Wanderlust

Blog

  • Market Find: Brumos Delivered One-of-One Purple 993 Turbo S Goes Sealed Bid with RM Sotheby’s

    Market Find: Brumos Delivered One-of-One Purple 993 Turbo S Goes Sealed Bid with RM Sotheby’s

    What: 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Viola Metallic (violametallic; metallic Uni; L39G; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AC2994VS375765
    Mileage: 26,000 miles
    Price: Sealed Bid
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Link
    Location: Deerfield Beach, FL
    Link: RM Sotheby’s

    As measured by its Viola Metallic paint, this Porsche 911 Turbo S delivered new to Brumos Porsche is one of just three U.S. market cars to get this color. Now pair it with its unique interior specification and it is believed to be one-of-one.

    While the paint is self explanatory when viewing these incredible shots provided by RM Sotheby’s, the interior is worth lingering on for a bit more detail. Leather is special Rubicon Grey leather that, to our eye, looks quite lavender in these photos. Does that qualify this car as tone-on-tone purple-on-purple?

    Even better, the interior doesn’t just stop at the unique hue of the leather. Porsche Exclusive extended leather abounds, including the heated and power-adjustable 993-era racing-style sport seats. Deviated stitching in Speed Yellow and Speed Yellow seat belts tie in the yellow of the brake calipers, not to mention pop as accents on a purple background given yellow and purple are color spectrum opposites.

    Other interior equipment includes carbon fiber interior trim on the dashboard, door panels, door pulls, and Tequipment shift knob and emergency brake handle. Other equipment includes power sunroof, staggered light alloy wheels, Digital Sound Packag, embossed headrests and Litronic headlights.

  • EU Market Find: Rare Green-on-Green 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Targa

    EU Market Find: Rare Green-on-Green 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Targa

    What: 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Targa
    Color: Oak Green Metallic (oakgrünmetallic; metallic Uni; 22L / 265; Porsche)
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 97,006 km, 60,276 miles
    Price: € 129,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
    Link: Garage Vandenberghe

    While the Porsche 911 964 generation was definitely sold in the United States, the last of the primarily hand built and upright headlight air-cooled 911s has become a rare and valuable commodity thanks to the likes of Singer and RWB conversions. Given that, seeking out cars in Europe can not only net more selection, it can also pay a bonus with rare specifications most American buyers weren’t likely to order. We think this green-on-green 1991 911 Carrera 2 Targa qualifies.

    This Belgian-delivered Targa is painted Oak Green Metallic, listed as a Paint to Sample by the dealer. While we know Oak Green was available during the 964 production run at times, we’re not certain about its availability for the Belgian market in 1991 specifically. Regardless, it’s a rare and attractive color on a 964, and that’s made even more appealing and rare with the unexpected interior specification.

    Primarily, the interior specification is most unforgettable thanks to its extremely rare Sherwood Green Leather – optional in Europe, but a rare find to be sure. Other options for this car include English labeling, headlight washers, standard bolster electrically operated seats for both driver and passenger, cassette and coin holder, power antenna and speakers, no amplifier, no airbag, lighting regulation, split rear seat backrest, and velours carpet in trunk.

    You’ll note the same green finish on elements such as the no-airbag steering wheel and shiftknob. Here, in these high touchpoint locations, the green is starting to wear off. These pieces are unobtainium and the car is likely worth more with them still unrestored and in the car, but they’re worth noting.

    The price on this car isn’t especially low for a 964 Targa, but the mileage is also quite low and the specification is highly unique.

  • Market Find: New Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue SQ7 in Texas

    Market Find: New Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue SQ7 in Texas

    What: 2025 Audi SQ7 Prestige
    Color:  Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue (nogaroblau; pearl effect UNI; Z5M; Audi)
    VIN: WA1VWBF78SD021902
    Mileage: Delivery
    Price: $118,165, currently with National Customer Credit so $115,165
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Audi Grapevine, Grapevine, TX
    Link: Audi Grapevine

    Finding a sought-after Audi exclusive build in new car inventory is a bit of a Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt for big kids. Such is the case for this new car inventory Audi SQ7 fully loaded and in an excellent spec with Prestige equipment level, Night Vision Assistant and Trailer Hitch packages. Even better, it’s got Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue paint that is iconic in the eyes of Audi aficionados having been originally popularized on the Audi RS2 Avant. Given the tall wagon-like nature of the SQ7, we think it’s a good fit.

    Inside, whomever ordered this specified it with Arras Red leather. Frankly, we’re surprised they didn’t go with black leather in order to appeal to all the people who would love and can’t find an Audi RS 6 RS Tribute Limited Edition. Red is an acquired taste on a car like this, undoubtedly handsome and yet polarizing.

    Whatever the case, this is a very compelling car. Somebody should grab it before it’s gone.

