Wanderlust

Category: European Market Finds

  • European Market Find: Rubystone Red Porsche 968, Low Mileage / High Price

    European Market Find: Rubystone Red Porsche 968, Low Mileage / High Price

    What: 1992 Porsche 968 Coupé
    Color: Rubystone Red a.k.a. Ruby Star (sternrubin; 82N; Porsche)
    Interior: Blue
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 42,125 km / 26,175 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: € 74,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Heteren, NL
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love mention it:

    The Porsche 968 is (or rather was) one of the last good deals in the Porsche market. It’s also arguably one of the best Porsches of the transaxle era. And while the European market only Clubsport or the super rare Turbo are the big money versions, super low mileage, great spec and incredible condition can approach 911 money. Take for instance this Rubystone Red version sitting inventory at Porsche Centrum Gelderland in the Netherlands.

    At little over 26,000 miles logged, the car is practically new. And we’d argue that while perhaps polarizing, the spec is incredible. From the 964 era Carrera Cup comes the original Rubystone Red (a.k.a. Ruby Star), and it’s paired with blue leather and partial Studio Check fabric seats.

    A translation of the meat and potatoes of the listing goes as follows:

    Hereby we offer you this beautiful 968 3.0 Targa with only 42,000 km! Presented in a truly fantastic color combination. The exterior in the cult color Rubystone with the interior in a combination of leather and fabric in multicolor cobalt blue. Exactly as it was delivered new to its first owner by Porsche Zentrum Alltöttnig in Germany. The original purchase invoice, many other invoices, the maintenance booklets and the original German Letter are all present.

    Worth noting, while amazingly pristine, our eye is catching two potential modifications that **could** have come from the factory. These include the chin spoiler (that was possibly a Porsche Tequipment accessory) and the adjustable rear spoiler that appears to be identical to the design on the 968 Turbo. Factory replica parts like these do exist in the aftermarket, which would be less desirable on a car this original. It’s possible these were special wishes items, but that should be checked via the mentioned original purchase invoice the dealer has on file or with the Porsche Classic department in Stuttgart.

    Another peculiarity worth noting on any European market 968 (or 944, or 924) is the mention of the term “Targa”. In the U.S., familiarity with G-body 80s 911 models with full open Targa roofs can be confusing when you see one of these cars listed also as “Targa”. In regard to the transaxle cars mentioned, a Targa simply refers to the very large sunroof that came on these cars from the factory.

    Whether those parts are original or not, that’d be easy to rectify for an owner seeking ultimate originality. And if they’re not original and you like OEM plus upgrades from maybe the ultimate 968 model ever, consider it a bonus.

    As with any of our European Market Finds, this car is older than 25 years, making it an easy import into the U.S.A. should you be so inclined.


  • 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

  • European Market Find: 1981 BMW E23 735i Touring by Euler in Cypress Green

    European Market Find: 1981 BMW E23 735i Touring by Euler in Cypress Green

    What: 1981 BMW 735i Touring
    Color: Cypress Green Metallic (cypressgrün; metallic; 152; BMW)
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 15,400 km / 9,569 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: CHF 64,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Zurich, Switzerland
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Though it appears to be painted the standard 1981 E23 7-Series color of Cypress Green Metallic, this well-kept early 7er is anything but ordinary. You see, BMW never built a station wagon version of the E23 7er, but a small firm called Euler did and now one of these rare cars has hit the market.

    Here’s what we know. Euler, a firm that had built a following personalizing the early 7 series and one of their creations was the station wagon you see here. The transformation required a complete reworking of the rear of a perfectly good E32 – no easy task.

    Changes included a unique hatch design, rear doors redesigned to match the more upright rear roof architecture, and side windows that lost their trademark Hoffmeister Kink design in the process. Roof rails from the car’s period rival from Mercedes-Benz, while an Alpina front bumper makes for a more aggressive look at the front.

    Though we’ve not found a final number of Euler 735i Touring builds, accounts suggest that only a few were built.

