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  • Color Check: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in Morganite

    Color Check: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in Morganite

    Rolls-Royce recently dropped basic color and specification from the Cullinan Series II and Black Badge Cullinan Series II global media drive held in Ibiza back in June. Alas, we weren’t on that drive, but we are able to share the basic color information in order to help inspire those ordering Rollers or considering Rolls-Royce hues in build specifications from other manufacturers.

    First up is this Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II christened ‘Disruptor’. It’s finished in Morganite (morganite; non-metallic uni; R9F; Rolls-Royce). According to @rollsroycemonaco on Instagram, Morganite gets its name from the Morganite gem that is known for its soft pink color. “The coloration is of the stone is due to traces of manganese. Says @rollsroycemonaco, “This coloration is due to traces of manganese, which give it beautiful shades of pink, peach, and magnolia.”

    Check out more photos below.

  • Market Find: 2024 Porsche Paint to Sample Aubergine 911 Carrera S

    Market Find: 2024 Porsche Paint to Sample Aubergine 911 Carrera S

    What: 2024 Porsche Carrera S
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Aubergine (aubergine; non-metallic UNI; 025; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AB2A93RS221858
    Mileage: 660
    Price at Time of this Writing: $239,995
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Link
    Location: Glen Cove, NY
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Paint to Sample offers an incredibly wide array of colors, yet somehow we really only ever see the same 15-20. So when a great vintage-inspired build like the one represented by this Tailored Driver shows up in our searches, it provides perhaps a bit more excitement than we’d care to admit. Porsche Paint to Sample Aubergine is decidedly a heritage play having been available on 70’s 911 models, and hounds tooth inserts on the seats and door cards do a nice job of continuing the theme. In all, we’d give it an A+ grade, and hope the next owner of this Tailored Driver actually uses it.

  • A Busy 2024 for Lamborghini Polo Storico as It Prepares for 10th Anniversary

    A Busy 2024 for Lamborghini Polo Storico as It Prepares for 10th Anniversary

    [source: Lamborghini]

    Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy – The year 2024 comes to a close following important work by Lamborghini Polo Storico: it was a year full of activities and awards won in the most prestigious international concours d’elegance that further cemented its role as the point of reference for Lamborghini collectors globally. In 2025 Polo Storico will celebrate its tenth anniversary, a significant milestone that attests to this department’s continuous evolution.

    “2024 has been a year both challenging and richly gratifying for our entire team,” said Alessandro Farmeschi, After Sales Director of Automobili Lamborghini.  “Not only have we achieved excellent results commercially in terms of certifications and restorations, but we have also shared and enhanced the history of the brand and our cars with customers and enthusiasts all over the world.”

    In February, Polo Storico participated in The ICE event held in Saint Moritz, where it showcased two iconic models from the Lamborghini Museum on the frozen lake: a 1973 Jarama S and a 1968 400 GT 2+2, both equipped with the legendary Lamborghini V12 engine.

    In March, on the 60th anniversary of the 350 GT, Lamborghini’s first production car was taken to Geneva to commemorate the model’s debut at the 1964 Motor Show.

    In May, the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza hosted four classic Lamborghinis. These included a 1967 Miura P400 and a 1976 Countach LP 400, which was awarded by the jury with the Il Canto del Motore prize for the best sound. Also on display were a 1990 Countach 25th Anniversary, certified by Polo Storico, and a 1999 Diablo GT, currently undergoing analysis to obtain certification, which won the BMW Group Ragazzi trophy at Villa Erba, an award that confirms the growing attention of collectors to the youngtimer models. Also in May, Polo Storico participated in the Lamborghini Day UK event, where it showcased a Diablo SV and a Countach LP400, the first version of the iconic Lamborghini that in 2024 celebrated its 50th anniversary since going into production.   

    September marked some special moments linked to the Countach’s 50th anniversary. At the Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille, held in September in France, the Countach was the star of a dedicated class, with the presence of the very first production car built (chassis number 001). This historical example also returned to the original production line, the same place where the Lamborghini Revuelto is currently being produced, for a photo shoot that established a dialog between the past and present of the Lamborghini V12.

    In October, at the Auto e Moto d’Epoca show in Bologna, Polo Storico displayed the body of a 1968 Miura S currently undergoing restoration and a 1994 Diablo SE in the process of certification. Finally, during the month of November, Polo Storico supported Lamborghini Day Germany with the presence of three classic Lamborghinis on display, all certified by Polo Storico: this was followed by Lamborghini Day Japan, an event enlivened by a parade of 131 cars, including 30 classic models supported by Polo Storico, representing the brand’s heritage through the streets of Tokyo. Being involved so extensively in these prestigious events during 2024, further strengthened the international ambassadorial role of Polo Storico on behalf of Lamborghini.

