Wanderlust

Tag: Moda Miami

  • Market Find: White on White 1988 Porsche 959 Sport Part of RM Sotheby’s Miami

    Market Find: White on White 1988 Porsche 959 Sport Part of RM Sotheby’s Miami

    What: 1988 Porsche 959 Sport
    Color: Porsche Grand Prix White (grandprixweiß; non-metallic Uni; 908 / P5 / 9A5; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ95ZJS905016
    Mileage: 3,757 miles
    Price Estimate: $5,500,000 – $6,500,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Coral Gables, FL
    Link: RM Sotheby’s

    Rare car. Rare spec. Not tailored.

    Besides silver, a white 959 isn’t especially rare. Yes, this still a Porsche 959 road car built for Group B homologation we’re talking about, so it’d be worthy in these pages anyway. However, we give it extra points for having rare specification within that space.

    The color is Grand Prix White, so in the lexicon of Porsche paint colors that’s G-body vanilla. In fact, Grand Prix White and Guards Red were the only colors made available on the 959 Sport.

    Notably, we love the look of the incredible 959 center lock Cup-looking magnesium 5-spokes also color-matched to Grand Prix White. The latter is why we call it “white on white” in the title, a styling cue that is oh-so-quintessentially 80s and arguably consistent with the Porsche’s 1983 Gruppe B prototype concept car. So, while vanilla, it’s still a great look.

    Also, this is a 959 Sport, is a whole lot more rare than the 959 Komfort. Of the 292 production 959s constructed, only 29 of them were built to Sport specification. Differences for the Sport included full leather-wrapped roll cage with four-point racing harnesses and cloth upholstery. As weight savings measures, the Sport also saw the deletion the Komfort’s adaptive suspension that was replaced with conventional coilovers. Air conditioning and stereo were also deleted. All told, these deletions shaved some 220 lbs. off the weight of the Komfort.

    A detail worth calling out is the car’s seats. In this pre-964 era, Porsche wasn’t yet fitting Recaro Pole Position shell seats from the factory as they would in the Carrera RS and many, many more. Thus, the 959 Sport uses Porsche’s familiar folding bucket in big bolster configuration. Where it differs is pass-throughs for racing harnesses. It’s also got unique Sport-specification fabric seating surfaces stitched with the same unique gradient striping one would see in a 959 Komfort’s leather seats.

    The car you see here is the 16th 959 Sport built. Briefly sold directly to an American associated with a privateer Porsche racing team, the car’s first owner quickly sold it off once he learned he’d have no luck importing the car to America. Even still, he didn’t do it before renting out a track for a day and having some fun with it.

    The car would spend most of the rest of its life thus far in Switzerland, before going to Italy in 2015 then America after that.

  • Rare Fantasy Yellow ’61 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Bound for RM Miami

    Rare Fantasy Yellow ’61 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Bound for RM Miami

    What: 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
    Color: Fantasy Yellow (fantasiegelb; non-metallic; DB 653; Mercedes-Benz)
    Chassis: 198.042-10-002756
    Mileage: 38,447 miles
    Price Estimate: $1,400,000 to $1,700,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    Mercedes made big news at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show when it revealed the 300 SL Roadster as a replacement for the iconic 300 SL Coupe also known as the “Gullwing”. Additional chassis reinforcement took weight up, though further improvements such as a fully synchronized gearbox, improved engine (dropping direct injection), rear axle design assured the newer and heavier Roadster remained one of the fastest accelerating cars available in those years.

    In 1960, the Roadster received upgraded larger drum brakes known as “racing drums” as a bridge until new Dunlop disc brakes debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, exhibited on an identical car to this one given it shared the same striking orange Fantasy Yellow paint. In addition to the Geneva Motor Show “disc brake” Roadster, Mercedes also built a second “big drum-brake” car also for exhibition purposes. This is that second car.

    There is no question that the specification was a special order at the time. This included Fantasy Yellow bodywork (DB 653) over black leather (1090) with black soft-top (872) and a black hardtop (DB 040) trimmed with Crème headliner (E4). The car also received English instrumentation, a 3.64 rear axle, 15-inch Kronprinz wheels, chrome disc wheel covers, and quality checks to ensure that it was “suitable for exhibition.”