    Given there aren’t many of these cars around, we’re fairly certain this is the same car listed on Facebook and subsequently shared by The Truth About Cars (TTAC). The spec is identical, and the mileage at the time was 11,000 km so suggests it may be. If so, TTAC shared that the car was previously imported to the USA and federalized (note the U.S. side markers in the most recent photos) where the car was reportedly put into storage and where its condition degraded. It would eventually sold at an estate sale in 2010, then exported at some point back to Europe where it landed in Switzerland. In 2016, AutoWeek Magazine drove the car and reported on the experience, and in those photos it still appears to wear American plates.

    From the looks of the photos, it appears the car is now in very presentable condition.

    If you’re a North American and interested in this car, we’d suggest checking out its importation history. If it’s the same car that came to the U.S.A. (and we believe it is given the U.S. side markers), then it likely doesn’t need import duties paid a second time. That would create some savings from the usual importation process.

  • European Market Find: Restored 1980 BMW 323i in Biscay Blue

    European Market Find: Restored 1980 BMW 323i in Biscay Blue

    What: 1980 BMW 323i
    Color: Biscay Blue (biscayblaau; non-metallic; 140; BMW)
    VIN: Unknown
    Mileage: 115,000 km (71,457 mi)
    Price at Time of this Writing: € 29.999
    CarFax: N/A
    MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Palm Harbor, FL
    Private party seller listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Though not as iconic as the 2002 that came before it, nor as loved by enthusiasts as the E30 that came after it, BMW’s E21 3-Series still captures that classic 80s BMW style and makes for an excellent driver… particularly in top-of-the-heap 323i form. Alas, we didn’t get the 323i in the States, which means you have to look in Europe for cars like this private party listed example from Haren, Germany.

    Likely its color, Biscay Blue, wasn’t a BMW Individual specification but rather simply a color that is exceedingly rare today. In this case, it’s also a respray as perusal of the listing will show in both description and ample photography you don’t always find in a European mass market listing. That it also has Alpina kit like those wheels and wooden shift knob doesn’t hurt either.

    Check out the full listing description below, and a mix of photos below that. For the full mix of photos and further details, check out the link above.

    We offer here on behalf of the customer a fully restored BMW E21 323i in the rare and beautiful color Biscay blue with black leather interior for sale.

    As usual with these European market finds, a car older than 25 years is easily importable into the United States (15 years for Canada). Our European Market Find listings take this into account, only focusing on cars old enough for easy import. Any number of companies out there cater to American buyers seeking to bring vehicles such as this one here to North America.

    Details:
    • Engine REVISED incl. attachments, timing belt and water pump
    • Bilstein chassis with H&R lowering springs, HA height adjustable
    • Rims from OZ King 6 & 7×15 with 195/50R15 and 205/50R15 Hankook
    • Alcantara canopy
    • ESD BOSI
    • With TÜV, H license plate, accident-free, approved, restored and ready to drive immediately.
    • Extensively and expertly restored.
    • (German) vehicle documents, TÜV and service reports.
    • The restoration was documented with photos.
    • Expertly completely repainted.
    • New tires and brake system.
    • Hollow sealed and preserved underbody.
    • With sunroof and radio.
    • Very good overall condition.

  • Euro Market Find: Period Tuner 1977 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 in Cayenne Orange

    Euro Market Find: Period Tuner 1977 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 in Cayenne Orange

    What: 1977 Mercedes Benz SL 280 built by BB Manufaktur
    Color: Cayenne Orange (cayenneorange; non-metallic UNI; 406; Mercedes-Benz)
    VIN: UD | F10095
    Mileage: 17,500 km
    Price at Time of this Writing: €61,990
    CarFax: N/A
    MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Nuremberg, Germany
    Dealer listing: Auto Zitzmann GmbH

    Why we love it:

    While the third-generation Mercedes-Benz SL (C107) isn’t hasn’t proven as graceful at aging as the second-generation W113 Pagoda, it has come into its own as 80s cars begin to bask in the glow of Radwood and other Reagan era automotive celebration. Technically though, cars like this 1977 SL 280 pre-date the 80s/90s cut-off of an event like Radwood, but if you can talk your way through the entry line then we think you’d have a good chance at winning with a car like this example. Built by BB Tuning, Rainer Buchmann Frankfurt-based customization shop that built some of the wildest cars you might see, and with a heavy focus on Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

    Interestingly, this is a stock period correct Mercedes-Benz color. Like the build itself, Cayenne Orange appears to be peak trendy and bordering on kitsch-cool back in the late 1970s. In some ways it was so unique that it aged out quickly and today is undoubtedly cool… even if ironically so.

