Category: Market Finds

  • Market Find: Graphite Grey 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster in RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    Market Find: Graphite Grey 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster in RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    In a world of neutral cars painted every shade of grey and silver, how are there not more green interiors? In our opinion, a bold-colored interior such as red, blue and especially green take a neutral tone car from forgettable to must-have. It’s on that theme that we’re directing your attention to RM Sotheby’s upcoming Münich auction and this Graphite Grey (graphit grau; non-metallic UNI; DB 190; Mercedes-Benz) over green 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (VIN 198.042.7500672).

    1957 was the first year of production for the 300 SL Roadster, with 554 produced that year. The car is finished in its factory shade of Graphite Grey, paired with reupholstered dark green leather. This roadster is a North american specification car acquired by the Germany-based consignor in 1986.

    More information is provided by RM Sotheby’s, including confirmation that the green interior isn’t original. It reads:

    A copy of the original delivery card details that chassis 198.042.7500672 was finished by the factory in Graphite Grey, while the interior was trimmed in optional Cream leather. Arriving in the USA on 25 November 1958, a Becker Mexico radio and whitewall tyres were also selected.

    According to Eric Le Moine’s 300 SL registry, chassis 198.042.7500672 was owned on the West Coast by Mr Tom McBurney of Santa Barbara in California. Fittingly for a Roadster, it remained on the state’s coastline, being acquired in 1974 by financier Mr Alfred T Moret in Carlsbad. This example was then bought by The Aumann Collection, who imported the car to Germany in 1986 to add to an illustrious collection.

    Subsequently reupholstered with the current dark green leather, the car is fitted with its matching-numbers body, chassis, and 3-litre straight-six engine. Please note that it appears as though the front chassis crossmember has been replaced at some point in the car’s life, but all other numbers match.

    Further complemented by a history file, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster could be returned to its factory colour combination by its next owner. Alternatively, the car is ready to be enjoyed in its current form by virtue of offering the ultimate droptop driving experience.

    Check out more information on the car HERE.

  • Market Find: Rare Ruby Red 1994 Audi RS2 Hits Market in Austria

    Market Find: Rare Ruby Red 1994 Audi RS2 Hits Market in Austria

    At the time of the Audi RS2 Avant built by Porsche for the brand of the four rings, Audi exclusive wasn’t really a fully formed service yet and custom paint, while it occurred, was few and far between. Fortunately, Audi did offer plenty of color options despite the rarity of the Porsche-built Avant, and Ruby Red (rubinrot; pearl effect; X6; Audi) was one of those colors.

    Most enthusiasts, even in North America where the car was never sold from new, are familiar with the RS2 and likely have seen it in more common colors like RS Blue Pearl Effect (M8, now Nogaro Blue), Laser Red (H1), Polar Silver (D1), Ragusa Metallic green (Y7).

    Eleven paint colors were offered in all, and it’s probably surprising that Ruby Red (a.k.a. Rubinrot) wasn’t more popular. It’s not far from Porsche’s Arena Red, another dark metallic red from the 964 and 993 era made famous in the iconic “Kills Bugs Fast” print advertisement.

    Despite the Porsche association and the popularity of Arena Red, not many RS2s were ordered in Ruby Red. So, when one ops up on the internet in what looks like a private party sale (seen here on Autoscout.de) we think it’s worth calling out.

    Notably, this car has reportedly logged 119,000 km (73,943) miles, which appears to be well below the mileage we typically see on RS2 Avants. It also appears to be largely stock, another rare occurrence in the used RS2 market. For collectors, this one would be notable in any color due to these factors.

    Notably, it does appear to show some wear on the driver’s seat grey Alcantara surface. The listing (translated in full below) also indicates a respray by the car’s original owner in Germany. All-in-all though, that’s not much… so long as the notoriously low resolution photos typical on European mass car sale sites like Autoscout are accurate.

    The full listing with translation by Apple can be seen below:

    In the rare original color ruby red
    *Repainting would be done at the previous owner in De
    *Grey/Wise Alcantara Equipment.( In this color / equipment combination there should only be 4 pieces)
    *with Austrian individual approval year 2020, DE first delivery
    *Engine, chassis, brakes ……. Series, no tuning!

