What: 1997 BMW 540i Color: BMW Individual Aubergine(aubergine; non-metallic UNI; 348; BMW) VIN: unknown Mileage: 115,000 miles Price: $11,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Fair Lawn, NJ Listing: Link
We’re fond of tone on tone cars, wearing the same color on the inside as they do on the outside. White on white was popular in the 80s, blue on blue isn’t that uncommon, F40s were red on red, and green on green happens. Purple on purple though, that’s almost never seen… and yet here one is in the form of a 1997 BMW 540i that is purple inside and out.
Technically, this color is Aubergine, the BMW version and not the Porsche version that appears to be darker. Some quick research shows remarkably that this wasn’t the only one built to this spec. Even still, it sounds like two or three may have been sold here in the USA. Even that begs the question on how two or three buyers would have landed on a color combination so unique. They all appear to be 540i configurations, though not all have automatic transmissions as does this car.
Is there more to the story? We haven’t found it yet, but suspect there is. In the meantime, this car is an excellent example of an affordable tailored driver. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a car this unique at an approachable price, but they happen and this purple on purple E39 is proof positive of that.
Bonus points to the seller for both knowing the paint name and sharing a photo of the factory decal confirming it.
What: 2019 Audi RS 5 sportback Color: Audi exclusive Racing Blue Mica(racingblau; metallic UNI; MXYEWWA; Audi) VIN: WUABWCF56KA904494 Mileage: 14,375 miles Price: $53,991 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Audi Warrington, PA Listing: Link
Audi exclusive Racing Blue Mica is one of the more rare hues on the Tailored Driver spectrum, likely due to its similarity to several other hues- most notably Navarra Blue, which was an optional factory color for that year. Perhaps not wanting to pay the cost for such subtlety, prospective Tailors have missed out as Racing is both a deep and vibrant blue, reminiscent of BMW’s San Marino Blue. This incredibly uncommon shade on the secondhand market comes at a reasonable cost, as this low mile RS 5 with no accidents reported is available for just $54k- very much in line with standard colored examples.
What: 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Color: Mercedes-Benz Lapis Blue Metallic (lapisblau; non-metallic Uni; 945U; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: WDB2020331F827875 Mileage: 111,776 km, 69,454 miles Price Estimate: $60,000 to $80,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL Listing: Link
During the era Mercedes-Benz was producing its first-generation W202 C-Class, special paint colors were less common than the more apparent MANUFAKTUR presence today. Bold colors like the Lapis Blue shade shown here were even less common, except perhaps in Europe where home market offerings were a bit more fanciful.
When it comes to the W202 C43 AMG, only 3,085 of the cars were produced at all. This was the early Mercedes-owned AMG era, and the cars were made worthy of the badge by Stuttgart fitting its 4,266 cc DOHC V8 engine good for 302 hp paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission…. not to mention all the expected braking and suspension upgrades. These cars are often most easily spotted for their subtle bodywork upgrades and more obvious 17-inch Monoblock wheels.
These cars are just becoming classics given their relative production years, not to mention the resurgence of the so-called “rad era”. They’re even more special when you see it’s a rare-at-the-time special order paint in a color as bold as this Lapis Blue hue. Worth noting, there’s a more commonly found Lapis Blue Metallic from Mercedes that is considerably darker.
In period, this C43 was a competitor to the BMW M3 or Audi S4, so you have to wonder the thinking of the buyer who dreamed up this particular specification. As it turns out, the car was ordered via the Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart dealership. That’s literally ground zero when it comes to Mercedes-Benz home town, where Mercedes clientele probably don’t get any more savvy. You have to figure too that the owner of such a car wouldn’t want to be missed by Audi or BMW drivers (much less the Porsche types) while blasting down the unlimited speed zones of the A8 Autobahn between Stuttgart and Münich.
We can draw conclusions, but whatever that buyer was thinking, he or she appears to be the only one thinking of it. This car is believed to be one of one, the only W202 C43 built in that particular bold Sonderlackierung (special-order) shade of Lapis Blue. Inside, that blue was paired with Graphite / Anthracite AMG leather upholstery (code 581A). It’s also reportedly got a long list of factory options.
The car spent most of its life registered in Germany, remaining well-maintained, well-preserved and highly original without any modifications. To prove this, the offering includes documented owner history, the Mercedes-Benz factory data card, associated books and AMG Classic Conversion Certificate.
Noted Texas-based car dealer and prolific classic car collector of the blue variety, Todd Blue will be parting ways with some seriously unique German automobiles from his LAPIS Collection. Perhaps not surprisingly, they are each in the same color as his name, and they’re a fixture in the upcoming RM Sotheby’s Miami Sale held during the Moda Miami weekend February 27-28.
