Decidedly more aggressive than prior generations, the current generation SL (R232) is now marketed as an AMG or Maybach rather than a Benz product depending on year which admittedly can be a bit confusing. But regardless of what they want us to call it, this Mercedes-AMG SL 55 (VIN: W1KVK8AB1RF021180) in Manufactur Hyper Blue Metallic (hyperblau; metallic UNI; 964; Mercedes-Benz) is a stunner.
Currently on offer at Rusnak Mercedes-Benz in Arcadia, California with an MSRP of $157,680, this Mercedes-AMG SL 55 would fit right in on the roads of nearby Pasadena or Palm Springs. It’s the kind of purchase that can be serious when it needs to be, but proves you’re not afraid to stand out from the greyscale crowd.
See the full listing on Rusnak Mercedes-Benz of Arcadia’s website, here.
No one does “where do they find this stuff?” quite like Enthusiast Auto Group, and this Tailored Driver is proof positive of that. One of an alleged 8 BMW Individual Santorini Blue E9X generation M3’s, this car has covered just 18,600 miles since new.
We’ll get the EAG tax comments out of the way right now- yes this BMW Individual Santorini Blue (santorinblauii; non-metallic uni; 327; BMW) M3 (VIN: WBSKG9C52DJ594292) is priced at $99,900. And yes, that is the result of color, mileage, and the nearly blank-check refurbishment that EAG is known for. But the Enthusiast Auto Group provenance is music to the ears of those prospective buyers who demand the best and have the means to acquire it.
For most of us, we’ll simply enjoy the view of this Tailored Driver and wonder what if. Because if we walked into a BMW store in 2013, we’d walk out having ordered something just like this.
Get the full details on Enthusiast Auto Group’s site, here.
When ordered new back in 2005, the individual who ordered this Tailored Driver couldn’t have fathomed just how special their creation would be. In just a few years the 997 Turbo S would debut sporting a mandatory transmission that had yet to be discussed publicly, and still struggles for respect in certain circles to this day. The purple renaissance was also difficult to foresee while making sure your TiVo was set to record The Colbert Report’s premiere episode.
Despite those significant headwinds, this last-of-breed Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (VIN: WP0CB299X5S675239) is exactly as you may have spec’d had you known what was to come- Paint to Sample Viola Metallic, a 6 speed manual transmission, and optional wheels more commonly seen on the 996 GT3. And covering just under 20,000 miles since new, it’s been moved enough to keep fluids moving, but sparingly enough to be a near time capsule.
Offered by frequent Tailored Driver flyers Gran Prix Motors in Portland, Oregon for $129,900 at time of writing, this Paint to Sample 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is a great opportunity for the investor who isn’t afraid of the 996 stigma.
See the full listing for this Tailored Driver, here.
Nestled alongside the Ferrari 812 Competizione was a Paint to Sample (PTS) Porsche 918 Spyder (VIN# WP0CA2A16FS800652), finished in Oryx White Metallic with Martini Stripes. Previous sightings of this car have shown it wrapped in matte black with the Martini livery, sparking speculation that the wrap might have been a factory job. While rumors abound, what matters most is that the PTS paint is now on full display for all to see.
One of just 918 examples produced, this particular car is even more exclusive, being one of only 230 to feature the Weissach package. This option adds an array of weight-saving features, including magnesium wheels by BBS, a carbon fiber windscreen frame, mirrors, and roof, along with an extended aerodynamic diffuser and bespoke interior trim. Altogether, the package sheds 100 pounds from the curb weight, enhancing the 918’s performance.
Inside, the cockpit is a blend of Onyx Black full leather with contrasting silver piping, set against the exposed carbon fiber accents. Among the additional options are a glare-reducing interior, front axle lift system, two-zone climate control, cup holder, Homelink, an extended charging cable from Porsche’s “special wishes” department, and a driver’s seat pad.
With just 1,319 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging, this 918 Spyder stands as a pristine example, meticulously cared for and lightly driven. Interestingly, this isn’t its first auction appearance during Monterey Car Week—it has previously graced the stages of both RM Sotheby’s and Gooding & Company. However, Bonhams did not report a sale this time around, adding a layer of intrigue to the car’s journey through the auction circuit.
An Audi RS6 in Audi exclusive Goodwood Green Pearl Effect (goodwoodgrün; pearl effect UNI; Z6X; Audi) over Cognac Brown leather may not be the most unique build undertaken by Ingolstadt, but things like this are generally popular for a very good reason. Understated, practical, and classy are all perfectly apt descriptions of this Tailored Driver.
