What: 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupé Color: Ocean Jade Green Metallic (ozeanjademetallic; metallic uni; L25K; Porsche) VIN: WP0AA2993VS323033 Mileage: 69,000 miles Bid Price at Time of this Writing: $150,000 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Reno, NV Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
We’re always fans of Paint to Sample Porsche 911s of every ilk, but the older you go then the rarer it is to find Paint to Sample (PTS) and that makes them extra special. PTS wasn’t unheard of in the 993 era by any stretch, but it’s not like today when it seems like every other GT car allotment turns into a commissioned build by a rich client. That’s the context that we share with you this 1997 911 Carrera S in Ocean Jade Green Metallic (ozeanjademetallic; metallic uni; L25K; Porsche) over on Bring a Trailer.
If you’re a fan of light metallic greens, this is a great specification 993 coupe. That era’s Carrera S and Carrera 4S got all of the bodywork of the Turbo less the whale tail, which made for an excellent appearance. Now throw on a host of optional equipment and you have a spectacular build.
L25k — Ocean Jade Metallic paint
C02 — Version for USA
XSA — Painted sports seat backrest
X54 — Stainless steel tailpipes, oval
X70 — Stainless steel door entry guards with model logo
X71 — Alu-look instrument dials with chromed rings
X97 — Aluminium shift knob
X98 — Aluminium parking brake lever
235 — N2 tires made for Porsche
373 — Newer type sports seat, left, height electrically adjustable
374 — Newer type sports seat, right, height electrically adjustable
This car was formerly owned by the late Rudy Mancinas, a notable 993 enthusiast and collector whose cars were sold off after his passing. It was acquired by Rudy in 2014 where it’s presumed many of the upgrades such as the OEM chin spoiler, Turbo S front brake ducts with driving lights, three-spoke 996 airbag steering wheel, Porsche Classic radio, colored seatbelts, brake calipers finished in Speed Yellow and wheel centers painted in body color were applied.
Few, if any, other cars bring more pure motorsport technology to the road than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The new Manthey Kit can further enhance the on-track performance of this top-of-the-range sports car through improved aerodynamic efficiency, modified suspension and optimised braking components.
Porsche is offering a Manthey Kit for the current 911 GT3 RS (992) for even higher performance on track. The kit provides significantly increased contact pressure and, as a result, higher cornering speeds. The suspension has been specially adapted for driving on the racetrack, while the brakes are optimised for the particularly high demands of track-day driving. The new Manthey Kit was developed as part of a close collaboration between the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach and the Manthey engineers in Meuspath. These track-focused components will be distributed via Porsche Centres.
More than a tonne of downforce at 285 km/h
The extensive changes to the aerodynamic components make the Manthey Kit for the 911 GT3 RS immediately recognisable. The spoiler lip with its new wing profile has been significantly enlarged and is supported by reinforcing elements made of carbon fibre. Together with redesigned wheel arch Gurney flaps and two dive planes on each side of the front bumper, the spoiler lip increases downforce on the front axle. The rear window is replaced by a 25-per-cent lighter carbon fibre panel on which a carbon fibre shark fin is mounted. The fin was derived from the World Sportscar Championship-winning 963 and is designed to increase cornering stability. In conjunction with six additional roof fins, it also diverts the warm output air from the front radiator outwards, thus ensuring that cooler intake air is drawn in at the rear, even under extreme operating conditions.
The split carbon fibre DRS wing element – in conjunction with larger, redesigned end plates – increases downforce on the rear axle. The significantly widened rear diffuser with longer carbon fibre fins also increases downforce without increasing air resistance. The carbon fibre ‘aerodisc’ wheel covers reduce air resistance and make the perfect addition to the combination of aerodynamic components, which work seamlessly to optimise air flow and maximise overall efficiency. Overall, the downforce has been increased significantly, without increasing drag. At 285 km/h, the 911 GT3 RS with Manthey Kit produces more than 1,000 kg of downforce. This enables higher speeds on fast and medium-speed corners and maximises vehicle stability.
Semi-active coilover suspension
The spring rates of the semi-active coilover suspension have been adjusted for the higher downforce figures. The spring rates were increased by 30 per cent on the front axle and by 15 per cent on the rear. Four wheel- and three body-acceleration sensors – along with a newly developed control unit – ensure fully automatic damper tuning that is extremely fast and even more precise than before. The new shock absorbers operate with two separate valves for the compression and rebound stages and are independently controlled. This ensures precise adjustment for changing driving situations and road conditions, which maximises stability on the racetrack. Depending on the driving mode (Normal, Sport, Track), different sets of parameters are available for different basic damper characteristics. In Track mode, the basic setup can also be manually adjusted to your personal preferences using the rotary controls on the steering wheel.
