What: 2023 Audi SQ8 Premium Plus Color: Sepang Blue Pearl Effect Metallic (sepangblaupearleffekt; metallic; LY5Q; Audi) VIN: WA1AWBF11PD034802 Mileage: 72 miles Price: $91,798 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: H Greg Lux, Pompano Beach, FL Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Once a production color on a range of Audi models, Sepang Blue Pearl Effect built an appreciable following amongst the Audi owner base when it was more commonly found in the standard color palette for Audi models. In as much, it’s an attractive choice on cars where it isn’t offered… cars like a 2023 SQ8.
And if the story ended here, that’d be enough to grab our attention. Interestingly, the story doesn’t end here. While tastefully unique on the outside, the original client ordering this specification also dove deep into the interior as well. It’s here where most North American market Audi exclusive builds tend not to bother, and in as much it’s here where a car can really set itself apart.
In this case, the buyer went with a unique configuration of the standard black leather, but with bold yellow stitching on most seating surfaces, also adding Alcantara to components like the steering wheel and yellow leather piping to the floor mats and seat belts.
Blue and yellow isn’t the most common color scheme, so you have to wonder? Ukrainian decent? Michigan fan? Who knows.
What: 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 Color: Hermès Orange (unknown) Chassis #: V8/10519/RCA Mileage: 72,528 kilometers, 45,066 miles Estimated Price: US$130,000 – US$180,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Bonhams Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Auction, Paris, France Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
Spoiler alert. The car you see here has been repainted, but in grand style and a truly unique shade that makes it so very one-of-a-kind that we can’t not report on it. The car you see here was actually delivered new as a right-hand drive coupé painted Cairngorm Brown with an Olive interior – a very subdued British car for a British customer who lived not far from the Aston Martin factory.
After shuffling through a few well-accounted for owners, the car shifted to the ownership of a prominent Emir in 2010 who commissioned a conversion to left-hand drive and a color change inside and out to Hermès orange.
From there it went to its current owner, who had it restored by Le Clos de Calatrava in collaboration with Aston Martin Works UK, completing that job in October 2024. Even still, the unique orange on orange color choice was retained.
The car is now ready for its next owner and will be sold as part of Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Auction in early February.
Differing ever so slightly from BMW’s Techno Violet, BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic is a visually stunning purple that can really play visual tricks depending on conditions. In some lighting, it almost appears to be BMW’s Cosmos Black due to the color’s blue and purple metallic flake. Whatever your interpretation of it, this BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic E36 ‘vert is the latest in European Market Finds that we feel represents good value for money, offering a way for the everyman or woman to dip their toe into the world of Tailored Driver. With the right importer like Orchid Euro, this could be landed, plated, and insured for well under $20,000.
What: 2018 Porsche Macan GTS Color: Paint to Sample Graphite Blue Metallic(graphitblau; metallic uni; M5G / A7; Porsche) VIN: WP1AG2A50JLB61999 Mileage: 60,140 miles Price: $32,985 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Mercedes-Benz of Pleasanton, CA Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
A modern Porsche, in Paint to Sample Graphite Blue Metallic, for $32k. Say what you will, but that’s a compelling statement. Graphite Blue Metallic was one of the more interesting standard colors from the 991 generation of Porsche’s 911, appearing nearly Nardo Grey at first glance, but with just enough cyan to have a clear differentiation. Applied here to a Macan GTS, it’s subtle enough to not require a card carrying extrovert as owner, but certainly will stand out from the other Macans you see around town. We’d happily add this to our stable as a daily.
KAMM creates the ultimate lightweight 912c sports car with classic looks, incredible dynamics, and daily driver usability
Latest 912c brings a soft-window Targa to the KAMM family, using the proven Semi-Carbon 912c specification to create an exhilarating open sports car
Carbon fibre construction at core of lightweight philosophy resulting in sub-800kg weight
Launch model features KAMM produced roof rack and surfboard finished in Tangerine
[source: KAMMManufaktur]
Budapest, Hungary – KAMManufaktur is officially launching its 912c Targa, a car with all the lightweight purity expected from KAMM, but with the much sought-after soft-window Targa body.
