What: 2000 BMW Z3 3.0 Coupé Color: Evergreen (immergrün; non-metallic uni; 358, BMW) VIN: N/A Mileage: 208,930 km (129,823 miles) Price: € 19,950 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: AutoMooij, Beek en Donk, The Netherlands Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
This particular BMW Z3 Coupé isn’t low mileage, though not hatefully high. It’s not a one-off BMW Individual paint, though it is fairly rare. At the time, BMW offered Evergreen with dual-tone black and green interior. That was the late 1990s / early 2000s when such combinations were kitsch cool for those in the know. The take rate wasn’t high, which made them rare. And Evergreen, we’d argue, should be due to have its day again given the uptick in pastel colors we’ve been seeing in paint to sample catalogues.
Back to this car, don’t be fooled that it’s a Z3 M. It’s a 3.0 wearing M Coupé wheels, but hardcore aficionados will recognize that the bumpers are different, the side vents and single side exhaust. Even still, for someone seeking a rare spec “clown shoe”, this car’s a great spec and appears to be a solid driver.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
What: 1992 Volkswagen T3 Multivan “Limited Last Edition” WBX6 by Oettinger Color: Tornado Red (tornadorot; non-metallic; G2; Volkswagen) Chassis #: N/A Mileage: 147,300 km, 91,527 miles Price: €69,990 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: CC Automobile GmbH, Velen, Germany Auction Link:Link
Why We Love It:
Known as the “Vanagon” in the United States, the Volkswagen T3 may be the 964 or 993 of the VW van lineage. While note quite as elegant as earlier T1 and T2 versions (a.k.a. Microbus), the more modern boxy shape retains the same rear-engine configuration that put Volkswagen (and Porsche) on the map. Also, its production run from 1979 to 1992 (practically the same as the Mk1 Golf/Rabbit Cabriolet) makes it a darling of the budding “rad era” car collector segment, while it was also a staple in the early #vanlife movement. All this combines to make for a robust collector market for T3s, meaning rare and special examples have realized appreciable gains. Throw in a special edition breathed on by a relevant remaster like a period German tuning house and you definitely have our attention.
As the sun was setting on the T3 era, Volkswagen moved to celebrate its retirement with a “Limited Last Edition” for the home market. 2,500 examples were built. Production was done by Steyr Puch under contract at their factory in Graz, Austria. The T3 you see here is 689 of 2,500.
The Limited Last Edition came standard in either Tornado Red and Orly Blue. One interior trim was offered, Velour Platinum Blizzard Diagonal fabric – a greyish design with diagonal greenish-blue stripes. Other equipment included there-point automatic seat belts for the rear seats, vented triangle windows at the front seat positions, headlight range adjustment and curtains. The only engine was a 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 68 horsepower or 2.0-liter fuel-injected petrol water-cooled boxer engine a.k.a. “wasserboxer” with 91 horsepower. Though incredibly practical as the T3 always is, neither engine made it particularly thrilling to drive.
That’s where Oettinger comes into play. Following World War II, Frankfurt-based Gerhard Oettinger, with a mechanical engineering degree he had originally used as a test engineer on Daimler Benz aircraft at the end of the war, decided to put his degree to use in other ways and created a business tuning Volkswagen Beetles. He’d eventually shift his focus to the VW Golf GTI, really building a name for himself by introducing 16-valve head for the Volkswagen engine years before the factory did.
When it came to the T3, Oettinger’s firm saw clear potential and so did Volkswagen. As the story goes, Volkswagen tapped Oettinger to produce a 6-cylinder version of the Wasserboxer. Alas, VW pulled out of the project before it was completed, but Oettinger soldiered on, calling it the “WBX6” and producing 3.5 (165 hp) and 3.7-liter (180 hp) versions. The net effect is described more as the “VW GTI” of vans rather than than the “Porsche 911” of vans, however there were vans of the period that used the Porsche air-cooled flat six that probably get that title.
Back to Oettinger, conversions based around the WBX6 were often paired sports suspension, structural upgrades, interiors and more. That’s about where this T3 Multivan slides into the picture, number 689 of 2,500. It was first delivered in Germany and finished in Tornado Red new from the factory. Receiving the Oettinger WBX6 conversion, it also got seats re-trimmed in two-tone grey and red leather.
Changes include a front spoiler, H&R 30 mm lowering springs wit Koni shock absorbers, steel braided brake lines, short-throw shifter conversion with extended 5th gear, Weinkrath-V4A stainless exhaust, front spoiler, Oettinger body enhancements and Projektzwo rear spoiler.
