What: 2011 BMW M3 Coupe Color: BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic(frozenschwarz; metallic matte; U91; BMW) VIN: N/A Mileage: 87,000 miles Price: $34,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Farmingdale, NY Listing:Facebook Marketplace
Special editions are always a bit of a grey area in the Tailored Driver world because to be honest, they’re usually just a ploy to move a few units with very specific options. This Frozen Black Edition M3 is the exception to the rule- just 20 were made for the US and if you wanted one, you had to call a hotline at a specific time to get it. Seriously. But while the method of initial procurement is now antiquated to the point of silliness, the M3 still looks incredibly modern. A high revving V8 is paired with the quick shifting DCT, and iDrive is present, meaning a CarPlay retrofit is an easy and worthwhile endeavor. Perhaps the best bit is the price. At $34k, it’s well within the ballpark of what a run-of-the-mill M3 would fetch in today’s market.
‘The Black Rose’ – a special customer commission, and one of only three right-hand-drive Baturs – revealed by Bentley
The first ever expression of three dimensional printed solid rose gold in the ultimate grand tourer
Specially commissioned Black Rose exterior paint with satin Rose Gold accents, with a matching interior
Customer commissioning process demonstrates the breadth of techniques, colours, materials and finishes that are available through Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner division
Bentley committed to offering industry first manufacturing and craftsmanship to its customers with continued collaboration
Sustainably sourced raw materials reflects commitment to sustainable luxury
[source: Bentley]
Crewe, England – Bentley has unveiled a truly exceptional example of the co-creation commissioning journey every Batur customer experiences, with a unique result – a car christened ‘The Black Rose’, and themed around the beauty of rose gold.
The Black Rose is one of 18 Baturs being built by Mulliner’s Bespoke Studio, and results from an extensive co-creation journey between the client and Mulliner’s design team. This exquisite car features bespoke ‘Black Rose’ metallic paintwork commissioned by Mulliner exclusively for the customer, with a gloss Beluga upper body. Satin Rose Gold accents adorn the front grille, ‘endless bonnet line’ brightware, mirror caps, lower body kit and 22” tri-tone wheels, which surround the impressive carbon ceramic brakes with black calipers.
Inside, the rich darkness of the hides, fascias and fabrics is punctuated only by the glint of rose gold. An automotive industry first, Bentley’s gold Additive Manufacturing (AM) 3D printing technique adds up to 210 grams of hallmarked 18-karat rose gold to the interior of the coachbuilt coupe at key driver touchpoints. These include the Drive Mode Selector and Bentley’s iconic Organ Stop vent controls on the dashboard, as well as a rose gold insert marker on the steering wheel, exemplifying the level of bespoke detailing on offer.
Surrounding the rose gold elements is a cabin that provides a dark canvas of materials working in perfect harmony – rich Beluga leather, charcoal grey tweed fabric, and veneers painted in Black Rose metallic paint to compliment the exterior.
Industry first in Three Dimensional Printed Gold
Bentley Motors has collaborated with renowned goldsmiths Cooksongold in an industry first to combine new and advanced manufacturing technologies with more traditional materials and finishing techniques. Utilising sustainably sourced raw materials from 100 percent recycled jewellery reflects the manufacturers’ commitment to sustainable luxury.
All parts produced for the Batur are hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter as a sign of having solid material authenticity. Additionally, any parts manufactured in 2022 also receive the Jubilee hallmark, celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year.
In 2022, Bentley committed a total of £3 million investment to double the AM capacity at the Crewe factory, converting three dimensional CAD models into physical parts.
Hallmarked 18-karat rose gold is one of many innovative finishes that customers have the choice of exploring in the Batur through Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner division. From aerospace-inspired titanium to sustainable, leather-like textiles made from by-products of the coffee roasting process, choices like these only add to the immense range of leathers, woods and other options. The only limit is the imagination of the individual customer.
The Art of Commissioning
From the Roaring Twenties onwards, Mulliner coachbuilt bespoke bodies for some of the world’s most iconic Bentleys, including the famous R-Type Continental of 1952.