    Continuing its steady growth, Lamborghini Polo Storico will mark its tenth anniversary in 2025. This important milestone is an opportunity for the Polo to celebrate its evolution and activities by participating in international and company events, along with concours d’elegance around the world, consolidating its central role in the preservation and enhancement of the brand’s history.

  • Market Find: 2004 BMW Individual Estoril Blue Metallic M3 Coupe

    Market Find: 2004 BMW Individual Estoril Blue Metallic M3 Coupe

    What: 2004 BMW M3
    Color: BMW Individual Estoril Blue Metallic (estorilblau; metallic; 335; BMW)
    VIN: WBSBL93464PN58640
    Mileage: 66,572
    Price at Time of this Writing: $23,000
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Doylestown, PA
    Auction listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    While not offered on the E46 generation M3, BMW Individual Estoril Blue was such a hit on other M cars of the day that more than a few Tailors opted to tick the box. It is much less common though, that those same Tailors continued down the path of Individual in selecting an off-menu interior as we see here. BMW Individual Estoril Blue and Black Nappa Leather on this M3’s manual-adjust (!) seats is an incredibly tasteful touch inside this Tailored Driver, as are the host of modifications mentioned in the PCar Market auction. The right blend of OEM+ (CSL trunk, OEM 6-speed conversion, Euro console tray), track-focused (JRZ 2-way adjustable coilovers, Brembo GT big brake kit, numerous polyurethane bushings), and recent maintenance work to make this BMW Individual Estoril Blue M3 the kind of proposition that early 2000s dreams are made of.

  • Market Find: 2010 Audi exclusive Solar Orange S4 Sedan

    Market Find: 2010 Audi exclusive Solar Orange S4 Sedan

    What: 2010 Audi S4
    Color: Audi exclusive Solar Orange (non-metallic UNI; LY2G; Audi)
    VIN: WAUMGAFL7AA093077
    Mileage: 27,600
    Price at Time of this Writing: $20,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: Pictured below
    Location: Fountain Inn, SC
    Auction listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Incredibly rare early Audi exclusive build in Solar Orange with impossibly uncommon Tuscan Brown two-tone seats, low miles and a 6 speed manual transmission… what’s not to love? Found on Cars and Bids, this Tailored Driver represents an easy (and maybe cheap!) way of getting into something unique while not suffering the parts availability issues that come with proper rarity. Imagine not springing the extra $2,500(!!!) for an exclusive build on your new Audi back in 2010… couldn’t be us.

  • Golf Clap to Mercedes-Benz, Celebrating and Supporting Modern Classics

    Golf Clap to Mercedes-Benz, Celebrating and Supporting Modern Classics

    Here’s the dirty little secret about the car business. Though they’re well loved by aging car enthusiasts finally ready to spend some of that disposable income, newly minted vintage cars (30-years old in this case) can tend to be a paint for car manufacturers. Many of these cars have been garaged or retired, yet a smaller owner base remains a small yet highly outspoken group. Even still, this group holds a lot of influence with friends and family, meaning they help sell the new cars where the actual money is made. Classic parts divisions are often on minimal budgets if they exist at all. Still, some companies get the value, underlining the timelessness and inherent value of their product, and one of those is Mercedes-Benz.

    We caught the below press release from the Mercedes-Benz global PR distribution, highlighting the latest cars to get support from their classics department. You’ll notice some regular players from our Market Finds series, with Mercedes’ own MANUFAKTUR division active in that time period, as well as Designo and Avantgard paint and design packages regulars in our European Market Finds mix for their unique and colorful options.

    Bravo Mercedes. This isn’t a part of the business most easily associated with profits, but it remains core to support of owners and enthusiasts who care about your brand, which pays dividends in authenticity and passion that are hard to quantify yet critically necessary for a long-lived and/or premium brand.

    BEGIN PRESS RELEASE – One Star, Four Eyes and Thousands of Parts: Mercedes-Benz Classic for the H Number Plate

    [source: Mercedes-Benz]

    • Premiere of model series 210 in 1995: First E-Class with “four-eye face”
    • The Sprinter shapes an entire vehicle category
    • Further models and model variants from 1995 are ready for the classic car certificate
    • Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts keep classics on the road

    Is your favourite car with the star actually already due for the H number plate? Every year, owners of Mercedes-Benz vehicles which have weathered the years marvel at which of the brand’s models and model series find themselves on this threshold to becoming classics. In 2025, for the first time, these include the E-Class of model series 210, the first generation of the Sprinter and models of the SL of model series 129 and the E-Class Coupé of model series 124.

