Wanderlust

Category: Market Finds

  • EU Market Find: Rare Green-on-Green 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Targa

    EU Market Find: Rare Green-on-Green 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Targa

    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.

  • Market Find: New Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue SQ7 in Texas

    Market Find: New Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue SQ7 in Texas

    What: 2025 Audi SQ7 Prestige
    Color:  Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue (nogaroblau; pearl effect UNI; Z5M; Audi)
    VIN: WA1VWBF78SD021902
    Mileage: Delivery
    Price: $118,165, currently with National Customer Credit so $115,165
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Audi Grapevine, Grapevine, TX
    Link: Audi Grapevine

    Finding a sought-after Audi exclusive build in new car inventory is a bit of a Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt for big kids. Such is the case for this new car inventory Audi SQ7 fully loaded and in an excellent spec with Prestige equipment level, Night Vision Assistant and Trailer Hitch packages. Even better, it’s got Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue paint that is iconic in the eyes of Audi aficionados having been originally popularized on the Audi RS2 Avant. Given the tall wagon-like nature of the SQ7, we think it’s a good fit.

    Inside, whomever ordered this specified it with Arras Red leather. Frankly, we’re surprised they didn’t go with black leather in order to appeal to all the people who would love and can’t find an Audi RS 6 RS Tribute Limited Edition. Red is an acquired taste on a car like this, undoubtedly handsome and yet polarizing.

    Whatever the case, this is a very compelling car. Somebody should grab it before it’s gone.

  • Former AMG North America Founder’s Personal ’84 500 SEL AMG in Sealed Bid from RM Sotheby’s

    Former AMG North America Founder’s Personal ’84 500 SEL AMG in Sealed Bid from RM Sotheby’s

    What: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL 5.0 AMG “Blueberry”
    Color: : Lapis Blue Metallic (lapisblau; metallic Uni; DB-932; Mercedes-Benz)
    VIN: WDB1260371A077462
    Mileage: 114,294 miles
    Price Estimate: $150,000 to $200,000
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Deerfield Beach, FL
    Link: RM Sotheby’s

    Vintage Mercedes-Benz AMG’s built long before Mercedes’ own buyout of the firm tend to command a premium by collectors in the know. That statement is true for any pre-buyout AMG, but even amongst those, this Lapis Blue 500 SEL known as “Blueberry” is special.

    You see, it was the personal car of AMG North America founder and CEO Richard Buxbaum. Augmentation to the car was done in period under the personal supervision of Hans Werner Aufrecht as a Christmas gift to Richard and his wife Robin back in 1984.

    Inside, the car gets extended Orion Grey leather upholstery with custom door cards completed by Gemballa.

    The car was driven plenty in period and has logged miles to show for it. That said, it’s also got $120,000 in receipts for mechanical and cosmetic restoration since October 2022.

    Obviously this car has a very unique and historic backstory. RM Sotheby’s goes above and beyond to tell that story in detail, so we highly recommend clicking through and digging in. Beyond that, their lot listing includes historic photos, documents, build list, etc. Make sure to check it out.

  • Market Find: RM Sealed Bid Drop McLaren P1 with Matte Finish

    Market Find: RM Sealed Bid Drop McLaren P1 with Matte Finish

    What: 2015 McLaren P1
    Color: Unknown Matte Green
    VIN: SBM12ABB8FW000022
    Mileage: 130 km, 81 miles from new
    Price at Time of this Writing: Sealed Bid
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Auction Listing: RM Sotheby’s

    Okay, this is both not a North American spec car nor is it old enough for easy import. It’s so special though, we’re making an exception. We figure the motivated owner who can afford it likely isn’t terribly worried about importation and road registration in the U.S. or Canada. At least, that was the excuse we’re telling ourselves to add this car to our blog.

    The P1 was McLaren’s first hypercar since the legendary F1. In its time, it teed up against the likes of the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari. 375 cars were built, making it more exclusive than either the Porsche or the Ferrari.

    The car you see here was delivered new to Qatar, and is painted a non-specified shade of “Matte Green”. It’s one of “only a handful” to boast matte paintwork according to RM. And while that exterior is a bit subdued military spec, the interior is decidedly more rowdy in McLaren Orange. The orange continues to the P1 graphics and McLaren badges front and rear that are typically painted in red. Also orange are the brake calipers, wheel caps, tops of the rear spoiler, hydraulic rams, top of the engine and side skirts just aft the front wheels.

    Beyond the seats, McLaren Orange accents continue through the interior including contrast stitching, P1 logos in the headrests, upper dashboard and steering wheel. Elements such as switchgear for the IRIS system, powertrain management, trim surrounding the start button and light and mirror switches on the driver’s side door are also color-matched in McLaren Orange.

  • Market Find: Cherry Black Pearl Audi R8 V10 with Audi exclusive Interior

    Market Find: Cherry Black Pearl Audi R8 V10 with Audi exclusive Interior

    What: 2010 Audi R8 V10 quattro
    Color: Cherry Black Pearl (kirscheschwarzeperleffekt; metallic UNI; Z9X; Audi)
    VIN: WUAANAFG0AN000815
    Mileage: 32,689 miles
    Estimated: $88,950
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Auto Collection of Murfreesboro, Inc., Murfreesboro, TN
    Link: Auto Collection of Murfreesboro

    Another Audi with tailoring inside and out is this Audi R8 V10. Its exterior color is a deep and very dark purple called Cherry Black Pearl. Inside, it’s got a primarily black interior with orange leather panels on the seats and orange contrast stitching throughout, with further extended leather on the dashboard.

    Worth noting, we’re seeing a few aftermarket modifications on the car. It’s unclear whether the airbag would have also had orange stitching, but the airbag steering wheel is definitely rebuilt as Audi wouldn’t have made one in that contour nor partial carbon fiber.