Today, Mulliner operates as Bentley’s bespoke division, delivering everything from personal commissions to coachbuilt cars. It offers an exclusive, face-to-face service for customers who demand the rarest and most exquisite vehicles, often co-designing features and finishes to suit the unique tastes of the individual.
Restricted to just 18 exclusive examples, the Batur signified the start of a design revolution at Bentley, and its success has been followed by the Batur Convertible, unveiled in May 2024. The Batur Convertible is the third car in Mulliner’s Coachbuilt family, following the Bacalar barchetta and the Batur coupe. Strictly limited to just 16 units, the Batur Convertible is the most powerful W12-powered drop-top Grand Tourer in Bentley’s history.
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.
Porsche reimagineer Singer Vehicle Design regularly shares its creations on social media and has lately been highlighting a car known as the Düsseldorf Commission built to their Classic Services specification that is effectively the original Singer formula that is a love letter to the early F-body 911 era.
On the outside, the car has been finished in paint-to-sample Düsseldorf Black, with light ghosted Porsche script stripes, a center-mounted fuel filler with side-mounted oil filler.
At the heart of Düsseldorf is the expected 4.0-liter air-cooled flat six complete with 24-karat gold badging. It drives power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. For improved stopping power, carbon ceramic brakes were also installed.
Inside, the car gets lightweight carbon fiber track seats covered in Osprey leather with woven leather seat centers featuring a black stripe and nickel grommets. The woven leather continues on the door cards and dash strip where you’ll also note brass badging. The lower interior section is also trimmed in leather and the rear compartment has been fitted with a racing harness bar.
Gauges are finished in black with grey markings. The gear shifter has a unique matte, anodized finish. Apple CarPlay navigation and air-conditioning were also part of the build sheet.
What: 2000 BMW 328i Color: BMW Individual Carbon Black Metallic (carbonschwarz; metallic; C49; BMW) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 260,327 km (~161,757 mi) Price at Time of this Writing: €8,495 (~$8,912) CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Oss, NL Listing:Link
Why we love it:
Yes, in just a few days we’ll be 25-year survivors of the Y2K panic. And while our computers didn’t all self-destruct when asked to display ’00’ in a date window, the cars coming out of German and Japan were equally exciting- just in a much more controlled, less stressful way. This E46-generation 328i sedan was delivered in May of that year (making it importable soon!), having been ordered by a Tailor with taste. BMW Individual was chosen both inside and out, making this an incredibly interesting, relatively cheap proposition. The listing is low on detail and basic translation points to a few mistakes, so rather than the Frozen Black Metallic mentioned due to the gloss nature and blue/black shade depending on light, we feel safe in our assumption that the exterior is actually BMW Individual Carbon Black Metallic. We’d be doing a disservice though, if we didn’t share that our assumption may be just that, and that it could also could be the very complex BMW Individual Petrol Mica Metallic, although this does appear darker. More certain, however, is the Arizona Sun leather sport seats found within. We love this generation nearly as much as we love a deal, and at $9k plus shipping, we struggle to find a more interesting vehicular use of funds. Just make sure you validate VIN before putting it on a boat.
What: 2016 BMW M6 Coupe Color: BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic (frozenschwarz; metallic matte; U91; BMW) VIN: WBS6J9C53GD934457 Mileage: 51,000 Price at Time of this Writing: $14,100 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: North Port, FL Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
To quote Cars and Bids founder Doug Demuro, now THIS is cool! A Tailored Driver that’s just as spec-rare as it is production rare, this BMW Individual Frozen Black M6 coupe is one of just 23 total LCI models to be optioned with a 6 speed manual, and one of 68 to feature it throughout the model’s 5 year run. As an added bonus, this M6 was also optioned with a BMW Individual Opal White interior. While it does carry a Lemon branding on the title, this could be a cheap ticket to one of the most rare modern BMW’s available.
What: 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Color: Ferrari Nero Daytona (nerodaytona; metallic; 231F1C; Ferrari) VIN: SCFAE62373K800076 Mileage: 3,200 miles Price at Time of this Writing: Est. $275,000 to $325,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Broad Arrow Amelia Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Aston Martin and Zagato have a long history of collaborations – a series of offerings over the years applying Italian flair in Zagato’s iconic formula to the often very sensible British supercar nature of Aston Martin.
