Representing the absolute peak of early-21st-century touring car design, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM stood at the forefront of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) championship, a series that brought Formula 1 levels of engineering and spectacle to the world of saloon car racing. Built to demanding silhouette regulations, these machines shared only the visual form of the road-going C-Class. Beneath their carbon-composite skin lay a purpose-built tubular spaceframe chassis, enclosing a naturally aspirated AMG 4.0-litre V8 producing approximately 475 bhp at 7,500 rpm.

Each component of the C-Class DTM reflected cutting-edge technology. Pushrod-actuated double-wishbone suspension, carbon brakes, sequential six-speed transmission and extensive use of carbon fibre contributed to extraordinary precision and agility. Constructed by HWA under the direction of Hans-Werner Aufrecht, the car combines ultra-rigid structural integrity with featherweight carbon body panels and a steel-reinforced safety cell. Aerodynamic efficiency was achieved through a wind-tunnel-developed front splitter, underfloor, diffuser and rear double-profile wing. Every element was conceived for uncompromising circuit performance and driver protection.

For the 2005 season, Mercedes-Benz entered four AMG C-Class DTM cars under the banner of HWA, achieving remarkable success. The team secured eight victories in the eleven rounds, clinching the Manufacturer’s, Driver’s and Team Championships – a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering dominance in the series.

Chassis RS 05-012 is one of these works’ cars, driven by none other than double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen in his debut DTM season. Having stepped away from Formula 1 in 2001, Häkkinen’s return to competition with Mercedes-Benz marked one of the most anticipated comebacks in modern motorsport. Upon testing the C-Class DTM, he immediately recognised its precision, balance and power, reigniting his passion for racing.

Häkkinen’s 2005 campaign proved both competitive and inspiring. He finished fifth overall in the Championship, claiming a spectacular victory at Spa-Francorchamps – where he also took pole position and fastest lap – alongside further podium finishes at the Lausitzring and Istanbul. His 2005 DTM season results in RS 05-012 were as follows:

17 April – Hockenheim – 8th

1 May – Lausitzring – 3rd

15 May – Spa-Francorchamps – 1st

5 June – Brno – 13th

26 June – Oschersleben – Retired

17 July – Norisring – Retired

7 August – Nürburgring – 4th

28 August – Zandvoort – 12th

18 September – Lausitzring – 12th

2 October – Istanbul – 2nd

23 October – Hockenheim – 15th

AMG-Mercedes team-mate Gary Paffett would ultimately secure the 2005 DTM title with five victories, while Häkkinen, Jean Alesi and Bernd Schneider added three more, confirming the C-Class as the most successful car of the season.

Following its active competition career, RS 05-012 remained in the care of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport until 2014, when it was sold to a respected European team owner. Since then, it has been meticulously preserved and maintained by one of the UK’s leading motorsport preparation specialists, retaining its originality, provenance and race-ready specification.

This exceptional AMG-Mercedes C-Class DTM is far more than a technical masterpiece. It is the very car that carried Mika Häkkinen – the charismatic ‘Flying Finn’ and double Formula 1 World Champion – to a famous victory at Spa-Francorchamps, one of the world’s most revered circuits. This represents a truly rare opportunity to acquire a genuine, race-winning works DTM car from one of the sport’s greatest eras. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.

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