What: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3 Sportline Avantgarde azzurro Color:Azzurro Blue(azzurroblau; metallic UNI; 366; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 130,100 km / 80,840 miles Price at Time of this Writing: €15,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Private Seller, Münich, Germany Listing:Link
Why We Love It:
One of several cars built in Mercedes-Benz Avantgarde series of W201 190 Es, the 190 E Avantgarde Azzurro is a unique thing indeed. With DTM-harkening 190 EVOs making anything W201 even more interesting, the azzurro and all its 90s German kitsch offer a more unique approach to the package.
Perhaps inspired by other market offerings such as the Volkswagen Color Concept cars, or Wolfsburg’s even more radically quirky Harlequin models, the Avantgardes utilized color in order to dial up the fun factor of a then aging W201 range.
The most notable differences on the Avantgarde azzurro is the use of color. For starters, its Azzurro Blue metallic paint was unique to the Avantgarde offering. Then, much like the Harlequin, it artfully incorporated multiple colors in trim on the seats, big-bolstered rear individual seating, the floor mats, the shift knob and the steering wheel. More substantively for drivers, it also got Mercedes’ Sportline suspension that was 20% stiffer and 23 mm lower than run-of-the-mill 190s.
Only 950 azzurro models were built, though it was their quite literal avant-garde nature that likely played into Mercedes’ choice to not sell the cars in the U.S.A. Fortunately, they’re now old enough for import and this clean and preserved example has just come on the market near Münich, listed for sale by an individual.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
What: 2021 Audi Q3 Color: Audi exclusive Merlin Purple(merlin purple; pearl effect; 4B / LZ3W / Z3W; Audi) VIN: WA1EECF31M1132074 Mileage: 60,090 miles Price: $25,191 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Huffines Chevrolet, Plano, TX Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
The world of Tailored Driver never ceases to amaze. Just two weeks ago we featured a 2020 Audi Q3 in Audi exclusive Merlin Purple, and we waxed poetic about how uncommon it is to see a Q3 in a custom-order hue. Guess we’re eating crow here, as another Q3 in the very same Merlin Purple has been spotted in Texas. One model year newer, 15,000 fewer miles, unmodified, but same color. Being one year and two oil changes fresher, the price is also a bit higher at $25k. Still a deal in our eyes, and still likely to be the only one you’ll see on the road. Until, of course, another one pops up and we feature it here on Tailored Driver.
What: 2021 Audi R8 Color: Audi exclusive Arrow Grey Pearl(arrowgrau; pearl effect; LZ7W; Audi) VIN: WUABAAFX1M7900910 Mileage: 8,082 miles Price: $164,970 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: Pictured below Location: Audi Naples, FL Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
The Audi R8 has been heralded as an everyday supercar since inception, and having spent quite a bit of time living with both generations, we’d have to agree. Admittedly a bit flashier choice than say, a 911, this particular R8 is still what we consider a fairly understated spec. Finished in Audi exclusive Arrow Grey, which as we’ve noted is the same code (LZ7W) as Aviator Grey, and without the fixed rear spoiler featured on the V10 plus variant, it’s the build of a connoisseur. Add to it the contrasting Yellow stitched leather and its a compelling package for those who want to stand out in all the right ways.
What: 1994 Audi S2 Avant Color:Nogaro Blue(nogaroblau; pearl effect UNI; Z5M; Audi) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 78,000 km / 48,467 miles Price at Time of this Writing: €35,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Private Seller, Wünschendorf, Germany Listing:Link
Why we love mention it:
Wait, it’s a low mileage Nogaro Blue S2 Avant and it’s an “Acquired Taste” car? What gives. Okay, yes, it’s perfect spec color choice and modifications that are there appear to be tasteful, but if our translation tool is reading that ad correctly, it’s a color change to Nogaro Blue from the original color listed as Burnt Orange for which the seller states and Apple translated “according to Audi only three vehicles in the color were delivered”.
We’re not entirely sure what “Burnt Orange” is. We’ll keep looking, though it’s listed in English so we’re not translating there. Perhaps they mean Audi’s Glut Orange (a.k.a. Solar Orange) where “glut” translates from German to “embers”. Even still, the rarity of it is kind of less impactful when the car has received a color change. It makes you wonder why they didn’t change the color on a more common specimen, but who knows.
Another interesting note about the color, we don’t think Audi was producing Glut Orange at that point, while Audi exclusive builds were largely limited at the time to factory specials or “Lifestyle Colors” that we’ve covered on this site before. If so, that color was likely Inka Yellow Pearl Effect and we’ve seen that on an RS2 from the time period. It is indeed very rare.
