Perhaps the most exclusive event during Monterey Car week is The Quail. Okay, the private owner dinners of posh brands may be more exclusive, but as mainstream events The Quail is both the most expensive ticket and also awash in the most exclusive cars… cars like this Singer Classic Turbo.
The Quail may very well be the heir to the Geneva Motor Show throne. Here, producers of the most exotic and expensive automobiles are on display while a concentration of the most wealthy car enthusiasts in the world stroll around them taking it all in. Where once the industry auto show held in Switzerland wore that crown, The Quail seems more than happy to take the throne as car events move out of convention centers like Geneva’s Palexpo and more into the lifestyle space.
Vintage Porsche tailor Singer has been a regular at The Quail for years, debuting new models here and configuring them in the most tasteful specifications. Perhaps our favorite on the stand was this Classic Turbo version produced in Turbo Racing White with Seafoam shoulder stripe. This car is known as the “Fuji Commission”.
Beyond the sublime color choices, this car stood out further for its painted Turbo-style stripe graphics (no vinyl here) that hark striping on the earliest Porsche 911 Turbos of the 1970s. At the same time its handsome plaid fabric seats continued the 70s vibe, though in a decidedly timeless way.
A highlight of Monterey Car Week is Broad Arrow’s Monterey Jet Center Auction held at the nearby airport. While in town for MCW, we stopped in for a visit at the Broad Arrow preview in order to take a closer look at the incredible metal they were offering for sale. Amongst that mix was this 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS painted in Grigio Ferro Metallizzato (106-E-28).
Research suggests this wasn’t a special request. Grigio Ferro Metallizzato was introduced on later cars, though it remains quite rare. Only 35 Dinos were built in this color.
We encountered the car parked inside one of the Monterey Jet Center hangars that was being used for the Broad Arrow Auction. It sold for $626,500.
Published for the fashion industry by the Pantone Color Institute, this season features the first color uniquely designed by an automotive brand in the highly regarded report
Turbonite, an exclusive and timeless, innovative shade of grey, is part of what makes a Turbo so distinctive
Colours are created at Porsche in a labour-intensive process lasting a number of years
[source: Porsche AG]
Twice a year, the Pantone Color Institute publishes the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report, its preview of popular and innovative colors that provides important stimuli for the world of design and fashion. In the latest issue for New York Fashion Week (NYFW, 6 to 11 September 2024), Pantone presents Turbonite – the first time the report has featured a customized color from an automotive brand. Since the end of 2023, Porsche has been sharpening the look of its Turbo derivatives with this elegant metallic grey tone. The sports car manufacturer and the color specialist will celebrate the publication of ‘The Story of Turbonite’ with a high-profile event ahead of NYFW.
Stuttgart/New York. “Every designer and graphic artist knows the Pantone color cards. In the same way that the Porsche 911 is the archetype of all sports cars, for more than 60 years the US company’s color standard system has been the reference work for everyone that uses colors in design,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. “We are proud to be the first outside brand represented in Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report. Turbonite is unique. An innovative, timeless, strong, but not loud color that gives our Turbo derivatives an unmistakable, self-assured look. Like all Porsche colors, the newly developed color shade was created over several years in a labour-intensive creative and development process.”
The target group for Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report encompasses the entire design and fashion world. The color trends that it forecasts significantly influence future collections. “Car design and fashion have inspired each other for many years. Trend scouts very closely observe what’s new and what can be adapted,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “In our opinion, Turbonite has the potential to become an iconic color and shape the perception of the Porsche brand for years to come. Simply put, this metallic grey tone has that certain something. We are happy to reward the courage it took to develop this exclusive color by including it in our Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report Spring / Summer 2025/2026.”
In August, Porsche celebrated the 50th birthday of the 911 Turbo with a special edition, while also commemorating all Turbo derivatives as a special, highly emotional part of the brand. A limited anniversary model of the 911 Turbo S and a Taycan Turbo S will be present at the ‘Porsche x Pantone’ event as part of the NYFW, illustrating that irrespective of body shape and drive concept, Turbonite creates a unique look all by itself.
About Turbonite Gold-tinted elements create the elegant, metallising effect of Turbonite. The top layer exhibits a contrasting satin-matte finish. For the Porsche Turbo derivatives across all model lines, the lettering on the rear, the Daylight Opening (DLO) and the borders of the side windows are finished in Turbonite, which is also the dominant color in the exclusive crest. All the range-topping high-performance models feature this crest on the front of the car, as well as on the lightweight alloy wheels and the steering wheel. Depending on the model line, further details such as the inlays in the front aprons, the spokes, or the aeroblades in the light alloy wheels can be finished in this exclusive color.