    Selling for time reasons because I also ride a motorcycle!
    It’s too bad that it usually just stands, in the last 4 years I haven’t driven 1000 kilometers with it!
    Only recently (2024) a large service would be carried out such as B. timing belt change, engine oil + filter etc…. with invoice.

    First contact only possible by mail and if you are seriously interested you can leave me your phone number! I will then contact you personally by phone or Whatsapp.
    After contacting us, even more photos and a tour video can be sent via WhatsApp.
    Will only be given to real lovers / connoisseurs or collectors who know their way around and appreciate a vehicle!

    Preferred sale in Germany, vehicle should remain in Austria if possible.
    Always remember, the vehicle is already 30 years old (oldtimer) and of course has normal signs of use.

    Please only contact us if you are seriously interested and have a suitable financial background.
    Possible exchange as a down payment if it is an everyday car such as an Audi A1/S1 or A3, from year of construction 2013 with a maximum of 150.tkm (each 2.0 liter engine: from 150hp diesel or from 190hp petrol)
    If you are seriously interested, simply make an offer and if it is reasonable, I will contact you at short notice.
    Mfg Markus

  • Market Find: Ferrari 812 GTS in Verde Zeltweg at Ferrari Philadelphia

    Market Find: Ferrari 812 GTS in Verde Zeltweg at Ferrari Philadelphia

    We found this Tailor Made 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS (vin: ZFF97CMA4N0269974) in handsome Verde Zeltweg (verde zeltweg; metallic ; 610; Ferrari) over Cuoio leather and accent Filo Speciale Verde stitching in inventory at Ferrari Philadelphia. The car is in their pre-owned inventory having logged 1,629 miles.

    Verde Zeltweg is supplied by PPG and from the extended range of paints. It is one of the darkest metallic greens from the Ferrari paint range and can appear as almost black depending on distance and light conditions. For what it’s worth and while a Ferrari color, Verde Zeltweg is also available on the Porsche Paint to Sample configurator under code 6VZ.

    Options on the car include:

    • Livery Extended on Bumpers
    • Alcantara Boot Carpet in Cuoio 
    • Airbrushed Shields 
    • Atelier New York 
    • Drawing Attached 
    • Leather Upholstered Seat Backrest 
    • Black Ring on Dashboard Vents 
    • Brake Calipers in Giallo 
    • Front Bumper Inserts in Carbon Fiber 
    • Rear Bumper Sides in Carbon Fiber 
    • Rear Diffuser in Carbon Fiber 
    • Carbon Fiber Underdoor Cover 
    • Carpets in Nuovo Cuoio 
    • Colored Safety Belts in Beige-Cocos 
    • Leather Central Tunnel in Cuoio 
    • Colored Upper Dashboard in Cuoio 
    • Cavallino Stitched in Headrest in Verde 
    • Cavallino Embroidered on Rear Wall in Verde 
    • F1 Buttons Cover in Verde Zeltweg 
    • Advanced Front Driving Camera 
    • Carbon Fiber Front Spoiler 
    • Long and Thin Italian Flag 
    • Italian Flag Stitched on Headrest 
    • Colored Mats with Logo 
    • Chromed Cavallino on Fuel Lid 
    • LEDs STW Arches Cover Leather in Cuoio 
    • Steering Wheel + LEDs 
    • Special Livery 
    • Diamond Pattern Style Seats 
    • Leather Door Panel Upon Request in Cuoio 
    • Parking Camera 
    • Special Colors 2 Layers in Verde Zeltweg 
    • Glossy Painted Rims 
    • Matt Solver Forged Racing Wheel 
    • Rev Counter in Giallo 
    • Full Electric Seats 
    • Leather Rear Shelf LUDP Color 
    • EE Functionality 
    • High Power HiFi System 
    • Colored Special Stitching in Filo Speciale Verde 
    • Colored Steering Wheel 
    • Upper Part in Alcantara in Cuoio and much more!

    Check it out HERE.

  • Market Find: BMW Individual Dakar Yellow E92 M3 Coupe

    Market Find: BMW Individual Dakar Yellow E92 M3 Coupe

    If you’re nostalgic for the 90s era of BMWs (looking at you E36), then you know your way around Dakar Yellow (dakargelbii; non-metallic uni; 337; BMW). The hue was a standard and much beloved color on that era M3, and it remains one of the most revered BMW Individual paint colors as a result. So, when we find another generation M3 Coupe painted the same color from the factory, we take notice. Take for instance this 39,000 mile 2011 E92 M3 Competition Coupe in New Rochelle, NY that we’ve found on Facebook Marketplace.