Worth noting, the seller also states that the engine bay still needs addressing regarding the color change, though no photos of that are provided. We also used AI tools to clean up some of the photos, specifically distracting elements in the background. In each of the photos we edited, the only change made to the car was to fix a bent registration plate. However, please use the original photos as the final reference as we’re just passing along this car’s availability.
So, if we’re translating this listing accurately, technically this is a factory tailored car that was resprayed to a totally different factory tailor color. You don’t see that often. And though it may be a color change car, we suspect it’s also about as affordable as you’ll find a turbocharged Nogaro Blue Audi B4 Avant. RS2s, even in rough shape, always seem to be above €50,000 nowadays. This one looks well kept, low mileage and a bargain way to get an RS2 without stepping up to an RS2.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
One of the best parts of Tailored Driver population is the deep research required on the more obscure finds and referrals sent to us by our dedicated readership. While newer and more common are admittedly fairly easy to decipher, the older stuff that excites us can also frustrate. Case in point is this Tailored Driver, a 2015 Porsche Cayenne S e-Hyrbid found on Facebook Marketplace. Search for a 2015 order guide, and pickings are slim. From the lone brochure we were able to find, it seems that Periodot Metallic was indeed a ‘special order’ color for Cayenne in 2015 for the sum of $3,150. But in validating with Porsche Club of America’s Rennbow, it seems that 2015 was a gap year in formally offering Peridot on Porsche’s brand-saving SUV. Further, while we can find a few other examples of Peridot on Cayennes of the period, they are generally GTS variants. Just one Peridot e-hybrid popped up in our searches, which due to lack of VIN info shared, very well may be this one.
So while this is undeniably rare, whether this is a true Paint to Sample- it hard to say. What we can confidently say is that the extremely subtle juxtaposition of Peridot on the body and Porsche’s e-hybrid identifying Acid Green on the brakes and gauge needles is so close that it nearly seems like a slight discoloration rather than a purposeful brand-play.
As always, massive thank you to Chris for the tip!
What: 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS Color: Ferrari Blu Le Mans(blulemans; metallic UNI; 516/C; Ferrari) VIN: : ZFFXR42B000105416 Mileage: 47,500 kilometers, 29,515 miles Estimated Price: Sealed Bid CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Netherlands Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
F1 aficionados will tell you that Michael Schumacher left Benetton where he’d just logged his second (in a row) of seven career championships, relocating to a struggling Scuderia Ferrari in 1996. No doubt Maranello was ecstatic to have him, which is the timeframe that the very special F355 GTS you see here was produced.
In period, the F355 was Ferrari’s newest model, which made the car a natural for their star new driver’s daily. Granted, this was Michael Schumacher, so this wasn’t your average Rosso Corsa over black leather F355. For Ferrari’s star new driver, this GTS was built in stunning Blu Le Mans metallic over Pelle Crema (A 3997) leather. The F355 was said to have been configured personally by Schumacher, who also made sure to spec in a 6-speed manual.
The car has been in the same ownership for the last 20 years. Check out the full description by RM Sotheby’s below, as well as with even more photos via the link above.
1996 Ferrari F355 GTS
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher’s former F355 GTS
Offered from over twenty years of single enthusiast ownership
Featured in numerous publications highlighting its Schumacher connection including Forza, Ferrari World, and Auto Trends
Attractive colour scheme of Blu Le Mans over Pelle Crema leather
Ferrari Classiche Certified in 2020
Accompanied by its original manuals and service book, stating Weber Management GmbH as the original owner
Documented by a letter from Cavallari Monaco Motors confirming ownership as well as photographs of Schumacher driving the car
[source: RM Sotheby’s]
By 1995, it was clear to everyone in Formula 1 that Michael Schumacher was a generational talent, and perhaps a driver the likes of which the sport had never seen. After winning his maiden championship with Benetton in 1994, in a car that many believed to be undeserving of the championship itself, he followed up with a repeat championship in 1995. Nineteen ninety-six would be different, and Schumacher would be lured away from Benetton to the team every racing driver wanted to race for: Ferrari.
Going into 1996, it was only fair that Ferrari gave their new driver a road car of his own to use and enjoy as he saw fit; the very F355 GTS offered here, allegedly the first Ferrari Michael Schumacher used whilst driving for the Scuderia. Introduced in 1995, it was the newest model in Ferrari’s lineup, a perfect fit for the team’s newest driver.