    And speaking of both ironic cool and period trendy, that’s probably the best way to describe how BB Tuning builds such as this car remain today. Likely largely untouched from the day it finished its aftermarket tailored build by BB Tuning, the car commands a presence and a premium well above its bone-stock period counterparts… probably even over pristine Cayenne Orange examples.

    Look past the Cayenne Orange paint and color-matched BBS wheels and you’ll find a most interesting interior. Tailored in marbled leather, popular at the time but seldom seen today, it’s not exactly tasteful by today’s standards, but it’s so period and unique that we have no doubt the new owner will love it just the same.

    Embracing the period theme even more so is the audio system with components by Blaupunkt. Given the anemic audio comping from the factory at that time, aftermarket stereos were virtually required on builds such as this. Brands like Blaupunkt led the way in the German aftermarket, and this system is based on a Monza head unit with no less than 12 speakers throughout the marbled leather cabin.

    Okay, this car’s not for everybody. But, we suspect if you get it then you’ll probably want to get it.


  • European Market Find: 1993 Porsche 911 Speedster in Maritime Blue

    European Market Find: 1993 Porsche 911 Speedster in Maritime Blue

    Fans of air-cooled Porsche 911s will want to take note. A 964 Speedster is already a rare bird, but one built to an extremely choice specification such as this Maritime Blue (maritimblau; non-metallic UNI; 5MB; Porsche) example going available on the market is a truly special thing. We’ve just run across it available in the south of France (because of course) and wanted to make you aware.

    While the Porsche Speedster became an icon during the early 356A portion of Porsche’s history, the idea of the low-slung windshield and lightweight take on Porsche’s mainstay sportscar didn’t return until the G-body 911 Speedster of the late 80s. And while those G-body cars were very cool with their wider Turbo fender flares, the Speedster would go back even more to its roots in the guise of the 964 when it went narrow body and took even further measures to emphasize light weighting.

    According to the ad over on the website for the dealer Alsphalt Classics, only 936 examples of the Porsche 911 (type 964) Speedster were ever produced. That makes them rare, although not altogether unseen as they were federalized and sold in America as well. Even still, many of the ones you tend to see are a standard color such as Black or Guards Red, and when Paint to Sample was used they always seem to be some form of yellow.

    Also popularized during the 964 era was a Porsche Carrera Cup color called Maritime Blue. One of many Porsche takes on classic French Blue, non-metallic Maritime Blue became a popular standard color on the 964 generation Carrera RS, often paired with blue interior accent such as color-matched Recaro Pole Position seats with Maritime Blue painted shells and gradients of blue leather on the seat centers.

    No doubt whomever specced this 911 Speedster was influenced by the Carrera RS. The car makes use of the same gradient and color-matched Recaros, going several steps further with color-matched leather on the dashboard and one-piece shift knob with boot, plus webbing on the lightweight door pulls. It even gets the optional color-matched wheels also in Maritime Blue.

    Interestingly, the background on the Alsphalt Classics website reveals this car to be a pre-production model with pre-series engine and gearbox. Given it’s a 1993, that’s more intriguing than it might be concerning as the 964 had been in production since late 1989 and with few changes. We’re guessing what would have made this pre-series was simply early production of the Speedster body style.

    The dealer reports this car has spent its time in Spain and the South of France, while the clear side markers on the fender also confirm it’s not German market specification, as that would have no side repeaters just like North American models.

    It’s logged 99,500 km, meaning about 60,000 miles. Looking at the excellent photos from the dealership, it appears to be in relatively original condition with some wear on things like door pulls. Priced at 244,900 Euros, it’s about what we’d expect for a rare and incredibly tasteful specification of the 964 Speedster. Also, being older than 25 years makes it a relatively easy import for any of our North American readers. Check out further details HERE.