While the name of Todd Blue’s company LAPIS is an acronym, it’s notable that the lapis is also a deep blue rock. That’s fitting given his name, and his obvious propensity for very special cars painted in blue. While his car’s aren’t religiously blue, it’s clear he has a knack for finding, buying and speccing some of the most incredible blue cars one might imagine in the Porsche and Mercedes space.
We’ve been covering the most special amongst Todd’s cars one-by-one all week, with those stories found HERE. However, we wanted to call out all of those cars in one story, including the ones that may not be tailored in the strictest sense, but are still well worth considering.
Before we dig into the car’s Blue will be selling via RM in Miami, it’s probably worth taking a closer look at his collection. The Petersen Museum visited him back in 2022 and filmed that visit. We’ve embedded it here, and it’s worth a watch. You’ll see several of these cars in there.
Now, on to the cars that will be sold. We’ll cover them here by lot number, providing estimates as suggested by RM Sotheby’s along with links to both our coverage and also the RM Sotheby’s lot description.
Want to know more about Todd Blue? We found this background provided on one of the LAPIS press releases surrounding his purchase of Mercedes-Benz Northern Arizona.
“From 2010-2020, as Founder and CEO, Mr. Blue lead his former auto group on an unparalleled growth trajectory for ten years before selling the balance of his company in late 2020. During his tenure, Mr. Blue was Dealer Principal for multiple Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, McLaren franchises and single points stores for Aston Martin, Bentley, Volkswagen, BMW as well as four Porsche dealerships. Mr. Blue led with a focus built on and around a love for customers. Mr. Blue was the only dealer selected by Porsche AG to serve on the design committee which conceived the Destination Porsche facility Generation Five facility design. Mr. Blue also became the first in the world to build a Destination Porsche facility in California. Mr. Blue was selected as one of 50 nominees for the Time Magazine National Automobile Dealer Association’s Dealer of the Year in 2019. During his time as CEO, his dealerships were multi-year award winners of the J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence Award, Automotive News Best Dealership to Work For, Audi Magna Society, Porsche Premier Dealer, Pride of Jaguar, Lamborghini Vision, and the Provenance Dealer of the Year award for Rolls Royce. Mr. Blue served on the Board of Regents for Porsche Cars North America, The Aston Martin of the Americas Dealer Advisor Panel, the BMW Western Region Dealer Board, and the Bentley USA Presidential Cabinet.”
What: 2016 BMW M3 Color: BMW Individual Signal Green(signalgrün; non-metallic UNI; P56/6; BMW) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 113,000 miles Price: $34,999 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Trumbull, CT Listing: Link
Are F80-generation M3’s finally starting to get… cheap? This Signal Green example has a few headwinds- 4 previous owners, 2 accidents reported (claimed), DCT, high miles, secondary cat deletes- but has even more tailwinds in the form of Euro bumpers, GTS model reprogramming for steering, transmission and differential, and upgraded cooling by CSF among others. So are you ready to roll the dice on a $35k Tailored Driver M3, or would you prefer to hold out for an example with fewer ‘stories’? Either way- this is market where depreciation is finally taking hold.
What: 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet Flachbau Color: Paint to Sample Diamond Blue Metallic (diamantblaumetallic; metallic Uni; 355; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: WP0EB093XKS070545 Mileage: 22,731 miles Price Estimate: $400,000 to $600,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL Listing: Link
Consider all of the cars from Todd Blue’s LAPIS collection and the blue hue theme is painfully obvious. Even still, it’s the heavy emphasis on Paint to Sample and Sonderwunsch that really seems to drop jaws. Our final spotlight focus on this mix is another early example for this collection – a G-body flat nose Cabriolet in paint to sample Mercedes-Benz Diamond Blue Metallic.
The car’s special paint pairs handsomely with Porsche’s Silk Grey leather including extended leather placement. The Fuchs wheels are color-matched, while the top is dark blue to complete the special blue-themed presentation of the car.
This subtle flachbau even has some one-of-one specification bragging rights. According to RM, this is the only G50-equipped U.S. market flachbau (flat nose) Cabriolet produced in paint-to-sample Mercedes Diamond Blue. More relevant perhaps is that it is one of 50 U.S, market flachbau Cabriolets produced in 1989.
Other equipment include limited slip differential, sports seats, Blaupunkt Reno cassette player, and an additional amplifier.
The auction also includes a limited-edition 911 S/T Porsche Design timepiece and an exclusive owner’s manual pouch personally signed and dedicated to the winner by Andreas Preuninger.
[source: Porsche]
Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) announced today that it will auction a unique 911 S/T in partnership with RM Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross in support of its work in the United States, specifically those affected by the recent California wildfires.