The KAMM 912c has become renowned around the world for its light weight, high-quality build, classic looks and exhilarating performance. In a world of ever-increasing electronic driver management, the KAMM 912c allows owners to take back control and enjoy a truly analogue driving experience.
Now well into manufacturing and delivering KAMM 912c cars around the world, founder Miklos Kazmer faced one returning question – will there ever be an open-roof version? Kazmer is well known for his unwavering commitment to retaining authenticity in every car he creates and so, if there was to be an open 912c it had to be a soft-window Targa.
In the mid-sixties, the US was considering banning convertible cars for safety reasons. In the end it didn’t happen, but the decision was made to fit a roll-hoop to the 912 together with a removable central roof section and rear window. With a glass rear window being made an option from 1967, the soft-window Targa is the true original, open 912.
“The KAMM 912c is now being built for clients all around the world, from the US to Australia and mainland Europe to the Far East,” says Kazmer. “Many potential clients live in areas blessed with great weather and want to experience all a KAMM has to offer. With that in mind I created the KAMM 912c Targa. Based on the soft-window Targa, it retains classically original looks but is every inch a true KAMM.”
To celebrate the launch of the 912c Targa, a special one-off version has been created and is available for sale.
This exclusive launch model will be created using an original 1968 soft window 912 Targa (an original EU car, with Belgian papers), meticulously restored and re-engineered to KAMM Semi-Carbon specification and finished in period Tangerine paintwork with a tobacco leather interior and Porsche Pasha inserts.
To give the car a unique look it is fitted with KAMM aluminium steel lookalike wheels, Cibie spot lights, a KAMM carbon roof rack and a very special KAMM surfboard. The interior also comes with a host of discretely fitted standard features, including a high-quality audio system.
“I wanted to launch the KAMM 912c Targa with a one-off model,” says Kazmer. “As with all KAMM cars, the 912c Targa will be equally at home on the street as it is the track, and what better way to enjoy life than a fast drive to the beach in a soft-window KAMM 912c Targa, ready for a day of fun and relaxation.“
As with the 912c coupe, every donor car is carefully restored and re-engineered to perfection, creating the perfect base template on which to build the KAMM 912c Targa.
Based on the Semi-Carbon 912c the Targa’s panels are made in-house from carbon fibre, as is the iconic rollover hoop with its famous Targa badge. As well as using carbon fibre for the body panels, wing mirrors and seat backs, the windows are manufactured from lightweight, scratch-proof Lexan polycarbonate.
KAMM engineers have spent hundreds of hours discreetly reinforcing the body, using the latest automotive technology, to provide the required rigidity when driving enthusiastically. An FIA specification roll-cage can also be fitted, if required.
As with all KAMM models, the original 1.6-litre, air-cooled engine is increased to 2.0 litres and every component benefits from the team’s obsessive attention to detail. Power is upgraded to 185hp with torque of 205Nm but in line with its everyday character, 170Nm of torque is available from as low as 2,000rpm. Its five-speed dogleg transmission has a choice of short, long or touring gearing. The short-shifter itself has been designed and engineered by KAMM and connects to a Porsche hydraulic racing clutch before power is sent to a limited-slip differential.
As with all KAMM models, every 912c Targa will be built to the owners chosen specification, with unlimited paint and interior options and a number of technical specification and styling options to choose from.
The exclusive, launch edition KAMM 912c Targa is available at €395,000 with delivery available to anywhere in the world.
2025 build slots for bespoke KAMM 912c and KAMM 912c Targa are available now.