This one, set to go across the block as part of Broad Arrow’s upcoming 2025 Amelia Island Auction is the 76th of 99 Zagato DB AR1s built. Even for one of 99, this AR1 was a special order example with factory paint specification of Ferrari Nero Daytona over Light Tan leather. It’s a metallic black beginning around the F50 era that’s become a go-to at Ferrari over the years.
As for the AR1, it featured Aston’s V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox from ZF. This one also comes well documented with original window sticker, owner’s manuals, service receipts, accessories, and paraphernalia including a scale model of this specific car.
When you think of a car as exclusive as the 2019 Porsche 911 (991.2) Speedster, you probably assume that anyone with the positioning to have had a build slot and the means to pay for the car more than likely would have commissioned their own unique specification… or at least a Paint to Sample finish. Well, if you’d assumed that you’d be wrong as we’ve gotten our hands on the 2019 model catalogue and were intrigued to see there was a standard color palette listed. In as much, it’ the latest in our weekly Color Chart series.
Frankly, we may have even been more surprised that in 2019 there was a product catalogue. Manufacturers have moved increasingly to better and better configurator tools on their websites, allowing you to simulate very specific option configurations and even some Paint to Sample simulations. That’s all remarkable of course, but when manufacturers like Porsche move on from an older generation car like the 991.2, the specifics of those configurations seem to get lost to time… at least those configurators become lost as a reference. In those cases you have to go old school and find a model catalogue, a task that’s getting harder and harder to accomplish given highly complex configurators are a lot cheaper to build and distribute than printed catalogues. Perhaps the happy medium then is the PDF catalogue.
For that we turned to one of our favorite references autocatalogarchive.com. There, amidst their seriously deep collection of Porsche catalogues, we found a 2019 Speedster book. Using that as a reference, we’re able to list the colors offered on the 2019 Speedster. See those below, or go directly to the MY2019 Porsche 991.2 Speedster catalogue HERE.
Colors Offered on the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster Include:
Exclusive Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative celebrates the iconic sportscar and marks 50 years since the end of E‑type production in 1974
Just two of these Works Bespoke commissions have been created, inspired by the original Commemorative Editions
Each of the two cars are individual, collectible automotive gems, featuring hand‑crafted finishes and exquisite detailing
Jaguar Classic has collaborated with luxury jewellery designers Deakin & Francis to adorn the interior with mother of pearl, silver and 18ct gold – merging decades of British design heritage and exuberance into automotive masterpieces
For updates from Jaguar Classic, follow @jaguar.classic on Instagram
Coventry, UK – Fifty years since the last Jaguar E‑type rolled off the production line, two rarefied Series I Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative models have been exclusively created for a loyal, discerning client in Southeast Asia to celebrate the iconic sports car.
Each example carries references to key moments from E‑type history, from the blueprint of its inception to the last Series III models. Celebrating the style and sophistication of the original with new, precious details, the two beautiful vehicles are the finest examples of Works Bespoke creations by Jaguar Classic.
The pair of Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative creations bring the E‑type story full circle, inspired by the final 50 Commemorative Editions from 1974 – and they will be the only two examples ever to leave the Jaguar Classic workshop.
The Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative vehicles are the ultimate expression of E‑type, with a unique hand built specification making each one a truly individual collectors’ item. Every detail – inside and out – receives the careful attention of the dedicated Jaguar Classic experts, with upgrades meticulously orchestrated over more than 2,000 hours.
“With E‑type Commemorative, our Classic team set out to improve on an already near‑perfect design. As the original creators of E‑type, we are uniquely positioned to subtly integrate both aesthetic and engineering enhancements borne out of decades of knowledge, skill and passion. The unique specification and our collaboration with renowned jewellers Deakin & Francis has resulted in a machine as close to driveable precious metal as it is possible to conceive.” – LENNARD HOORNIK, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
Timelessly crafted with unparalleled finishes
The two Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative vehicles are both drophead coupes, in one‑of‑one specifications. One is finished in Signet Green, while the other is Opal Black – both updates of original colour schemes from 1974.