The car up for auction is 911 S/T is number 1,919 of the 1,963 vehicles created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911. It is the only 911 S/T to be sold from PCNA’s internal vehicle pool to date, and the very last example in the United States not yet assigned to a customer. The auction will be hosted via RM Sotheby’s Online Only auction platform. Many of those connected to Porsche have contributed their time and energy to the auction, including actor Orlando Bloom who offered to lend his support to raise awareness of the sale, and RM Sotheby’s who are waving their usual fees to maximize the amount that reaches the American Red Cross.
“The work of the American Red Cross has become even more important in the past weeks, during the devastation of many parts of Los Angeles caused by wildfires,” said Timo Resch, President and CEO of PCNA. “We are proud to offer direct support by selling a car that’s truly precious to us that will help fund the work of the American Red Cross, in Los Angeles and across the United States.”
Since the outbreak of the fires in Los Angeles, the American Red Cross has provided over 14,500 overnight stays shelter, 128,000 meals and snacks as well as over 102,000 relief supplies such as flashlights, face masks, water and other essentials to those directly affected.
“We are so grateful for partners like Porsche Cars North America and RM Sotheby’s as we work together to provide relief and hope for communities in the wake of this heartbreaking disaster,” said Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross.
“The wildfires in California have destroyed countless communities, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a real impact in helping those affected,” said Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby’s. “Porsche Cars North America, Orlando Bloom, the American Red Cross, and RM Sotheby’s have come together for a truly meaningful cause—offering one of the most desirable modern Porsches to benefit wildfire relief. Through RM Sotheby’s Sealed platform, collectors can bid with confidence, knowing that 100% of the proceeds will go directly to wildfire victims via the American Red Cross. We’re honored to be part of this effort, leveraging our combined reach to make a difference where it matters most.”
In addition, the winning bidder will receive a unique timepiece being created by Porsche Design. Manufactured in Switzerland, it is only available to 911 S/T customers and will be custom-tailored to the car. In addition, the timepiece features a titanium case and reflects the lightweight principle with which the 911 S/T was designed.
“Porsche Design is proud to support the American Red Cross in its efforts to provide relief to victims of the Southern California wildfires by contributing a matching Chronograph 1 – 911 S/T to the auction,” commented Stefan Buescher, CEO of the Porsche Lifestyle Group. “The engraved chassis number on the case back will make this timepiece a true one-of-a-kind collector’s item.”
A further special touch: This car will also come with an owner’s manual pouch signed by Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT model line at Porsche.
Vehicle Details The 911 S/T being auctioned has already been meticulously run-in (to a pre-prescribed checklist) in Europe to a total of 932-miles or 1,500 kilometers by the preparation team based in Stuttgart – a process that has included detailed checks on every aspect of the car, both visually and mechanically. The car is unregistered and has covered a total of 956-miles and is ready to be enjoyed as its creators intended.
The car is equipped with the optional Heritage Design Package, celebrating 60 years of the Porsche 911. Painted in Shore Blue Metallic (shoreblaumetallic; metallic Uni; R5G; Porsche), an exclusive color for this package, the wheels are in the color Ceramica, also reserved exclusively for this variant. The classic style Porsche crest from the original 911 adorns the front, and can also be found on the center caps of the wheels, the steering wheel, the head rests and the car key, underscoring the historic roots of the 911 S/T, which remains unregistered and is powered by a 4.0 liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine developing 518 hp, connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The interior features Full Bucket Seats with cloth seat centers in Classic Cognac with black pinstripes – another homage to heritage. Two-tone simi-aniline leather trim in Black/Classic Cognac with extensive leather surrounds, a roof lining in perforated Dinamica, and other elements from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur round out the package. The Porsche logo and the 911 S/T model designation are kept in gold.
The car being auctioned is also equipped with a number of options that further enhance its enthusiast appeal and touring capability. This includes the front axle lift system, which provides greater ground clearance at the touch of a button to navigate speed bumps or driveways, and extended range 23.7 gallon fuel tank, auto-dimming mirrors with integrated rain sensor, rear Park Assist and the BOSE Surround Sound audio system.
The 911 S/T is offered without reserve, selling to the highest bidder. Potential bidders can find more information on the unique package being offered and the registration process at rmsothebys.com. Bidding opens on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Interested parties can also view the car at the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles during business hours (Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).
About Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of the Porsche 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan. The Porsche Car Configurator can be used by anyone to customize and pre-order any vehicle in that lineup at any time. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1998, PCNA is home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America, which features two module-based 1.6 mile driver development tracks, a business center and Restaurant 356. The campus is also home to the U.S. headquarters of Porsche Classic. The company operates a second Porsche Experience Center near Los Angeles. That complex features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a business center, Restaurant 917 and the headquarters of Porsche Motorsport North America. PCNA supports 203 independently owned and operated Porsche dealerships in the U.S., four Porsche studios and five satellite stores in the U.S., including supplying parts, service, marketing, and training. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the Porsche brand’s 75-year history of leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. PCNA is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.
What: 2016 Audi S6 sedan Color: Audi exclusive Imola Yellow(imolagelb; non-metallic UNI; LY1C / 1T; Audi) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 96,758 miles Price: $29,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Davidson, NC Listing: Link
Imola Yellow isn’t exactly a hue for the introverted, and by choosing a big, bright, non-metallic Yellow, we are certain the original Tailor of this S6 didn’t mind standing out. The C7-generation S6 is an absolute ground pounder out of the box, and when not yellow, it blends into highway traffic quite well- so well that one was used to set a Cannonball record. It’s fitting then, that this Tailored S6 has been modified ever so slightly with APR’s stage 1 software and CTS’s turbo inlets to help it’s performance match its flash.
What: 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Arena Red Metallic(arenarotmetallic; metallic UNI; H8; Porsche) VIN: WP1AF2A54FLB97365 Mileage: 73,379 miles Price: $25,201 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Mercedes Benz of Easton, Columbus, OH Listing: Link
Now your entire (small) family can Kill Bugs Fast. Porsche’s SUVs might not be the shuttle of choice for some of their most hardcore enthusiasts, but it’s quite clear that the original Tailor of this particular Macan Turbo sure is. Porsche’s Arena Red Metallic was most famously used as the communications color (read: Advertisements) for the 993 Turbo, a last-of air cooled breed that routinely trades for new-Turbo money. So perhaps it could be considered a ‘deal’ then, that this Tailored Driver could be had for just $25k.
If you were to imagine a fantasy list of Porsche models to be sold by a prominent collector / collection at a headline RM Sotheby’s auction, the 968 Cabriolet may not be at the top of that list. No doubt a car like the 968 Turbo S is an incredibly rare flex, the 968 Cabriolet tends to be one of Porsche’s forgotten or forgettable offerings. Well, that may be in normal factory specification, but when it’s laden in triple blue theme specification and from Todd Blue’s LAPIS collection, we’d argue you should take a closer look.
Spoiler alert. It’s got blue Pascha.
While Cobalt Blue Metallic is listed as a standard 968 color according to Porsche Club’s Rennbow color reference website, RM reports the car you see here is one of just 27 North American market 968 Cabriolets to be produced in the color. The configuration also included a radio cassette player, six-speed manual gearbox, a limited slip differential and Cup 1 alloy wheels.
On the inside…
Spoiler alert #2: It’s not a factory Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur (option code CXX) interior unfortunately, but you could have fulled us for the most part, though that blue OEM non-airbag sport wheel on a U.S. spec car was a clue.
According to RM, the interior was created by Porsche customization specialists Rstrada, and it cost over $60,000 to create.
The car was originally delivered to Massachusetts, remaining there through several subsequent owners. Following that, it was acquired by notable Texas Porsche enthusiast Todd Blue and added to his LAPIS Collection. Todd sent the car to Arling Wang’s Rstrada shop in Torrance, California for an interior restoration that lasted three years.
Wang and his shop have built a solid reputation in the Porsche community for their ability to perform projects such as these, with quality and precision to appear as if the work could have been done in period by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. While time travel doesn’t exist allowing you to go back in time and CXX option up a car in the era of your choice, Rstrada allows for a notably close alternative. So, it’s with good reason that it’s rumored there’s a year-long wait list for a consultation alone.
RM also shares that this 968 represents the only time Todd Blue has ever customized a car from its original specification. As the story goes, racecar driver Cort Wagner and the Ruf family were involved in the introduction between Todd Blue and Arling Wang, Rstrada notably also being the West Coast authorized agent for Ruf.
At the core of the interior restoration is fine Nappa leather paired with striking blue Pascha fabric. The same blue leather abounds over most every surface, including the aforementioned Atiwe Cup steering wheel. A modern Porsche head unit further improves the driving experience.
Porsche North Houston, the dealership that has maintained the car, is also credited with color-matching the Cup 17-inch Cup 1 wheels in Cobalt Blue Metallic. Worth noting, the original RM lot description lists these wheels as 16-inch rather than the 17-inch wheels seen in the photographs. It’s possible this was just a typo, or it could have been a mistake if the car’s original factory wheels were the 16-inch Cup 1 wheels also fitted on the car in period. For those who may need to know for sure, we’d suggest you inquire with RM Sotheby’s.