    Revealed in the car’s accompanying factory data card, the “big drum-brake Roadster”, chassis 2756, was originally ordered in late 1960 as a “Standenwagen”, meant for Mercedes-Benz to exhibit at the aforementioned 1961 Geneva Motor show. Interestingly, it appears its commission number was then reassigned to the “disc brake Roadster” that Mercedes ultimately placed on the stand in order to debut the disc brake upgrade at the show.

    Of the entire run of 1,858 300 SL Roadsters built between 1957 and 1963, only five were ever finished in Fantasy Yellow. Of those five, only the two mentioned brave were recorded for exhibition use.

    Further information revealed in the factory data card suggest it may have been used at the 1961 Tokyo Motor Show, and was most definitely retained by Mercedes’ Exhibition Department or use in company advertisements as late as 1962. It also received a new engine before leaving Mercedes’ ownership, which is the same engine fitted in the car today.

    In early 1963, the car was sold to its first owner outside the factory. David Jackson used the car at both his residences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Jackson sold the car nine years later to Dr. R.L. Huntworth of Huntington, West Virginia who kept the car for six years before selling it on. The next owner was John Walker, principal of Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati, who kept the car for two years before selling it to Jack Hahn who would own the car for the next 40 years. In 2013, the yellow Roadster was acquired by Jim Gusweiler of Ohio. The car would next enter the hands of a renowned California collector who commissioned a nearly two-year restoration by Legendary Classic Center of Costa Mesa, California that was completed in 2015.

    It’s at this time that the interior and soft top were refinished to the dark green you see here. One other modification is noted at this time, the addition of Rudge wheels that were color-matched in Fantasy Yellow

  • Green-on-Green Porsche 959 SC by Canepa Slated for RM Miami

    Green-on-Green Porsche 959 SC by Canepa Slated for RM Miami

    What: 1988 Porsche 959 SC Reimagined by Canepa
    Color: Emerald Green Metallic (smaragdgrünmetallic; metallic Uni; 264 / 249; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900214
    Mileage: 38,500 kilometers (~23,923 miles) at restoration, shows 7,503 km now
    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

    Reimagining any car to the exacting specification is an impressive thing, though beginning with one of 292 legendary Porsche 959s is a whole other level of commitment. That’s where Canepa comes in, with their reimagining of these Group B homologation specials into what they call a 959 SC (SC standing for Super Carrera).

    Worth noting, Bruce Canepa and his firm aren’t just incredibly talented fans of the brand or model. It was none other than Bruce Canepa who was contracted by Paul Allen and later Bill Gates to get the first 959s imported legally into the USA. That effort would result into the legendary “Show and Display” exemption rule. During that time, Canepa taught himself capabilities and familiarity with the 959 that may have been second only to Porsche themselves. Bruce was the go-to for the 959, and his learnings over decades brought him to his 2015 launching of the 959 SC program where a client could bring a 959 for a recommissioning and reengineering that would raise performance as well as luxury.

    RM goes into great detail in their listing:

    “Whereas the original 959 left the factory with 444 horsepower from its 2.85-liter sequential-turbo flat-six, the 959 SC Reimagined by Canepa uses upgraded BorgWarner turbos (with internal wastegate) in a parallel twin-turbo system and new engine management based around MoTec hardware to nearly double that figure to 825 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.

    “Standard 959 engine internals give way to forged pistons, Pankl titanium connecting rods, and other upgraded componentry. The camshafts have been revised to offer improved low-end torque and mid-range power, and the valve train has been entirely redesigned for better responses. Individual coil packs supplant the original ignition distributor, while completely revised intake systems, equal-length, tungsten-ceramic-coated exhaust headers, and a two-stage exhaust system of stainless steel and titanium give the new engine sufficient bark to match its bite.

    “As for the suspension, by upgrading the original 959 Sport coilover system with custom valved shocks from Penske and titanium springs, the 959 SC’s handling is greatly improved at all speeds, along with the ride quality on all types of surfaces. Canepa also produced new cast-magnesium 18-inch hollow-spoke wheels that take full advantage of the latest advancements in production and materials technology while staying true to Porsche’s original 959 design.

