Category: Features

  • Market Find: 2016 Audi exclusive S8 in Goodwood Green

    Market Find: 2016 Audi exclusive S8 in Goodwood Green

    What: 2016 Audi S8
    Color: Goodwood Green (goodwoodgrünperleffekt; metallic UNI; Z6X; Audi)
    VIN: WAUJSAFD8GN009652
    Mileage: 86,230
    Price: $34,900
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Jaguar Land Rover Solon, Solon, OH
    Listing: Link

    A car like the Goodwood Green Audi S8 you see here makes a compelling case for a number of different reasons. For starters, it’s a nearly ten-year old S8 (D4 generation) stemming from a time before diesel gate, meaning cost cutting at Audi and its parent the Volkswagen Group hadn’t yet truly begun. For many, this makes it relatively pinnacle in that era of great cars coming from a large manufacturer managing historically renowned marques.

    Also, at nearly 10 years old (and 86,230 miles), this car slots in at a relatively affordable price. If you’re looking for a budget-level entry into the tailored automotive market, we’d definitely advise cars like this S8 be considered.

  • Color Check: Oak Green Metallic 991.2 GT3 Touring at Air Water 2025

    Color Check: Oak Green Metallic 991.2 GT3 Touring at Air Water 2025

    Events like Air|Water bring a wave of vibrant colors from the Porsche community. When it’s thoughtfully curated, it feels like being a kid in a candy store. @PTSRS and Air|Water teamed up to present “Colors of Air|Water,” and we spent hours capturing content for our site. The rain didn’t stop us. It added mood and contrast, bringing each color to life in both overcast light and the bright California sun.

    We continue the series with a standout solo feature: a 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring in Paint to Sample Oak Green Metallic. Everyone has their own definition of the perfect spec, but this one feels universally right. On her Bramo profile, Hannah shares, “Purchased in July 2024. My second 911, but my first GT3. Specifically bought this GT3 T for its stellar ownership history—low 6k mileage, perfect DME report, serviced and driven with care. PTS Oak Green Metallic. Understated and classy without the wing. My Porsche addiction started when I first drove my 991.2 7MT 911 Carrera T. I’m at my happiest while I’m behind the wheel of my 911s.”

    Understated and classy without the wing? We couldn’t agree more.

    Oak Green Metallic (oakgrünmetallic; metallic uni; 265 / 22L / 60K) is a classic Porsche shade rooted in the brand’s 1980s and 1990s catalog. Though offered as a standard color during that era, it remained relatively uncommon. Today, it returns through Porsche’s Paint to Sample program, preserving its distinctive character as an elegant green with prominent gold flake and a warmer tone than its modern counterpart, Oak Green Metallic Neo. Its rarity and vintage appeal have made it a favorite among enthusiasts aiming to evoke Porsche heritage with a timeless factory-correct look.

    Check out the full gallery below.

  • Market Find: Highly Unique Paint to Sample Porsche Boxster S in Rolex Green

    Market Find: Highly Unique Paint to Sample Porsche Boxster S in Rolex Green

    What: 2006 Porsche Boxster S
    Color: Paint to Sample Rolex Green (rolexgrünnon-metallic UNI; Z20; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0CB29836U732099
    Mileage: 89,389
    Price: $19,431
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Mazda of Escondido, Escondido, CA
    Dealer listing: Link

    While some cars are debatably tailored, others are clearly so and likely one-of-one depending on the measure. We’re guessing this 2006 Boxster S showing up at a California Mazda dealer may be the latter. The color (bonus points to Mazda Escondido for being aware of this and including it int he listing) is Paint to Sample Rolex Green.

    According to Porsche Club North America’s Rennbow color wiki‘s rating system, it may not be that rare a color, though it’s the first time we’ve logged one on this site. That there’s only one sample photo in PCA’s system and it’s likely this specific car seems to underline the fact that it’s unique.

    However, the details don’t end there. Here again, credit to Mazda Escondido for listing the specifics. They are:

    6-Speed Manual! PTS Rolex Green! Really High Spec Boxster S! Ceramic brakes, Full Leather, Cocoa Top, Bose Audio and so much more! A Well Loved Car and it shows!! Clutch replaced less than 10k miles ago, New tires last year and no expense spared by the previous owner!