    One prerequisite for the coveted H number plate is a classic car certificate in accordance with Section 23 of the German Road Traffic Licencing Code (StVZO). Vehicles can qualify which are 30 years or older. This certificate attests to the good original condition of a classic vehicle. With or without the H number plate: with its services, Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH plays considerable role in keeping classics as well as younger vehicles from throughout the brand’s history in optimum condition. Particular attention is paid to components which are relevant to driving and safety. Mercedes-Benz Classic offers an extremely comprehensive supply of spare parts worldwide with around 160,000 part items. Many are ready for pick-up within 24 hours from just under 3,000 authorised dealers in 170 countries.

    January 1995: Sprinter becomes new synonym for vans

    The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter premieres on 23 January 1995. On this day, 500 of the agile vans leave the Düsseldorf plant bound for German Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The “Van of the Year 1995” is so successful that it soon lends its name to an entire vehicle category – known colloquially as the “Sprinter Class”. The van is available in various wheelbases with different body variants. The offer initially comprises three models with petrol, diesel and turbodiesel engines. The ABS anti-lock braking system, ABD automatic brake differential and – for the first time in a van – four disk brakes are standard features.

    June 1995: E-Class of model series 210 with “four-eye face”

    Mercedes-Benz presents the second E-Class generation in June 1995. Model series 210 sets an unmistakable visual accent with its “four-eye face”. This designation comes from the four round headlamps at the front. The CLASSIC, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE feature lines on offer are groundbreaking. The new E-Class initially starts with four diesel engines with four, five and six cylinders, as well as five petrol engines with four and six cylinders, and the E 420 with eight cylinders. In September 1995, the E 50 AMG follows as a top-of-the-line model; its eight-cylinder engine has an output of 255 kW/347 hp.

    March and September 1995: Model series 129 with facelift and special model “Mille Miglia”

    The updated SL of model series 129 premieres in September 1995. It is the first facelift of this generation of the Mercedes-Benz sports car. In addition to changes regarding details of the design, the SL is subject to technical innovations. These include a five-gear automatic transmission and revised engines in the SL 500 and SL 600. The Electronic Stability Program ESP® is available upon request for the two top models of model series. Headlamps with xenon gas discharge bulbs and a hardtop with a glass roof are now available as special features. In 1995, Mercedes-Benz presents the SL special model “Special Edition” of the W 129 with Mille Miglia style elements, of which 630 vehicles are produced. The “Mille Miglia” model is even more exclusive. Created as a support vehicle of the famous regularity drive for classic automobiles, only ten units are produced on the basis of the Special Edition.

    October 1995: Mid-size van Vito

    Vito is the name of the new light van in the mid-size segment from Mercedes-Benz. Model series 638 is presented in Madrid in October 1995. The commercial vehicle ranked below the Sprinter is available in Germany from March 1996 on. The offer comprises three feature versions and four engines.

    Model variants and facelift in 1995

    In the course of 1995, new models complement the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. From January 1995, the E 200 Coupé of the 124 model series, previously reserved for export to Italy, Greece and Portugal, is also available in Germany. The C-Class of model series 202 is revised in September 1995 and is provided with an extended range of engines.

    With genuine parts, the classic remains on the road – Authentic and stable in terms of value

    Whether for the second generation of the E-Class, the SL of model series 129, the first Sprinter or other classics with the star: Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts have a comprehensive range of spare and wearing parts available for classic automobiles of the brand. The service stands for the highest quality and originality down to the last detail. Thus, Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH makes a significant contribution to maintaining the authentic condition of the brand’s classics in the long term.

    A selection of parts for the vehicles presented here:

