Fernando Alonso Buys Legendary $10 Million Mercedes CLK GTR

Fernando Alonso has expanded his already impressive car collection with the addition of an authentic Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, a near-mythical road car valued at over $10 million. The two-time world champion's ownership was seemingly confirmed by the car's '1414' license plate, a clear nod to his iconic F1 race number. This acquisition places him among an exclusive group of collectors who own one of the rarest and most significant performance cars ever made.

Why it matters:

Alonso's purchase isn't just a display of wealth; it's an acquisition of a piece of motorsport history. The CLK GTR represents a golden era of raw, purpose-built engineering, and owning one signals a deep appreciation for the sport's heritage beyond his contemporary F1 career. It cements his status as a connoisseur of iconic racing machines, connecting his modern stardom with the legends of the past.

The details:

• Homologation Hero: The CLK GTR was developed in the late 1990s primarily for racing, with road versions built solely to satisfy homologation rules for the FIA GT Championship.
• Extreme Rarity: Only 25 road-legal versions of the car were ever produced, making it one of the most exclusive production cars in history.
• Racing Pedigree: It's a direct descendant of the CLK-LM that dominated the 1998 FIA GT Championship, featuring a mid-mounted 6.9-liter V12 engine originally designed for the track.
• The '1414' Clue: A video circulating online shows Alonso behind the wheel of the car, which bears the registration '1414'—a direct reference to his permanent F1 driver number.
• A Growing Collection: This latest addition follows other high-profile purchases like the Aston Martin Valiant, valued at approximately $2.5 million, showcasing a taste for rare and powerful machinery.

Looking ahead:

While the CLK GTR is essentially a static museum piece, its presence in Alonso's collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the passions of one of F1's most experienced and revered drivers. As he continues his F1 career with Aston Martin, these high-profile acquisitions serve as a powerful reminder of his legendary status and his deep-rooted connection to the history of motorsport, both on and off the track.