The wheels, 8x17s from OZ don’t look entirely period, making us wonder if they’ve changed over time. Same goes for the Projektzwo rear spoiler made by a firm that would have been a competitor to Oettinger.
What: 1990 BMW M3 Johnny Cecotto Limited Edition Color: Macao Blue Metallic (macaoblau; metallic uni; 250; BMW) Chassis #: 06HRN5 | 1941915 Mileage: 71,804 km, 44,616 miles Price: €149,950 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: DTM Collectibles, Hilversum, Netherlands Auction Link:Link
Why We Love It:
The E30 generation M3 is already one of the most sought-after classic BMWs on the planet, now throw in one of the rare limited editions and that compounds the value to enthusiasts – particularly enthusiasts of the 80s “rad-era” variety. In this case, the E30 M3 in question is a 1990, one the Johnny Cecotto Limited Edition models, and one of just 50 to be sold to in Swiss specification.
For the uninitiated, Johnny Cecotto was a multi-talented professional driver of Italian and Venezuelan decent who won the motorcycle racing world championship at just 19 years old, and would later compete in F1 and the DTM where he raced for BMW in the E30 M3. Due to his success there and apparent participation int he development of the E30 M3 road car, BMW introduced this special edition as a tribute to him and unveiled it in 1989.
BMW M created a video featuring Johnny Cecotto talking about the car and his career with BMW. Watch it here.
The Johnny Cecotto Edition boasted several notable changes, including an upgraded 215 horsepower version of the BMW’s S14 2.3-liter engine, plus larger front splitter and revised rear wing that would later also be used by the M3 Sport Evolution. Thinner side and rear glass helped reduce weight, while components like valve covers and intake manifold were color-matched to the car and the centers of the car’s 16-inch BBS 2-piece wheels were painted black. Body colors available were limited to Misano Red, Nogaro Silver and Macao Blue like this car. A plaque showing his name could be found on the center console.
Over its production run, BMW built 5,000 E30 M3s, which qualify as a homologation special having been produced explicitly to meet production requirements in order to compete in the German DTM touring series. Over the course of production, 480 Johnny Cecotto Edition M3s were built, with another 25 similar cars built as tribute to fellow M3 DTM driver Roberto Ravaglia. Interestingly, it would be Ravaglia who netted BMW a championship in 1989, while Cecotto’s best BMW DTM season result was as runner-up in 1990 when this car was manufactured.
Back to this car, it is a great specification from the factory, with Macao Blue Metallic paint and grey interior including rare grey M Tech fabric seat centers, a design that was unique to the special edition M3s including the Cecotto and the Evolution. M Tech is more commonly found in black, with reproductions available in the market.
Making this car a little more unique is the fact that it was built to Swiss specification. Only 50 cars were imported into Switzerland, and this Macao Blue example was one of those cars. It was delivered first to a dentist in Zürich, who later sold it to the final previous owner more than 20 years ago. The paint is said to be original.
What: 1991 Audi S2 Coupé C5 by ABT Sportsline Color: Laser Red (laserrot; non-metallic; H1; Audi) Chassis #: N/A Mileage: 140,000 km / 86,991 miles Price: €52,900 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Kaiserclassic, Bromma, Sweden Dealer Listing:Link and Link
Why We Love It:
When Audi retired its iconic quattro in 1991, replacing it with the all-new S2 Coupé, the now loved 90s-era 2-door wasn’t exactly well received. Sure, it had an updated version of the brand’s turbocharged 20-valve 5-cylinder engine, but it was a bit heavier and… let’s face it… it was missing a certain something… a je ne sais quo as the French say.
Well, some people were pretty sure they knew. Those box flared fenders on the so-called “ur quattro” may have started as a budgetary decision since they could be stamped into the steel [1], but by the time Audi’s original quattro had been retired, they’d become the go-to element on only the coolest cars – cars like the BMW M3 E30 or the Lancia Delta Integrale. Now, here was the new S2 and it ditched that muscular look for a more efficient and aerodynamic form (as did BMW with the E36 M3 for what it’s worth).
By 1991 though, German Audi tuning haus ABT Sportsline had figured it out. They’d designed their own box flares and built just 40 examples, of which an estimated ten were turbocharged S2s. Most of the cars were delivered straight to ABT’s headquarters from Audi’s plant in Ingolstadt and were converted based on customer demand, a project managed by Christian Abt. Monaco’s Prince Albert [2] famously took delivery of a pearl white example believed to be a non-S2 Coupe quattro based on its early B3 unframed grille.