Additionally, selected components in the interior, for example the trim strips and the belt straps, as well as a number of controls such as the mode switch and the air conditioning controls, also come in Turbonite. In this case, too, the exact scope depends on the model line. In combination with a black interior, Turbonite is also used as a contrasting color for the decorative stitching on the seats, door panel trims, instrument panel and floor mats.
About the Porsche color programme At the start of 2024, Porsche revised and emotionalised the color scheme for all model lines. Contrasts, Shades, Dream and Legends are the names of the categories for former standard, metallic and special colours. These reflect a variety of topics, and their emotional labels make it easier for the customer to choose a colour.
Alongside the standard color programme, the sports car manufacturer offers even more individualised paintwork with ‘Paint to Sample’ and ‘Paint to Sample Plus’. With ‘Paint to Sample’, the focus is on the availability of classic Porsche colors recognisable from the company’s history. At present, the range across all model lines comprises more than 170 colors. ‘Paint to Sample Plus’ also offers the option of creating highly individual colors based on customer specifications.
About the Pantone® Fashion Color Trend Report The colors presented in the half-yearly Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report are selected from the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors color system, the most widely used and highly regarded color standard system for fashion, textile, home and interior design. Each season, the Pantone Color Institute publishes the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report as a half-yearly color trend preview for the coming season, presenting the most important colors expected at the New York Fashion Week and the London Fashion Week. Over the entire season, the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report provides a color reference for retailers, brands, fashion designers and the press.
About Pantone Pantone provides the universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve color consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical color specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute™ provides customized color standards, brand identity and product color consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Color of the Year, Fashion Runway Color Trend Reports, color psychology and more. Pantone B2B Licensing incorporates the Pantone Color System into different products and services, enabling licensees to communicate and reproduce certified Pantone values and improve efficiencies for their users. Pantone Lifestyle brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories.
Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula 1® Team driver, Fernando Alonso, takes delivery of his new Aston Martin Valkyrie in Monaco
A true F1® car for the road now piloted by two-time FIA Formula One® World Champion
Sensational bespoke specification designed by Fernando Alonso in partnership with Q by Aston Martin
Era defining hypercar incorporates concepts and technologies taken directly from Formula One®
Aston Martin Valkyrie is equipped with a hybrid V12 powertrain developing a maximum power of 1,155PS
[source: Aston Martin]
Monaco – Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula 1® Team driver, Fernando Alonso, took to the streets of Monaco today, following delivery of his Aston Martin Valkyrie; the ultimate hypercar, a true F1® car for the road.
Alonso drove his new Valkyrie hypercar out of the iconic Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, showcasing a bespoke specification created in partnership with the design team at Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin.
Taking inspiration from his Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR24 race car, Alonso’s Valkyrie is painted in Satin Aston Martin Racing Green with bespoke contrasting AMR Satin Lime Graphics, emphasising the aerodynamic highlights of the hypercar. The cavernous Venturi Tunnel has been enhanced even further with the addition of Speed Red and Light and Dark Blue painted graphics. Exposed Carbon Fibre adorns the roof, engine cover, and lower aero and a Titanium Aston Martin Wings badge sits proudly on the nose. A bespoke ’CAUTION HOT’ graphic has also been applied to the rear.
Inside the driver focussed cabin, the continuation of exposed carbon fibre is expansive, and swathes of Pure Black Alcantra are paired with a contrasting AMR Lime stitch. Alonso’s infamous logo can also be seen embroidered into the headrests in the same AMR Lime thread.
Possibly the most intricate detail is in fact one that most will not see: A red anodised aluminium accelerator pedal etched with the number ‘14’, paying homage of course to Fernando Alonso’s driver number, chosen at the age of 14 on 14 July 1996 when he became karting world champion with #14.
“It’s hard to put into words how much I have been looking forward to this day”, said Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver, Fernando Alonso. “To sit at the wheel of my own Valkyrie; one that I have worked on designing so closely with the team at Q by Aston Martin is certainly a day to remember. Valkyrie truly is an F1® car for the road, with so much of the knowledge and technology taken from all the experience Aston Martin has on track and I can’t wait to hit the road.”