    “More than 4,000 hours go into each build and over 3,000 individual pieces get restored, rebuilt, or upgraded. Nothing is left unchecked or untouched on every 959 that Canepa reimagines; they are completely disassembled, and entirely rebuilt as better-than-new machines. Color combinations and final touches are tailor-made to each client’s specifications in close collaboration with Bruce Canepa. Those fortunate enough to secure a 959 SC order slot can choose from over 200 Porsche factory and “paint-to-sample” colors. Each example is one of one, with production set at just 50 in total.“

    959 SC 003

    This particular 959, 959 SC 003, began life as one of 207 959 “Komfort” models, was originally finished in Silver Metallic over grey leather and delivered to its first owner in Monaco. It was later sold to Japan where it was displayed in a private Tokyo museum, remaining there until it was imported into the U.S.A. in 2016.

    At that point, it was completely disassembled in order to begin its restoration and 959 SC augmentation.

    The car is was painted paint-to-sample Emerald Green Metallic, matched tastefully with Dark Green leather. It features 18-inch variants of the stock 959 wheel design , these featured in Canepa’s proprietary graphite finish that matches the appearance of oxidized magnesium.

    Since the completion of its conversion, 003 has been displayed at Luftgekühlt 4 in 2017, Rennsport Reunion VI in 2018, and the 2022 Velocity Invitational. It returned to Canepa in December 2024 for an engine-out service and other work totaling $70,000.

  • Ferrari SF90 Stradale in Rosso Dino with RM Sotheby’s at Miami

    Ferrari SF90 Stradale in Rosso Dino with RM Sotheby’s at Miami

    What: 2021
    Color: Rosso Dino (rosso dino; non-metallic Uni; 350; Ferrari)
    VIN: ZFF95NLA7M0267668
    Mileage: 667 miles
    Price Estimate: $450,000 to $525,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    You may be noticing a common theme on our site these past few weeks, with seemingly endless references to RM Sotheby’s upcoming Miami Auction during Moda Miami. Simply put, when it comes to offerings with tailored specification, this auction is weighing in heavily. Take for example this 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale custom ordered in Rosso Dino.

    Sharing nomenclature with Ferrari’s 2019 Formula One car, the SF90 Stradale commemorates the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari by offering a technical tour-de-force. At its heart is Ferrari’s F154 twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with a hybrid system which includes electric motors at the front and rear. Net power is 986 hp, allowing for a 0-60 mph capability of under three seconds – impressive.

    This particular SF90 Stradale was first delivered to Gomez Hermanos Kennedy LLC, the Ferrari dealer in San Juan Puerto Rico. Its specification boasts $60,000 in options that include its custom-ordered two-tone paint of Rosso Dino on the main body and a black roof.

    Inside, the black interior received special-order yellow accents in order to tie-in the yellow brake calipers. Other options include the suspension lift system, size large carbon fiber racing seats, Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS), black ceramic exhaust pipes, Scuderia Ferrari shields, titanium wheel stud blots, front and rear parking sensors, advanced front driving camera, electrochromic rearview mirror, and Homelink system.

    The car has logged just 667 miles at the time of cataloguing for this auction.

  • Todd Blue LAPIS Collection Cars Set to Make Blue Splash at RM Miami

    Todd Blue LAPIS Collection Cars Set to Make Blue Splash at RM Miami

    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.

    Lot #230: 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8

    Estimate: $750,000 to $950,000

    Paint Color: (rivierablau; non-metallic Uni; S8 / L39E; Porsche)

    Links: TailoredDriver.com / RMSothebys.com

    Lot #231: 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach

    Estimate: $800,000 to $1,200,000

    Paint Color: (albertblau; non-metallic Uni; 1818 / 325 / 387; Porsche)

    Links: TailoredDriver.com / RMSothebys.com

    Lot #232: 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster

    Estimate: $350,000 to $400,000

    Paint Color: (dunkelblau; non-metallic Uni; 347 / 55 / 3C7 / Y33; Porsche)

    Links: RMSothebys.com

    Lot #233: 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet Flachbau

    Estimate: $400,000 to $600,000

    Paint Color: (diamantblaumetallic; metallic Uni; 355; Mercedes-Benz)

    Links: TailoredDriver.com / RMSothebys.com

    Lot #234: 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic

    Estimate: $500,000 to $650,000

    Paint Color: (manuasblau; non-metallic Uni; W50; Porsche)

    Links: TailoredDriver.com / RMSothebys.com

    Lot #235: 1994 Porsche 968 Turbo S

    Estimate: $550,000 to $750,000

    Paint Color: (nachtblauperlcolor; metallic Uni; 37W / 39C / E9; Porsche)