    The car’s a Competition with V8, so already rare and sought-after. The owner reports it is “likely” one of one in the USA thanks to that color. We have not verified the claim with BMW and it sounds like the owner may not be entirely certain, but it’s definitely rare (Editor’s Note: Check below for more information on the rarity). The color is listed as Dakar Yellow II (dakargelb; non-metallic; 337; BMW Individual), with two-tone Palladium and Black Novillo leather. Other options beyond the BMW Individual paint include Style 359 M wheels, Sunroof, iDrive Navigation and DCT dual clutch automatic.

    It’s got a few modifications, but nothing extreme. These include KW V3 coilover suspension and an Eisenmann exhaust.

    The owner also states that it’s been featured on YouTube, so we’ve embedded that video in this story.

    The price is listed as $61,999.

    Check out more on Facebook Marketplace.

    UPDATE#1:
    The difference between Dakar Yellow and Dakar Yellow II is the addition of a clear coat.

    UPDATE #2:
    David, a commenter below, added this reference information in regards to the rarity of a Dakar Yellow E92 Competition. In it he stated:

    Worldwide, 140 E92 M3s left the factory in this colour.
    – 40 for North America (28 for USA, 12 for Canada)
    – 30 for the Rest of the World in LHD
    – 70 for the Rest of the World in RHD

    19 of the 28 USA examples came with the Competition Pack. 

    This particular car was No.14 of the 28 USA cars to be made and the only one of the 28 to come paired with the Palladium Silver & Black Novillo Leather interior leather. 

    Manufactured on 30-June-2011 it was originally supplied by Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs on 12-August-2011.

    http://www.e9xm3.com/e9xm3colours

  • Market Find: Audi exclusive Java Green RS Q8 at Porsche North Houston

    Market Find: Audi exclusive Java Green RS Q8 at Porsche North Houston

    Some people say the RS Q8 is the budget Urus. Audi’s most aggressive RS take on its Q8 product line shares engine (at a lower horsepower tune) and a lot of hardware with the Lamborghini, not to mention platform, so the comparison makes sense. And though the Urus is definitely more aggressively tuned in most every way, the RS Q8 checks most of those boxes while being a bargain in comparison. It’s even more of a bargain when it’s got Audi exclusive special paint and someone else has taken the depreciation hit for the first few years. Enter this 2021 (VIN: WU1ARBF13MD023666) that’s turned up at Porsche North Houston.

    The color is Java Green, a popular go-to for Audi exclusive buyers… or maybe a popular go-to for dealers putting Audi exclusive builds into inventory. Whatever the case, we see Java Green on Audi exclusive builds with some regularity. It’s a handsome medium light metallic green that pairs well with the RS Q8, offering just enough Skittle factor without looking like it’s trying too hard.

    Inside, the car has red stitching. While red is Audi’s motorsport color and always looks handsome, pairing it with green can be a challenge unless you’re really into Christmas or you’re Italian. For this author, it’s an acquired taste, but the amount of cars I’ve seen pairing red and green together make me think maybe there are fewer of us that find it objectionable than there are who seek it out.

    Whatever your take on the green and red debate, it’s worth noting the mileage, age and price of this RS Q8. 2021 is the first year, and thus the furthest depreciated of the RS Q8 line. Even still, with just 19,754 miles on it, that’s just barely broken in and much lower than average for most cars. Pair that with the Audi exclusive paint and an internet asking price of $89,991 on their website listing HERE and we’d call that a great value.

  • Market Find: CXX Noto Green Extended Leather Porsche GT3 RS Weissach

    Market Find: CXX Noto Green Extended Leather Porsche GT3 RS Weissach

    While wild colors may be much more prevalent due to a comparatively low cost and bigger effect, this is the kind of Tailored Driver that really gets us excited. The exterior of this Porsche 911 GT3 RS with Weissach Package (VIN:  WP0AF2A95KS165691)? It’s non-metallic black, a $0 option. Nothing to see here, keep moving along. But it’s what is going on inside that is reason for fixation.

