Author: admin

  • Color Focus: Audi Samoa Orange Metallic – X2U

    Color Focus: Audi Samoa Orange Metallic – X2U

    CODE:  X2U

    TYPE: Metallic

    CONTENT ARCHIVE: Audi Samoa Orange

    SUMMARY:

    Believed to be used initially as a launch color for the R8 GT, Samoa Orange Metallic (samoaorange; metallic UNI; X2U; Audi) embraced Audi’s heritage for earth tones in the late 2000s, a time that also birthed Ipanema Brown and Teak Brown. This fiery dark orange would later be used as more of a standard color when the first-generation R8 got its facelift, then later on the TT competition. It even shows up on an R8 Mk2 on screen as Tony Stark’s R8 Coupé in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. As a result, Samoa Orange Metallic remains a popular choice in the extended Audi exclusive color palette.

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  • Market Find: 2022 Porsche Paint to Sample Club Blue Taycan 4S

    Market Find: 2022 Porsche Paint to Sample Club Blue Taycan 4S

    What: 2022 Porsche Taycan 4S
    Color: Club Blue (clubblau; W60; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AB2Y17NSA44034
    Mileage: 10,515
    Price at Time of this Writing: $93,991
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Houston, TX
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    We’d be lying if we didn’t admit that the Taycan 4S is a fairly interesting proposition. Decent range and (we think) great looks and astonishing speed are certainly the highlights, but this Tailored Driver package is rounded out nicely by Porsche’s Paint to Sample Club Blue. Most famously used to commemorate 60 years of the Porsche Club of America, Club Blue lands somewhere between Shark Blue and Nogaro Blue on the Rennbow, but the differences between the three are quite subtle.

  • Market Find: 2019 Volkswagen Spektrum Violet Touch Pearl Golf R

    Market Find: 2019 Volkswagen Spektrum Violet Touch Pearl Golf R

    What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
    Color: Spektrum Violet Touch Pearl (code LC4U) (violettouchpearl; pearl effect; LC4U; Volkswagen)
    VIN: WVWWA7AU7KW119018
    Mileage: 61,021
    Price at Time of this Writing: $25,999
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Union, NJ
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Volkswagen’s Spektrum program was somewhat of a one-hit wonder, with all the right boxes checked- extremely limited run, one year only, enthusiast brand, enthusiast model only. Add to that the rare Spektrum shade of Violet Touch Pearl, a 6 speed manual transmission, and the seemingly reasonable $25,999 asking price, and we’re tempted. Important to note, the CarFax denotes this as a Canadian market example, meaning that warranty coverage, recalls, and registration could prove more challenging when compared to a US-market car.

  • Market Find: Special Wishes Pearlescent White Porsche 911 / 964 Turbo Headed to Broad Arrow Auction at The Amelia

    Market Find: Special Wishes Pearlescent White Porsche 911 / 964 Turbo Headed to Broad Arrow Auction at The Amelia

    What: 1992 Porsche 911 Turbo (type 964)
    Color: Pearlescent White Metallic (perlweißmetallic; metallic uni; L0A9 / 947; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AA2963NS480308
    Mileage: 937 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: Estimate:$350,000 – $450,000
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Link
    Location: Amelia Island, FL at The Amelia Concours 2025, Broad Arrow Auction
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Hit up sites like Porsche Club North America’s Rennbow paint resource and you’ll see Pearl White Metallic was a color that began in the 1980s on cars like the 928 and 944, though Broad Arrow also shares in this car’s Lot description an even more exotic Porsche history for this metallic shade of white. You see, it was also sprayed onto more spotlighted debuts such as the 956 sports racing prototype, the 959 “Gruppe B” concept that previewed the 959, the 911 Speedster Studie, and even the 924 Carrera prototype, all in this distinctive paint. Not surprisingly given the popular use by Porsche at auto shows, Pearl White Metallic was most definitely available in the brand’s Paint to Sample program.

    Back in 1992, Porsche only produced 233 of the early 3.3-liter 911 Turbo (type 964) for the U.S. market. This particular car was the final one produced for North America that year, and delivered to Porsche Clearwater (then Bert Smith International). Its specification went well beyond Paint to Sample Pearl White Metallic and Black full leather with Can-Can Red piping to include almost 20 X-Code options and addition Z-Orders from Porsche Exclusive. Additions to the build included Dark Rootwood trim, additional leather on interior components including headliner, rare leather center console and remote remote CD-1 CD changer.