    Links: TailoredDriver.com / RMSothebys.com

    Lot #236: 1992 Porsche 968 Cabriolet

    Estimate: $100,000 to $150,000

    Paint Color: (kobaltblaumetallic; metallic Uni; 37U / 56 / 3C8 / F6 / LM5N / L37U; Porsche)

    Links: TailoredDriver.com / RMSothebys.com

    Lot #238: 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

    Estimate: $65,000 to $850,000

    Paint Color: (midnightblau; metallic Uni; 904; Mercedes-Benz)

    Links: RMSothebys.com

    Lot #239: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet

    Estimate: $350,000 to $450,000

    Paint Color: (mittelblaumetallic; metallic Uni; 387; Mercedes-Benz)

    Links: RMSothebys.com

    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.”

  • MB Diamond Blue 911 Turbo Cabriolet Flachbau in RM Miami Sale

    MB Diamond Blue 911 Turbo Cabriolet Flachbau in RM Miami Sale

    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.

  • Triple Blue x Pascha for Porsche 968 Cabriolet Headed to RM’s Miami Auction

    Triple Blue x Pascha for Porsche 968 Cabriolet Headed to RM’s Miami Auction

    What: 1992 Porsche 968 Cabriolet
    Color: Porsche Cobalt Blue Metallic (kobaltblaumetallic; metallic Uni; 37U / 56 / 3C8 / F6 / LM5N / L37U; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0CA2969NS840531
    Mileage: 36,000 miles
    Price Estimate: $100,000 to $150,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    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.

  • 1-of-13 Porsche 968 Turbo S Headed for Auction in Miami

    1-of-13 Porsche 968 Turbo S Headed for Auction in Miami

    What: 1994 Porsche 968 Turbo S
    Color: Porsche Midnight Blue Metallic (nachtblauperlcolor; metallic Uni; 37W / 39C / E9; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZRS890061
    Mileage: 113,611 km, 70,594 miles
    Price Estimate: $550,000 to $750,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    Okay, Midnight Blue Metallic may be a standard issue Porsche 968 color and thus paint to sample wasn’t doable for Todd Blue and his LAPIS collection, but when you’re talking about an example of a model where Porsche only ever built thirteen, that he managed to stick with his blue theme at all is remarkably impressive. Even more impressive for those in the market is the fact that the car is about to go up for sale as part of RM Sotheby’s Miami Auction that is part of the Moda Miami event weekend.

    A transaxle era Porsche at the project RM has is a rare thing indeed, but we’d argue the 968 Turbo S qualifies. Unlike the Porsche 924 and 944 where turbocharged variants were common, most of the final 968 version (all but thirteen) were normally aspirated, including even the sought-after Clubsport. However, Porsche built 14 examples from 1992-1994 for the Kundensport customer-racing program.

    The Turbo S was powered by a turbocharged version of the 968’s notably large displacement 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine with single overhead camshaft. It produced an impressive 304 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. In period, only the 911 Turbo 3.6 produced more torque across Porsche’s entire lineup.

    That engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission pushing power through a Torsen limited slip differential. All told, the 968 Turbo S was good for 0-60 mph in under five seconds.

    Each 968 Turbo S was fitted with the Sport Chassis Package, as well as the same brake components as the 911 Turbo 3.6. On the exterior, the Turbo S got three-piece lightweight Speedline Cup 1 wheels, twin hood scoops, a larger front air intake, chin spoiler and a large adjustable rear wing. Inside, Recaro Pole Position shell seats (not seen here) were also standard.

    The car was developed by Porsche Motorsport drivers Jürgen Barth and Gerd Schmid, with 100 examples part of the initial plan. However, higher-than-expected costs weighed on the program and it was prematurely curtailed in 1994 after only 13 cars plus one prototype had been manufactured. Given the short production run, this qualifies the Porsche 968 Turbo S as one of the rarest Porsches ever produced.

    This particular car was produced in February of 1994. Optioned well for the time, it includes a Blaupunkt Bremen radio and speakers with antenna, air conditioning, front airbags and partial leather seats and anti-theft package. Interestingly, it was also fitted with Porsche’s standard seats in cloth, rather than the hard shell fixed back Recaro Pole Position seats that most 968 Turbo S examples are believed to have received. Both the Recaro and the standard seat were offered in the non-turbocharged 968 Clubsport.