    There you’ll see $49,000 in CXX or Special Wishes tailoring, nearly every available surface covered in incredibly cool Noto Green leather. Currently on offer by Cabiglio Garage on Bring a Trailer showing just 2,500 miles, this GT3 RS carried an original MSRP of $301,760, representing what just may be the highest sticker’d (before Dealer markup) example sold stateside. While we’re speculating, we’ll also mention the reputation of the seller, known for marketing vehicles on behalf of Jerry Seinfeld, Spike Feresten Tom Hanks, and Paul Bettany. That fact, paired with the Santa Monica airport as image backdrop, means this may have been originally owned by a notable heavy-hitter in the LA car scene.

    If you’re interested, better get your finances in order fast. The auction for this Tailored Driver ends this afternoon, and could break the $450,000 mark. Get all the details for this Porsche 911 GT3 RS Weissach, here.

  • Market Find: First Publicly Available 2024 Aston Martin Valour

    Market Find: First Publicly Available 2024 Aston Martin Valour

    So far as we know, the car you see here is the first Aston Martin Valour to hit the open market and come publicly available. We found it via UK Aston Martin specialists Nicholas Mee, and rather unsurprisingly… it is UK spec with right-hand drive.

    Specifically, this car is believed to be one of just 20 UK-specification cars built, Aston Martin’s Q division finished it in Special Caribbean Pearl, a color that is a throwback to the 1960’s era of production. Inside, the car boasts bespoke Onyx Black, Sahara Tan and Alcantara.

    Optional extras added to the specification of this car include; 110th anniversary pack, Bronze anodized front grille and rear strip, Bronze interior brightwork, walnut gear knob, Bronze coloured brake callipers, Carbon Fibre performance seats, Dark Knight carpets, gloss Carbon fibre lower package, gloss carbon fibre side fender vent and Exo blades, gloss Carbon fibre interior upper package, gold under bonnet pack, Q sill pinstripes, Q 21” Bronze tinted wheels, Q Satin Carbon fibre treadplates, Sports steering wheel with Carbon fibre and Alcantara, Havana Tan interior stitching and Tan seatbelts. Further, unique features to this particular car also include, Union Jack Aston Martin wing badges and leather headlining with Aston Martin artwork. A full and detailed specification is available on request.

    The Valour is undoubtedly a future classic, with design highly-inspired by Aston’s one-off Victor. It’s powered by Aston’s 5.2-liter V12 twin turbo boasting 705 bhp and 550 lbs ft of torque. That’s all paired to a 6-speed manual transmission, offering the highest performance paired with an analog experience.

    Check out more photos and an in-depth description on the Nicholas Mee website HERE.

  • Unique ’22 Ferrari Monza SP1 Headed to RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    Unique ’22 Ferrari Monza SP1 Headed to RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    When Ferrari went about creating the limited-edition Monza SP1 barchetta, it planned just 499 examples. Each was powered by Maranello’s 6.5-liter V12 derived from the 812 Superfast and tuned for 810 PS (798 hp). It’s rare that these cars come on the market, but we’ve run across this one headed for the block at RM Sotheby’s Münich auction set for November 23.

    The specification for this particular example in question (VIN ZFF94MSB000244381) is definitely handsome, painted Titanium Grey with Giallo Modena accents, and the cockpit trimmed in Cioccolato Leather. The car is has had just one owner since new, and comes with factory-supplied accessories including helmet and carry case, driving gloves, goggles and Ferrari folio.

    Read the full Lot description below. Also see more photos, addendums and associated documents at the auction lot listing HERE.

    In the pursuit of ultimate performance, supercar manufacturers have in more recent years seen fit to bestow their creations with increasingly complex and intricate aerodynamic devices. Arguably, this has come at the expense of classic beauty and elegance—not something that can be said of the stunning Ferrari Monza. Revealed in October 2018, this open-top showstopper was the first model devised under the marque’s new “Icona” series.

    The Maranello designers had delivered a clear throwback to the pure barchetta race cars of the 1950s, such as the Mille Miglia- and 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 166 MM, 750, and 860 Monza. But beneath the flowing lines of the single-seater SP1 and two-person SP2 sat the underpinnings of Ferrari’s latest grand tourer. A sonorous 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V-12 engine lifted from the 812 Superfast gained revised inlet ducts and a remapped ECU to produce some 810 PS. Sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a 305km/h top speed was achievable. Between both SP1 and SP2 variants, only 499 cars were produced for Ferrari’s most prized clients.