    In addition to the factory specification, this car also is currently fitted with Rest of World front bumper lights, Turbo 3.6 “Speedline for Porsche” wheels, and period TechArt accessories.

    Interestingly, the order process was retained in the car’s history file, and reveals that the owner even attempted to order his 911 Turbo 3.3 with 959-style fenders though unfortunately that never happened. Broad Arrow goes on to detail the ownership of the car in their lot description.

    “According to the clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, the car was registered to its first long-term caretaker in July 1992 based in Florida who would retain it for the next 24 years until its sale in 2016 with a scant 712 miles on its VDO odometer. In 2019, it was acquired by the current owner, a noted collector of highly original, low mileage 1980s and ’90s sports cars. With years of proper preservation, the Turbo’s Pearlescent White Metallic finish remains “show car” radiant while its full Black leather interior with its multitude of Exclusive options, including a rarely seen leather headliner, remains as expected in pristine condition. Most recently, the car visited European Performance in Raleigh, North Carolina for a new fuel pressure accumulator and AC system recharge in 2022 and later an inspection and oil filter service in October 2024. Perhaps, as expected, this final 1992 911 Turbo retains its window sticker, manuals, toolkit, air pump, spare, and correspondence between Porsche and the original long-term owner. This impressive level of documentation is, just like its exceptionally low mileage, a superb indication of the careful preservation afforded to this highly collectible, special-occasion supercar.”







  • Bentley Bentayga EWB Brings Extended Luxury to The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

    Bentley Bentayga EWB Brings Extended Luxury to The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

    • Four bespoke Bentayga EWB Azure models join The Peninsula Hong Kong, the flagship property of The Peninsula Hotels
    • Personalised, luxury SUVs prepared by Mulliner, Bentley’s coachbuilding and bespoke division
    • Finished in signature Peninsula Green, colour-matched by the technicians of Bentley’s paint shop, with a two-piece fine line in Honey
    • Cabins in Saddle and Beluga completed by unique details, bringing modern interpretation of classic themes
    • The Peninsula Hong Kong becomes the second Peninsula hotel to adopt Bentleys, following The Peninsula London which opened in 2023. 

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors is proud to have delivered a fleet of four personalised Bentayga EWB Azure SUVs to The Peninsula Hong Kong, the Flagship of The Peninsula Hotels that opened in 1928. Following the arrival of four bespoke Bentayga Hybrid’s at The Peninsula London earlier this year, the original and founding Peninsula hotel has chosen to bolster its fleet of chauffeur-driven house cars to include the extended-wheelbase Bentayga, which offers a larger cabin than any other luxury competitor.

    The four cars were specified by The Peninsula in conjunction with the Design team in Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division. The designs make the cars instantly recognisable as Peninsula vehicles, while showcasing the exquisite handcrafted quality provided by Bentley’s craftspeople and artisans at its Dream Factory in Crewe, England.

    Starting with the wellness-focused Azure specification for maximum onboard comfort, the team specified the unique exterior shade of Peninsula Green, mastered from sample by Bentley’s Paint Shop. The rich, dark green extends to painted brightware to the lower body and the matrix grilles in the lower bumper apertures, bringing a clean, modern, colour-blocked look. The dark tone is offset by a two-piece coachline in the golden tone of Honey, with the two lines tracing the power line and haunch of the Bentayga EWB’s side profile. The front doors then feature The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited emblem, the parent company of The Peninsula Hong Kong and owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels

    The 4+1 configuration interior is a modern interpretation of classic Bentley themes. The majority of the cabin is trimmed in Saddle leather, with contrast Beluga leather being used atop the door waistrails, across the top of the dashboard and for the steering wheel. The warm tones of Burr Walnut pair the two leather colours perfectly, used across the dash fascias, along the waistrails and to a pair of veneered picnic tables to the backs of the front seats.

    Embroidered Bentley emblems in Saddle are added to all four seats, and the cars feature Mood Lighting and Rear Seat Entertainment – allowing rear cabin occupants to work, browse the internet or stream content on the move.

    Final Mulliner touches include bespoke towel bins and tissue boxes fitted to the rear door pockets, additional USB charging sockets in the rear cabin, 70mm metal signage in the rear armrests, picnic tables, front seat backs and headlining, and bespoke ‘THE PENINSULA” illuminated treadplates.

    The four cars commenced service in late November 2024 as part of The Peninsula Hong Kong’s immaculate chauffeur service.

    Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors commented, “On behalf of Bentley Motors, it was a pleasure to present these four magnificent bespoke Bentaygas to The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie and The Peninsula Hong Kong. The team of artisans at our Dream Factory in Crewe, England, which individually handcrafted and personalised these cars are rightly proud of the end result, and we are delighted that The Peninsula Hotels continues to adopt Bentleys into their chauffeur fleets.”

  • European Market Find: Mystery Blue 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Avantgarde Wagon

    European Market Find: Mystery Blue 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Avantgarde Wagon

    What: 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Station Wagon
    Color: Unknown Green or Blue
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 199,999 km (24,273 miles)
    Price at Time of this Writing: € 19,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Rüsselsheim-Königstädten, Germany
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Hear us out. Yes, we know the E 55 AMG Station Wagon was sold in the United States. They’re exceedingly rare, especially in solid survivor condition, but they were sold here. Still, anyone who loves these cars or is seeking a unique long roof may find this one worth going through the extra effort of importation. That it’s old enough for easy import is one obvious reason, but more so is the unique build specification this car got from the factory. This sort of specification would have been extremely difficult if not impossible for anyone in North America to order, so it’s worth noting… even if it does have a dash of turn-of-the-century Y2K kitsch in the color choices.

    Regarding the color, it’s a bit of a puzzle. It’s listed as “green” and 027 Designo-LCP paintwork, then later in the thorough option code listing we see Z98 PAINT FINISHES OUTSIDE THE SAMPLE CARD. So, we know it’s special paint, but we don’t know what color as “027” is effectively ambulance white in the lexicon of Mercedes-Benz color codes.

    Looking over the photos, the color almost appears to be a predominantly blue metallic that fades to green from certain angles or in certain lighting conditions. So, we’re not even sure if it’s blue or green. Maybe it’s both.

    Inside, the car has a period “Avantgarde” interior package, which is typically two-tone leather with segments of the seats in some more bold color. In this case, that color is green that would have been popular in the late 1990s when this car was produced. It’s not a timeless shade of green, but it definitely puts you in the period and plays on the theme.

    We’re going to go ahead and list the listing description and options (translated to English with Google Translate) for reference here. We found them all in the car’s listing over on AutoScout24.

    LISTING TRANSLATION BELOW:

    Beautiful E55T AMG in LCP from 2nd hand with no maintenance backlog
    Vehicle from 2nd hand
    23 years in one hand
    Service booklet available
    AMG rims in several parts in 18″
    Inspection with engine mount recently new
    Summer tires in 5/2024 new
    Non-smoker
    Very well-maintained vehicle
    Sale on behalf of customer
    Original equipment codes according to MB query
    Sales name E 55 T AMG
    AMG order number 0822300604
    Delivery date14.12.1998
    Paint number027 (Invalid designo-LCP paint)
    Interior 581 (Exclusive leather – black/anthracite)
    Engine 11398060006397
    Transmission 72263601237265
    213 PARAMETER STEERING / VARIO STEERING
    214 ADAPTIVE DAMPING SYSTEM
    220 REAR PARKING ASSIST
    231 GARAGE DOOR OPENER
    242 RIGHT DRIVER’S SEAT ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTABLE WITH MEMORY
    249 INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR MIRROR AUTOMATICALLY DIMMING
    260 TYPE PLATE ON REAR LID REMOVED
    275 MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER’S SEAT, STEERING COLUMN AND MIRROR)
    312 SUN BLIND IN THE CARGO AREA (PARTITION GRID)
    345 RAIN SENSOR
    351 ECALL EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM
    363 ECALL CONVERSION TO NATIONAL EMERGENCY CALL
    414 ELECTRIC GLASS SUNROOF
    423 AUTOMATIC 5-SPEED GEARBOX
    472 PETROL PARTICULATE FILTER (OPF) WITHOUT SENSORS
    500 ELECTRICALLY FOLDABLE EXTERIOR MIRROR
    543 SUN VISOR WITH ADDITIONAL FUNCTION
    551 BASIC BURGLAR AND THEFT ALARM SYSTEM (EDW)
    570 ARMREST WITH COMPARTMENT AND REAR COMPARTMENT VENTILATION
    581 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING
    581 EXCLUSIVE LEATHER – BLACK/ANTHRACITE
    600 HEADLIGHT CLEANING SYSTEM
    611 SURROUND LIGHTING
    612 XENON HEADLIGHT LIGHT UNIT
    673 BATTERY WITH LARGER CAPACITY
    682 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
    772 AMG STYLING – FRONT SPOILER, SIDE SKIRTS
    774 AMG 5-SPOKE WHEELS 18″ ALL AROUND
    810 SOUND SYSTEM PREMIUM
    815 SINGLE DVD DRIVE
    819 SOUND2LIGHT
    873 HEATED SEATS FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER
    882 SENSORS AND SIREN BURGLAR AND THEFT ALARM SYSTEM
    910 ALTERNATOR WITH LARGER CAPACITY
    954 EQUIPMENT LINE/PACKAGE – AVANTGARDE
    988 INVALID (VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND COC PAPER AND TYPE PLATE)
    Z51 BUSINESS CONSOLE WITH SOCKET
    Z98 PAINT FINISHES OUTSIDE THE SAMPLE CARD