  • European Market Find: Incredible Spec / Condition Tax Dodge Maserati Merak 2000 GT

    European Market Find: Incredible Spec / Condition Tax Dodge Maserati Merak 2000 GT

    We’re pushing the boundaries with this particular market find. We suspect it’s a specification straight out of the 1981 order book. We can’t confirm the color name or code. And, it’s in Europe, meaning our primarily North American audience would have to import it. Luckily enough, its 1981 model year makes it an easy import. Its excellent specification and remarkably preserved condition also makes it easy on the eyes.

    For those not familiar with the Maserati Merak, it’s a mid-engine Italian sportscar from the 1970s and into the 1980s, a halcyon era of that genre. Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it has all of the exotic feel of more known 70s/80s mid-engine Italian offerings from Ferrari or Lamborghini, but we’d argue it’s just as exotic a look… especially when built to an exquisite specification.

    Regarding specification, drivetrain may be arguably not exotic in 2000 GT form. Maserati launched the 2000 GT in 1977 almost exclusively for the Italian market. The Merak 2000 GT was built to avoid Italian customers from being penalized with a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 19% for any cars over 2-liters of displacement. That tax was deflating enough to Italian car manufacturer sales that brands began to specially make 2-liter examples of their entry-level models. Ferrari launched its 208 GTB, Lamborghini introduced the Urraco P200 and Maserati added the Merak 2000 GT.

    Unlike today where Maserati and Ferrari can largely pull from the same corporate parts bin, the brand was owned by Citroën at that time. In as much, Maserati developers turned to the French manufacturer to source a workable engine, and for this it replaced the Merak SS’s 2.9-liter V6 derived from Citroën SM’s 2.7-liter V6 with a smaller 2.0-liter V6 also from the SM.

    Visually, the 2000 GT is most easily identified for its black side stripes that run horizontally down the mid-section of the body. Over time, a lot of 2000 GTs had their stripes removed to look higher dollar, though its likely that cars still sporting the original stripes as this one does are probably worth more today.

    The Merak 2000 GT was offered in just two colors, a metallic blue or this other metallic that is often referred to as “gold”, though we’d argue is a bit more of a light brown. We’re not 100% sure of the name though as we were unable to dig up any confirmation of the paint colors or codes, despite ample searching and the dealer’s own detailed listing. If you know the color or code, drop us a note in the comments below.

    Whatever the case of the name, the look of the color is very unique. Browns were popular in that time period though typically fell out of vogue, and certainly weren’t the more usual reds or blues the mass market tends to prefer. In our eyes, that makes it more unique, and it also makes it incredibly paired with the particular highly preserved tartan interior of this car.

    Inside, brown leather helps elevate the feel of quality of an era of dashboard and center console that’s not always the most robust. Here, it looks well-kept and well-paired with tan fabric seats and brown and tan tartan seat centers. Whereas the 2000 GT may not be the most preferable drivetrain, this interior makes this car incredibly attractive despite its power deficiencies.

    This Merak 200 GT is listed for sale at Gallery Aaldering in Brummen, NL. Yes, that means you’ll have to import it if you want it. It’s logged just 14,925 km (9,273 miles), so it’s practically new by that count.

    If you’re interested in seeing more of the car, you can check it out HERE.

  • Importable Market Find: Audi exclusive B5 S4 Avant in Merlin Purple

    Importable Market Find: Audi exclusive B5 S4 Avant in Merlin Purple

    There’ve been specially painted Audi models probably since there’s been an Audi brand, but the arrival of Audi exclusive as a factory tailor service and resulting availability in the market of these unique specification cars only really dates back to the 1990s. It’s rare that we actually find cars from this period, so when we do we tend to celebrate it. When we find one that’s a truly collectible or sought after specification, well we go weak in the knees.

    Given all of that, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear our jaws hit the floor when this listing was shared around the Tailored Driver team group chat. The B5 S4 holds a special place in enthusiasts’ heart, much less a well preserved manual transmission Avant. Now throw in Merlin Purple Pearl (merlin purple; pearl effect; 4B / LZ3W / Z3W; Audi) paint paired with blue Alcantara segmentation on its black leather interior and we’d argue it elevates a very well-preserved survivor to a pretty strong case for collector status.

    On the downside, this car is located in Germany. On the upside, it was first registered in 1998 so a relatively easy import into the USA via contract services from the likes of Orchid Euro. That it’s European does suggest a few more complexities for acquisition, but its EU specification production also means it’s got EU specification options like that Audi exclusive paint or optional Recaro sport seats that were standard in the B5 RS 4 and we didn’t get in the U.S.A. until the B6 era.

