Two super-rich Irish car enthusiasts may be in the running to buy the world's most expensive production car, which is expected to cost over £1 million.
The first of only 25 Mercedes CLK-GTRs will roll off the production line at Affalterbach, near Stuttgart, Germany, later this year and are assured of automatically becoming collector's items.
Motor Distributors Ireland sales manager, Mr Bill Duffy, confirmed yesterday they had already had two inquiries. The firm, which handles the distribution of Mercedes in Ireland, is currently seeking a price for the sports car here.
However, any cars sold here would also significantly boost the State coffers. If the British forecourt price of £1 million were to apply here, the State would take over £420,000 in VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax.
"The people who would buy these cars are motoring enthusiasts," Mr Duffy said. "With such a limited production run, they will retain their value."
So what would you get for your £1 million?
In short, plenty of power, but very little comfort. The CLK is powered by a 6.9-litre V12 engine and has more in common with a Formula One racing car than a family saloon. The body is made of super-strength carbon fibre, and it guzzles fuel, returning just eight miles to the gallon.
Your running costs are boosted by a clutch which burns out every 3,000 miles. Its huge tyres require a special pump and, in the event of a breakdown, it is too low to be towed. Instead, owners phone an emergency help-line and a team of three mechanics is dispatched from Munich.
The CLK is not for you if you are looking for a family car with room for the baby seat and the groceries. In fact, the interior is so tight you have to dismantle the steering wheel to get in. And the boot only provides space for two specially-fitted briefcases.