Category: Features

  • Market Find: BMW Individual Verde Ermes Pearl Metallic X7 xDrive 40i

    Market Find: BMW Individual Verde Ermes Pearl Metallic X7 xDrive 40i

    What: 2022 BMW X7 xDrive 40i
    Color: BMW Individual Verde Ermes Pearl Metallic (pearl effect; P7T; BMW)
    VIN: 5UXCW2C06N9K63484
    Mileage: 46,714 miles
    Price: $54,900
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Bridgeport, CT
    Listing: Skedaddle Cars

    Tailored Driver is about pushing boundaries, and this X7 does exactly that in more ways than one. BMW Individual Verde Ermes Pearl Effect is one shade we’re not certain we’ve seen before, but we certainly think it was a big bet that paid off for the original Tailor. It’s also helped to push our own boundaries by inspiring a deep dive into Verde Ermes in hopes of learning more. While that search is still very much ongoing, we can say that the color seems to have first appeared on the facelifted F90 M5 Competition with BMW USA ordering at least one of their Press cars in the hue. Since, we’ve seen images of it on the i4, G80 generation M3, and a few other models in BMW’s range- all with stunning results.

  • Market Find: BMW Individual Frozen Black M3 Coupe

    Market Find: BMW Individual Frozen Black M3 Coupe

    What: 2011 BMW M3 Coupe
    Color: BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic (frozenschwarz; metallic matte; U91; BMW)
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 87,000 miles
    Price: $34,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Farmingdale, NY
    Listing: Facebook Marketplace

    Special editions are always a bit of a grey area in the Tailored Driver world because to be honest, they’re usually just a ploy to move a few units with very specific options. This Frozen Black Edition M3 is the exception to the rule- just 20 were made for the US and if you wanted one, you had to call a hotline at a specific time to get it. Seriously. But while the method of initial procurement is now antiquated to the point of silliness, the M3 still looks incredibly modern. A high revving V8 is paired with the quick shifting DCT, and iDrive is present, meaning a CarPlay retrofit is an easy and worthwhile endeavor. Perhaps the best bit is the price. At $34k, it’s well within the ballpark of what a run-of-the-mill M3 would fetch in today’s market.

  • Market Find: Audi exclusive Aventurine Orange Mica TT S

    Market Find: Audi exclusive Aventurine Orange Mica TT S

    What: 2017 Audi TT S
    Color: Audi exclusive Aventurine Orange Mica (pearl effect; 2487; Audi) 
    VIN: TRUC1AFV5H1016547
    Mileage: 93,083 miles
    Price: $26,995
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Selma, TX
    Listing: Audi North Park

    This right here is exactly why we started our Tailored Driver experiment, and why we saw a need in the space. Audi North Park has a very cool TT S in the rarely seen Aventurine Orange Mica- that’s the headline. But based on presentation, you’d really need to be looking to find it. Billed as Tango Red, this higher-mile TT S hasn’t been prepped for sale in a meaningful way- visibly dirty, missing the tow hook cover on it’s front bumper, boiler plate description text. Quite likely to be a 1 of 1, frankly the car deserves better and the reality is that unless you’re nearby, it’s nearly impossible to assess the true condition of the car. So a the current asking price of $26,995, is this Tailored Driver one you’re willing to take a chance on? We’re going to remain neutral on that for now, we just hope the next steward cares more than the selling dealer seems to.

  • Market Find: Audi TT RS Heritage Edition in Alpine White at BMW Minnetonka

    Market Find: Audi TT RS Heritage Edition in Alpine White at BMW Minnetonka

    What: 2022 Audi TT RS
    Color: Alpine White (alpinweiß; non-metallic UNI; L90E; Audi) 
    VIN: WUAASAFV2N1900426
    Mileage: 32,525 miles
    Price: $70,000
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Pictured Below
    Location: Minnetonka, MN
    Listing: BMW Minnetonka

    We’ve covered the Audi TT RS Heritage cars in the past, but due to incredibly limited quantities and equally tasteful build configurations, we simply do not see them often. Just 50 in total (10 each of five different heritage-themed color combinations) were produced, which nearly guarantees the buyer of this particular Tailored Driver be the only one they’ll ever encounter- a feat usually reserved for cars in the 6 and 7 figure range. Through that lens, the modest bump in pricing over a run of the mill TT RS seems like a downright bargain. So here we’ve got nearly the perfect vehicle for the Tailored Driver ethos- an enthusiast model that boasts scarcity at a somewhat attainable price of entry.

    A massive thank you to Matt for the submission! If you have a line on something Tailored Driver should be featuring or may have missed, please do not hesitate to send us a private message.