Another known example is the C5 S2 imported to the U.S.A. by Rotiform co-founder Jason Whipple. Whipple imported the car several years ago, and famously chided Hoonigan co-founder Brian Scotto with it on YouTube. That car, very similar in specification to this one including the Laser Red paint, is believed to still be in the U.S.A. and may very well be the only C5 that’s made it to America… at least that we know of.
The car you see here has always been a Swedish example. We’ll let the dealer’s description pick it up from here:
“This car, original Abt, was shipped brand new to the Abt-agent in Stockholm. It was used as a showroom and demo car for some time and thereafter sold to the sales manager, Johan Lind. It was used for daily driving a few years with good maintenance. Thereafter it was garaged for a period. In 2001 the car was sold to the Chairman of “Audi Club Sweden”, Lars Jern.
“In 2002-2004, the new owner got in contact with the famous Audi driver and engineer Anders Carlsson and his tuning-workshop, Ace Competition in Borås, Sweden. The Audi got an upgrade with the tuned 20v engine. The engine was built with the most well known parts and lots of experience. It was built to last long as the greatest legal road-car engine to an output power of 350+ hp.
“In 2017 the current owner took the Audi back to the famous Anders Carlsson, Ace Competition in Borås Sweden. His company was at this time more like an exclusive private workshop since his old business was sold. A lot of parts were changed and updated, with his expertise. Complete new kits of brakes, pumps, belts, bushings, mounts as well as coil-overs were fitted. The 5-speed gearbox was carefully overhauled. A new front windshield was installed. The original Abt wheels were restored and put back with new Michelin tires. A brand new stainless steel exhaust system including a new catalyst was tailor made by the famous Swedish stainless steel workshop tuner Ferrita AB.
“A professional paint-job was done in 2019 / 2020, original color. The last years the car has been driven only a few days per year, in between it was stored in a warm garage. Oil and filter has anyhow been changed yearly. Brake fluid is changed in 2021. During the winter 2023 the turbo charger, Borg Warner, was sent to SL-turbo in Degerfors, (Ace Competiotion partner) for a complete overhaul. The turbo got a new original Borg Warner housing. The hydraulic servopump was changed to a newly rebuilt RS2 pump bought from Autewo GmbH in Germany. This replacement work was done by certified Audi workshop at Möller Bil, Västerås
“The headlights are replaced and converted to xeon in 2020. They turn on automatically, even in daylight (the law in Sweden), but with moving the control one step upwards you could drive without headlights.”
Worth Noting:
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
What: 1993 Saab 900 Turbo S Ruby Edition Color: Ruby Red (rubinröd; metallic uni; 242; Saab) Chassis #: YS3AD35 Mileage: 197,500 km / 122,720 Price: €37,995 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Doetinchem, The Netherlands Seller Listing:Link
Why We Love It:
Nothing says 1980s quite like a Saab 900 Turbo. Back in the Reagan era and even then quirky, Saabs came into vogue for their unique shape, hatchback and early use of turbochargers… not to mention kitschy yet trademark three-spoke wheel designs. The Swedish brand from Trollhättan built a cult-like following, long before being purchased by GM and later shuttered by GM during the great recession.
All that serves to make an already obscure car even more obscure in the collectors market. Throw in an UK-market super limited edition (converted to left hand drive for your non-UK driving pleasure) and you have, what we’d argue, achieved peak obscurity. Enter the Saab 900 Turbo S Ruby Edition.
The year was 1993, and Saab UK wanted to do something special. The idea was a special edition model limited to just 150 units. With no intentions of homologation or anything like that, the plan was basically a color and trim package, but from a brand that didn’t offer many limited editions it was and remains a highly collectible thing amongst Saab-o-philes.
At its center is the Ruby Red paint, from which it draws its name. It also got a unique Bridge of Weir Scottish ‘Buffalo’ leather upholstery with ruby-matching Zegna wool inserts [1]. The original Ruby Edition also got color-coded bumpers and grey three-spoke wheels rather than silver [2] in order to set it apart from other period Saab 900 offerings in the UK. From the factory, the car boasted the brand’s turbocharged 16-valve 4-cylinder tuned to 185 bhp.
