For Sale: 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1999 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 1999 Mercedes Benz CLK320 convertible with a title verified 125,031 actual miles. 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 Magma Red 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 red, stealthily protecting the sides while providing a subtle, style cue. On top, a black canvas top houses a glass rear window and the tail lights are consistent with Benz's undulating design that is said to keep the lenses visible by shedding dirt and snow. Four lights in front makes for a great design, here with a bit of time induced discoloration. Those lenses 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. Imperfections include drainage discoloration under the third brake light, touched up chips and scratches, various scuffs, flex cracks on the bumper, some blistering on panel edges, delamination on the wheels, and chin scrapes.

Interior
Black 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 with a cracked speaker, missing access port cover, and disengaged carpeting. Robust bucket seats are dressed in black leather and other than a few scratches on the drivers, look to be in great shape in 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 burlwood faceplate above an AM/FM radio that returns us to 1999. More wood surrounds the shifter and switchgear in the center console and low pile black carpet fills the footwells. The soft top headliner is in good shape and the trunk is fully finished with gray cloth mats.

Drivetrain
Under the hood 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.

Undercarriage
Driver quality conditions prevail underneath where we find typical age corrosion and some oil on the rear differential, but no invasive rust is noted. Power disc brakes occupy each corner and a single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler. Suspension consists of double wishbones in front and a 5 link is employed for the independent system in back.

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. And much to our delight, all functions on this 26 year old personal sport luxury drop top, including the drop top itself, 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! 26 years later, this is still an attractive and exciting car.

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!