    • For the E-Class of model series 210, the radiator grille (part number A 210 880 00 83, EUR 755.67), left headlamp (part number A 210 820 03 61 64, EUR 594.79), right headlamp (part number A 210 820 04 61, EUR 594.79) and tool bag, empty (part number A 314 585 00 01, EUR 36.84) are available. The range of parts available for the E 50 AMG includes the left front catalytic converter (part number HWA 210 490 03 19, EUR 1,485.95), left front brake disk (part number HWA 210 421 01 12, EUR 481.62) and right front brake disk (part number HWA 210 421 02 12, EUR 481.62).
    • The spare parts portfolio for the Sprinter comprises, for example, the grille for the bonnet (part number A 901 830 02 18, EUR 18.09), the right headlamp (part number A 901 820 06 61, EUR 328.15) and left headlamp (part number A 901 820 05 61, EUR 328.15) as well as the right rear lens (part number A 000 826 19 56, EUR 55.12) and left rear lens (part number A 000 826 18 56, EUR 55.12).
    • For the facelifted SL of the 129 model series from September 1995 onwards, among other parts, the radiator (part number A 129 500 01 03, EUR 797.82), the front right mud wing (part number A 129 880 04 18, EUR 957.95), the front left mud wing (part number A 129 880 03 18, EUR 957.95) and the windscreen (part number A 129 670 09 01, EUR 1,003.57) are available.
    • For the E 200 Coupé of the 124 model series, for example, the eight-hole rim 6.5 x 15 (part number B 664 700 85, EUR 240.00), the front axle spring (A 124 321 19 04, EUR 167.22) and the Mercedes star (part number A 210 880 01 86, EUR 39.71) are available.
    • For the facelifted C-Class of the 202 model series, in addition to many other parts, the gear lever of the mechanical five-gear transmission (part number A 202 267 01 11 9C 05, EUR 220.39), the steering knuckle on the right (part number A 202 330 01 20, EUR 338.45) and the steering knuckle on the left (part number A 202 330 00 20, EUR 338.45) are available.

    All prices specified are recommended retail prices for Germany and include 19 per cent value added tax. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts specified and other Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts can be found at: teilesuche.mercedes-benz-classic.com

  • Market Find: White on White Homologation Special Audi Sport quattro

    Market Find: White on White Homologation Special Audi Sport quattro

    What: 1984 Audi Sport quattro
    Color: Alpine White (alpinweiß; non-metallic uni; L90E / P1; Audi)
    VIN: WAUZZZ85ZEA905035
    Mileage: Not Reported
    Price at Time of this Writing: Estimated $375,000 to $475,000, No Reserve
    CarFax: N/A
    Original MSRP: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Arizona Auction
    Auction listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Whether this car qualifies to be highlighted on this site is perhaps debatable. On the positive side, it’s one of only 164 road variants of the homologation special Audi Sport quattro ever built. That definitely makes it a limited production vehicle much like the Ferrari F40, yet it’s a repaint (originally red) with a standard color (Alpine White), making it not factory original. Also, it’s got a non-factory interior, so there’s that.

    Here’s the thing though. The car is one of five imported by Audi Club North America founder Frank Beddor back in period when North American Audi motorsport boss Jo Hoppen was working with people like Frank to elevate the image of the newly reformed Audi brand. As a result, Beddor ordered no less than five Sport quattros, legally importing them through Andial when they were still new, then upgraded a few of the cars (including this one) by Audi Sport suppliers like Lehmann who built the engine.

    It’s said this car was repainted white in order to stand out more at Ferrari Club events where it went as a ringer to beat up on Maranello’s finest with Beddor’s son Steve at the wheel. At some point not outlined in the RM Sotheby’s listing linked above, the car was also fitted with a white leather interior.

    It’s a little known fact that color and trim options on the Sport quattro were few. Colors were Toronado Red (128 produced), Alpine White (48), Copenhagen Blue (21), Malachite Green (15) and Black (2). According to legend, those two black examples went to Walter Röhrl and Ferdinand Piëch.

    On the inside, all cars came with a putty-ish grey/brown leather and seat centers in an Alcantara type material. Any deviations from that, like the white leather interior in this car, would have been done at a later time as these cars were built long before Audi exclusive ever existed.

    Even still, we applaud the white on white decision. Sport quattro interiors have always looked drab to us anyway, while white-on-white was cool across the 80s car industry spectrum from Volkswagen’s Rabbit/Golf Cabriolet to the Lamborghini Countach.

  • Rolls-Royce Classics Reimagined as EV by Evice

    Rolls-Royce Classics Reimagined as EV by Evice

    • Evice sympathetically modernises classic Rolls-Royce models, crafting bespoke masterpieces without compromise.
    • Specialist teams apply creative engineering and masterful craftsmanship to improve upon Rolls-Royce Corniche and Silver Shadow models with bespoke 800V electric powertrain
    • Extensive testing programme has now commenced for Evice’s first prototype “XP1”
    • First meticulously crafted customer commission to be delivered in Spring 2026

    [source: Evice]

    Surrey, United Kingdom – Evice, a British specialist in heritage remastering, has begun testing its first prototype, based on a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Known as XP1, this prototype lays the foundation of Evice’s ethos: “Crafting bespoke masterpieces without compromise.” The development involves advanced in-house electrification technology, which is currently undergoing rigorous testing.