    Mileage is in kilometers, so it’s worth noting that 234,000 km equates to 145,000 miles. And while that’s not museum piece mileage, it is exceedingly low for this age of car. That the Avant looks largely unmodified also makes a strong case for its collectability.

    So, is it worth buying and importing? We’d say yes. We’d also say that you better hurry, because you’re probably not the only people dropping the car’s current owner a message upon seeing these photos. We suspect you’ll be competing with many others to make a deal happen… maybe including us.

    Find it HERE.

  • Market Find: Ceylon Metallic 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL in RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    Market Find: Ceylon Metallic 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL in RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    The BMW 3.0 CSL is one of the most collectible vintage BMWs going, a rare and highly sought-after iteration of the brand’s E9-based coupé. Like its period motorsport competitor the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, few CSLs were built and the collector market tends to keep close track of where they are and when they’re coming on the market. It’s notable then when RM Sotheby’s plans to sell one in their upcoming Münich based auction.

    Motorsport intentions were always the plan with the CSL, and to accomplish that BMW engineer set about light weighting it via generous use of aluminum in the doors, hood, and trunk lid. These and other measures helped aid its shedding some 440 lbs. BMW built just 1,265 unites, of them just 500 were built as right-hand drive like this one. Racecars derived from these roadgoing homologation specials would net six European Touring Car championship titles from 1973 to 1979.

    The 1972 3.0 CSL in question (Vin: 2285250) is a a peculiar build both in configuration and specification in that it’s both right hand drive and painted Ceylon Metallic (ceylon; metallic UNI; 008; BMW). And though its lot description from RM denotes a likely replacement engine, it still expected to fetch anywhere from €120,000 – €160,000 Euros. Compared to a 911 Carrera RS 2.7, that’s a relative bargain.

    Below is the full lot description of the car and gallery. To see the full lot listing including associated documents, as well as registration to bid, check out the RM Sotheby’s website HERE.

    [source: RM Sothebys]

    • One of just 500 right-hand-drive examples of the revered CSL homologation special; fitted with a fuel-injected 3,003-cc engine making 200 PS
    • Finished in rare Ceylon Metallic; features period-correct and desirable Scheel sports seats, Petri three-spoke steering wheel, plus electric rear windows
    • Bought by The Munich Masterpieces Collection in 1999; benefits from an older restoration
    • Accompanied by a history file, owner’s manual, tool kit, jack, and spare wheel

    The rarest and most sought-after variant of the beautiful E9 coupé, the 3.0 CSL arrived with aluminium doors, bonnet, and boot lid to help shed some 200 kilograms. Building 1,265 units allowed BMW to homologate race cars that would notch no fewer than six European Touring Car titles between 1973 and 1979.

    Just 500 CSLs were configured in right-hand drive, including this example that was completed by the factory in December 1972. Equipped with the potent Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system, the sonorous straight-six produced 200 PS. Please note that this car is fitted with what is believed to be a non-stamped factory replacement engine.

    The consigning owner, intent on finding a rare Ceylon Metallic car, imported chassis 2285250 to Finland in June 1999. The following year, a restoration and repaint was commissioned. Today, complete with the desirable Scheel sports seats, Petri three-spoke steering wheel, 14-inch CSL alloys, and electric rear windows, as well as being offered with a Birth Certificate by BMW Classic, this example would be a superb addition to any marque or motorsport-themed collection.

  • Market Find: Almadin Red 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 in Italy

    Market Find: Almadin Red 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 in Italy

    Yes, we typically search for cars coming onto the market in North America, but when they’re old enough to import easily and exceptionally cool, we tend to look outside the confines of the U.S. and Canada. And when we do, we find cars like this Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 in Almadin Red (almadinrot; metallic UNI; DB 512 / 512U; Mercedes-Benz).

    About the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 In General

    Homologation cars are always cool, but the W201-based 190E 2.3-16 and later 190E 2.5-16 have been garnering an extra level of enthusiast cult-following. Homologated for Group A, this meant Mercedes had to build 5,000 cars within a year’s time. They did so easily, and the model proved so popular that it continued into 1993, building almost 19,500.

