2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 Cabriolet
"Solid," "satisfying," "powerful" are adjectives that describe driving the CLK430. Mercedes was kind enough not to tune out all the V8's good sounds. There's a throaty intake roar under acceleration, and the exhaust speaks in deep, wuffly tones. Freeway passing is a hoot: A romp on the gas at 60 brings a double downshift to third, and a torque laden nudge in the back. Buttery smooth, light throttle upshifts take place at relatively low rpm, but the crisply gated 5-speed auto box will hold full throttle shifts to redline with no complaint. MotorTrend on the "new" CLK430, 1999
For consignment, a 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 cabriolet with a title verified 16,606 actual miles. A 4 passenger convertible with a handsome exterior, a sporty interior, and a fierce V8 that was originally clocked to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Exterior
The unique shade of blue here is Quartz Blue which has a slight lavender tinge to it and will stand out in a sea of blue cars. Flush round headlights are matched with round marker lights with clear lenses, presenting as a pseudo quad headlight formation flanking a pursed grille over a lower intake that spans the fascia, all topped by the iconic Mercedes star rising like a punctuation mark. The tail lights are flush too but retain the Mercedes grooves and split between the trunk lid and body panels over a body colored bumper cover. In profile, the car is like a bull nosed wedge with a straight shoulder line and lower AMG inspired aero cladding that visually lowers the car and gives it motion while parked. The complementary dark blue canvas top gracefully covers the car with a slight dome shape and is in nice shape. 17-inch AMG wheels are on board with staggered sized ZR rated tires, we note some minor delamination spots and curb rash. Other imperfections include scuffs, chin scrapes, and a touched up chip on the cladding.
Interior
Here's where long term indoor storage with the top down has made more of an impact with oxidation and discolored panels. We'll get to that but in the meantime, various shades and material in gray, including leather, adorn robust door panels with a sporty design and burl wood inserts, and the leather insert shows some discoloration. Gray leather dresses the front bucket seats of a sporty configuration that is copied in the back 2+2 bench that includes headrests and presents in nice shape. The efficient and clear gauge cluster looms ahead of us, with some oxidation on the plastic frame, and this appears on the center stack screen and notably the faceplate of the shifter in the center console which overall would benefit from a deep detailing. The beige carpet is plush and clean and the soft top's headliner is in nice shape, while the small trunk is finished in charcoal cloth coverage.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a mostly shrouded and clean 4.3 liter SOHC V8 engine producing 275 horsepower and tied to a 5-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels and 2.87 gears.
Undercarriage
Clean and dry underneath with minor evidence of being driven. The car is equipped with power disc brakes at all four corners and a single exhaust system that travels down a central tunnel and exits through a chrome tip coming off the original muffler. Suspension consists of double wishbone up front and multi-link on the rear independent set up.
Drive-Ability
The V8 is smooth and powerful and the cabin envelopes driver and occupants in a gray padded cocoon. The Michelins are about 10 years old but still provide good grip and handling is better than your average Mercedes sedan and braking is on point. Despite the interior patina, all functions operate as intended, a testimony to German automotive engineering. 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.
Though now 25 years old, this car holds its own in terms of style and will likely look fresh for years to come. Well done, Mercedes! The Quartz Blue is uncommon and unique and its contrast with the navy blue top and glass rear window earns a thumb's up from onlookers. This low mileage example is ready to re-engage with the road!
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.
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