MERCEDES BENZ CLK 55 AMG Cabrio (A208) 1999-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

After introducing the CLK range, Mercedes-Benz brought the open-top version for it together with an AMG-tuned version in 1999: the CLK 55.

Based on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz C-Classe (W202) but with styling elements from the E-Class (W210), the CLK filled the need for a premium coupe after three years since the dismissal of the C124/A124 series. But the German carmaker didn't have a proper engine to compete against its main rival, BMW, and it asked AMG to build one. And they did more than that.

Compared to the rest of the CLK range, the AMG version sported a different front bumper with a stretched lower grille from side to side and incorporated the fog lights. Its Xenon headlights featured clear lenses as standard, unlike the rest of the range, which had halogen lamps. The aerodynamically profiled side sills were utterly different, while a set of five-spoke 17" light-alloy wheels matched the sporty appearance. The carmaker protected the power-operated roof under a tonneau cover behind the rear seats, which slightly pushed them forward compared to the coupe version.

Since it was based on the W202 platform, which featured a shorter wheelbase than the E-Class sedan, the A208 couldn't offer the same interior room. But for the front occupants, it provided enough space. On the dashboard, the speedometer sported the AMG badge in the middle. Three additional LCDs took the lower part of each of the three dials.

Under the hood, AMG prepared a 5.5-liter, hand-built V-8 engine. It produced 347 hp, which were sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox improved by AMG over the standard 5G-Tronic Mercedes-Benz gearbox.