Racing brake pads specially optimised for track days
The braking components of the Manthey Kit are tailored to the requirements of driving on the racetrack. The steel-sheathed brake lines provide an even more direct pedal feel and a faster response time. Optional racing brake pads are available for cars with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). These pads have been specially developed for track-day use and reduce fading while also increasing responsiveness and control precision. The brake pads are characterised by consistent performance over a wide temperature range and very good wear resistance for both the pads themselves as well as the discs.
Extensive accessories enhance individuality
Customers wishing to add more visual touches can customise their 911 GT3 RS with particularly sporty accessories. Illuminated door sill guards in carbon fibre with Manthey lettering in red and white, LED door projectors with white Manthey lettering, and decals in various colours on the carbon ‘aerodiscs’ emphasise the distinct character of the 911 GT3 RS. In addition, the Manthey lettering can be applied to the car doors in either Neodyme, white or black. A towing eye is available for when driving on the racetrack, and can be used on the front or rear. It is available in red, black or yellow and can be attached to either end using the appropriate threaded hole. It must be removed if the car is to be used on public roads.
Significantly improved performance on track
“With the Manthey Kit, the 911 GT3 RS has improved significantly on the racetrack, especially on medium-speed corners,” says Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister. “The car dives, pitches and rolls even less, offering a much more stable aerodynamic platform. The high contact pressure therefore remains very constant under all driving conditions.”
“Over a period of two years, we worked together with Porsche engineers on the new Manthey Kit for the 911 GT3 RS and tested it over several thousand kilometres on European racetracks and on the Nürburgring Nordschleife,” says Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH. “Our data promises a significant improvement in lap times compared to the standard 911 GT3 RS. So far, weather conditions have prevented us from achieving an official lap time on the Nordschleife. We want to make up for this at the next possible opportunity.”
The Manthey Kit for the 911 GT3 RS can be ordered now. It will be available in EU markets from January 2025 and outside the EU from March 2025. The manufacturer’s warranty for the 911 GT3 RS remains unaffected.
There’s just something about a green long roof. Maybe it wasChevy Chase taking the Holiday Road to Wally World, or the fact that even his Wagon Queen Family Truckster still made him hot to Christie Brinkley at the wheel of a Ferrari, it seems like a certain segment of the car enthusiast population has chased the idea of a station wagon (often green) that could be that cool in reality. That’s exactly where performance wagons like the Audi RS 6 enter the fantasy, especially specially painted examples in green.
We caught this particular RS 6 Avant over on the Only Wagons Group on Facebook. Posted by Darin Scherba, the car is in RS 6 performance specification, meaning later lifecycle production with a slight power boost and optional Y-spoke alloys that complement the car in any finish. In this case, that finish is grey matte, though the European market or special edition neodym gold would have also paired amazingly here.
Whichever wheel finish, they complete this RS 6 Avant perfect spec that, at it’s heart, uses Porsche’s Oak Green Metallic (oakgrünmetallic; metallic uni; 265 / 22L / 60K; Porsche) over standard RS 6 Cognac leather. The net look is incredibly tasteful, not the first RS 6 Avant we’ve seen in this specification, but the first RS 6 performance and captured in some great photography.
First “Colour of the Year” from British design and engineering studio CALLUM forecasts colour trends for 2025
Aqua Mist is a fresh pastel blend of green and blue, symbolising optimism, tranquillity and rejuvenation
It’s the first in what will become an annual forecast of colour trends from CALLUM, spanning the automotive, textiles, interiors and technology sectors
[source: CALLUM]
CALLUM, the British design and engineering studio, has introduced its Colour of the Year 2025, Aqua Mist. A fresh pastel blend of green and blue, it is vibrant and optimistic while promoting relaxation and tranquillity.
Aqua Mist represents renewal and innovation in a fast-changing world. The refreshing, soothing hue combines the calm of blue with the rejuvenation of green, perfect for creating peaceful, balanced spaces.
