Wanderlust

Category: Market Finds

  • Monterey Auction Preview: RM with Former White Collection 2023 911 Sport Classic

    Monterey Auction Preview: RM with Former White Collection 2023 911 Sport Classic

    One tailored build headed for auction during Monterey Car Week 2024 is this very unique 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic (VIN: WP0AG2A90PS252368) being sold without reserve by RM Sotheby’s. Sold via Porsche North Houston, you may not be all that surprised looking at the spec that this 992 was built for the White Collection.

    We’ve been unable to confirm the specific white, but the associated documents provided by RM do confirm the white that covers it is a Paint to Sample shade. It’s also worth noting that this car had plenty of Sonderwunsch factory commissioned modifications. These include many components color-matched white, and a striking red interior.

    Below the gallery is a the full description provided by RM Sotheby’s. Find more photos and information on the car HERE.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: We were unable to confirm this paint color during the writing of this story. If you know the color, please confirm it below in the comments or by direct messaging the author.

    • The most powerful Porsche Type 992 911 with a manual transmission
    • One of 1,250 examples produced
    • Delivered new to the White Collection 
    • Extensively personalized with over $150,000 of Sonderwunsch Factory Commissioning, for a total new price of $448,535
    • Presented in virtually as-new condition with fewer than 77 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing 

    With so many iconic cars and significant achievements throughout the past 75 years, Porsche rightfully celebrates the company’s heritage by offering its most dedicated followers limited-production models inspired by their most beloved and sought-after historical creations. Cars like the 911 R, the several generations of Speedsters, and the original Type 997 Sport Classic have all offered modern performance with a dash of vintage panache.

    The latest iteration of the Sport Classic, now based on the Type 992 platform, presents a “greatest hits” collection of the most established Porsche design features wrapped around one of the most potent and engaging drivetrains ever fitted to a 911. This limited-edition model is easily identified by the 2.7 RS-inspired duck tail spoiler and Fuchs-style wheels on all four corners. Keener observers will note the double-bubble carbon fiber roof, gold-color badging, and a Porsche shield featuring the early-style bright red element of the Württemberg crest. Twin stripes streak across the hood, roof, and tail, further alluding to the firm’s immense racing history. The interior is covered with plenty of leather, distinctive houndstooth cloth on the doors and seat inserts, and green-accented instrumentation for a 1960s atmosphere. Lastly, a badge on the dashboard notes the serial number of each Sport Classic.

    Utilizing the Turbo widebody and engine platform, the Sport Classic is the most powerful rear-wheel drive 911 of this generation so far. The twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six engine produces a whopping 542 horsepower, and while mildly detuned from its four-wheel drive brethren, this reduction has allowed for the option of a manual transmission (much to the delight of enthusiasts). The chassis is additionally fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, rear steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and a specially tuned exhaust as standard.

    On offer is serial number 0923 of the 1,250 Sport Classics offered worldwide. An immensely special machine already, this example stands above its siblings courtesy of over $150,000 worth of Sonderwunsch Factory Commissioning. As shown on the CXX option sheet on file, the exterior is finished almost entirely in White, from the front-end air intakes to the wheels and around to the lower rear valance. Only matte white stripes and black wheel center locks provide contrast to this snowy exterior treatment. Alternatively, the sanguine interior features leather across most visible surfaces in a display of supreme luxury and customization. The air vents, center tunnel, knee pads, front trunk, rear side panels, lower dashboard, inner door sill guards, and even the owner’s manual wallet are all finished in Can Can Red hides. Houndstooth joins the mix on the door cards, seat inserts, and trunk pouch. The summation of this custom tailoring has resulted in a truly exquisite example of such a special Porsche.

    Delivered new to the legendary White Collection, the 911 subsequently traded hands and today presents with fewer than 77 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Thanks to this limited use, the car presents in virtually as-new condition and will undoubtedly be a highlight of any serious collection for decades to come.

  • ‘Holy Grail’ Specification Ferrari F355 Now Available at Bell Sport & Classic

    ‘Holy Grail’ Specification Ferrari F355 Now Available at Bell Sport & Classic

    • Outstanding 1995 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, originally owned by acclaimed musician Chris Rea offered for sale by Ferrari marque experts, Bell Sport & Classic
    • Understood to be a unique “1 of 1” car finished in Blu Scuro Micalizzato
    • Iconic model poised to turn 30 years old and achieve genuine classic Ferrari status
    • ‘Holy grail’ specification most sought-after by collectors: six-speed manual, early ‘2.7 Motronic’ Berlinetta, non-airbag, finished in Blu Scuro Micalizzato over Crema
    • Comprehensively refreshed by Bell Sport & Classic’s sector-leading technical team, led by former-Maranello personnel who worked on such cars in period
    • Reaffirms Bell Sport & Classic’s status as the leading destination for classic and modern Ferraris

    [source: Bell Sport & Classic]

    Markyate, Hertfordshire, UK – Bell Sport & Classic brings to market what is perhaps the world’s finest example of the iconic Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, presented in exceptional condition and ‘holy grail’ collector specification, previously owned by musician and Ferrari aficionado Chris Rea.