    A long list of options includes 19″ Carrera Classic Wheels, 2 Stage Heated Front Seats, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/ABS, 5mm Wheel Spacers, Adaptive Sport Seats w/Leather Interior, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo w/In-Dash CD & 7 Speakers, Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), Cocoa Floor Mats, Convertible roof lining, Dual front impact airbags, Dual front side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Exterior Color Door Opener Trim, Exterior Color Gear Lever Trim, Four wheel independent suspension, Front anti-roll bar, Front Bucket Seats, Front Center Armrest, Front fog lights, Full Leather Seat Trim, Garage door transmitter: HomeLink, Glass rear window, Heated door mirrors, Illuminated entry, Integrated roll-over protection, Leather Shift Knob, Leather steering wheel, Makassar Package, Occupant sensing airbag, Overhead airbag, Park Assist System, Passenger cancellable airbag, Passenger vanity mirror, Power convertible roof, Power door mirrors, Power driver seat, Power passenger seat, Power steering, Power windows, Radio data system, Rear anti-roll bar, Rear fog lights, Rear window defroster, Remote keyless entry, Roll Bar Painted in Exterior Color, Sound Package Plus, Speed control, Speed Yellow Instrument Dials, Speed-sensing steering, Spoiler, Tachometer, Telescoping steering wheel, Tilt steering wheel, Traction control, Trip computer, Variably intermittent wipers, Wheel Caps w/Colored Porsche Crest.

    All-in-all, this car is such a rare thing. Unlike today where the Boxsters get GT engines, back in 2006 the Boxster was just Porsche’s entry level car. Going this deep into options, Paint to Sample and Exclusive Manufaktur extras was exceedingly rare. Now throw in a choice color combination with a thematic match to the corporate colors of one of the most desirable watch companies and this car makes such a very compelling case… even if 987.5 Boxsters aren’t your thing.

    Worth noting, we do see some wear. The CarFax shows damage (at some point) to the front. This isn’t visible in the photos, suggesting the bumper may have been repaired. There also appears to be some damage on the driver’s side of the rear bumper where Mazda Escondido took a close-up photo. Inside, we’re seeing wear on the driver’s side outer bolster too.

    Wear or not, this is an exceptionally appointed car, and such a tailored specimen under $20,000 is truly something special. If you’re seeking a unique tailored car on a budget, we can’t remember the last time we saw something better than this at this low a number. Go get it.

  • Market Find: BMW Individual Mint Green M850i xDrive Gran Coupe

    Market Find: BMW Individual Mint Green M850i xDrive Gran Coupe

    What: 2022 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe
    Color: BMW Individual Mint Green (mintgrunnon-metallic UNI; W97/6; BMW)
    VIN:  WBAGV8C07NCH27393
    Mileage: 18,694 miles
    Price: $69,990
    CarFaxLink
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Listing: Coast to Coast Imports

    Originally ordered in Canada but spiritually destined for South Florida ownership, this M850i Gran Coupe is pretty damn bold. A whole lot of BMW Individual Mint Green is used here, combined with the black appearance package and Tan leather seats, and it is apparent that once again- bold really pays off.

  • Market Find: Audi exclusive Night Blue Metallic R8 V8 6MT

    Market Find: Audi exclusive Night Blue Metallic R8 V8 6MT

    What: 2008 Audi R8 V8
    Color: Audi exclusive Night Blue Metallic (nachtblau; metallic UNI; LZ5D; Audi)
    VIN:  WUAAU34298N005625
    Mileage: 83,200 miles
    Price: $68,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: San Francisco, CA
    Listing: Built for Backroads

    It’s been 17 long years since Tony Stark drove an R8 in the first Iron Man, a defining moment that put Audi’s then-new R8 on the map. In fact, the R8 was somewhat of a media darling in the product placement sphere, spear-heading a massive push that will be studied in future Marketing and Advertising classes if it isn’t already. So it comes without shock that in-period buyers wanted to opt for something a bit more exclusive for their own R8. Highlights here are Audi’s Night Blue Metallic paint, and the ever-so-subtle R8 V10 side blades in Carbon Fiber. What does come with a shock though, is the price. Early V8 powered R8 models have suffered the wrath of depreciation, now trading for as much as a fully loaded Audi S3. When we’re this close to what we think could be the floor, now may be the time to add a Tailored R8 to your own fleet.

