Since a bright yellow Porsche 914 was first called upon during the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix, a wonderful variety of safety cars have been used to control the pace of the Formula 1 field. Lamborghini’s Countach, an Opel Vectra, and a Honda Prelude are among the most eclectic but between 1996 and 2021, Mercedes-Benz machinery was exclusively used.

For the 1999 World Championship season, the marque deployed its new C215-generation CL 55 AMG to keep the grid in check, with ex-DTM racer Bernd Mayländer at the wheel in a role he still holds a quarter of a century on. The luxurious coupé was put into action no fewer than 17 times over two years. Given this high profile, Mercedes-Benz duly commissioned a safety car-inspired ‘F1 Limited Edition’ model, of which only 55 were produced.

Offered here is the 35th example, which holds an 18 October 2000 delivery date. All cars were finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic to complement a Black Designo Leather interior awash with carbon fibre trim. Despite its motorsport roots, this car still gained an array of accoutrements such as heated, electrically adjustable, memory seats with cream leather inserts, voice-activated command controls, proximity cruise control, a built-in telephone and television, rolling rear window blind, plus an electric sunroof.

The CL 55 AMG 'F1 Limited Edition' also featured a 5.5-litre V-8 engine that delivered 360 horsepower to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. However, the headline feature was to be found behind the 19-inch AMG wheels. In a world first for road-legal production cars, this special edition gained fibre-reinforced ceramic disc brakes. Slowed by eight-piston Brembo callipers, each corner was 60 per cent lighter than the equivalent steel units and Mercedes-Benz quoted a colossal 2,000 horsepower in stopping power.

This car, having moved to Saudi Arabia, was acquired by the consigning owner in November 2021. It has most recently been maintained by Mercedes-Benz Service Center of Riyadh. Displaying 58,534 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, the CL 55 AMG is accompanied by its owner’s guides.

A special-edition example of Mercedes-Benz’s early 2000s flagship, which featured truly innovative technology, this ‘F1 Limited Edition’ model is sure to appeal to Formula 1 enthusiasts.