    An updated version like this one was shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1988, featuring revised front and rear aprons, larger bumpers, redesigned interior and an upgraded 16-valve engine with its Cosworth-developed head now bumped to 2.5-liters. And while the 2.3-16 had been sold in the USA, the 2.5-16 and other evolutions never made it here.

    More information not he model in general can be found HERE and HERE.

    Along with the update, several colors were aded including the one you see here – Almadin Red. While this specification isn’t a special paint, it is relatively rare than the much more common silvers. Three shades of silver were offered – Smoke Silver, Astral Silver and Brilliant Silver. Blue-Black was also offered, but Almadin Red was the only vibrant color, which makes it stand out.

    About Buying a Vintage Car from Europe

    Though importing modern cars from other markets can be incredibly complex and expensive, importation of vehicles older than 25 years for the U.S.A. and 15 years for Canada can be much simpler and rewarding. Nevertheless, there are challenges that you’ll need to consider.

    First up will be assessment of the car. Most listing sites like the one linked here tend to feature lower-resolution photos and descriptions typically more akin to what you’d find on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, not the über thorough assessments and histories we’ve come to obsess over on sites such as Bring A Trailer. Finding someone over there to get eyes on the car is definitely a major advantage.

    Next up will be arranging exportation from country of origin, shipping, handling at the port of entry, paying duties and getting registered in your home location. These are not easy tasks, but trivial for the more and more companies catering to these services.

    We’ve had experience working with one such firm, Orchid Euro. Jamie Orr, owner of Orchid Euro, worked with his team and network to get first hand eyes on in Europe, ground transport to a German port, shipment on a new vehicle transport vessel, handled it at the American port and even helped guide on getting the car titled. Worth noting, Orchid Euro isn’t the only company out there doing these sorts of things, so search them out if you prefer another similar service.

    About this Car

    Here’s what we know about the car from its listing. Since it’s on AutoScout, it’s not in English so we’ve taken the liberty of having it run through Apple Safari’s translation.

    Location: Castelldefels, Italy

    Country Version: Spain

    Initial Registration: 01/1989

    Mileage Logged: 197,000 km, converts to 122,410 miles

    Asking Price: €29,000 Euros

    Below is the Translated Description. Please note, this is as translated so creates some odd terminology like “roof of crystal”:

    Exclusive Mercedes 190 in color ALMANDINE RED.
    Production data and extras:

    • Order Location FRANKFURT BRANCH
    • Interior FABRIC BLACK (071)
    • Paint 1 ALMADIN RED METALLIC (512U)

    Approx. Build Date 1988-11
    Code Description
    240 OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
    412 ELECTRIC SLIDING ROOF WITH TILTING DEVICE
    442 AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL
    466 CENTRAL LOCKING MECHANISM
    506 AUSSENRÜCKSPIEGEL, LINKS UND RECHTS, GEHEZT (FLÜCKLICH VERSTELLBARE AUF DER RECHTEN)
    510 MB RADIO EXQUISIT WITH VK, RDS (BECKER)
    531 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA
    551 ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
    583 ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFTERS (FRONT DOORS)
    591 HEAT-INSULATING GLASS, ALL-AROUND, HEATED REAR WINDOW PANE (SINGLE-SHEET SAFETY GLASS)
    600 HEADLAMP WIPER/WASHER
    673 HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY
    873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS
    876 RÜCKTÜRN-SPACHTEN UND LEUCHTE OBEN HINTERFENSTER

    Recién hecha revisión completa en taller Mercedes especializado;

    • oils and complete filters.
    • original engine mounts
    • front suspension towers and new springs.
    • gas air conditioning
    • brake fluid
    • steering shock absorber
    • caps de resendo dirección.
    • juntas motor tapa de balancines.
    • Etc.

    Alternator and clutches recently replaced.
    ITV just last.

    Extras
    Featured equipment selected by the user

    – Installation of lava headlights
    – Heated front seats
    – Temperature indicator outside
    – Air conditioning
    – Front electric lifts
    – Alloy tires
    – Metallic paint
    – Electric lifting sliding roof of crystal

    Find it HERE.