Accelerating from 0-60mph in under 2.5 seconds and boasting a hybrid 6.5-litre V12 powertrain developing a maximum power of 1,155PS, the Aston Martin Valkyrie incorporates a ferocious combination of F1® inspired aerodynamics and performance, delivering one of the most intense driving experiences achievable on the road.
Like all Aston Martin sports cars, Valkyrie is being built at the marque’s UK Headquarters in Gaydon. A dedicated project delivery team manages the build right through to delivery in a specially commissioned Valkyrie production area. A team of highly skilled technicians hand-build each of the 150 cars, with each Valkyrie taking over 2000 man hours to create.
Before each Valkyrie is delivered, it is track-tested at the Aston Martin high performance facility at the home of British Motorsport, Silverstone where much of the development of the hypercar has taken place.
Q by Aston Martin is the marques unrivalled personalisation service, allowing customers to explore their design creativity with infinite capacity and delivering the ultimate expression of individuality. From bespoke paint colours and graphics on the exterior to personalised, intricate details etched into the interior, it is possible for Aston Martin customers to create a true one-of-a-kind specification.
About Aston Martin Lagonda: Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars.
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, DBS, DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Aligned with its Racing. Green. sustainability strategy, Aston Martin is developing alternatives to the Internal Combustion Engine with a blended drivetrain approach between 2025 and 2030, including PHEV and BEV, with a clear plan to have a line-up of electric sports cars and SUVs.
Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates, and exports cars which are sold in more than 50 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales. The company is on track to deliver net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and came together with Aston Martin in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown, and the company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc.
2020 saw Lawrence Stroll become the company’s Executive Chairman, alongside significant new investment. This coincided with Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team and commenced a new era for the iconic British marque.
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.
Exclusive Defender ‘Beach Break’ Edition celebrates a natural environment for Defender vehicles and its owners: surf, sand and sun
Limited to 20 units, the Defender ‘Beach Break’ is inspired by US surf culture and iconic coastal beaches with a unique colorway and coastal inspired side graphics as well as a ‘Beach Break 1/20’ badge on the tailgate
Designed with Tasman Blue exterior paint with a white contrast roof, 20‑inch gloss white wheels featuring all terrain tires and Light Cloud and Lunar Resist seating and interior
Robust Defender accessories include cross bars, silver side‑mounted gear carrier, black fixed side steps and mud flaps
[source: Land Rover]
Mahwah, NJ – British adventure brand Defender celebrates summer lifestyle with a limited‑edition model aligned to the beach lifestyle of its enthusiast base. Limited to just 20 units, the ultimate Defender 110 for beach adventure lifestyle is the Defender Beach Break influenced by the coastline and surf culture of iconic locations including Montauk NY, Malibu CA, and the North Shore of Oahu, HI.
The ocean‑inspired exterior design starts with brilliant Tasman Blue paint along with a white contrast roof and 20‑inch white gloss wheels. Defender ‘Beach Break’ sets itself apart with a red and orange striped side graphic that runs along the exterior doors of the vehicle and includes a ‘Beach Break 1/20’ badge on the tailgate.
The interior features durable Light Cloud & Lunar Resist seating, robust enough to counter the beach elements, cross vehicle beam in Light Cloud Powder Coat finish, an 11.4‑inch center touchscreen, 12.3‑inch Interactive Driver Display and Meridian Sound System. Rubber mats line the floor and cargo area for additional protection.
“The Defender has always been at home at the beach, windows open, surfboards on the roof, wetsuit in the back. This limited edition ‘Beach Break’ is an homage to that lifestyle, with a modern interpretation inspired from the legendary US surfing beaches from Montauk to Malibu. These iconic locations are known for their surf culture, casual luxury, rugged shoreline and powerful waves – a perfect destination for Defender vehicles of all vintages.” – Sam AllenUS Brand Director, Defender
Defender Beach Break is up for a beach adventure, featuring robust Defender accessories including cross bars, silver side‑mounted gear box, black fixed side steps, mud flaps along with 20‑inch white gloss wheels fitted with all terrain tires to increase off‑road capability for navigating sand dunes and coastal trails.
Defender Beach Break features legendary Defender Terrain Response® with ‘sand’ as a selectable drive setting to navigate through various beach conditions1. This vehicle features a wading depth2 of 35.4 inches in water, ideal for shoreline journeys.
