Vehicle Description
2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Convertible
"The motoring press wrote positive reviews on the CLK, comparing it
favorably to other coupes and convertibles of the time. New Car
Test Drive called it "a treat for the eyes and a blast for the
senses". Car and Driver ranked it ahead of the Saab 9-3, Volvo C70,
and Lexus SC 430, praising its stiff platform and "Germanic
sporting character.". The second generation CLK received similar
praise, building on the car's impressive credentials." Thx
MBworld.org
For consignment, a 2000 Mercedes Benz CLK320 convertible with a
title verified 64,902 actual miles, in a fantastic blue on gray
configuration with a 215 horsepower V6. As MBWorld says, "This
platform provided a very solid foundation for both a coupe and
convertible while being lighter than the E-Class.".
Exterior
The majority we have seen were some shade of silver so this Black
Opal Pearl, a very dark blue, comes as a welcome change which is
spread monochromatically over the car with only the grille, light
lenses, and emblems veering from the color. Even the side molding
takes on the opal stealthily protecting the sides while providing a
subtle, style cue. On top, a black canvas top houses a glass rear
window so there won't be any glazing in this case. The tail lights
are consistent with Benz's alternating design that is said to keep
the lenses visible by shedding dirt and snow. Any time you put four
round lights on a front fascia, you're going to get props from us
as it looks great and in this case, the flush lenses also dictate
the body lines above while flanking a classically Mercedes grille
and triple pointed star. A hard tonneau covers the stowed roof and
16-inch wheels carry 55 series tires. Chin scrapes, side and bumper
cover scuffs, and lots of wheel lip delamination make up our list
of exterior imperfections.
Interior
Gray plastic and leather make up the well designed door panels
which have the telltale seat controls backed by simulated burlwood,
and the driver's side shows some use and that's not unexpected in a
pedestrian car like this. Robust bucket seats are dressed in gray
leather and other than some compression and usage on the drivers,
look to be in great shape front and 2+2 rear. The thick steering
wheel leads to a simple and efficient instrument cluster, analog by
today's standards but with some modernity in a small digital
screen. Black toggles and the A/C panel also live in a faux
woodgrain faceplate above an AM/FM radio that returns us to 2005.
The shifter handle shows some wear but is nicely housed in lots of
simulated wood with lots of easy to use black switchgear. Plush
carpet is protected by carpeted mats and is in good shape, as is
the trunk which is finished in gray cloth panels.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in relative driver quality condition with clean
covers is the 3.2 liter V6, rated at 215 horsepower and mated to
WSA330 5-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the rear
axle and 3.07 gears. Power disc brakes are on front and rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with the typical surface rust you'd find
on a driver, and a few spider webs you'd find on a car not driven
often. We note some residual oil on the rear differential, but the
rest of the underside is clean. The single exhaust flows through an
original muffler then exits through an attractive oval tip in back.
Double wishbone suspension lives up front and a 5 link is employed
for the independent rear suspension.
Drive-Ability
We take our seat in the comfortable bucket and bring the V6 to
life, rolling this silky CLK onto the test loop where it tracks
straight, handles better than you'd think, and has plenty of power
underfoot. Sure, you could buy a Black Series with 500+ horsepower,
but you'll probably drive the 320 more! And much to our delight,
all functions on this 20 year old personal sport luxury drop top
operate as intended! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
Comfortable, luxurious, and classy, our cool factor jumps up
quickly when we take a seat and with the top down, people will
think you're a money manager. Little do they know these cars are
incredible bargains given the Mercedes quality and mystique. And if
that makes you a smart money manager, so be it! And when you're
ready to move on to the Black Series, this one will make a great
hand me down for the college bound kids!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
