What: 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster Color: Paint to Sample Speed Yellow(speedgelb; non metallic UNI; L12G/H; Porsche) VIN: WP0CB2A94BS795660 Mileage: 2,284 miles Price: $424,900 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Springfield, IL Link: Isringhausen
As frequent visitors have learned- we’re massive fans of the 997-generation 911. The right size, modern (enough) tech, and still hints of that analog driving experience, the 997 also had the benefit of being the real start of Porsche’s endless variant strategy and proliferation of Paint to Sample. This particular 997 in Paint to Sample Speed Yellow has another big thing going for it, being a Speedster. Consider it an unexpected must-have for the 911 collector who already has the numerous ‘traditional’ GT models, awaiting its next steward.
What: 2004 Audi TT 1.8T quattro Roadster Color: Audi Goodwood Green(goodwoodgrünperleffekt; metallic UNI; Z6X; Audi) VIN: TRUUT28NX41025899 Mileage: 53,667 miles Price: $11,977 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Milwaukie, OR Link: Volstice Auto
As regular readers of this site will know, special orders aren’t always the only path to achieving tailored status. In our mind, rare specifications also qualify and that’s where a Goodwood Green first-generation (Mk1) Audi TT comes into play. Goodwood was standard in the latter half of Mk1 TT production, and was offered quite commonly across the Audi range in the early oughts. Even still, it was rarely chosen. So, while we wonder what those early 2000s Audi buyers were thinking not ordering Goodwood, we know it left a mark because Audi’s British Racing Green-ish hue parked itself in the Audi exclusive catalogue where it remains a very popular choice for buyers who today seek something special.
We’d classify this particular TT then as an interesting curiosity, perhaps more for someone seeking a unique budget daily driver or an affordable cars-and-coffee toy. On the up side, it’s a solid specification with rare and loved paint color matched with black leather that better holds up to aging than the much more common grey or the much more sought after beige. It’s also got remarkably low mileage for its age.
We should probably also draw attention to why we shouldn’t recommend the car for hardcore collectors who place originality over most other things. This car’s got some wear – like lightly curbed wheels and some bumper rash, with possibly a few knicks on the back edges of the doors. We also note some modifications including a replaced lower center console to fit an aftermarket stereo, replaced vent to fit aftermarket boost gauge, and modifications under the hood that likely signal an augmented 1.8T engine that may or may not affect reliability.
You may be noticing a common theme on our site these past few weeks, with seemingly endless references to RM Sotheby’s upcoming Miami Auction during Moda Miami. Simply put, when it comes to offerings with tailored specification, this auction is weighing in heavily. Take for example this 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale custom ordered in Rosso Dino.
Sharing nomenclature with Ferrari’s 2019 Formula One car, the SF90 Stradale commemorates the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari by offering a technical tour-de-force. At its heart is Ferrari’s F154 twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with a hybrid system which includes electric motors at the front and rear. Net power is 986 hp, allowing for a 0-60 mph capability of under three seconds – impressive.
This particular SF90 Stradale was first delivered to Gomez Hermanos Kennedy LLC, the Ferrari dealer in San Juan Puerto Rico. Its specification boasts $60,000 in options that include its custom-ordered two-tone paint of Rosso Dino on the main body and a black roof.
Inside, the black interior received special-order yellow accents in order to tie-in the yellow brake calipers. Other options include the suspension lift system, size large carbon fiber racing seats, Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS), black ceramic exhaust pipes, Scuderia Ferrari shields, titanium wheel stud blots, front and rear parking sensors, advanced front driving camera, electrochromic rearview mirror, and Homelink system.
The car has logged just 667 miles at the time of cataloguing for this auction.