The Audi exclusive Goodwood Green RS6 you see here (VIN: WUA1CBF28PN906185) was originally sold by Audi Tulsa, and has covered approximately 11,000 drama-free miles. Apart from the occasional pops and bangs from the exhaust, this RS6 is sure to fly well under the radar. But with nearly 600 horsepower on tap, it’s more than able to put just about anything (or any one) in their place should your right foot need a stretch.
At a Buy It Now price of $139,950, it does beg the question though- for the extra $5,000, would you opt to Tailor your own? Let us know in the comments below.
Find the full eBay Motors listing for this Audi exclusive Goodwood Green RS6, here.
Finished in the frankly stunning Audi exclusive Mexico Blue, this Audi S5 is proof that the world of Tailored Driver isn’t merely reserved for the wealthy.
Currently on offer at GW Trucks in Jacksonville, FL, this S5 (VIN: WAUP4AF58JA103574) has an asking price of a relatively reasonable $25,995, and has covered just under 70,000 miles since new. We’d say the juxtaposition of bright Audi exclusive Mexico Blue paint with the relative calm of Rotor Gray leather works quite well here, somewhat enhanced by carbon fiber dash trim. Very tasteful.
We do wish images were a bit better and higher resolution, but we’re confident whoever acquires this Tailored Driver will be quite happy indeed.
Have you ever wanted to be Chris Harris? Former presenter on Top Gear, legendary YouTube reviewer, automotive journalist and generally beloved petrolhead about town? Well unfortunately you can’t, but here’s a great opportunity to be just like him.
Nearly identical to his daily driver, this PTS Speed Yellow Porsche 911 GT3 Touring (VIN: WP0AC2A97KS149176) could be your first class ticket to imitation- and they say that’s the most sincere form of flattery. But unlike his daily, this has many, many fewer miles (just 228!), wheels finished in black and features Carbon Ceramic Brakes from factory.
Our more eagle-eyed readers will be quick to note that Chris had his car wrapped in a slightly darker variant of Yellow, which is fair. But if you’ve got the $299,900 to acquire this Tailored Driver, certainly you’ve got the scratch to follow Mr. Harris’ lead, should you choose to do so.
Visit Portland’s Gran Prix Motors to see the full listing, here.
Strangely enough, Audi exclusive isn’t a box that seems to be ticked all that often by SQ5 buyers. Audi’s do-just-about-anything midsize SUV offers the right blend of utility and dynamism, so when one becomes available in a non-standard hue, we’re quick to take note.
Painted in the questionably named Audi exclusive Dark Red Mica (R54), this SQ5 (VIN: WA1C4AFY4K2130448) looks more of a purple or burgundy to our eyes, but that’s not a bad thing. We can clearly see this color pops in direct sunlight, and mutes in the shade.
Offered at a seemingly reasonable $34,900 at Mesa, Arizona’s Rollit Motors, this Audi exclusive Dark Red Mica would be a great fly in/drive home opportunity for the right buyer. But do note, there is a damage report on the CarFax. Learn more about this Tailored Driver, here.
Originally available on the 356, Porsche’s Smyrna Green (smyrnagrün; non-metallic UNI; Z33; Porsche) is one of the more underutilized shades of Stuttgart’s rainbow. But for me, it represents somewhat of a generational conversation. Much like asking “what show is Uncle Jessie from?” to folks of differing ages will get an answer which varies between Full House and Dukes of Hazzard, you wouldn’t be shocked to hear Millennials and Gen X swear this is actually Evergreen from BMW’s M roadster and coupe.
Whichever way you lean, this Porsche GT3 RS (VIN: WP0AF2A91RS272361) represents a display for forceful restraint. Beyond the obvious, you’ll find a long list of options including the Weissach Package, yellow deviated stitching throughout, numerous surfaces covered in Race-Tex, and the extended range fuel tank among others.
Currently on offer at Merit Partners, this GT3 RS has covered just 92(!) miles since new, and pricing is available upon request. If you have the means, we highly recommend picking this Tailored Driver up.
To summarize a point often made during these early days of Tailored Driver– green is good. When paired with a price of entry that’s not completely out of most budgets, it’s even better. But for this one, you’ll need to bring a boat.
Finished in BMW Individual Sea Green Metallic (seagrün; metallic; 393; BMW) and paired with green leather seats and matching soft top, this BMW triples down on a good thing. While not the full ITB experience of a euro-market M3, this 328i sports the M appearance package and a manual transmission which will be a lot easier to maintain properly with parts easily found stateside.
At time of writing, this Tailored Driver has an asking price of €16,999 and is located in Hamburg, Germany. At current exchange rates, that’s about $18,750 plus shipping and handling.