    Another modification we see are the orange brakes. They contrast the paint nicely enough, but it’s also a non-factory finish that wouldn’t have come from the factory. Other modifications we think we see are non-factory carbon fiber body accents like that rear lip decklid spoiler, the grille appears aftermarket, black badges predate black optics badging and the wheels may have been refinished in more of a titanium grey appearance.

    Given the amount of modifications, buyers seeking factory specification will want to take a closer look at the car as they make their consideration.

  • Acquired Taste Market Find: Estoril Blue Audi S7 with Avantgarde Interior Choice

    Acquired Taste Market Find: Estoril Blue Audi S7 with Avantgarde Interior Choice

    What: 2017 Audi S7 Sportback
    Color: Audi Estoril Blue (estorilblaukristalleffekt; metallic UNI; LX5P; Audi)
    VIN: WAU2FBFC6HN050272
    Mileage: 89,223 miles
    Price: $26,999
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda, Inver Grove Heights, MN
    Link: Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda

    When it comes to Audi exclusive builds for the USA, cars with special exterior paint are most likely to be encountered. Special interiors are rare, and extravagantly custom interiors are even rarer. Take for example this Estoril Blue S7 Sportback, looking pretty normal on the outside. Open a door and climb inside though, and you’ll find a multi-tone interior likely very specifically made for the car’s original owner.

    Technically on the build specification, we’re seeing Audi exclusive leather-covered seat trims (YRB), Controls in Audi exclusive leather (YZ2), Audi exclusive leather trim in Valcona leather (package 2).

    In the photos, we leather in two shades of brown on the orange side of the brown spectrum. This includes rare places like the shifter and seat bases. There’s even a two-tone steering wheel including partial covering in tone of the brown colors. The distinctive wood trim with pin striping was a factory option in this C7-era S7, though looks even more exotic in this very distinctive interior specification.

    By our measure, the look is polarizing. It’s not for everyone, but there’s no doubt it’s highly unique and likely one-of-one.

  • Affordable Tailored: Designo Electric Green Edition 2000 Mercedes SLK 230

    Affordable Tailored: Designo Electric Green Edition 2000 Mercedes SLK 230

    What: 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor Designo Electric Green Edition
    Color: Designo Electric Green (designoelektrischgrün; metallic UNI; 024; Mercedes-Benz)
    VIN: WDBKK47F1YF164255
    Mileage: 41,800 miles
    Bid Price: $5,000 with 22h, 59m remaining
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Tampa, FL
    Link: Cars & Bids

    At the lower end of the tailored market is this rare SLK roadster with AMG appearance and Designo Electric Green paint. For its age, this car has remarkably low mileage, though it’s showing its fair share of wear and tear.

    Fortunately, modern car auction sites such as Cars & Bids have made considering these sorts of car about as easy as they can with an expectation of photos depicting imperfections in detail. This listing takes that seriously, with close ups of the imperfections.

  • Market Find: Audi S6 with Audi exclusive Cognac Leather

    Market Find: Audi S6 with Audi exclusive Cognac Leather

    What: 2014 Audi S6
    Color: Ibis White (ibis weiß; non-metallic uni; LY9C/T9; Audi)
    VIN: WAUF2AFC1EN040204
    Mileage: 145,000 miles
    Price: $14,900
    CarFax: Pictured below
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Stow, MA
    Link: Car Lot Express

    A budget pick that’s close to home, this S6 has a ton going for it. Higher miles, sure, but this Ibis White example sports Audi exclusive Cognac Leather seats- an incredibly rare find. For just $14,500 this Tailored Driver represents an incredible value for both style and performance as it’s likely a one-off, and is just a $900 flash away from more than 500hp and equal torque. If you’re in the market and aren’t afraid of the miles or the minor front end hit on its CarFax, we struggle to think of a ‘better’ option.

  • EU Market Find: BMW Individual Atlantis Blue Metallic 520i Touring

    EU Market Find: BMW Individual Atlantis Blue Metallic 520i Touring

    What: 1999 BMW 520i Touring
    Color: BMW Individual Atlantis Blue Metallic (atlantisblau; metallic uni; 399; BMW)
    VIN: Unknown
    Mileage: 298,805 kilometers
    Price: €3,500
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Selb, Germany
    Link: Mobile.de

    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.

  • Market Find: Tailored Audi Q5 on a First Car Budget

    Market Find: Tailored Audi Q5 on a First Car Budget

    What: 2010 Audi Q5 3.2 quattro
    Color: Unconfirmed Orange, Believed to Be Glut Orange a.k.a. Solar Orange
    VIN: WA1LKAFP9AA089980
    Mileage: 179,226 miles
    Price: $5,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Pine Island, MN
    Link: Legacy Rides

    When you venture into the world of old and miled-up cars, finding anything tailored is a bit of a discovery. In this world of sub-$10K cars, what you find tends to be worn and thus not always the most pristine. Even still, a tailored find is a tailored find and would make a great first car for someone seeking something unique.

    Rather unsurprisingly, the used car lot in Minnesota that lists this car does not list the color. We ran a quick internal check and are not finding a known color code, the contents of that field on this car (99) likely not any color at all. So, we didn’t list a color above. Even still, we think we know what it is.

    In period, Audi was known to produce S and RS cars in an orange known both as Solar Orange or Glut Orange. They’re the same color code (LY2G / 3F). We’re 99% sure that’s this color, but haven’t been able to confirm it outright.

    As for the rest of this 179K mile Q5, that orange paint is most interestingly paired with brown leather. The car shows some wear on those seats, and it appears to have some light paint damage on the rear bumper. Honestly though, an in person inspection and and pre-purchase inspection (PPI) would be the best move on any car this age.