The CALLUM Colour of the Year 2025 is the first in what will become an annual forecast of colour trends from CALLUM’s growing team of colour, material and finishes experts. Inspired by recent projects, the team has redefined its approach to colour, centring on its impact and the emotional responses colour can evoke. By selecting a signature shade for the year ahead, the brand anticipates and influences design trends while demonstrating its creativity and innovation, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking leader in design.
CALLUM’s colour, material and finishes designer, Charlotte Jones, said, “Aqua Mist offers a fresh, calming energy. Its soft and cool undertones are associated with tranquillity and openness, providing a balanced base that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. Its versatility means it is suited to a number of applications, materials and surface textures, while layering with CALLUM’s specially-selected balancing colours creates a fun, energetic vibe.
“Recent projects and collaborations have given us valuable insights into the needs, preferences and experiences of a variety of customers, particularly those who rely on well-considered inclusive design to enhance accessibility and comfort. We want the CALLUM Colour of the Year to spark conversations about how colour resonates with the emotional needs of customers and can help shape spaces and products that elicit deeper emotional responses.”
The CALLUM team has identified a concise complementary palette. Teaming Aqua Mist with balancing colours Neon Riot and Midnight Tide, it has created a playful, dynamic trio that offers an energetic yet approachable look, ideal for designs that need both vibrancy and sophistication – perfect for playful brands.
Neon Riot is an attention-grabbing hot pink. It brings energy, fun and vibrancy to the palette by adding a pop of brightness, evoking feelings of excitement and creativity. Neon Riot is bold and youthful, which gives any design a sense of dynamism and fun.
Midnight Tide is a rich, deep blue. It grounds the other two colours with its darker, more intense shade, making the overall palette feel balanced and mature.
Commenting on the CALLUM Colour of the Year, design director Ian Callum said, “Every design team in the world looks at future aesthetics to stay relevant and appeal to ever-evolving consumer tastes.Plus, it’s creative and a lot of fun. The CALLUM Colour of the Year 2025 is the first time we’ve made any of our forecasting work public.”
CALLUM Aqua Mist in automotive The combination of Aqua Mist, Neon Riot and Midnight Tide in automotive projects can create a bold, futuristic and attention-grabbing aesthetic, especially for brands or models aimed at trend-conscious audiences.
CALLUM Aqua Mist in textiles Aqua Mist can be featured in matte or satin finishes, and is especially on softer materials such as rubberised surfaces, textiles or smooth plastics. Its calm, cool vibe can be elevated using tactile textures like pebble-grain leather or mesh fabrics, providing a soft, inviting touch while maintaining a fresh and modern look.
CALLUM Aqua Mist in interior design This soothing hue combines the calm of blue with the rejuvenation of green, promoting relaxation and mental clarity, making it perfect for peaceful, balanced spaces.
CALLUM Aqua Mist in technology Aqua Mist represents innovation and forward-thinking in a rapidly-changing world, ideal for cutting-edge technology.
To mark its Colour of the Year, CALLUM will subtly incorporate Aqua Mist into its branding throughout 2025. CALLUM also looks forward to discussions with partners and brands about potential collaborations interpreting Aqua Mist in creative, impactful ways.
About CALLUM CALLUM is a design and engineering business that creates and crafts its own bespoke and limited-edition products, and provides consultancy and services to partners and third parties. Combining progressive design with engineering that pushes boundaries, CALLUM’s products and services span automotive, lifestyle, and travel.
Nimble and agile, CALLUM operates from its 20,000ft2 facility in Warwick, UK, that houses the latest technology to deliver: design; 3D modelling, printing and scanning; colour, materials and finishes development; whole vehicle engineering; vehicle development and homologation testing; prototyping; machining, and trim services.
CALLUM takes a collaborative approach: bringing together a team of 20+ talented individuals with experience across art, audio, automotive, fashion and motorsport, as well as embracing opportunities to collaborate with other businesses. Striving to build a legacy through innovative design and engineering, CALLUM takes on projects that intrigue and excite, creating stories that stir the imagination.
Established in July 2019, CALLUM’s founding members include British designer Ian Callum CBE, admired for his prolific automotive work that includes the Aston Martin Vanquish. Through its NextGeneration initiative, CALLUM strives to support and nurture young minds and talent, fostering an environment that encourages peer-to-peer learning to ensure CALLUM remains relevant, progressive, and true to its roots.
