kg lighter than those of the standard CLK63.

Inside, the differences are also obvious, with carbon fibre-reinforced trim on the door inserts and centre console, a forged aluminium gear selector, a flat-bottomed wheel, expensive bucket seats and AMG also replaces the rear bench with two trimmed wells.

The CLK Black Series utilises AMG's mighty (and largely hand-built) M156 V8, the brand's first entirely self-built engine launched in 2005 and undoubtedly one of the greatest production car V8s ever built. Power is up from the 478bhp of the standard CLK63 AMG to 507bhp at 6,800rpm, offering an impressive power-to-weight ratio of just over 300bhp per tonne whilst torque remains the same with 464lb/ft at 5,250rpm. Upgrades to the power unit include the adoption of a larger magnesium dual-intake manifold with two internal butterfly valves, a reworked, less restrictive exhaust system and remapped electronics resulting in a sound track that is rather addictive, described as a subdued rumble gradually building into a deep roar before erupting into an all-guns-blazing blare.

Power is channelled through Mercedes’ SpeedShift 7G-Tronic gearbox (with Sport and Manual modes) but fettled by AMG for more efficient changes. It's considered a very versatile transmission, being able to swap-up smoothly under light loads but also extremely precise under hard acceleration through the wheel-mounted paddles. All the power is channelled through a suitably beefed-up drivetrain including a limited-slip differential with its own oil cooler and pump to keep temperatures in check. As those wheel arches suggest, there have been major revisions underneath, with the front track widened by 75mm and the rear by 66mm, bestowing the car with real race car agility – again, reinforced by the fitment of adjustable springs and shock absorbers that allow you to set your own compression and rebound rates. However, the CLK Black Series is also a compliant and usable road car (air-conditioning and cruise-control are still present) with AMG allowing enough suspension travel to ensure acceptable levels of comfort.

The steering too is very well engineered, providing excellent feedback, whilst prodigious grip, helped no doubt by the huge 285/30 R19 Pirelli P Zero Corsas tyres, allows the car to carry big speeds into corners and then dispatch its power with real conviction. Meanwhile, the array of driver aids, including a specially calibrated ESP, are nowhere near as intrusive as in the standard CLK63 AMG, so lurid power slides are part of its repertoire, if that's on the agenda.

Mercedes claims the 0-62mph time has dropped by 0.3 seconds to just 4.3 seconds, however the marque is notoriously conservative when it comes to quoting acceleration. Top speed is limited to 186mph - 'It is capable of more' says Moers.

The car presented here is a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series and is one of just 25 UK-market/right-hand drive cars produced. It looks particularly striking in Black Metallic, apt for such a purposeful Black Series car, has covered 24,600 miles from new and benefits from a comprehensive service history, the most recent carried out at Sytner Mercedes-Benz of Bath in November 2024.

On offer from a private Collection of special cars, it has been used sparingly but always meticulously stored and serviced. This is an opportunity not to be missed, as trying to find such a rare and revered car in right-hand drive, with such low mileage and diligent single ownership, is close to impossible.

Arguably, the CLK63 AMG Black Series offers better value for money than other comparable limited edition Mercedes supercars of this era. As we know, cars like these, produced in short runs with bespoke large capacity and naturally-aspirated engines are less likely to be offered by manufacturers in the future and are destined to become even more collectable.

The last word should really come from Jeremy Clarkson, a former owner of a CLK63 Black Series - 'For sheer excitement, the CLK Black is a match for absolutely anything. Since my test car went back to Mercedes, I have been thinking about it a lot. Because I’m not sure that anyone’s life is quite complete unless they have one'.