While hardcore collectors may grouse, those seeking this car as a drivable classic will likely appreciate the primarily OEM plus modifications you’ll find in the listing linked above. These include the aforementioned left hand drive conversion, and also European bumpers, Aero skirts and GT specs, 16-inch Saab Aero wheels with polished rims, engine upgrades to about 225 hp, Saab 9000 front brakes, OEM rear wiper retrofit, OEM exterior temperature gauge, Bilstein shocks, Blaupunkt Radio, LED dash lights and headlights, OEM third brake light from Saab 900 Classic and more. The seller even lists that he’s got louvered slats for the rear window if that’s desired.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
The prospect of an “internal” car is always an interesting one. Generally ordered by a executive, a board member, or simply a department looking to get a reaction, a given brand rarely orders a vehicle without some larger purpose. Porsche, in this case, initially ordered this Tailored Driver for themselves, wearing then-Paint to Sample Violet Amaranth paint. The reaction sought must have been achieved, as Amaranth was promoted to series option just two years later.
What: 1990 Mercedes-Benz E300 Color: Surf Blue a.k.a. Deep Blue (surfblau; non-metallic; 900; Mercedes-Benz) Chassis #: Unknown Mileage: 52,000 km, 32,311 miles Price: €43,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Lestizza, Italy Private Seller Listing:Link
Why We Love It:
Log this car in as under the tasteful and rare factory specifications column, and maybe something you only would find in a market like Italy. Yes, it appears to be an order guide specification, but its combination an exercise in extravagance more akin to a passionate Italian than a logical German.
The car in question is a 1990, a C124 (a.k.a. coupe-version of the W124 E Class). While its 3-liter V6 engine wasn’t the V8 of its era, it was still an extravagance in markets like Italy that love to tax displacement. Also, the V6 still came with a manual as did this car, making it exceedingly rare in Mercedes-Benz circles where automatics were even ubiquitous during this era.
While the ad doesn’t confirm it, we believe this car was painted Surf Blue (a.k.a. Deep Blue) that was offered in that model year. While that medium blue hue isn’t quite as eye-catching as some other cars in the palette, it’s handsome and bold in context of what was offered. Now throw in red leather and it bestows the car with the flair you’d expect from a wealthy Italian buyer.
This car isn’t an AMG, nor is it the era darling that was the Porsche-developed 500 E. In as much, it’s more obscure. However, for a Mercedes collector or someone seeking something truly unique, we think it qualifies.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
What: 2007 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 Color: Viola Ophelia (violaophelia; metallic uni; 0061; Lamborghini) Chassis #: ZHWBA37S07LA02526 Mileage: 17,383 km, 10,801 miles Price Estimate: €200,000 to €260,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: RM Sotheby’s Paris Auction 2025 Auction listing:Link
Why We Love It (and You Probably Can’t Have It):
When we feature cars from Europe or other markets, we tend to limit them to cars that are of an age that is easily importable. From Europe to the U.S., that’s 25 years and so a car first sold in 2027 like this Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 doesn’t qualify. We’re truly sorry about that, but this Ad Personam special deserves mentioning just the same.
As colors go, Viola Ophelia is said to have first appeared during Diablo era. It’s an Ad Personam exclusive color, making this really and truly a tailored spec. In this case, it’s paired with a two-tone mauve and cream leather interior with diamond stitching.
This car is reported to have been delivered new to the Middle East in April of 2007. From there it was registered in Monaco, then later sold to the current Danish consignor in 2022.
The car is believed to be one of just two Murciélagos built in this color. The transmission is Lamborghini’s 6-speed E-Gear automated manual transmission, and it’s also got the nose lift system.
Alas, it’s not old enough to import into the USA just yet, so maybe register it in Monaco for seven more years before it can join your stateside collection.
There are fewer and fewer deals to be had in the Porsche world, particularly amongst rare models, performance models or in rare colors. That’s why the never-sold-new-in-America 968 Clubsport is a favorite of ours.
Built at the end of the front-engined so-called transaxle era, the 968 was the final evolution of the 924/944 lineage. By the end of the run, the 968 featured a normally-aspirated 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Other than an exceedingly rare 968 Turbo S, the 968 Clubsport was the most extreme of the range. It featured a track-tuned chassis, 50:50 weight distribution and further excellent kit from the factory including larger Cup wheels and optional Recaro Pole Position. Six colors were offered, including Grand Prix White, Black, Guards Red, Maritime Blue and Speed Yellow.
Yes, Speed Yellow was a standard color, on elf six . So, the car you see here isn’t a Paint to Sample Porsche. Even still, we believe it’s worth mentioning. That’s even more-so in this case, because it also has the optional color-matched Recaro Pole Position shell seats and is priced very competitively on the 968 Clubsport spectrum.