KAMM 912c Targa Specifications Body:
Original bodywork fully restored by KAMM
KAMM Sem-Carbon specification including carbon fibre front hood, front wings, doors, front bumper and splitter, rear decklid, rear bumper and numerous interior, structural and engine parts
Lightweight windows manufactured from hardened, scratchproof Lexan polycarbonate
Carbon fibre wing mirrors created by KAMM based on the famous Talbot 3000
Performance-oriented aerodynamic underfloor covering and front splitter
Option of full bolt-in roll cage to FIA specifications
Engine:
KAMM engineered 2.0 litre air-cooled 616 4-cylinder engine 185hp at 6,500rpm and 205Nm at 5,200rpm. 7,200rpm redline
170Nm of torque available as low as 2,000rpm
Individual throttle bodies
Bespoke intake and exhaust primaries
Reduced friction from revised cooling blades
KAMM airbox with active valve connections
Exhaust:
Bespoke performance exhaust
Exhaust engineered to allow full flow or operate in quiet mode
Gearbox:
Original 901 5-speed dogleg gearbox upgraded by KAMM to provide a reassuringly precise shift feel
Three gearing patterns: short, long and touring
Linkage and short shifter developed by KAMM
ZF limited slip differential
Porsche hydraulic racing clutch
Electrics:
Wire harness and connectors developed to motorsport specification
Electronic control unit by SCS with two modes for daily driving or performance and track
Power Distribution Module
Smiths gauges produced to KAMM specification
175 amp alternator developed by WOS Performance
Interior:
Choice of racing or touring carbon fibre seats
Range of FIA specification belts and harnesses available
Fusina Racing steering wheel
Comfort features include electric air-conditioning, lightweight carpeting, and a sound system with Morel speakers
Comfort options include heated seats
Suspension and brakes:
TracTive bespoke semi-active front and rear coilover suspension
Brembo brakes with ventilated discs and hydraulic handbrake
Wheel options:
Classic design with steel-look aluminium wheels in R15/R16 J6
Replica 917 style carbon 360 wheels in R15/6.5
Iconic three-piece 917 style wheels in R15 J7
About KAMMManufaktur Founded by Miklós Kázmér in Budapest, Hungary, KAMM focuses solely on the 912 sports car produced between 1965-1969. Renowned for being the lightest of all the road-going 911/912s, but with a better balance than a typical 911, the 912 may not be an obvious choice for a restomod, but its slim, simple lines, outstanding handling and iconic 4-cylinder engine makes the 912 the perfect choice for a KAMM creation.
The KAMM 912c is an exquisitely engineered, beautifully built, modern take on the 60s sports car icon. In an age where electronics take over many of the driver inputs, the KAMM 912c offers something different in the world of restomods in that it maintains the charm of a 1960s racer, with sensitive updates, instead of trying to completely modernise the 912 driving experience.
KAMM improves on perfection, without compromise, building on existing greatness to create the KAMM 912c. Taking an original 912, KAMM engineers restore every donor car to perfection, providing the perfect basis for a bespoke creation. Steel is replaced with carbon, seamlessly blended without trace, ensuring flawless fit and finish.
KAMM engineers enhance the chassis, brakes suspension, wheels and tyres and replace all original elements with brand new, factory parts including lights, fixings, and rubbers.
It’s hard to explain exactly why, but beige in some instances is incredibly good. Long a metaphor for boring, beige and it’s variants are having an absolute moment, whether it’s Audi’s Siam Beige and Mocha Latte, or the Mercedes-Benz Manufaktur Sand Beige seen here. It’s a clear play to the G-wagen’s military and industrial heritage, both of which propelled sales for a few decades before the G became a shuttle for wealthy American urbanites. Perhaps Sand Beige is most fitting on this particular 4×4 squared variant, the most rough and ready of the Geländewagen lineup.
What: 1992 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 Color:Mint Green(mintgrün; non-metallic UNI; 22R; Porsche) VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZNS470XXX Mileage: 309 km / 192 miles Price: Upon Request CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Dipl. Wirt.-Ing. Manfred Hering, EARLY 911S e. K., Wuppertal, Germany Listing:Link
Why We Love It:
We’re hitting a theme this week of cars that have experienced color changes, and this one may be the most interesting yet. Get past the fact that it seems like you rarely if ever see a 964-generation 911 Turbo in Mint Green (much less one with less than 200 miles on the odometer), because that’s just the beginning of the story. You see, this car left the factory painted Paint to Sample Gulf Orange (gulforange; 019; non-metallic UNI; Porsche) with black interior.