The elegant exterior is matched by a timeless interior, featuring Bridge of Weir tan leather seats hand‑woven and stitched in the Jaguar Classic trim shop – with matching black and tan leather trim. This uniquely tactile woven finish has never been made available at Jaguar Classic before and blends traditional skills and design inspiration with a contemporary aesthetic.
Bespoke elements adorn the interior, with an anodised aluminium centre console bearing a unique engraving of a genuine early Series I E‑type blueprint sourced from within the archives. The blueprint was previously displayed alongside E‑type at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), with the anodised aluminium centre console becoming a hallmark of each E‑type produced at Jaguar Classic.
Custom jewellery
Setting the Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative vehicles apart is jewellery adorning the interior and exterior of each model by Deakin & Francis. England’s oldest manufacturing jeweller has been crafting masterpieces over seven generations, since its inception in 1786.
A collaboration of passionate craftspeople bridging local industries, each E‑type Commemorative is adorned with mother of pearl, hallmarked solid silver and 18ct gold details.
In the same spirit as Jaguar Classic, the renowned silversmiths live and breathe their time‑honoured craft, working locally to exacting standards in nearby Birmingham’s legendary Jewellery Quarter.
At the front, the motif bar badge is finished in silver with guilloche mother of pearl and an 18ct gold Growler icon, while at the rear, badges are enamelled sterling silver.
Inside, the steering wheel horn push is finished in silver with an 18ct Growler badge and mother of pearl inlay, while a sterling silver gear knob with mother of pearl and 18ct gold Growler detail provides decadent tactility.
“Deakin & Francis is proud to be a part of this inspiring collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover Classic, bringing together two of Britain’s most iconic heritage brands. Such a partnership reinforces each brand’s complete commitment to superior quality and celebrates a shared passion for pushing boundaries in design and craftsmanship, while offering our discerning customers a truly one‑of‑a‑kind experience.
“Techniques honed by Deakin & Francis, which have never been seen before in the automotive world, have been seamlessly integrated into these incredibly rare vehicles. Together we have created two extraordinary classics that blend the artistry of Deakin & Francis, with the expertise of Jaguar Land Rover Classic.” – HENRY DEAKIN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DEAKIN & FRANCIS
The exquisite detailing extends to the instrument panel switches, which are finished in knurled silver with a hallmarked silver bezel. This attention to detail extends to the key cover, which is finished in silver with matching mother of pearl and 18ct gold.
Technical specification
Under the elegant bonnet of each E‑type Commemorative is the famous 3.8‑litre engine, now with Electronic Fuel Injection and a Jaguar Classic five‑speed manual gearbox. This combination delivers the perfect blend of driving engagement and everyday usability.
Making the vehicles even more suited to use in the 21st century, they are fitted with a discreet Jaguar Classic Bluetooth radio and heated windscreen, providing modern comforts while retaining all the character and authenticity of an E‑type interior.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information on the full range of cars, services, parts and experiences offered by Jaguar Classic, visit: www.jaguar.com/classic
Pair of Batur Convertible development cars begin final development trails across Europe
16 Batur Convertible examples among the last W12-powered Bentleys, after the retirement of the engine in July
Extensive whole vehicle development program includes 120 individual tests over more than a year
Testing opens with 3,000 km drive from Germany to Spain, ahead of high-speed assessment at Idiada proving ground
Both development cars reflect the choices available to Mulliner customers, with bespoke colours and finishes to every single surface of both the cabin and the exterior
[source: Bentley]
Crewe, UK – The most powerful W12-engined Bentley – the highly exclusive Batur Convertible – has begun its final suite of sign-off testing. Created by Mulliner, Bentley’s in house bespoke division and the longest standing coachbuilder in the world, the Batur Convertible is the third car in Mulliner’s Coachbuilt family, following the Bacalar barchetta and the Batur coupe. Strictly limited to just 16 units, the Batur Convertible is the most powerful W12-powered drop-top Grand Tourer in Bentley’s history.
Bentley announced the retirement of the W12 engine earlier this year, with the last engine leaving the production line in July. The 16 customer examples of the Batur Convertible will be among the recipients of the final W12 engines, each producing 750 PS as the most powerful iteration of the engine ever developed.