This car does have a few modifications worth noting for collectors. This includes a cage, Momo steering wheel, upgraded sport suspension and a 993 “Big Reds” brake upgrade. We’re guessing it was someone’s track toy, a task at which most 968 Clubsports excel.
The dealer also states that the car is damage-free.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
What: 1999 Audi A4 Avant 2.8 quattro (MT6) Color: Laurel Green Metallic (lorbeergrün; metallic uni; LY6R / 7N; Audi) Chassis #: Unknown Mileage: 185,664 km, 115,366 miles Price: €11,350 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Lahn Dill Automotive, Herborn, Germany Dealer listing:Link
Why We Love It:
It’s cars like this that make our staff come to blows. Why? Perhaps a better question is why not?
How does one define a “tailored driver” and thus, should a car be posted to this website? So far, we’ve focused with few exceptions on cars that are special ordered from a marque’s in-house tailoring department or others remastered by firms with a niche specialty for building consistent and commissioned reimagined automobiles.
So, what of a truly exceptional standard spec built from the factory order book? In their day (particularly days when brand order guides were vastly deep and rife with costly complexity), they were a clearly tasteful expression by a buyer who knew their way around the configurator without necessarily ringing up the tailor. Take for example this 1999 Audi A4 Avant we’ve found for sale in Germany.
We actually dug out our 1999 A4 catalogue to verify this one. Laurel Green Metallic (a.k.a. Vorbeer Metallic) was indeed a standard color in that year. In the stock color palette, it suffered from a relatively low take rate that made it somewhat rare, rarer still in North America where we don’t believe it was offered at all.
At the time, Audi had an interesting way of pre-packaging color combinations, with three grades of A4 – Advance, Ambition and Ambiente. Laurel Green was offered in Ambition and Ambiente, optionally paired in either case with Ecru (light tan) Buffalino Leather as seen in this car. This car was built to Ambition spec.
As factory specifications go, this car is a notably luxurious German build. It foregoes sporty options like a wild color or sport design steering wheel, yet focuses on a handsome color combination, luxurious cabin and large displacement engine (2.8-liter V6). For that, it offered a comfortable environment that was perfectly capable of autobahn-storming.
By 1999, Audi’s A4 had received its mid-lifecycle product improvement, also known more commonly as a facelift, which included updated door handles, lower inset foglights and other subtle upgrades. This particularly well appointed survivor also got quattro all-wheel drive, ESP, and a host of options listed below. Add that to the enthusiast-darling Avant (station wagon) body style in a rare or never-available color and you have the makings of a winner for the discerning aficionado seeking a car from this late 90s / early 2000s era.
The dealer shares that the car appears to have had two owners prior to this, with maintenance carried out regularly. The service book was maintained without gaps to 66,969 km by the Audi dealer. The original car invoice is also included and seen in photos shared.
That said, the dealer also shares that the car did have “an encounter with a bollard” that required the hood, bumper and associated parts to be replaced with original Audi parts. Beyond that, some wear and tear can be seen in photos, but surprisingly little given the age.
All things considered, a nicely appointed A4 Avant is a great way to affordably get into this space. The hotter S4 and RS 4 versions are definitely more sought after, though few will be appointed as uniquely as this A4 2.8 quattro.
Options Listed:
ABS
ESP
electric glass sliding roof with sun protection/blind
Concert
All-wheel drive
Factory-fitted navigation system in the speedometer
Xenon headlights
Headlight washer system
Roof rails chrome
Full-leather seats Ambition leather Buffalino
PDC rear
Seat heating with seat bolster heating
Leather steering wheel
Decorative inlays, walnut root wood
Armrest front and rear
Heated windscreen washer nozzles, front
Leather handbrake lever and gear knob
Servo
Tachometer
ASR
Central locking with radio
Electric windows 4x
Electric exterior mirrors
Electronic immobilizer, with anti-theft alarm system and interior monitoring
Through-loading with ski bag
Make-up mirror 2x
Airbags (head, front and sides)
Split rear seat
Original 16-inch alloy wheels
Automatic climate control
Lumbar support, electric. adjustable in front seat backrests
Outside temperature display
Cup holder
Fog lights
8 speakers (active)
Colored glazing
Rear headrests
Front seat adjustable
Spare wheel in driving tires
Three-point automatic belt for middle rear seat
Side protection strips in vehicle color
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