  • Market Find: Porsche Paint to Sample Linen Grey Metallic over Leather to Sample Linen Grey 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

    Market Find: Porsche Paint to Sample Linen Grey Metallic over Leather to Sample Linen Grey 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

    What: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
    Color: Paint to Sample Linen Grey Metallic (leinenmetallic; metallic UNI; 55; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0CB29918S777288
    Mileage: 65,920 miles
    Price: $55,950
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Pictured Below
    Location: Bellevue, WA
    Listing: Park Place Limited

    Perhaps in current times a C4S cab with a $126k sticker price wouldn’t be a shock (they now start at $159k), but back in 2008 it was nearly unheard of. Yet here we find ourselves, featuring this Linen-on-Linen sporting both Paint and Leather to Sample from the factory. Due to the beauty of depreciation and a minor on the CarFax from 2018, this frankly impressive build can be had for less than half the cost it was new- before inflation. We’d be remiss if we didn’t admit this spec isn’t one that would normally get such a big reaction in our offices, but the level of taste displayed is tough to match. The subtlety of its paint matched center console that ever-so-slightly contrasts the miles of Linen leather is just spectacular, as is the choice of Carbon accents over a more theme-appropriate wood grain. Our only edit would be to toss the aftermarket for a Porsche Classic unit.

  • Market Find: Volkswagen Spektrum ’91 Blue Golf R

    Market Find: Volkswagen Spektrum ’91 Blue Golf R

    What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
    Color: Volkswagen Spektrum ’91 Blue (91blau; non metallic UNI; LL5C; Volkswagen)
    VIN: WVWVA7AU9KW217074
    Mileage: 26,500 miles
    Price: $Auction
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Pictured Below
    Location: Seattle, WA
    Auction Listing: Cars and Bids

    What’s the origin of ’91 Blue? We don’t really know, but it’s not that we haven’t tried to figure it out. We even reached out to a member of the product team at Volkswagen who made the cars happen. Here’s what we got.

    “91 Blue was already part of the VW Exclusice catalog and chosen by Canada for the yet to be named Spektrum program. We assumed the same colors Canada was offering, and added several more.”

    So, we dug a bit. We have yet to find 91 Blue anywhere else, though we do have a color code. Perhaps it came from another brand, or perhaps it harks a paint of another time.

    Miami Blue of the Golf Mk1 era seems not that far off, but it’s definitely a different code and we’d want to see them both in person before drawing that comparison. Interestingly, there was no Miami Blue in the Spektrum lineup.

    Back to the car, this is a low mileage example of a very rare car. Those seeking something special, particularly in the form of a hot hatch, will want to take notice and do so quickly.

  • Greenwich Concours Announces Vehicle Classes and Other Event Details

    Greenwich Concours Announces Vehicle Classes and Other Event Details

    [source: Hagerty]

    Greenwich, CT – The 2025 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance (Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1) will once again be hosted at picturesque Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Connecticut, bringing together automotive enthusiasts and collectors to celebrate the world’s finest cars, luxurious craftsmanship and the spirit of automotive innovation.

    “Greenwich Concours is the top automotive event in the Northeast,” said Matt Orendac, Vice Chairman of the Greenwich Concours. “Attendees can look forward to three days of amazing cars, exciting drives and luxury experiences. Like all great concours, it combines the best people and finest cars with an immersive location to kick off the summer season.”

    This year, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance will honor renowned automotive collector Ralph Marano as the Grand Marshal. Marano is celebrated as one of the premier Packard collectors, with a collection of 85 classic models, each one a 100-point, concours quality restoration. Marano is renowned for being the only collector to own a Packard Darrin from every year of manufacture — from 1937 to 1942.

    New for 2025, guests will have the opportunity to kick off the weekend festivities with Reverie, held Friday evening. Reverie at Greenwich seamlessly blends the charm of the New England coastline with the sophistication of a world-class luxury event. Guests will enjoy the stunning culinary experience crafted by some of the finest chefs, along with a hosted bar, all set against the charming Greenwich Harbor. The evening unfolds with a lively atmosphere, complete with a DJ spinning smooth rhythms, stylish lounge spaces and an ambiance of effortless sophistication. Don’t miss the chance to experience Reverie’s unique display of coastal luxury, artistry and elegance.

    Saturday’s Greenwich Concours de Sport will feature a highly curated selection of sports, racing and supercars representing the epitome of automotive style, performance and innovation. Sunday’s Greenwich Concours d’Elegance builds on a longstanding legacy of excellence, featuring many of the world’s most elegant, important and storied cars. This year’s featured classes for both days are detailed here:

    Featured Classes – Concours de Sport – Saturday, May 31

    Mid-Engine RevolutionEarly Porsche 356’s (Pre-A’s and A’s)
    Affordable FerrariResto Mods
    Custom Cars of Rob IdaRace Cars of New England
    Classic BMW CoupesDealer Performance Cars
    VW Transporters50th Anniversary of Lamborghini Countach
    Porsche PoweredNeo Classics
    Corvette – Sting Ray 1968-1972Orphan Cars of the 50’s-60’s
    Trans Am ProductionScrambler Saturday (Motorcycles)
    Cars of Greenwich Avenue 


    Featured Classes – Concours d’Elegance – Sunday, June 1

    Muscle/Performance – 1960-1972Post-War German Sports – Mercedes-Benz SL
    100 Years of ChryslerPost-War English Sports
    Fast from the Past (Motorcycle)Post-War Italian Sports
    Range Toppers (Motorcycle)Post-War American Buick Riveria 1963-1973
    SupercarsPre-War European Classics
    Porsche PrototypesPre-War Classics American
    Art Deco StreamlinersHorseless Carriage Glidden Tour Reunion
    Pinin FarinaCars of Donald Healey

    Ticket Information:
    Readers can find more information and ticket pricing at https://www.greenwichconcours.com/.