    Production of VP1, the next phase of this journey, is set to commence in Q1 of 2025. This will mark the culmination of Evice’s vision—a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and truly bespoke craftsmanship.”

    Founded in 2023 by a trio of passionate British engineers, the concept is simple, taking the elegance, spirit and grace of past Rolls-Royce icons and sympathetically remastering them with world leading technologies, much of which is developed in-house, in the pursuit of perfection.

    Starting with the elegance of a mid-century icon, Evice’s team of craftsmen, along with powertrain, dynamics, NVH, and design experts, sympathetically review each and every aspect of the vehicle. A thorough knowledge of the cars, period and culture of the time ensures that each and every refinement is made in step with Rolls-Royce’s original intention. An Evice Rolls-Royce is what the factory would have created 60 years ago, had the technology existed. It is a threadwork of passion, engineering, design, and craftsmanship, resulting in automotive art that will withstand the test of time. 

    Each change has been painstakingly analysed in an effort to match the refinement and distinguished characteristics of the original vehicle while introducing modern reliability, performance, and convenience.“The result is a bespoke masterpiece, developed without compromise”. Each completed hand-built car is the result of 1000s of hours of development time and a bespoke design process ensures that every individual vehicle is the embodiment of the client’s aesthetic.

    Evice Powertrain
    Each remastered vehicle is equipped with an in-house-developed 800-volt electrical architecture, with electric motors delivering 400 horsepower for dynamic and effortless driving that eclipses the performance of the original engine. With a 77 kilo-Watt-hour battery, the current XP1 prototype achieves a range in excess of 200 miles.

    Active suspension and an upgraded braking system add dynamic composure, all while maintaining the effortless, cloud-like ride synonymous with the Rolls-Royce.

    Looking to the interior, Evice has comprehensively upgraded the technology and systems for modern comfort and convenience. Refinements include heated and ventilated electrically-adjustable seats, an air-conditioning system with full climate control, and an upgraded audio system with an additional hidden sub-woofer, all as standard. Infotainment screens support wireless Apple CarPlay and discreet reversing cameras, which can be hidden from view.

    Matthew Pearson, CEO at Evice, commented: “Evice’s mission is to honour the legacy of these classic Rolls-Royce cars with modern engineering and meticulous craftsmanship. Our work with the Corniche and Silver Shadow is about reimagining their timeless elegance while modernising them for greater refinement, performance, and reliability. It’s a ground-up remastering for the modern age that encompasses every detail, from the powertrain and chassis through to interior design, safety, and technology. We like to say that an Evice Rolls-Royce is what the factory would have created 60 years ago, had the technology existed.”

  • Market Find: 2016 BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic M6 Coupe

    Market Find: 2016 BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic M6 Coupe

    What: 2016 BMW M6 Coupe
    Color: BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic (frozenschwarz; metallic matte; U91; BMW)
    VIN: WBS6J9C53GD934457
    Mileage: 51,000
    Price at Time of this Writing: $14,100
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: North Port, FL
    Auction listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    To quote Cars and Bids founder Doug Demuro, now THIS is cool! A Tailored Driver that’s just as spec-rare as it is production rare, this BMW Individual Frozen Black M6 coupe is one of just 23 total LCI models to be optioned with a 6 speed manual, and one of 68 to feature it throughout the model’s 5 year run. As an added bonus, this M6 was also optioned with a BMW Individual Opal White interior. While it does carry a Lemon branding on the title, this could be a cheap ticket to one of the most rare modern BMW’s available.

  • Market Find: 2013 Audi exclusive Papaya Orange Q5 hyrbid

    Market Find: 2013 Audi exclusive Papaya Orange Q5 hyrbid

    What: 2013 Audi Q5 hybrid
    Color: Audi exclusive Papaya Orange (non-metallic UNI; LY2B; Audi)
    VIN: WA1C8BFP2DA042301
    Mileage: 247,000
    Price at Time of this Writing: $2,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Hampstead, NC
    Marketplace listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Those memes about sending each other Facebook Marketplace listings of equal parts poor and awesome decisions at 1AM? That’s this Tailored Driver in a nut shell. Entering our radar over the weekend, this Audi exclusive Papaya Orange Q5 hybrid is the kind of thing fever dreams are made of- super rare color, weird options (tan interior and no sunroof?), and ‘needs work’ giving little context to why the price is so low. We’ve reached out to the seller, but apart from an also-ran feature on German Cars for Sale Blog back in the day, details on this Q5 hybrid are slim. Since it already seems to need a new motor, we hope whoever snags this drops in something wild, swaps out the tan interior for Black SQ5 bits, and swings for the fences.