  • Former AMG North America Founder’s Personal ’84 500 SEL AMG in Sealed Bid from RM Sotheby’s

    Former AMG North America Founder’s Personal ’84 500 SEL AMG in Sealed Bid from RM Sotheby’s

    What: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL 5.0 AMG “Blueberry”
    Color: : Lapis Blue Metallic (lapisblau; metallic Uni; DB-932; Mercedes-Benz)
    VIN: WDB1260371A077462
    Mileage: 114,294 miles
    Price Estimate: $150,000 to $200,000
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Deerfield Beach, FL
    Link: RM Sotheby’s

    Vintage Mercedes-Benz AMG’s built long before Mercedes’ own buyout of the firm tend to command a premium by collectors in the know. That statement is true for any pre-buyout AMG, but even amongst those, this Lapis Blue 500 SEL known as “Blueberry” is special.

    You see, it was the personal car of AMG North America founder and CEO Richard Buxbaum. Augmentation to the car was done in period under the personal supervision of Hans Werner Aufrecht as a Christmas gift to Richard and his wife Robin back in 1984.

    Inside, the car gets extended Orion Grey leather upholstery with custom door cards completed by Gemballa.

    The car was driven plenty in period and has logged miles to show for it. That said, it’s also got $120,000 in receipts for mechanical and cosmetic restoration since October 2022.

    Obviously this car has a very unique and historic backstory. RM Sotheby’s goes above and beyond to tell that story in detail, so we highly recommend clicking through and digging in. Beyond that, their lot listing includes historic photos, documents, build list, etc. Make sure to check it out.

  • Market Find: RM Sealed Bid Drop McLaren P1 with Matte Finish

    Market Find: RM Sealed Bid Drop McLaren P1 with Matte Finish

    What: 2015 McLaren P1
    Color: Unknown Matte Green
    VIN: SBM12ABB8FW000022
    Mileage: 130 km, 81 miles from new
    Price at Time of this Writing: Sealed Bid
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Auction Listing: RM Sotheby’s

    Okay, this is both not a North American spec car nor is it old enough for easy import. It’s so special though, we’re making an exception. We figure the motivated owner who can afford it likely isn’t terribly worried about importation and road registration in the U.S. or Canada. At least, that was the excuse we’re telling ourselves to add this car to our blog.

    The P1 was McLaren’s first hypercar since the legendary F1. In its time, it teed up against the likes of the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari. 375 cars were built, making it more exclusive than either the Porsche or the Ferrari.

    The car you see here was delivered new to Qatar, and is painted a non-specified shade of “Matte Green”. It’s one of “only a handful” to boast matte paintwork according to RM. And while that exterior is a bit subdued military spec, the interior is decidedly more rowdy in McLaren Orange. The orange continues to the P1 graphics and McLaren badges front and rear that are typically painted in red. Also orange are the brake calipers, wheel caps, tops of the rear spoiler, hydraulic rams, top of the engine and side skirts just aft the front wheels.

    Beyond the seats, McLaren Orange accents continue through the interior including contrast stitching, P1 logos in the headrests, upper dashboard and steering wheel. Elements such as switchgear for the IRIS system, powertrain management, trim surrounding the start button and light and mirror switches on the driver’s side door are also color-matched in McLaren Orange.

  • New Audi A6 Revealed, Including Audi exclusive Teasers

    New Audi A6 Revealed, Including Audi exclusive Teasers

    The launch of an all-new car doesn’t always mean tailored news. Yes, it may be handsome or show an off some new or newly used colors or specification, but it’s often a bit early to be seeing specials or limited editions, and tailoring isn’t always first out of the gate.

    Audi’s just shown off its new A6 Avant, the ninth in their C-segment designation lineage and thus known as C9. Our sister site ooooIYYK.com has run an in-depth analysis of the car so worth heading over there to check that out if you want to know everything about it. For Tailored Driver though, we’re going to focus on the paint and any unique specification because it’s worth noting.

    First up is the paint. The color is Madeira Brown Metallic (madeirabraun; metallic UNI; L78S; Audi), seen here with black optics. The paint color is a dark brown metallic introduced with the Q8 e-tron. It isn’t far off from the brown in the original Audi Sport “tri-colore” rhombus logo of the 1980s, though we’re not sure if that’s intentional like we’ve seen BMW M do with its own tri-colore rhombus inspired hues.

    Next up are a few Audi exclusive teasers. Audi Deutschland’s website Audi.de already has its consumer-facing C9 A6 section live. Yes, it’s in German but most browsers have translation tools built in nowadays, so I figured you’d want to know. The site does not include a configurator tool revealing production details just yet, though it does have additional photos and animations that reveal further details of the car. 

    We’re including some of those photos here when they call out Audi exclusive. The first is a profile shot in Quantum Grey. Like the reveal car, it’s also an S line specification, though it doesn’t have black optics so shows Audi’s ubiquitous Multi-Spoke S wheel design in familiar two-tone graphite grey with high-sheen face, plus elements like the vertical air curtain inlets in silver. These are little details of course, but it’s still worth calling attention to them.

    Another shot is an interior photo depicting Audi exclusive capabilities for the cockpit. Specifications listed include neodymium gold and mint grey with poplar wood with silver brown natural finish.