Built in early 1996, Schumacher’s F355 GTS is beautifully finished in Blu Le Mans (516/C) with a painted roof over Pella Crema (A 3997) leather, a stark contrast to the fantastic V-10 powered cars painted Rosso Corsa that he drove on circuits around the world. Said to have been configured personally by Schumacher, perhaps the car’s most important feature was its traditional six-speed manual gearbox, rather than the optional Formula 1-style automated manual, offering the two-time world champion a change of pace from his day job.
The car’s service book notes that it was delivered to Weber Management GmbH (the company of Michael Schumacher’s manager, Willi Weber) on 30 April 1996, and was delivered via Ferrari Deutschland GmbH in Wiesbaden. This would have been just two days after the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, where Schumacher finished second.
It appears that the car was used by Schumacher at his residence in Monaco, as the car received its first service at Monaco Motors, the official Ferrari dealership in Monaco, on 5 May 1996, having already covered 1,639 km, and just in time for him to have present during that year’s Monaco Grand Prix. A letter on file from Monaco Motors, the Ferrari service centre for Monaco, confirms that the GTS belonged to Schumacher and was serviced at their facility for him until September 1997. An undated German newspaper clipping, on file in the historical documents, shows Schumacher driving the car in Monaco. Although it is not known how long Weber Management owned the F355 GTS nor how long it was used by Schumacher, the car came into the ownership of Pierre Valentin of Mougins, France in May of 2002 and later Christopher Allen of Vallauris.
The F355 GTS was acquired by the current owner at auction in 2004 during that year’s Monaco Historic Grand Prix where it was being sold as Schumacher’s former personal vehicle. The current owner has very much used and enjoyed the car as its manufacturers intended. Believed to be the car’s third owner after Weber Management, he always had a soft spot for the F355 and purchased it due to its beautiful specifications and fascinating Schumacher history. Prior to the current owner’s acquisition, the back of the driver’s seat was signed by Schumacher, and upon his purchase the car was supplied by a letter from Monaco Motors, the official Ferrari dealership in Monaco, confirming that the car was serviced by them whilst in Schumacher’s care in September of 1997.
According to the consignor, in his capacity as a motoring journalist following Formula 1 during the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, he had the opportunity to approach Michael Schumacher when he was driving for Mercedes-AMG and asked him about his old F355 GTS. To his surprise, Schumacher instantly remembered the car when shown a photo, remarking that he was happy it found a new home with a true enthusiast.
Not afraid to enjoy his new F355 GTS to the fullest, the car was driven straight home to Belgium from Monaco when purchased and has been used regularly by him, being driven simply for fun or to various car events in his native Belgium. It has been featured in three different magazine articles whilst in its current ownership: the November 2006 issue of Forza magazine, the March 2013 issue of the German magazine Ferrari World, and the June 2021 issue of Auto Trends Classic magazine, which was published in both Dutch and French. In 2017, the car won Best of Show at Spa Italia in Belgium. Minichamps even made a series of 1:43 scale models of this car in a display with Michael Schumacher as the background. Having been driven approximately 21,000 km prior to his purchase, the car is showing just under 47,500 km from new at the time of cataloguing.
The car was granted Ferrari Classiche certification in 2020, confirming that it retains its original chassis, gearbox, bodywork, and is finished in its original colour combination. The Classiche certification also confirms that the car is no longer fitted with its original engine, but one of the correct type. Rumour has it that the car was equipped with an up-rated engine when delivered new to Michael Schumacher, but this has yet to be proven conclusively. The car was fitted with the current engine prior to the consignor’s purchase in 2004.
Throughout its current ownership, the car has always been serviced by authorized Ferrari service centres and serviced as advised at regular intervals. Numerous invoices from its current ownership are on file, as well as invoices from Monaco Motors in 2002 and 2004 prior to its acquisition by the consignor. The F355 GTS’ last major service was carried out by F.M.A Ferrari in September 2024 and included fitting a new windscreen, new rear brake pads, timing belts, spark plugs, a new battery, and restoration of the dashboard.
Unquestionably one of the greatest racing drivers in any discipline, Michael Schumacher heralded in a new age of dominance for Scuderia Ferrari in F1, returning the team to the top step of the podium in both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. Likewise, the F355 is considered by many to be a watershed moment in Ferrari’s modern history, a truly fabulous driver’s car worthy of the Cavallino Rampante.
