Brabus-tuned CLK55 AMG ‘6.1’ Is a Silver Streak of Rarity
CLK55 AMGs are rare cars to begin with, but a 2003 Brabus tuned ‘6.1’ is an endangered species.
At MBWorld, we have to admit when we have a soft spot for certain cars, and the C209 is just one such example of many. It spawned the Black series of cars from AMG, and was one of the only M-B chassis’ to use both the M113 and M156 engines. It also circled racing circuits as the official Formula 1 Safety Car on several occasions. Knowing our enthusiasm for this chassis, we were obviously awe struck when we stumbled across this 2003 CLK55 from Autobahn Vault that has been modified into a Brabus 6.1.
Autobahn Vault indicates that this car is one of only two Brabus 6.1 made in the 2003 model year. Why only two? Factor in the cost. To start, the CLK55’s cost was an initial MSRP of $68,750. After you had paid that, you’d write another check for $50,000 to Brabus so they could fettle with the car. In return you got a bored and stoked 6.1-liter V8 pushing out 400 horsepower. As well, an ECU re-programming would be performed. Then, Brabus tuned sport suspension would be installed to handle the extra ponies. Appearance wise, you’d get Brabus’ signature twin-six spoke alloy wheels, and their front and rear bumpers. Out the back bumper, would be a more free flowing exhaust.
In all, Brabus gave you quite a lot of car for the $110,000. But if you had opened a Car and Driver magazine in 2003, you’d find that price was encroaching on the SL55 AMG. That coupe offered more power and arguably, more style. This might explain why only two were built. The other explanation comes from the engine itself. There just wasn’t much room for power improvement without vast modifications.
AMG’s M113 engines always played a supporting role to their supercharged Kompressor counterparts. However, they were critically important in AMG’s growth. They bridged the gap from AMG’s initial C36 inline six, and even gave BMW’s M3 a V8 shaped heart attack. The M113K supercharged “55” engine proved over a number of years that it was far more accepting to modifications. As well, Brabus had continued onward to create their own wild and ever more powerful machines.
Photos: Autobahn Vault
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