What: 1988 Porsche 911 TAG Turbo “AP87” by Lanzante Color: Mint Green (mintgrün; non-metallic UNI; 22R; Porsche) VIN: WP0JB0936JS050399 Mileage: 300 miles Price: $2,848,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: England Link: Broad Arrow
One of the more fascinating and certainly the more storied in the Porsche 911 remastering game must certainly be Lanzante and their Porsche 911 TAG Turbos. After acquiring a bulk of former TAG Turbo F1 racing engines developed by Porsche for McLaren, the firm set about building a series of only eleven Porsche 911 Turbos fitted with them. In doing so, they created the ultimate tribute inspired by the one-off Porsche TAG Turbo test car built by Porsche’s own R&D department.
The engine in this particular 911 is a 1.5-liter V6, and specifically TTE P01 raced by Alain Prost at the 1986 German Grand Prix and the 1987 Hungarian and Japanese Grand Prix. Like the other Lanzante TAG Turbos, the car also gets carbon fiber bodywork, carbon ceramic brakes, coilover suspension and aluminum doors.
The car in question was commissioned in Mint Green over black leather and featuring a blue and green tartan in the seat centers. It also features 17-inch versions of the familiar RUF 5-spoke wheel from period.
Want to know more and get a deeper dive on the car? Check it out via the listing link above. Also, check out this video created by Hagerty to compare the car with a Ruf CTR.
What: 1997 BMW 316ti Color: BMW Individual Santorini Blue(santorinblauii; non-metallic uni; 327; BMW) VIN: N/A Mileage: 229,000 km Price: €2,100 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Salzgitter, Germany Link: Mobile.de
Tailored Driver strives to be of the people and by the people. So while it’d be really easy to just post blank-check Porsche GT variants all day long, we’d rather dig in the proverbial crates for stuff you can actually attain. The latest example of that is this E36 316ti, finished in Santorini Blue and currently on offer for a scant €2,100. Is it rough? Depends on your definition, but we do spot some rust near the rear driver’s side wheel arch. Does it need some ‘help’? Yeah, save for an M3 front bumper, some wheels, and suspension. Will it be slow? If you have to ask… yes, painfully. But an iconic color at a budget price doesn’t come around every day.
What: 1994 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Toscana Edition Color: Copper Metallic (camemetallic; metallic Uni; LK2V; Volkswagen) VIN: N/A Mileage: 85,060 km, 52,853 miles Price: € 19,999 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Remscheid, Germany Link: Auto Nord Remscheid
For the most part, Volkswagen doesn’t have an in-house tailor, but this German economy brand is rife with special editions, ranging from sticker pack mediocre to truly special. We’d weight the Golf Cabriolet Toscana special edition more on the truly special side of that spectrum.
What makes it so interesting? For starters, it was sold as a final runout of the so-called “Mk1 Cabriolet” built by Karmann. It’s a version and a color that North America never received, and with a March 1994 build date, this car was built after Volkswagen of America ceased importing Cabriolets.
The Toscana came in several distinctive paint colors – Bordeaux Red Pearl, Brilliant Black Metallic, Lieder (Lilac) Metallic, Pearl Grey Metallic and Came (Copper) Metallic you seen here on this example. The cars came with interior code #28, including height adjustable front sport seats trimmed in a set black sport cloth and fabric combination standard across all colors, MFA instrument cluster, leather-wrapped non-airbag steering wheel and shift boot, and Gamma stereo-cassette radio with cassette holder.
Each car would have had 15-inch Le Castellet alloy wheels, though this one shows what look like 15-inch BBS RA wheels that Volkswagen / Karmann had offered on other Cabriolet models but likely weren’t original to this car. We wouldn’t rule their originality out entirely though as this is a very late production car and it’s entirely possible Karmann was fitting whatever they still had in stock.
We note this car has an aftermarket stereo head unit, but is otherwise relatively pristine and reflecting its remarkably low mileage.
Special thanks to Cabby-Info.com for the very detailed index of information on the Toscana.
What: 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Targa Color: Oak Green Metallic (oakgrünmetallic; metallic Uni; 22L / 265; Porsche) VIN: N/A Mileage: 97,006 km, 60,276 miles Price: € 129,900 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium Link: Garage Vandenberghe
While the Porsche 911 964 generation was definitely sold in the United States, the last of the primarily hand built and upright headlight air-cooled 911s has become a rare and valuable commodity thanks to the likes of Singer and RWB conversions. Given that, seeking out cars in Europe can not only net more selection, it can also pay a bonus with rare specifications most American buyers weren’t likely to order. We think this green-on-green 1991 911 Carrera 2 Targa qualifies.