  • Market Find: Cherry Black Pearl Audi R8 V10 with Audi exclusive Interior

    Market Find: Cherry Black Pearl Audi R8 V10 with Audi exclusive Interior

    What: 2010 Audi R8 V10 quattro
    Color: Cherry Black Pearl (kirscheschwarzeperleffekt; metallic UNI; Z9X; Audi)
    VIN: WUAANAFG0AN000815
    Mileage: 32,689 miles
    Estimated: $88,950
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Auto Collection of Murfreesboro, Inc., Murfreesboro, TN
    Link: Auto Collection of Murfreesboro

    Another Audi with tailoring inside and out is this Audi R8 V10. Its exterior color is a deep and very dark purple called Cherry Black Pearl. Inside, it’s got a primarily black interior with orange leather panels on the seats and orange contrast stitching throughout, with further extended leather on the dashboard.

    Worth noting, we’re seeing a few aftermarket modifications on the car. It’s unclear whether the airbag would have also had orange stitching, but the airbag steering wheel is definitely rebuilt as Audi wouldn’t have made one in that contour nor partial carbon fiber.

    Another modification we see are the orange brakes. They contrast the paint nicely enough, but it’s also a non-factory finish that wouldn’t have come from the factory. Other modifications we think we see are non-factory carbon fiber body accents like that rear lip decklid spoiler, the grille appears aftermarket, black badges predate black optics badging and the wheels may have been refinished in more of a titanium grey appearance.

    Given the amount of modifications, buyers seeking factory specification will want to take a closer look at the car as they make their consideration.

  • Acquired Taste Market Find: Estoril Blue Audi S7 with Avantgarde Interior Choice

    Acquired Taste Market Find: Estoril Blue Audi S7 with Avantgarde Interior Choice

    What: 2017 Audi S7 Sportback
    Color: Audi Estoril Blue (estorilblaukristalleffekt; metallic UNI; LX5P; Audi)
    VIN: WAU2FBFC6HN050272
    Mileage: 89,223 miles
    Price: $26,999
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda, Inver Grove Heights, MN
    Link: Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda

    When it comes to Audi exclusive builds for the USA, cars with special exterior paint are most likely to be encountered. Special interiors are rare, and extravagantly custom interiors are even rarer. Take for example this Estoril Blue S7 Sportback, looking pretty normal on the outside. Open a door and climb inside though, and you’ll find a multi-tone interior likely very specifically made for the car’s original owner.

    Technically on the build specification, we’re seeing Audi exclusive leather-covered seat trims (YRB), Controls in Audi exclusive leather (YZ2), Audi exclusive leather trim in Valcona leather (package 2).

    In the photos, we leather in two shades of brown on the orange side of the brown spectrum. This includes rare places like the shifter and seat bases. There’s even a two-tone steering wheel including partial covering in tone of the brown colors. The distinctive wood trim with pin striping was a factory option in this C7-era S7, though looks even more exotic in this very distinctive interior specification.

    By our measure, the look is polarizing. It’s not for everyone, but there’s no doubt it’s highly unique and likely one-of-one.

  • Affordable Tailored: Designo Electric Green Edition 2000 Mercedes SLK 230

    Affordable Tailored: Designo Electric Green Edition 2000 Mercedes SLK 230

    What: 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor Designo Electric Green Edition
    Color: Designo Electric Green (designoelektrischgrün; metallic UNI; 024; Mercedes-Benz)
    VIN: WDBKK47F1YF164255
    Mileage: 41,800 miles
    Bid Price: $5,000 with 22h, 59m remaining
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Tampa, FL
    Link: Cars & Bids

    At the lower end of the tailored market is this rare SLK roadster with AMG appearance and Designo Electric Green paint. For its age, this car has remarkably low mileage, though it’s showing its fair share of wear and tear.

    Fortunately, modern car auction sites such as Cars & Bids have made considering these sorts of car about as easy as they can with an expectation of photos depicting imperfections in detail. This listing takes that seriously, with close ups of the imperfections.

  • Market Find: Audi S6 with Audi exclusive Cognac Leather

    Market Find: Audi S6 with Audi exclusive Cognac Leather

    What: 2014 Audi S6
    Color: Ibis White (ibis weiß; non-metallic uni; LY9C/T9; Audi)
    VIN: WAUF2AFC1EN040204
    Mileage: 145,000 miles
    Price: $14,900
    CarFax: Pictured below
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Stow, MA
    Link: Car Lot Express

    A budget pick that’s close to home, this S6 has a ton going for it. Higher miles, sure, but this Ibis White example sports Audi exclusive Cognac Leather seats- an incredibly rare find. For just $14,500 this Tailored Driver represents an incredible value for both style and performance as it’s likely a one-off, and is just a $900 flash away from more than 500hp and equal torque. If you’re in the market and aren’t afraid of the miles or the minor front end hit on its CarFax, we struggle to think of a ‘better’ option.