According to the ad, the car received a full restoration presumably with color change by the massive classic Porsche dealer in Germany where it is currently for sale. They also have a comprehensive list of options. And while we suspect most all of it came on the car from the factory, the mention of a Mint Green shift knob and the sight of the mint green Porsche Tequipment steering wheel do make us wonder if those were fitted in the (Gulf Orange) car from new, or added when the car switched to Mint Green.
The list of equipment is as follows:
139 Heated seats, left seat 220 limited slip differential 40% 231 Michelin tires 288 headlight cleaning system 327 Radio “Symphony RDS” 340 heated seats, right seat 403 cup cast wheel, 17 inch 423 cassettes and coin containers 425 rear window wiper 437 Comfort seat on the left, electrically adjustable 438 comfort seat right, electrically adjustable 441 Radio preparation 481 manual transmission 488 Inscription German 490 sound package 494 additional amplifiers 499 version for the Federal Republic of Germany 562 Airbag driver and passenger side 573 air conditioning 605 headlight range adjustment 650 Electric sunroof 659 on-board computer 685 Split rear seats 930 rear seat covers, leather 975 trunk lining with velor carpet 981 leather interior without seat covers 983 front seat covers, leather X33 engine performance increase 911 Turbo XK7 shiftgearknob mintgreen XU1 Remote control central locking
Whatever the case, this is an incredibly unique car in an incredibly unique and period correct color. Mint Green had just been introduced at the time as one of the Carrera Cup colors. While uncommon in general, it was most common in the 964-era 911 Carrera RS, and occasionally seen on other period cars like 911 Cabriolets and the occasional 968.
If Green Hell Magno looks right at home on the AMG GT R from Mercedes-AMG, that’s because it was created to celebrate the car. You see, the AMG GTR spent most of its development time on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschliefe circuit (a.k.a. the “Green Hell”).
Likely the color comes from the green forest that surround the historic Norschliefe, and certainly they inspired the name in the track’s nickname. The other part of that name, “Magno”, is Mercedes-Benz speak for matte paint finish. In the end, it’s likely the most striking (and fitting) of the colors offered on the AMG GT R.
What: 2022 Audi RS Q8 Color: Audi Glacier White (Gletscherweiß; pearl effect; LS9R/2Y; Audi) VIN: WU1ARBF19ND010955 Mileage: 17,606 miles Price: $99,900 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: Pictured below Location: Marino Performance Motors, West Palm Beach, FL Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Sure, we love a good exterior but as they say- it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Audi’s Glacier White paint is augmented by the frankly stunning Audi exclusive Ocean Blue leather interior on this Tailored Driver, resulting in a fairly stealth OEM build if not for the copper Avant Garde wheels. Aftermarket carbon fiber bits are found throughout the exterior which certainly enhance the sportiness of this RS Q8, but frankly we’d be tempted to put it back stock. In our opinion, letting the Glacier White and Ocean Blue combo stand on its own is more than enough to stand out.
What: 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Color: Paint to Sample Oak Green Metallic(oakgrünmetallic; metallic uni; 265 / 22L / 60K; Porsche) VIN: WP0CE2A84RK240412 Mileage: 1,204 miles Price: $259,991 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Porsche Warrington, PA Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
We don’t play favorites at Tailored Driver, but if we did, Porsche Oak Green Metallic would be a strong contender. A deeper shade than Aston’s Racing Green, Oak Green features a gold metallic flake that genuinely pops in direct sunlight. While it was introduced in the ’70s, Oak has seen a resurgence recently and we’ve seen it featured on both Audi and Porsche models via their respective Tailoring programs. Here it’s been applied to arguably the most exciting of Porsche’s current topless lineup, where the yellow brake calipers do a great job of further enhancing Oak Green’s aforementioned gold flake.