This Belgian-delivered Targa is painted Oak Green Metallic, listed as a Paint to Sample by the dealer. While we know Oak Green was available during the 964 production run at times, we’re not certain about its availability for the Belgian market in 1991 specifically. Regardless, it’s a rare and attractive color on a 964, and that’s made even more appealing and rare with the unexpected interior specification.
Primarily, the interior specification is most unforgettable thanks to its extremely rare Sherwood Green Leather – optional in Europe, but a rare find to be sure. Other options for this car include English labeling, headlight washers, standard bolster electrically operated seats for both driver and passenger, cassette and coin holder, power antenna and speakers, no amplifier, no airbag, lighting regulation, split rear seat backrest, and velours carpet in trunk.
You’ll note the same green finish on elements such as the no-airbag steering wheel and shiftknob. Here, in these high touchpoint locations, the green is starting to wear off. These pieces are unobtainium and the car is likely worth more with them still unrestored and in the car, but they’re worth noting.
The price on this car isn’t especially low for a 964 Targa, but the mileage is also quite low and the specification is highly unique.
While it’s easier to attain a Tailored Driver if your wallet is thick enough to require chiropractic intervention, we think it’s more fun when Tailored status is within reach of the everyman or woman. At €3,500 (about $3700 USD, plus shipping) this E39-generation 520i Touring painted in BMW Individual Atlantis Blue Metallic and paired with the frankly wild Boa Boa cloth interior and a timeless 5 speed manual transmission is exactly that- fun. Consider it more of a starting point though, as the 520i isn’t exactly going to win any awards in the speed department, and the rear hatch will challenge even the most recent of tetanus shots, but the point remains. Some elbow grease, maybe a different motor, and this could be a sub-$15,000 Cars and Coffee award winner.
Unlike the much more common Porsche 911 Carrera RS of the 964 era, the 911 Carrera RS 3.8 is an actual homologation special. Okay, technically the “plain” Carrera RS boasted a lot of changes consistent with the then-current Carrera Cup series, but the 911 Carrera RS 3.8 was built literally to homologate the car for international GT racing requirements.
Beginning the with shell of a Porsche 911 Turbo used for its wider track, each car was transported to Weissach’s racing department so that it could be hand built. Lightweighting ensued, limited not just to deletion of unnecessary equipment but also introducing aluminum equivalents of doors and front trunk lid from the RS 3.6. The car’s RS front spoiler got an extra lip for improved downforce, while other changes included replacement of the foglights with air ducts for the oil cooler, a larger adjustable rear wing, plus 3mm gauge glass for side and rear windows.
Those are just the visual changes. This was a Porsche homologation special after all, which means the chassis got its share of changes too. A larger diameter adjustable anti-roll bar, strut brace, Bilstein suspension, Turbo brakes, reprogrammed ABS, and deletion of power steering all added to the car’s capabilities. Beyond that, it rolled on three-piece 18-inch Speedline Cup wheels in 9-inch width at the front and 11-inches at the rear.
Under the fiberglass engine cover was the M64/04 3.8-liter flat six. That motor was derived form the same 3.6 as the Carrera RS, though it was bored out to 102mm while stroke was retained. Lightweight pistons with shorter wrist pins and reduced head height were also part of the design, as were six individual throttle bodies positioned close to the inlet ports. There was a custom inlet manifold and larger valves with lightweight rockers, not to mention a twin-pipe exhaust system.
Only 55 examples of the 911 Carrera RS 3.8 were built, plus another 49 Carrera RSRs, which was enough satisfy the FIA’s homologation requirement of 100 cars. Interestingly, only one road car was required by the rule, though Porsche shrewdly built quite a few more in order to net some additional income. This was, by the way, the 964 era where Porsche was struggling to stay afloat financially.
This specific car was built in 1993 and is one of twelve examples to be built in Speed Yellow. The seatbacks of the car’s Recaro Pole Position seats were color matched to the body, while the rest of the interior was trimmed in black leather along with contrasting grey seat inserts just as we tend to see in the Carrera RS.
The car was first delivered to Porsche Zentrum Bielefeld in Germany in October 1993, then was exported to Japan before again returning to Europe in 2007. It’s currently located in Paris, France, though its age would make it an easy import into North America.
Perhaps one of the more interesting items featured on Tailored Driver, this short wheelbase E38 generation 750i is equal parts enticing and terrifying. Want luxury? The BMW Individual Blue interior on this E38 has no shortage of it, from the Lay-Z-Boy style front buckets, to the center console mounted telephone, and the certainly very out of date Navigation/Cassette player combo. Love internal combustion? Great- twelve cylinders mean fuel will combust internally quite often. Sure, reliability will be questionable even with a running tab at your local BMW specialist, but it’ll be guaranteed to get a reaction out of even the most casual of observers.