  • Aimé Leon Dore‘s custom Porsche 993 Turbo Pays Homage to New York

    Aimé Leon Dore‘s custom Porsche 993 Turbo Pays Homage to New York

    The New York-based fashion and lifestyle brand Aimé Leon Dore (ALD) unveils the bespoke Porsche 993 Turbo – the fifth classic model restored in its long-standing partnership with Porsche.

    [source: Porsche AG]

    Renowned for its unparalleled engineering and timeless design, the Porsche 993 Turbo is hailed as one of the greatest sports cars in history. It combines the final iteration of the air-cooled engines with a powerful twin-turbo powertrain that set a new standard for performance, handling, and durability. Aimé Leon Dore’s restoration goes beyond aesthetics, delivering both a visual and technical revival of the celebrated classic.

    Porsche 993 Turbo by Aimé Leon Dore

    During an intensive development process, for a sportier look, elements from the 993 Turbo S were incorporated, including the iconic Turbo S spoiler, which provides both a visual enhancement and increased downforce. Additionally, the 993 Turbo S Exhaust and Front Splitter were fitted to improve aerodynamics, elevating the car’s performance and aggressive front-end design.

    The 18-inch Porsche Turbo Twist rims were finished in Mulberry Green to match the exterior, highlighted with a gold accent encircling the rims. Michelin, Porsche’s trusted tire partner known for outfitting the seven-time title-winning Porsche 963, provided 18″ Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires specifically for the 993 Turbo. 

    It’s great to see the latest installment of our partnership with Aimé Leon Dore”, says Deniz Keskin, Director Brand Management and Partnerships at Porsche AG. “The 993 is an iconic member of the 911 family and dream car for so many enthusiasts all around the world. ALD’s take is a wonderful way of contributing to that enduring legacy.”

    Aimé Leon Dore’s refined design language extends to the interior, featuring dark brown leather, lambswool accents, and hardback seats. The seat backrests are painted in Mulberry Green, echoing the car’s exterior. Dark brown carpets, floor mats, seats, and instrument cluster were selected for a cohesive, monochromatic look. The steering wheel and headrests display a custom Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche logo, highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two brands. A custom brass Unisphere gear knob brings a distinctive and personal touch to the interior. The door sills also feature the inscription “A team from outta Queens with the American dream,” a nod to the brand’s roots and the inspiration behind Aimé Leon Dore’s brand.

    Exclusive capsule collection with Porsche Design

    Inspired by the exclusive Mulberry Green Porsche 993 Turbo, the capsule collection features a range of apparel and accessories, including the long-awaited Leather Club Jacket.

    “It has been a refreshing experience to work on this capsule with the ALD team”, says Nicola Ader, Director Marketing & PR Porsche Lifestyle Group. “The result is the perfect match for the car and a great way for both communities around the world to become part of this project.”

    The capsule collection will be available on November 22nd both in-store and online at Aimé Leon Dore.

    For the first time, Porsche Design of America will also offer a select range from the limited-edition capsule, available exclusively on the West Coast at the Porsche Design Store in Beverly Hills.

    About Aimé Leon Dore

    Founded by Teddy Santis, Aimé Leon Dore is a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle brand known for its focus on high-quality products that blend classic and contemporary styles, drawing inspiration from the city’s diverse cultural influences.