What: 1997 Ruf CTR2 Color: Porsche Adriatic Blue(adriaticblau; non-metallic Uni; L50E; Porsche) VIN: W09BD0368VPR06008 Mileage: 60,194 km, 37,403 miles Price Estimate: $2,000,000 to $2,500,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL Listing: Link
Ruf placed itself decidedly on the performance car map in 1987 when its twin-turbocharged CTR dubbed “Yellowbird” showed up and dominated Road & Track‘s Top Speed Shootout, besting the likes of the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Countach and Porsche 959. Then, in 1995, it launched a credible successor to the Yellowbird when it debuted the 993-based CTR2.
Like the Yellowbird, the CTR2 was based on the narrow-body version of the 993-generation 911 and the reasoning was due to aerodynamic efficiency. Changes from the equivalent Porsche included a redesigned front bumper constructed from composite materials, larger air intakes, redesigned side sills, smoothed roof sans rain channels, more aerodynamic mirrors, composite rear bumper and redesigned rear spoiler with air intake feeding the induction air box and twin intercoolers located behind the wheels.
Inside, the CTR2 received leather-wrapped sport seats, air conditioning, electric windows and Integrated Roll Cage (IRC).
Under the engine cover was 520 hp Ruf-tuned engine derived from the 3.6-liter flat six of the 993 Turbo. For this application, it has been blueprinted and upgraded with larger BorgWarner K26/27 turbochargers, larger intercoolers, upgraded camshafts, pistons, an auxiliary oil cooler, an improved exhaust system and TAGtronic engine management, similar to what was used in the McLaren F1. This was paired to a Getrag 6-speed transaxle with CTR2 specific ratios and limited slip differential.
Bilstein-supplied upgraded dampers were paired with Eibach springs and stiffer anti-roll bars. Braking was similarly augmented using Brembo stoppers all-round, while the car rolled on 18-inch forged magnesium 5-spoke wheels of Ruf’s own design.
This particular CTR2 was delivered new to Japan in 1997, one of 18 examples ever built. Finished in Porsche Adriatic Blue, it featured optional all-wheel drive, lightweight black leather interior, carbon fiber bucket seats with Adriatic Blue color-matched backs, a leather wrapped roll cage, black painted brake calipers, body color center cap logos, a premium audio system with subwoofer and airbag delete.
The car resided in Japan until 2020 when it was imported into the U.S. where only four examples are believed to be registered.
Regardless of where you’ve heard of RUF- the iconic Faszination video, Gran Turismo video games using them as a stand-in for Porsche, or elsewhere- chances are you’re aware of the Pfaffenhausen-based boutique manufacturer that takes body in white Porsche shells and makes them something even more special. This particular RGT is one of a reported 17 RGT models built (one of 5 in the US), and the first ever foray into the world of water-cooled engines. Even more interesting is the choice of color- Grün Silber Mica, which came from now-defunct automaker SAAB’s palette. Here it appears a bit more generously applied and perhaps better quality, but the concept and execution is unmistakable.
What: 2018 Audi S5 sportback Color: Audi exclusive Merlin Purple(merlin purple; pearl effect; 4B / LZ3W / Z3W; Audi) VIN: WAUB4CF51JA075543 Mileage:75,577 miles Price: $34,988 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Milford, OH Link: Mid America Auto Group
While seemingly uncommon in the real world, Audi exclusive’s Merlin Purple sure is a frequent flyer in the world of Tailored Driver. Seen here on an S5 sportback, Merlin may not be for everyone but those bold enough to take the jump are rewarded with a deep, dynamic hue that is certain to be a conversation starter. At $35k, this Tailored Driver may be priced a bit higher compared to similar year and mile S5 sportbacks on the market and it does have an accident on the CarFax, but for the right buyer it might be worth the jump.
What: 2014 Audi A4 quattro Color: Audi exclusive Imola Yellow(imolagelb; non-metallic Uni; Y1C; Audi) VIN: WAUDFAFL6DA156015 Mileage: 81,795 miles Price: $14,995 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Addison, TX Link: Apex Autosports
A part of the tailored car segment we find to be most interesting are older examples, leaving us interested in how they’ve held up and how they price in against comparable cars of their age. Maybe even more interesting is the specification, because back in 2014 most car brands like Audi weren’t offering Audi exclusive tailoring quite as broadly. Colors or options chosen can be a real head scratcher at times, and we think this car qualifies.