    About Greenwich Concours
    Founded in 1996, Greenwich Concours d’Elegance is a three-day premier motoring event in Greenwich, Conn. Exclusive gatherings, luxury shopping, ride and drives, new vehicle experiences and automotive heritage elements complement Friday’s Grand Tour and Saturday’s Concours de Sport. Sunday’s nationally recognized Concours d’Elegance celebrates historically significant American and International vehicles along the town’s picturesque harbor front. Each year the event supports local charities as a part of Hagerty’s larger giving strategy. For more about the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance visit our website at GreenwichConcours.com.

    About Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY) 
    Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand committed to saving driving and to fueling car culture for future generations. The company is a leading provider of specialty vehicle insurance, expert car valuation data and insights, live and digital car auction services, immersive events and automotive entertainment custom made for the 67 million Americans who self-describe as car enthusiasts. Hagerty also operates in Canada and the U.K. and is home to Hagerty Drivers Club, a community of over 875,000 who can’t get enough of cars. For more information, please visit www.hagerty.com or connect with us on FacebookInstagramX and LinkedIn.

  • Market Find: Volkswagen Spektrum Sarantos Turquoise Golf R

    Market Find: Volkswagen Spektrum Sarantos Turquoise Golf R

    What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
    Color: Volkswagen Spektrum Sarantos Turquoise (non metallic UNI; L69N; Volkswagen)
    VIN: WVWWA7AU3KW112387
    Mileage: 15,697 miles
    Price: $Auction
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Pictured Below
    Location: Richardson, TX
    Auction Listing: Bring a Trailer

    Tailored Driver has covered the one-year-only Volkswagen Spektrum Golf R models in the past, but this one is a bit special. Sadly not present at last weekend’s gathering of R’s called “Wookies in the Woods” and held annually near Robbinsville, NC- where many Spektrums were present- this particular car has plenty of VW event history. The first owner of this Tailored Driver was VW themselves, one of three used by Volkswagen of America to market the program to potential consumers. Since leaving the VWGoA nest, this car made it to Texas where it still appears to be in very good shape and was driven sparingly. Between the fervor of Spektrum fans, strong enthusiast interest in VW and the Golf R, and the stunning Sarantos Turquoise paint, we anticipate this Tailored Driver to fetch a big number.

  • Market Find: 2021 Audi exclusive S4 Sedan in Nogaro Blue

    Market Find: 2021 Audi exclusive S4 Sedan in Nogaro Blue

    What: 2021 Audi S4 Sedan
    Color: Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue (nogaroblau; pearl effect UNI; Z5M; Audi)
    VIN:  unknown
    Mileage: 49,000 miles
    Price: $40,000 to $41,500 (see below)
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Clayton, NC
    Listing: Facebook

    Audi’s S4 has great history with Nogaro Blue. Audi’s bold answer to classic French Blue was a launch color on the first B5 S4, again on the B6 S4 and was offered as special edition in the B8 S4 era. Readers of this site probably also know it was a color born with the iconic Porsche-developed Audi RS2 Avant. As a result, Audi aficionados tend to seek out Nogaro Blue cars. This makes a Nogaro Blue S4 a very sweet thing indeed.

    The car in question just popped up listed by the owner on Audi Club North America’s Classifieds group. It’s had a few modifications, though these appear to be minor and limited to cosmetic changes including custom blue Alcantara on the door panels and on the shift knob in order to mimic earlier versions of the car.

    This S4 is also shown on RS 5 wheels, which is the reason for the price spread above. Sold on stock wheels, it can be had for $40,000 according to the ad, or $41,500 if you want the RS 5 wheels along with it.

    These aren’t the only modifications, so if you prefer an unmodified car you’ll want to look closely and check in with the owner about also procuring the original parts where they are still available.

  • Market Find: Porsche Paint to Sample Racing Green Metallic 718 Cayman GT4 RS

    Market Find: Porsche Paint to Sample Racing Green Metallic 718 Cayman GT4 RS

    What: 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
    Color: Paint to Sample Racing Green Metallic (racinggrünmetallic; metallic UNI; Y68; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AE2A82PS280816
    Mileage: 632 miles
    Price: $239,991
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Warrington, PA
    Dealer Listing: Porsche Warrington

    To those Tailored Driver fans who see this 718 Cayman GT4 RS and immediately think “Aston”- you’re not wrong. Porsche’s Racing Green Metallic is “Ice Ice Baby” to Aston’s “Under Pressure”, which is to say it’s nearly the same, and for good reason. It’s clear to us that Racing Green is a hue with no edits required, and in this case transforming the stiff, no-nonsense weapon that is a GT4 RS into a weekend cruiser that may warrant brown leather driving gloves. Best described as incredibly tasteful, this Tailored Driver will continue to command the right kind of attention regardless of where colors trend in the future. Is that kind of staying power worth the $239,991 price of admission? We think it just may be.