  • Market Find: Merlin Purple Audi RS Q8 at Manheim Imports

    Market Find: Merlin Purple Audi RS Q8 at Manheim Imports

    What: 2022 Audi RS Q8
    Color: Audi exclusive Merlin Purple (merlinpurple; pearl effect UNI; 4B / LZ3W / Z3W; Audi)
    VIN: WU1ARBF14ND029378
    Mileage: 26,523 miles
    Price: $103,942
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Manheim, PA
    Link: Manheim Imports

    The formula here is pretty simple. This is a well-appointed RS Q8 in Audi exclusive Merlin Purple with black wheels and black optics that mute the purple just enough. However, it doesn’t end there.

    Beyond the factory spec, this RS Q8 also sports a few added extras. For starters, it’s got matte PPF that transforms the Merlin Purple to Matte finish while also protecting it. It’s also got some choice Audi Accessories like rubber mats and roof bars – nothing extreme, but some niceties you don’t need to purchase yourself should you pick this one up.

  • Market Find: Oxford Green on Green BMW Z3 2.5

    Market Find: Oxford Green on Green BMW Z3 2.5

    What: 2001 BMW Z3 2.5i Roadster
    Color: BMW Individual Oxford Green Metallic II (430; BMW)
    VIN: NA
    Mileage: 104,000
    Price: $10,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Pennington, NJ
    Dealer listing: Link

    Admittedly, non M versions of the BMW Z3 tend to get overlooked by the enthusiast marketplaces. Nevertheless, that first-generation BMW Z3 (a Bond car after all) is a handsome and now quite affordable enthusiast option… made even more compelling through a proper spec.

    From our perspective, a tone-on-tone car in rare color (Oxford Green Metallic) already qualifies. Now, throw in an optional hardtop and it makes an even more compelling case.

    This car does have some wear. We can see some wearing of the green finish on the steering wheel and worn BMW roundels on the car’s front quarter panels, but a little bit of care and attention would likely make this car a highly enjoyable affordable tailored driver.

  • Color Check: Speed Yellow 993 Carrera RS and 997 GT3 at Air Water 2025

    Color Check: Speed Yellow 993 Carrera RS and 997 GT3 at Air Water 2025

    Events like Air|Water bring a wave of vibrant colors from the Porsche community. When it’s thoughtfully curated, it feels like being a kid in a candy store. @PTSRS and Air|Water teamed up to present “Colors of Air|Water,” and we spent hours capturing content for our site. The rain didn’t stop us. It added mood and contrast, bringing each color to life in both overcast light and the bright California sun.

    We’re continuing our series with Speed Yellow. We’ll dive deeper in a future Color Focus feature, but here’s a quick summary of what makes it stand out.

    Speed Yellow (Speedgelb, nonmetallic, 12G / L12G / X4) was introduced in the early 1990s and became a signature Porsche color through the air cooled and early water cooled eras. According to the Rennbow database, it first appeared around the 1993 model year on cars like the 964 Carrera RS 3.8 and 968, and remained available through the 997 generation, officially ending in 2012. Though it was later replaced by the brighter Racing Yellow, Speed Yellow continues today through Porsche’s Paint to Sample (PTS) program.

    Where many Porsche colors lean toward subtlety or historic significance, Speed Yellow channels Porsche’s racing spirit like few other colors. It’s bold, unapologetic, and instantly recognizable. It’s closely associated with GT models, Turbo models, and even limited production examples like the Speed Yellow 968 coupes and cabs built for North America.

    Browsing the Bramo app, we did find the profile for this 993 Carrera RS. Not hard to spot, given how rare this car is. The owner, Darin, states: “The 993 Carrera RS is one of the most desirable driver-focused 911s to ever leave the factory, with a perfect blend of classic 911 analogue feel and then-modern 1990s mechanical technology. 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS chassis number WP0ZZZ99ZTS390456 is a highly original example with just under 37,X” The photos also show Japanese license plates, which suggests this might be a Japan import. Would love to learn more.