For starters, it’s an A4 2.0T in Premium specification. On Audi’s version of the “Good, Better, Best” scale, Premium is entry-level, and you can see that here with the basic non-LED headlights or lower-grade infotainment configuration with controls up on the center console versus behind the shifter. Whomever ordered this car, ordered it about as basically as one could. That said, they did opt for quattro all-wheel drive and chose to stick with the “base” manual transmission – optimal configuration in our book.
At the same time, the original buyer chose to elevate the price by several thousand dollars by choosing Audi exclusive paint. In this case, the ad doesn’t list the color but we have confirmed it is Imola Yellow. This particular yellow was introduced as a standard offering on the B5 S4. It’s graced any number of Audi performance models, including most recently the Euro market Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years. It remains a well-loved Audi color as a result.
This particular A4 looks well-preserved. 81,000 miles is low for a ten-plus-year old car. We do see some wear in the photos, including some possible scratching on the infotainment screen and a smudge of some sort appears on the passenger top side of the dashboard. Even still, we suspect this car would be a great get for someone seeking a unique yet affordable car.
Paris, France – In the post-global motorshow era, Rétromobile stands out as a breath of fresh air. Though not as design-focused as Geneva once was, nor as broad-reaching of the new car industry as the mammoth Frankfurt IAA of yore, this classics-focused automotive trade show represents a rare thriving gathering that includes any number of new car manufacturers seeking to touch heart strings one just can’t achieve by hawking transportation appliances. In all these ways, it is a breath of fresh air.
Held from February 5-9, Rétromobile 2025 welcomed a tallied 146,000. That was up 12% over last year’s event, evidence the classic car space and the passion that fuels it is alive and well. Exhibitors include the aforementioned manufacturers, dealers, auction houses, restorers, clubs, event organizers, insurance companies, parts manufacturers and distributors, scale model firms, automobiliia dealers and more.
Perhaps the biggest news for Americans will be the addition of an American edition of Retromobile. Presented in partnership with Dupont Registry, the event will be held November 19-22, 2026 in New York.
What: 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Color: Porsche Blue Turquoise(blautürkis; non-metallic Uni; J1; Porsche) VIN: WP0ZZZ99ZVS313771 Mileage: 26,000 km, 16,155 miles Price Estimate: $250,000 to $300,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL Listing: Link
Though striking, Blue Turquoise was a standard color during the 993-era 911. Nevertheless, it was relatively rare and even more rare when you consider details like Midnight Blue interior and color-matched wheels. That’s the case on this rest of world (ROW) example of a Porsche 911 Carrera S ordered by Mizwa, Porsche’s Japanese distributor.
AT 26,000 km logged, this is an extremely low mileage car. Options include a Tiptronic S automatic transmission, air conditioning, those aforementioned painted wheel centers, tinted windscreen, electric seats, rear window wiper, multi-function display trip computer, lowered suspension, and “other features specific to the Japanese market” according to Gooding.
One non-factory upgrade worth noting is the radio. The original factory radio has been replaced with a Porsche Classic unit.
What: 2017 Porsche Macan GTS Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Brewster Green(brewstergrün; nonmetallic UNI; 22B; Porsche) VIN: unknown Mileage: 43,500 miles Price: $36,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Evanston, IL Listing: Link
When it rains it pours, and this week Macan is in the forecast. This Tailored Driver is checking all the right boxes for us- GTS variant, Paint to Sample Brewster Green, low miles, great price. For roughly the price of a new GTI, you can be the next steward of this 360hp crossover, and you’re guaranteed to have a hell of a lot more fun. Run- don’t walk- to Evanston, Illinois and pick this up before we do.