At least in paint naming convention, the term “Oak Green” can be a bit confusing because multiple manufacturers have coined the term. Porsche has an Oak Green Metallic and its more recent updating called Oak Green Neo. It’s a great color that other manufacturers such as Audi exclusive will be happy to paint for you. So, that Audi has its own Oak Green, specifically Oak Green Pearl (oakgrünperleffekt; metallic uni; Q82; Audi), can make it more confusing.
We’re doing our best to be specific and keep track of it all. So, when we caught this post of an SQ7 by Audi South Africa on Facebook, we inquired. The SQ7 in this photo almost looked like the much-more-common District Green currently offered on many Audi models as a standard color. However, it was a bit dark, making it quite close to Audi exclusive Oak Green Pearl specimens we’ve seen in person, so we reached out to Audi South Africa and they were able to confirm that it is Oak Green Pearl.
Check out more photos below, and click the embedded Facebook post above in order to give Audi South Africa a follow.
What: 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Birch Green (birkegrün; 253; Porsche) VIN: WP0AC2A88GK191175 Mileage: 17,253 Price at Time of this Writing: $139,900 CarFax: N/A MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: Link Location: Portland, Oregon Dealer listing:Gran Prix Motors
Why we love it:
We’ve long been fans of the Cayman GT4, and equally fans of the more ‘acidic’ greens like Lotus’s Krypton Green which was one of the less common colors applied to their Exige and Elise models. We’re also suckers for detail and theme. Here, Paint to Sample Birch Green flows from the exterior to the cabin of this Cayman GT4, with Birch applied to the cloth door pulls, seat belts, and key fob. Rounding out what we feel to be a top tier GT4 spec are Bucket seats, extended leather dash (with Race Tex on the lower half), and steel brakes.
The story of Aston Martin Racing Green likely begins with England’s pre-war national racing color of British Racing Green. At a time when top-tier racing represented pride in one’s nation, blue stood for France, red for Italy, white (the silver) for Germany, yellow for Belgium, white with blue stripes for the USA and for England… green.
Why green? The exact origin of this association with Great Britain isn’t fully clear, but the most common tale that tends to be told involves a nod to the so-called Emerald Isle of Ireland. At the time, racing on public roads of Great Britain was banned, so British racers tended to head to Ireland for such competitions.
Brand historians will tell you that green hasn’t always been the theme at Aston Martin. Initial racing cars from Gaydon were presented in grey, black or natural metal finishes. At that time, the races they were entering weren’t international, but in 1922 when an Aston Martin was entered in the French Grand Prix, that car car was painted a very dark shade of green that would adorn works Aston Martins into the late 1940s.
Then, in 1949, that green shifted to a pale, metallic shade of green. The underlying paint code in question was more commonly referred to as Almond Green by paint suppliers and manufacturers. However, as Aston Martin became more of a racing fixture in the world of sportscars and also Formula 1, the color became more indelibly linked to Aston Martin.
In 1999, on the occasion of marque’s 40th anniversary of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Aston Martin reintroduced the color and coining the name “Aston Martin Racing Green”. And, when Aston Martin reemerged in F1 in 2021, the marque saw the opportunity to cement its own racing identity with its distinctive take on green – with less emphasis on the more traditional and darker hue we tend to think of when we imagine British Racing Green. Over several seasons since their return, the color has been further perfected.
“There’s been a lot of work since (2021) to bring out the green,” says Jack Brown – Senior Manager Colour, Material and Finish for Aston Martin.
“The F1 car that we launched in ’21 was a very sophisticated colour, and it looks truly amazing on road cars – but it was a little bit too dark for the cameras, appearing almost black in certain lights. Our task then, was to capture that darkness and sophistication in subsequent cars but give it more brightness and punch in the highlighted areas. It wasn’t a case of making the paint lighter, just a question of making the highlighted areas shine.
“Ceramic pigments float within different layers of the paint and you have to ensure those pigments are suspended in exactly the right layer for the highlighted areas to be bright enough. And, because this is F1, we strived to achieve the lightest application of paint to keep the weight down. The paint is applied at a microscopic level. It’s about 20 microns thick – that’s less than half the width of a human hair.”
Since its association with the modern Aston Martin Racing F1 team, not to mention painting it on GT racing cars and safety cars around the world, Aston Martin Racing Green has captured the heart of brand enthusiasts seeking a tailored build for their car. Whereas Almond Green had a limited take rate amongst Aston Martin road car clients in the 1950s, Aston Martin Racing Green is the most popular color for today’s Aston Martin customers.