    The 997 GT3 finished in Speed Yellow checks all the boxes for a future classic, and it’s already highly sought after today. As one of the last analog GT3s before the shift to electric steering and dual clutch gearboxes, the 997 GT3 blends raw performance with a driving experience that feels connected and pure.

    Powered by the legendary Mezger engine, derived from Porsche’s motorsport programs, it delivers naturally aspirated power with a soundtrack and response that enthusiasts still chase today. Add to that a six speed manual, rear wheel drive, and no unnecessary frills, and you have a formula that defines what a driver’s car should be.

    Check out the video and gallery below for a walk around of both cars.

  • Euro Market Find: Jazz Blue Volkswagen Bora VR6 4Motion Wagon

    Euro Market Find: Jazz Blue Volkswagen Bora VR6 4Motion Wagon

    What: 2000 Volkswagen Bora Variant V6 4Motion
    Color: Jazz Blue (jazzblau; pearl effect UNI; LW5Z; Volkswagen)
    VIN:  N/A
    Mileage: 91,000 km, 56,544 miles
    Price: € 17,490
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Ath, Belgium
    Listing: Autoscout24.de

    Does a perfect spec qualify as tailored? We can debate the issue, but I tend to land on the side of yes, assuming the desirability of a car finely and perfectly specified from a robust factory order book represents a different sort of tailoring. It’s the sort of thing that goes with budget cars, from companies that don’t typically offer tailoring services. Nevertheless, cars like this are special and it’s with that in mind that we present to you this Y2K Volkswagen Bora.

    First off, it’s Volkswagen Jazz Blue, effectively the same paint as Audi’s highly desirable Nogaro Blue, storied as it is in its association with high performance Audi wagons. And in the lexicon of VWs, this Bora is both high-performance and also a wagon.

    In Europe, the Bora Variant (Jetta Sportwagon to Americans) was offered with the brand’s potent narrow-angle V6 a.k.a. VR6. A 6-speed manual was one transmission choice, while the same Haldex-based 4Motion all-wheel drive system found in cars like the Volkswagen R32 and Audi TT could also be specified. Though a Bora was pretty commonplace, a car built to this specification would have been exceedingly rare.

    The perfect spec doesn’t end at drivetrain. This car also has rare factory HID headlights with their unique dual round design, and factory Recaro seats in always fashionable simple black leather.

    For the most part, this car is well preserved and factory fresh. The wheels and suspension appear to be OEM, and the mileage is quite low at just over 56K miles. Yes, the odometer is metric, but should you import you can hack that by finding an equivalent Sport Edition instrument cluster out of the UK but showing miles. It’s a relatively easy swap if you can locate the parts.

    There are a few modifications worth pointing out. The navigation radio system does not appear to be factory, nor does the pretty terrible fake carbon fiber dash trim. Likely this car would have had wood trim from the factory, though handsome aluminum trim from period Sport Edition Golfs and Boras is also an easy swap. And while Volkswagen didn’t offer navigation in the Mk4 era in the USA, finding a navigation unit in Europe shouldn’t be hard if you desire it.

    At the end of the day, this is an excellent specimen. You could just buy it and enjoy it as is, convert it fully back to factory and preserve, or go the VW enthusiast OEM plus route and swap in various partsibin bits (looking at you MkIV R32) in order to take it to a whole other level. Whatever your choice, we suspect you won’t be disappointed.

  • Market Find: 2022 Range Rover SVAutobiography LWB

    Market Find: 2022 Range Rover SVAutobiography LWB

    What: 2022 Range Rover SVAutobiography LWB
    Color: Valloire White (valloirewhite; pearlescent UNI; 2233 / NUR / 926; Land Rover)
    VIN:  SALGW5REXNA471074
    Mileage: 27,500 miles
    Bid Price: $56,000 at time of publishing
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
    Listing: Cars and Bids

    The L405 Range Rover is already an excellent generation of Range Rover, though built in exceptionally high luxury such as this SVAutobiography LWB takes it to another level. Looking over the car, it exudes an old money have-your-own-driver sort of feel.

    The impression begins on the outside with two-tone Valloire White over black exterior. Step inside though and the vintage tan leather cockpit features Quilted Poltrona Frau semi-analine leather upholstery, heated, cooled, and massaging front and rear seats, reclining rear seats, a rear seat console refrigerator, and a rear seat entertainment system.