    The exceptional example is offered for sale by the world-leading Ferrari specialists, just as enthusiasts prepare to celebrate the 355’s 30th anniversary, with the model joining the rarefied ranks of bona fide Maranello classics.

    A highly collectable early-production run F355 Berlinetta, the car presents in superb condition after a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refresh by Bell Sport & Classic’s renowned specialist Ferrari technical team, which is led by former Maranello factory personnel.

    Tim Kearns, Managing Director, Bell Sport & Classic, said: “We’re proud to offer this ultra-desirable example of the Ferrari F355. This sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire the 355 everyone wants: an early right-hand drive, ‘2.7 Motronic’, non-airbag, manual Berlinetta in a timeless specification. The model also has a compelling backstory, purchased new by noted Ferrari collector, Chris Rea. 

    “This 355 represents the ‘holy grail’ for Ferrari collectors– a useable example of Maranello’s mid-engined masterpiece, in its purest, most intoxicating form. In terms of design, technical innovation, performance, and handling, the F355 easily eclipsed the competition when it was launched and still offers a beguiling and wholly immersive driving experience today. As the F355 reaches its 30th anniversary, it also represents an astute investment.”

    The F355 Backstory
    Introduced at the 1994 Geneva International Motor Show, the F355 made an immediate impact on media, Ferrari owners and the public alike. A replacement for the somewhat underwhelming 348, the F355 was a true game changer; a harder-hitting, more modern mid-engined Ferrari that was just as wonderful to drive as it was to look at.

    Kearns, comments: “As the F355 reaches this landmark anniversary, now is the perfect time to take stock of just what a significant car it was for Ferrari. The F355 holds a special place in the marque’s history, emerging at a crucial moment for the brand, signalling the return of Ferrari technical, design and sheer driver engagement dominance after a period, some would argue, of drift and mediocrity. 

    “The F355 is highly significant: the car that the then new CEO Luca di Montezemolo delivered to bring the passion back to Ferrari, and the last of the truly hand-built V8 Ferraris. For many, the model represents a high-point for the marque – particularly in its early and purest form. It offers the perfect blend of old and new, combining contemporary performance with captivating analogue character – all wrapped up in a beautifully proportioned Pininfarina body. As a package, it really is hard to resist.”

    At the F355’s heart as with all Ferraris, is the engine, a flat plane crank V8 masterpiece. An engineering tour de force which, at the time of the car’s debut, delivered the highest specific output of any road car (107bhp per litre) – eclipsing even the mighty BMW V12 of the McLaren F1. With titanium con-rods, and five valves per cylinder, hugely innovative technology inspired by Ferrari’s Formula One programme, the F129B engine produced 375bhp at a heady 8250rpm – all from just 3.5 litres of displacement. So proud was Ferrari of this F1-inspired engine that the F355 Berlinetta’s model name unusually comes from a combination displacement and the number of valves per cylinder – ‘3.5 5’.

    With the ability to surge to 62mph in a mere 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 184mph, the performance of the F355 was in a different league to not just that of the 312bhp 348 that preceded it, but also contemporary rivals such as the Honda NSX, Lotus Esprit and Porsche 911 993.

    The chassis of the Ferrari F355 was equally important to the car’s phenomenal performance, offering nimble mid-engined handling. Double wishbone suspension, electronically adjustable, two-stage dampers and hydraulic power steering lent a dash of modern sophistication to the classic Italian supercar recipe. Compared to its predecessor it was faster, safer, more comfortable, and genuinely a car that could be used daily, whether charging up the Col de Turini or commuting into the city.

    The F355 was, as Autocar concluded in its 1994 road test, “a landmark car”, while Jeremy Clarkson hailed the 355 as “The greatest car in the world, ever”. It’s a car that only looks more significant as the years go by.

    Kearns adds: “The F355 Berlinetta’s game changing technical innovations, higher production volumes and overall bandwidth paved the way for successive Ferrari models to be truly great cars. One could argue that it’s the most significant car in Ferrari’s history. With almost 30 years to reflect on the car’s impact, the 355 is ready to assume genuine classic status as it reaches this landmark anniversary.”

    The ex-Chris Rea F355
    This original, right-hand drive UK car offered by Bell Sport & Classic was ordered new by musician Chris Rea, a well-known and highly regarded Ferrari enthusiast, via Maranello Sales. An early 1995 example, it features the desirable Bosh ‘2.7 Motronic’ ECU system, which improved throttle response and was also rumoured to offer more power – as much as 30bhp, according to some experts. As a sought-after non-airbag car, this example also sports the more driver-focussed Momo steering wheel, lending the cabin a clean and timeless look.