    This example, chassis 244381, is predominantly finished in the attractive shade of Titanium Grey. Meanwhile, the livery design running over the rear fin and bonnet is Giallo Modena. Personalised exterior flourishes include the airbrushed Scuderia shields and yellow brake callipers while components such as the engine cover, wheel arches, rear diffuser, front air vents, and under-door covers are completed in carbon fibre. As for the interior, a large-size GT2 monocoque racing seat trimmed in Cioccolato leather is equipped with a four-point harness. A Testa di Moro hue was selected for the famous Cavallino logo stitched into the headrest and yellow chosen for the tachometer. Optional extras include the installation of a suspension lifter in addition to front and rear parking cameras. A carbon fibre finish for the luggage compartment completes this car’s impressive specification.

    The SP1 was initially registered on 28 July 2022 by its one and only owner, who is based in Nürtingen, to the south of Stuttgart. Used sparingly since, the odometer displays just 1,903 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. Issued with its most recent TÜV certificate in July of this year, the car is complemented by a suite of accessories, including a Berluti carbon fibre helmet and accompanying leather carry case, plongé leather driving gloves by Loro Piana, goggles, display models, plus Ferrari folio.

    Rare, beautiful, sophisticatedly specified, and housing a howling V-12, this exquisite Monza SP1 will be welcomed at a vast array of concours events for the rest of its life and, therefore, is sure to appeal to all Ferrari aficionados.

  • Market Find: MSO Velocity Fistral Blue to Atlantic Blue McLaren 765LT

    Market Find: MSO Velocity Fistral Blue to Atlantic Blue McLaren 765LT

    McLaren Special Operations will do just about whatever you want, and the original Tailor of this McLaren 765LT (VIN: SBM14SCA9NW765146) made it their mission to push the limits. The result is a vehicle with not just one, but two bespoke MSO paint hues, and a claimed $40,000+ in MSO touches. Mission accomplished.

    This McLaren 765 LT features MSO Velocity paint, in this case fading from the bright MSO Fistral Blue to the more subdued MSO Atlantic Blue, with matching MSO painted brake calipers (Fistral up front, Atlantic out back), which we can confirm was worth the risk. It’s an absolutely stunning finish, making it all the better that this Tailor kept the interior tame. Black vented fabric on matte Carbon Fiber Racing Seats was the move, and MSO stitching on the headrest with model designation is a tasteful play.

    In all, the McLaren 765LT you see here carried an original sticker of just over half a million dollars. Fortunately for someone, this Tailored Driver could be theirs for $639,765, representing an appreciation of about $80/mile experienced by the prior owner. We’d say that’s money well spent.

    Get all the details on this Tailored Driver, by checking out the full listing here.

  • Market Find: Audi exclusive Teak Brown S5 Cabriolet on Bring a Trailer

    Market Find: Audi exclusive Teak Brown S5 Cabriolet on Bring a Trailer

    From the affordable tailored segment of the market comes this 2011 Audi S5 Cabriolet ( WAUVGAFHXBN001647 listed by 1600veloce on Bring a Trailer. Not only is its brown on brown color combination totally fitting in the midst of autumn, its unique spec on a 67,000 mile 2011 S5 with replaced 7-speed DSG transmission hints that it will result in an approachable number for someone seeking a unique specification on a budget.

    Here’s what we know about the specification of the car without having seen the Monroney sticker or build list. The paint color is listed as Audi exclusive Teak Brown Metallic. In 2011, Teak Brown was offered on the A5 and other models, though it wasn’t offered on the S5. This would have made it an Audi exclusive paint, more affordable than a completely custom color because it was in production elsewhere in the lineup.

    A puzzle is the interior specification. The BaT listing states that it’s Tuscan Brown Nappa Leather. Using the European model literature as a reference, we’re not seeing a Tuscan Brown option, though do see Magma Red and Mustang Brown. Typically, a car with a deviating Audi exclusive interior would have an aluminum “Audi exclusive” badge on the door panel. This car does not have that, so we’re guessing this amber brown interior isn’t an Audi exclusive specification.

    We don’t have a MY2011 U.S. order guide so aren’t able to confirm the specification of the interior, but we’re guessing it was standard and rare color at the time. Whatever, it’s a great specification on a car with low mileage for its age and some wear and tear that should make it an enjoyable and affordable driver.

    Check out more on the Bring a Trailer website listing HERE.