The validation activities include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle, environmental compatibility and sunlight simulation, high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise and vibration, and driving dynamics. More than 120 individual tests in all cover everything from the quality of the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls to the new W12 engine hardware and software. Over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been scheduled across a pair of pre-series cars – Batur Convertible Car Zero and the Batur Convertible Engineering Car.
The real-world testing campaign started with an extensive 3,000 kilometre , five-country drive across Europe to simulate real world conditions. The route left Germany and travelled through Italy, France and Spain, across mountains, highways and cities, with the cars pausing briefly for an afternoon in Monaco for photography before continuing their journey to Idiada in Spain, where high speed testing will begin on private test tracks.
Paul Williams, Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner, comments: “The purpose of an engineering validation public road drive is to test a vehicle’s performance, safety, and reliability under real-world conditions. It allows our engineers to assess how the vehicle operates in a variety of environments, traffic scenarios, and weather conditions that cannot be fully replicated in controlled testing environments. This stage is critical for identifying potential issues, validating system integration, and ensuring the vehicle meets regulatory standards and customer expectations as part of the engineering development test program. At the start of the project it was clear that this car had to be the ultimate open-air Grand Tourer and so every element from the exterior design, engine power and hand-crafted interior has been created without compromise.”
At the proving grounds, the Batur Convertibles will begin seven weeks of durability work on handling tracks, mixed road conditions, high speed testing and abusive surface conditions. During all of these activities data and feedback are collated ensuring the technical targets are being met.
The Final W12 Grand Tourer The Batur Convertible furthers the innovative design DNA introduced by its coupe sibling that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future cars.
Created by Mulliner, the Batur Convertible follows the exquisitely hand-crafted Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. With the Batur Convertible, Mulliner continues its long tradition of crafting truly individual cars, tailored to the wishes of each of its extraordinary clients.
The Batur Convertible retains the most powerful version of Bentley’s iconic W12, with a 750 PS, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades. The Batur Convertible will be the last ever Bentley to use this incredible powertrain.
The convertible roof delivers an aesthetic of beauty as a modern, tactile alternative to a hardtop roof. A combination of insulation material, sealing system refinements and acoustic treatments create a cossetting environment in a system which can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h), transforming the car from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.
Mulliner’s in-house design team will help co-create every Batur Convertible with its customer, working together through a specially created Mulliner visualiser that allows any part of the car to be customised in colour and surface finish. Endless samples of unique materials bring texture to the process, and the resulting designs will be truly individual and created by the customer – limited only by their imagination.
Batur Convertible Car Zero Like all Mulliner Coachbuilt vehicles, the Batur Convertible is infinitely customisable – with each customer able to specify the colour and finish of literally every single surface of both the exterior and cabin of the car.
The engineering development car – Batur Convertible Car Zero – has had the same level of attention to detail as a customer’s own specification. The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin Duo tone – that provides a vibrant colour across the contemporary surfaces. The bodywork is underscored by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in high gloss carbon fibre.
The front of the car features a grille of exceptional art – with the main matrix finished in Gloss Dark Titanium, accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern that flows from Beluga in the centre and lighten to the vibrant sides in Vermillion Gloss. The “endless bonnet” line is finished in Gloss Dark Titanium paint, as are the 22” wheels – with the spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Titanium with Vermillion Gloss accents.
The second development car – known simply as the ‘Engineering Car’, features an entirely different specification. Midnight Emerald exterior paintwork is finished with a high gloss carbon fibre body kit and Satin Dark Titanium finished bonnet brightware and lower bumper meshes The wheels are tri-tone – with a Satin Dark Titanium body, gloss Porpoise accent faces and gloss Mandarin pinstripe. The same combination of Satin Dark Titanium and Mandarin is joined by gloss Beluga for the three-colour ombré fade to the front grille. The cabin echoes the exterior, with Cumbrian Green and Porpoises leather being accented with Mandarin stitching and piping, complemented with machined titanium Organ Stops and Bullseye vents. The veneer is Mulliner’s exquisite “guitar fade”, where the colour across the width of the cabin changes gradually from gloss Beluga, to high gloss carbon fibre, and back to gloss Beluga, and finished with a laser-etched audio signature of the W12 engine.