Even when not considering its Schumacher connection, this is a fabulous example of one of Ferrari’s most desirable mid-engined sports cars, finished in a seldom-seen colour scheme, in the rare and desirable GTS body style, and equipped with the must-have option of a six-speed manual gearbox. Schumacher’s connection with the car only adds to its allure, and needless to say, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
For enthusiasts in the US, there’s often the opinion that while maybe we got a version, Europe ‘got the good one.’ While perhaps not the best representation of this sentiment, this Tailored Driver fits squarely into that category- bigger motor than was offered stateside, paired with a BMW Individual color. For those in the know, the 323i is a very interesting proposition in that it’s incredibly similar to the BMW Z3 coupe, albeit with a back seat. E36-generation from the firewall forward with an E30 rear subframe, this 323i will provide an exciting driving experience for whoever wins this Bring a Trailer auction. Please note, as this is a model year 2000 vehicle, it must be 25 years from the production date for trouble-free importation.
A true classic that made its debut on Porsche’s 356, Aetna Blue (or Etna Blue) is equal parts pastel and vibrant. Decidedly darker than Gulf Blue, Etna gives Tailors the opportunity to achieve a result that stands out in a tasteful way while still inspiring conversation. Per Rennbow, the color has seen a resurgence in popularity as of late and we can absolutely see why- the heritage color fits impeccably with color trends of the past few years. Of note, Aetna appears quite similar to Cavalry Blue, which Toyota used on their TRD PRO trim 4Runner back in 2018.
What: 2021 Audi RS 7 sportback Color: Audi exclusive Balloon White Pearl(Pearl effect; 224.009; Lamborghini) VIN: WUAPCBF27MN903610 Mileage: 67,954 miles Price: $87,500 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: West State Motorsport, Federal Way, WA Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
We’ve always loved the ‘LEGO’ nature of Volkswagen Group vehicles, which has allowed for some wildly inventive and impactful OEM+ upgrades on platform share vehicles over the years. With a catalog of hits as deep as theirs, it can also extend to colors as well, which is exactly what we’re presenting in this Tailored Driver. Lamborghini’s Balloon White is used as a subtle differentiator on this RS 7, further bolstered by a vibrant Audi exclusive red (exact shade undetermined) extended leather found within. Tasteful modifications are featured throughout, making this Tailored Driver the ultimate expression of the very concept this site was founded on.
What: 2013 BMW M3 Coupé Color: Phoenix Yellow (phönixgelb; metallic; 445; BMW) VIN: WBSKG9C58DJ594555 Mileage: 93,000 miles Estimate: $56,000 AutoCheck Report:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Private Seller, Moreno Valley, CA Listing:Link
Why we love it:
Heritage or iconic brand colors are always a solid choice when it comes to a tailored specification, so an E92-generation BMW M3 Coupé in Phoenix Yellow Metallic of the E46 M3 generation just makes a lot of sense. Now pair it with a 6-speed manual transmission and Fox Red Extended Novillo leather and you have an exceptional specification.
Here’s what we know, via the owner’s listing on AutoTrader.
“This 2013 BMW M3 Coupe is 1/2 Individual Phoenix Yellow e9X models produced for the US market. This M3 is a 6-Speed manual, the interior features Fox Red Extended Novillo Leather. It is 1/1 as a combo of Phoenix/Fox/Manual Transmission. It is a one owner car which I ordered through Steve Thomas BMW in Camarillo, CA received May 2013. (Carfax will say 2 owners but it was just refinanced through my bank, all one owner.) The odometer currently reads 93k miles, this car is in excellent condition for the mileage. The car is very well maintained and cared for, the look and drivability of the car don’t reflect the mileage. This car has never been tracked. This is a very rare and special opportunity for the right collector.
“The front bumper and side rockers look brand new and were just repainted in March 2024 by a Spectrum Collision(BMW certified paint center). Standard and selected features are Dynamic Damper Control, Heated Seats, Carbon Leather Trim, Navigation System, 19 359 style wheels, RD Sport Suspension Springs, Turner Motorsport Aluminum Undershield Kit, Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler. The car features Shadowline trim and adaptive xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and many more standard features. Brand new stock steering wheel installed March 2024. It comes with the original Phoenix Yellow stock spoiler, stock suspension springs and any other original small parts on the side. All service records, the window sticker and 2 keys included. Car comes with clear California Title, currently in hand of the owner. It’s a been kept under careful care by a BMW enthusiasts, all preventative maintenance and parts replaced as soon as the car showed any read outs. All service done under warranty at Irvine or Crevier BMW, all service after warranty done at MRF Engineering.
“Important maintenance info can be provided upon request, it wont fit here.
“The car shows very minor rock chips/wear on the roof, spoiler and hood, appropriate for some milage but prob less than expected.“
Worth noting, this isn’t the first time we’ve featured this car. It was listed on AutoTrader before, likely by the same (original) owner. This time around, there are more details and better photos, so we’re making sure to share it again.