Europe in the 90’s, man. What a strange time. The kind of time, in fact, where a well-to-do professional would put down real money for a brand new 528i, opt for BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic (great!), and also check the box for whatever this two-tone blue and beige, umm, statement piece is. Then, we can only assume, the owner came-to from whatever they’d ingested, and simply never drove it. Having covered just 6,990 kilometers in the past 27 years, a lot of statements can be applied here, but we can all agree that those who saw this car likely never forgot it.
What: 1991 Porsche 911 DLS “Oppenheimer Commission” by Singer Color: Brilliant Blue Metallic (sonicblue; metallic Uni; 896; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZMS406828 Mileage: 120 km, 75 miles from completion by Singer in 2023 Price: Sealed Bid CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Chobham, England Listing:Link
Another Singer DLS has hit the market, this time in a sealed bid sale with RM Sotheby’s. Built as a left hand drive yet UK registered. So, while it’s based in the UK, its age and configuration make it fairly easy to certify and register in other markets like the U.S.A.
“The Oppenheimer Commission” was named for the Oppenheimer Blue diamond and not for the nuclear physicist. Said diamond is a 14.62-carat rock that is the largest fancy vivid blue diamond classified by the Geological Institute of America ever sold at auction.
While light weighting and performance was the main mission of the DLS, opulence befitting a gargantuan blue diamond also sort of fits cars costing more than seven figures to build. And, opulent Oppenheimer is, utilizing Mercedes-Benz Brilliant Blue Metallic contrasted with a generous amount of clear carbon fiber coated with navy tint gloss lacquer around the exterior and also throughout the cabin. This is particularly elegant in the blue lettering and striping on the car, subtly contrasting in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sort of way with the Brilliant Blue paint.
Oppenheimer also sports several one-off features Singer hadn’t tried before constructing it. For instance, the underbody of the car was fitted with underbody protection film. The smoked DLS-specification taillights aren’t one-ff, but they are seldomly seen and reportedly an $18,000 option.
Inside, the primary leather color is Cream, contrasted with Navy Blue Alcantara that is color-matched to the blue carbon fiber throughout. The car’s carbon bucket seats also get offset navy blue stripes in leather, while the shift knob is maple.
Singer only built 70 examples of the DLS. Now combine this one owner car’s odometer showing not much more than delivery miles and the opportunity should be obvious. Granted, that the price will be high should also be obvious. Even still, if you want to skip the line then Oppenheimer may be worth watching.
What: 1997 Subaru Impreza P25 by Prodrive Color: Sonic Blue Metallic (sonicblue; metallic Uni; 38U; Prodrive) VIN: unknown Mileage: 24 km, 15 miles Price: €775,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: The Ashtree Collection, Shrewsbury, England Dealer Listing:Link
Why We Love It:
If you were going to pick the ultimate company to reimagine Subaru’s first-generation Impreza Coupe (type GM), then we suspect Prodrive would be the likely choice. This UK-based firm has been supporting racing and mainly the WRC since it was begun in 1984. This includes racing the 959, the MG Metro in Group B, the BMW M3 E30 in rally and the BTCC and Aston Martin at Le Mans to name just a few. However, it’s likely their 18 years associated with Subaru Rally and Colin McRae.
During that time, they also tuned Subarus. This only further solidified them as a go-to brand synonymous with Subaru performance. More recently, they’d announced their own reimagining series of cars where they take that first-generation Impreza and breath on it in decidedly lavish yet high-performance fashion. The result is what you see here, one of just 25 Impreza’s built to P25 specification.
The specification for the P25 is very much a rally car for the road. It boasts Standard Lightweight Package ; Carbon Roof Skin, Carbon Boot lid, Carbon Door Mirrors, Carbon Bonnet, Carbon Rear Wing Bespoke electrical harness and rally style center differential control, selectable driving modes, upgraded Audio and Infotainment system with digital cluster display, Power Controller, rear view camera and refined switch gears including the P25 Control Wheel. It’s also got a Competition Anti- Lag System (ALS) and Rally start launch control, Akrapović Titanium rear exhaust with silenced bypass system. The Standard Handling Package includes Upgraded Braking System, Hydraulic Handbrake Upgrade including EPBSteering upgrade -quick rack, plus a Bilstein adjustable suspension upgrade.
The car’s Sonic Blue Metallic paint over Dark Grey Alcantara / Black Leather trim with blue stitching is already handsome, though this one gets a host of options to make it even more special. These include:
Sparco SPX Trimmed Front Seats £4000
2 x 4 Point harness £1200
Supply and fit Roll Cage £4000
Personalised wheel colour £1000
Tarmac Splitter £1200
Bespoke Car Cover £1000
Rear Seats option £4000 ( although this car is fitted with the Rollcage Rear Seats are supplied also)
Spare Wheel mounted in the boot with Quick Jack £2000
This one’s got delivery miles. Check it out via the link above.