Jack Brown continues, “I think that’s a really nice link to the pinnacle of performance for our customers. It doesn’t just look like the paint on the F1 car, if you buy a car in Aston Martin Racing Green, it genuinely is the paint from the F1 car. It’s exactly the same formulation.”
What: 2021 Aston Martin V12 Speedster Color: Aston Martin Racing Green (racinggreenmetallic; metallic UNI; AST1140; Aston Martin) VIN: SCFWMLAV5MGS90079 Mileage: 46 km Price at Time of this Writing: Estimated €780,000 – €1,080,000 EUR CarFax: N/A MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: N/A Location: RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale, 2024 Dealer listing: RM Sotheby’s
Why we love it:
Whether or not you’re in the income bracket that can choose to buy an Aston Martin with no top nor windshield, or have the means to enjoy it in whatever capacity one would, we still find cars like this “barchetta” style 2021 V12 Speedster to be fascinating. Aston Martin only built 88 examples of this open cockpit two-seater as tribute to the DBR1 that won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, and they rarely come on the market. So, it’s notable when this single family owned example with just 46 kilometers on the odometer hits the market, as this one will very soon from now as part of RM Sotheby’s Münich sale.
This particular car represents Aston Martin’s racing pedigree well, finished as it is in Aston Martin Racing Green, then accented with Clubsport White roundels (a.k.a. meatballs). Inside, its Conker saddle leather is finished in Virdian Green and Caithness leather accents. It also comes with its books and a pair of Aston Martin Racing Green helmets.
The photos you see here are from just a casual daily social media post made by Audi Thailand, but they represent such a great spec that we simply had to share. The car in question is a new Audi RS 7 performance painted Audi exclusive Goodwood Green (goodwoodgrün; pearl effect UNI; Z6X; Audi).
Though not currently offered as a standard color on the RS 7 or most of the Audi range, at least in North America, Goodwood as a long appreciated Audi color makes it a popular choice in the world of Audi exclusive tailored builds.
In a way, it’s probably Audi’s closest take on traditional British Racing Green, so is it any wonder that it looks great with gold wheels, which came back into the fore in recent years at brands such as Porsche. Over at Audi, they’ve got a gold finish of their own for wheels “Neodym Gold Matt” that’s a satin muted take which seems to harken early ur quattro era gold wheels without being gaudy.
And as cool as Neodym wheels are at Audi, Audi of America hasn’t really made much use of them. The finish was offered briefly on RS 5 models, and its use on the C8 RS 6 and RS 7 was only on a limited production special edition. If you want them, you likely need to source them from Europe in some creative fashion as they are still offered as a stand alone specification like we see here on this RS 7 performance.
So back to this car posted by Audi Thailand. Borderline British Racing Green with gold wheels is an iconic and always stylish look, so there was no question this combination would look stunning on a car like the RS 7 performance. Thanks to Audi Thailand for sharing it. We did try to embed the post here, but it appears permissions are prohibiting that. If you’d like to check it out and like it yourself, you can find it HERE.
Another day, another tailored German car painted Porsche Smyrna Green (smyrnagrün; non-metallic UNI; Z33; Porsche). This time around, the car in question is a 2024 Paint to Sample 911 GT3 RS (Vin: WP0AF2A91RS272361) with just 91 miles on the odometer in the used inventory over at Aston Martin Boston.
Anyone following along with the Porsche market right now will know that unless you’ve logged a big back catalogue of Porsches purchased new, not to mention likely a watch or two, you probably won’t be getting an allotment for a car as sought after as the 911 GT3 RS, much less an allotment with Paint to Sample attached. Picking one up on the used market, albeit with a healthy markup, is probably the easiest way to procure a car right now. So, when a clearly thought-out example like this Paint to Sample Smyrna Green GT3 RS hits a dealer’s inventory, much less with effectively delivery miles on it, we definitely think it’s worth a second look if you have the means.
We found this car freshly dropped on AutoTrader, and reached out to the associated dealer – Aston Martin Boston. Their sales manager Jamie Ramirez got back to us almost immediately, confirming the color was Smyrna Green. Her team also confirmed the car is one of two Smyrna Green 992 GT3 RS sold to North America, and one of one with a Canadian VIN. Given it’s Canadian and for sale in the USA, we she also confirmed the car’s warranty has been transferred to the States. We sincerely appreciated the fast and thorough turnaround, so would suggest you seek her out should you reach out to them to inquire about the car. To that end, HERE is a link to the listing.