    Specified in the rare colour of Blu Scuro Micalizzato over Crema hide with Blu carpets, the car covered just 25,500 miles before being the subject of a comprehensive refresh by Bell’s team of sector-leading experts, at its state-of-the-art Hertfordshire facility. Bell Sport & Classic is renowned worldwide for its peerless restoration and refurbishment expertise, with a technical team of Ferrari trained experts, who worked on F355s in period. In recent years, the company has garnered international acclaim for numerous Ferrari projects including the sensational remastering of a 330 LMB, an extraordinary nut-and-bolt restoration of both an ultra-rare, L-Series 246 Dino GT and a Concours winning Ferrari 330 GTC.

    As with all cars the company offers for sale, Bell Sport & Classic’s technicians have gone through this F355 from top to bottom. Their approach ensures that the car is in exceptional mechanical condition. The same care has been lavished on the F355 cosmetically, both inside and out, with paintwork brought up to the very highest standards in its original Ferrari factory colour, reconolisation of the beautiful cream leather interior, and the crucial refresh of all switchgear, so often the Achilles’ heel of cars from this era.

    Kearns concludes: “At Bell Sport and Classic we’re accustomed to handling and restoring the very finest Ferraris, from the ‘60s classics right up to the contemporary hypercars. This F355 ranks among the best we’ve encountered. The team has, as ever, put everything into the painstaking recommissioning process, and the results speak for themselves. This F355 is the perfect example of a truly great Ferrari, one that can hold its own in the world’s most exclusive collections. Now presenting in perfect condition, this unmodified example of an iconic model, in the ultimate specification with a compelling backstory, is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.”

    About Bell Sport & Classic
    Bell Sport & Classic is a team of experts who have come together to provide customers unrivalled expertise across the sales, service and restoration of the world’s most revered classic and modern classic cars, specialising primarily in notable Ferraris.

    Authenticity, originality, and quality are the bedrocks of the business; Bell Sport & Classic prides itself on sourcing the ultimate in collector cars and bringing new standards to classic car restorations. Bell Sport & Classic stands apart in the classic car world as an innovator and leader in customer service.

    Vehicle Details
  • Only Fully Aluminum-Bodied Aston Martin V12 Zagato in Existence Goes on Sale

    Only Fully Aluminum-Bodied Aston Martin V12 Zagato in Existence Goes on Sale

    • Incredibly rare car is also one of only two pre-production coupes built from a limited run of just 64 models
    • Owned by Aston Martin until 2016, then bought by a high-profile collector, it has been the subject of a full recommissioning by the Gaydon-based supercar maker
    • Beautiful aluminium body features traditional Zagato styling cues, including a ‘double-bubble’ roof and short overhangs
    • Finished in Aston Martin Racing Green and currently for sale at Bell Sport & Classic’s dedicated showroom in Hertfordshire

    Markyate, Hertfordshire, UK –  Bell Sport & Classic is delighted to offer for sale an incredibly rare, limited run Aston Martin: a one-of-one fully aluminium-bodied V12 Zagato.

    Originally unveiled at the 2011 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the DB4GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato went on to win the ‘Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes’ before going into a limited production run of just 64 cars.

    All V12 Zagatos are special, but the model at Bell Sport & Classic is unique. Not only is it one-of-two pre-production versions, built to tour the world as show cars for prospective clients at exclusive events, but while all other cars in the limited run feature a hand-crafted aluminium and carbon skin, this car’s body is made solely from the lightweight metal.

    Owned by Aston Martin itself up until 2016, this right-hand-drive example was due to go to Zagato to form part of the design house’s own collection. However, a very special Aston Martin client – and the car’s only owner – persuaded the company to let him purchase it, and before it was delivered to him, underwent a full recommissioning.

    Originally painted Titanium Grey, it was refinished in Aston Martin Racing Green and the interior retrimmed, while Aston Martin engineers are also rumoured to have fettled the 5.9-litre V12 engine to give it a little more power than the standard car’s 510bhp. Under the bonnet, it also features the original plaque denoting its pre-production model status.

    Featuring design elements seen on previous cars from the Milanese carrozzeria such as the ‘double-bubble’ roof and short body overhangs, inside the hand-trimmed leather features the quilted Zagato motif, which is carried across the door cards and seats accompanied by a matching leather bag set. It also comes with a book detailing its recommission, further adding to its appeal.

    Tim Kearns, Managing Director, Bell Sport and Classic said: “We are very pleased to offer for sale this truly unique Aston Martin V12 Zagato. All of the cars in the limited run of 64 are, of course, very special indeed but this outstanding example is one of only two pre-production cars and the only fully aluminium-bodied model ever made. It has been treated to a meticulous recommissioning by Aston Martin itself and would be a wonderful addition to any collection.”

    About Bell Sport & Classic
    Bell Sport & Classic brings together a highly experienced world-class team to offer unrivalled expertise and authenticity across the sales, service and restoration of the world’s most revered classic and modern classic supercars, specialising in Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

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