Defender ‘Beach Break’ is based on a 2025 Defender 110 S P300 featuring a 2.0 four‑cylinder engine producing 296 HP and 295 lb‑ft of torque. Pricing for this vehicle will be available starting at $71,700.3
About the Defender Brand Defender embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern‑day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future.
Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own.
A beacon of liberty since 1948, Defender supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust.
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover – a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world‑leading off‑road capability.
Defender is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.
Important notice JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory. All figures are manufacturer’s estimates.
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.
McLaren’s MSO division makes it’s impact by doing just about whatever their clients demand. Multiple colors, gradients, and even full liveries are all well within scope, admittedly to differing levels of success. In my opinion, this is one big swing that really paid off.
When I think McLaren, I think muted exterior and a wild-ass contrasting interior. In today’s example, MSO went full purple-haze by pairing MSO Bespoke Purple leather with the relatively tame Onyx Black. Although Onyx does have a fairly prominent metallic flake, you’d be forgiven if you never noticed.
Is this insane? Perhaps, but if the above is the litmus, we’d happily be certified.
This Tailored Driver (VIN: SBM14FCA6NW006381) is currently available in Bonita Springs, FL at Gulf Coast Motorworks having covered just under 3,000 miles since it left Woking. It could be yours for an at time of writing $309,995.
A limited model that highlights the characteristics of the Audi A8 driver’s car / grand touring car
Audi’s first limited model with plug-in hybrid specification is also set
Black Audi rings & black styling package and Audi Sport black 10-spoke star design aluminum wheels highlight the fearless image
[source: Audi Japan, translation by Apple]
Audi Japan (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Brand Director: Matthias Shapers) is a limited model of Audi’s flagship sedan Audi A8 Audi A8 Grand Touring limit From today, we will release ed through authorized Audi dealers (121 stores, currently) nationwide.
Audi A8 Grand Touring limited is based on two models of Audi A8 55 TFSI quattro and 60 TFSI e quattro with PHEV specifications, the Audi A8 Grand Touring is a limited model that focuses on the character as an Ivers car and a grand touring car. In both models, the powertrain is a 3.0ℓV 6-cylinder direct injection turbo engine with a maximum output of 250 kW and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. For the PHEV specification 60 TFSI e quattro, when you combine a motor with the same engine and select the EV mode out of 4 driving modes, the maximum range is 54 km (WLTC mode) quattr o It is possible to drive by four-wheel drive.
Both of these limited models are equipped with a comfort package, a panoramic sunroof, and Bang & Olufsen 3D advanced sound system (23 speakers). In addition, it has an S line styling package and a black Audi rings & black styling package (Audi exclusive) and a specially equipped Audi Sport black 10s Along with the pork star design aluminum wheels 9J x 21 and 265/35 R21 tires, it highlights the fearless image as a sporty driver’s car that is the character of the Audi A8.
In addition, the model based on 55 TFSI quattro has a comfort center armrest (front) and seat ventilation massage function (front/rear) that enhances comfort, as well as a normal adap. It is specially equipped with adaptive air suspension sports that set the car height 10 mm lower than the tive air suspension. The body color is also specially adopted the Audi exclusive color Suzuka gray metallic (suzukagrau, pearl effect UNI; LY7F / M1 ; Audi), which has been adopted in the Audi RS model. On the other hand, the model based on the PHEV specification 60 TFSI e quattro has an S line interior plus package and headlining Black Dynamica that finishes the interior with a sporty taste. The body color is specially made of the Sebring Black Crystal Effect.
Audi A8 Grand Touring limited is a special model of 30 55 TFSI quattro bases and 10 60 TFSI e quattro bases with PHEV specifications, a total of 40 units.
Since its first appearance in 1994, the Audi A8 has always embodied Audi’s slogan Vorsprung durch Technik (advanced by technology). The current 4th generation Audi A8 also has an innovative lightweight and high-rigidity body design Audi Space Frame (ASF), high-efficiency direct injection engine, quattro (full-time 4WD), digital matrix LED headlights and matrix In addition to the OLED rear light and the state-of-the-art driver assistance system, it is equipped with a full range of equipment suitable for Audi’s flagship sedan. The limited model Audi A8 Grand Touring limited announced in May 2021 is highly evaluated for its specifications and equipment that sharpen the Audi A8 character, and it will be sold out soon after the announcement. This time, we expanded our options by further enhancing the equipment while adhering to the basic concept and setting up a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