  • Color Check: M4 Competition Cabrio in BMW Individual Velvet Orchid II Metallic

    Color Check: M4 Competition Cabrio in BMW Individual Velvet Orchid II Metallic

    We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, BMW M is killing it in the social media game when it comes to showing off the brand’s most interesting colors and promoting their BMW Individual custom paint program. Several times a week, you can count on the team from Münich to share another unexpected paint option and this one certainly qualifies.

    The car is a BMW M4 Competition Cabriolet with M xDrive, and the paint is BMW Individual Velvet Orchid II metallic (velvetorchidiimetallic; metallic; L74; BMW). This soft desaturated pink is something you definitely won’t find every day.

    There’s no doubt that pinks are becoming more and more in fashion in the automotive paint color space, and it’s a testament to how normal this is. If you’d told us you’d ordered a BMW Cabriolet in a light metallic and red brake calipers we’d have probably made a hairdresser joke… yet here we are looking at this M4 Cabrio and thinking it’d make for a proper entry to a fantasy garage. Well played BMW M. Well played.

    Find the original Facebook post from BMW M HERE.

  • Market Find: 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 in Ferrari Nero Daytona Headed for Broad Arrow Amelia Auction

    Market Find: 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 in Ferrari Nero Daytona Headed for Broad Arrow Amelia Auction

    What: 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1
    Color: Ferrari Nero Daytona (nerodaytona; metallic; 231F1C; Ferrari)
    VIN: SCFAE62373K800076
    Mileage: 3,200 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: Est. $275,000 to $325,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Broad Arrow Amelia Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Aston Martin and Zagato have a long history of collaborations – a series of offerings over the years applying Italian flair in Zagato’s iconic formula to the often very sensible British supercar nature of Aston Martin.

    This one, set to go across the block as part of Broad Arrow’s upcoming 2025 Amelia Island Auction is the 76th of 99 Zagato DB AR1s built. Even for one of 99, this AR1 was a special order example with factory paint specification of Ferrari Nero Daytona over Light Tan leather. It’s a metallic black beginning around the F50 era that’s become a go-to at Ferrari over the years.

    As for the AR1, it featured Aston’s V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox from ZF. This one also comes well documented with original window sticker, owner’s manuals, service receipts, accessories, and paraphernalia including a scale model of this specific car.

  • Market Find: 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupé in Ocean Jade Green Metallic on Bring a Trailer

    Market Find: 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupé in Ocean Jade Green Metallic on Bring a Trailer

    What: 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupé
    Color: Ocean Jade Green Metallic (ozeanjademetallic; metallic uni; L25K; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AA2993VS323033
    Mileage: 69,000 miles
    Bid Price at Time of this Writing: $150,000
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Reno, NV
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    We’re always fans of Paint to Sample Porsche 911s of every ilk, but the older you go then the rarer it is to find Paint to Sample (PTS) and that makes them extra special. PTS wasn’t unheard of in the 993 era by any stretch, but it’s not like today when it seems like every other GT car allotment turns into a commissioned build by a rich client. That’s the context that we share with you this 1997 911 Carrera S in Ocean Jade Green Metallic (ozeanjademetallic; metallic uni; L25K; Porsche) over on Bring a Trailer.

    If you’re a fan of light metallic greens, this is a great specification 993 coupe. That era’s Carrera S and Carrera 4S got all of the bodywork of the Turbo less the whale tail, which made for an excellent appearance. Now throw on a host of optional equipment and you have a spectacular build.

    • L25k — Ocean Jade Metallic paint
    • C02 — Version for USA
    • XSA — Painted sports seat backrest
    • X54 — Stainless steel tailpipes, oval
    • X70 — Stainless steel door entry guards with model logo
    • X71 — Alu-look instrument dials with chromed rings
    • X97 — Aluminium shift knob
    • X98 — Aluminium parking brake lever
    • 235 — N2 tires made for Porsche
    • 373 — Newer type sports seat, left, height electrically adjustable
    • 374 — Newer type sports seat, right, height electrically adjustable
    • 408 — 18″ Technology wheels (lightweight hollow spoke)
    • 454 — Automatic speed control
    • 650 — Sunroof
    • 688 — CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-210

    This car was formerly owned by the late Rudy Mancinas, a notable 993 enthusiast and collector whose cars were sold off after his passing. It was acquired by Rudy in 2014 where it’s presumed many of the upgrades such as the OEM chin spoiler, Turbo S front brake ducts with driving lights, three-spoke 996 airbag steering wheel, Porsche Classic radio, colored seatbelts, brake calipers finished in Speed Yellow and wheel centers painted in body color were applied.