    This 968 Turbo S was first registered by the Porsche company in Münich, then later sold by the Porsche Motorsports department to a German owner in October of 1995. It was acquired by its next owner in April 2000 and imported into the United Kingdom.

    It’s also very well documented, including past registrations, MOT paperwork, owner’s manuals, correspondence and invoices dating back to 1999. It returned to Germany once more before being acquired by the LAPIS Collection of Porsche enthusiast Todd Blue.

  • Triple Blue Porsche 911 GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ with RM Sotheby’s in Miami

    Triple Blue Porsche 911 GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ with RM Sotheby’s in Miami

    What: 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Albert Blue (albertblau; non-metallic Uni; 1818 / 325 / 387; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AE2A93KS155244
    Mileage: 526 miles
    Price Estimate: $800,000 to $1,200,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    We’re noting a theme amongst the cars from the Todd Blue LAPIS collection, mainly blue and sometimes triple blue (blue body, blue wheels, blue interior) with some sort of incredible fabric pattern on the seats for good measure. Such is the case with this 991-era 911 GT2 RS “Weissach Package”, an incredibly unique build with a long list of special wishes touches.

    How unique? The original MSRP on this GT2 was $588,115, including over $232,000 worth of specific tailoring from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur (option code CXX). That all adds up to a 101% increase in CXX options alone over the base price of the 911 GT2 RS!

    The configuration begins with paint to sample Albert Blue bodywork with blue carbon fiber accents. The color dates back to Porsches of the early 1970s, though looks the part on this more modern 991 GT2 RS, especially with color-matched Albert Blue wheels.

    Inside, leather to sample Yachting Blue leather is accented with Chalk stitching and Graphite Madraskaro plaid. The leather has been extended to what appears to be every interior space available. The roof liner is in matching Yachting Blue Alcantara. Silver Grey seatbelts accent tastefully with the plaid-centered carbon fiber backed seats.

    Dials on the gauges and Sport Chrono have been specified to black, with black gloss carbon fiber trim and yatchting blue floor mats.

    Order book options begin with the Weissach Package ($18,000) including carbon used on the fiber roof panel, anti-roll bars, front trunk lid and additional components. Interestingly, CXX tailoring was even specified here at Mr. Blue’s request, adding dark blue tint to the carbon fiber on the roof panel, front fender louvers, mirrors and rear wing. According to RM, this car is one of just three to be fitted with the blue carbon fiber specification. The Weissach package also included magnesium wheels, with the wheels on this particular car tailored in color-matched Albert Blue. All told, Weissach cars weighed in at just 3,241 lbs.

    Other options on the car include the Light Design Package, Sport Chrono Package, front axle-lift system, extended range fuel tank and Porsche Dynamic Light System.

    The car was delivered new to Todd Blue’s LAPIS Collection via Porsche of North Houston

    When it was launched in 2017, the 991-era 911 GT2 RS was the most powerful 911 Porsche had ever produced. It featured a twin turbocharged 3.8-liter flat six delivering 700 horsepower to the rear wheels via 7-speed PDK (DSG) transmission. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was accomplished in just 2.8 seconds and it was capable of a top speed of 211 mph.

  • Riviera Blue Porsche 911 / 993 Carrera RS 3.8 Headed to RM Miami Sale

    Riviera Blue Porsche 911 / 993 Carrera RS 3.8 Headed to RM Miami Sale

    What: 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Riviera Blue (rivierablau; non-metallic Uni; S8 / L39E; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ99ZTS390261
    Mileage: 8,725 miles
    Price Estimate: $750,000 to $950,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    Another from the Todd Blue LAPIS collection is this über rare 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.8 RS, #261 of 1,104 examples ever produced. It was delivered new in Germany. Of those, it’s the only example produced in Riviera Blue with Clubsport aerodynamics and black leatherette interior with Grey seat centers and Riviera Blue accents from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

    Other options include the Clubsport front spoiler, Clubsport rear wing, Clubsport strut tie bar, power steering, motorsports steering wheel in leather, air conditioning, German market equipment group, radio, locking differential and special-order heated and power adjustable Clubsport sport seats with Riviera Blue color-matched fiberglass shells. RM shares that they also have an accompanying build shit confirming further Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur options such as door pulls and seat belts in matching Riviera Blue.

    For those who don’t know, a 993-generation Carrera RS 3.8 is effectively a homologation special. These cars were built to qualify the visually similar Porsche 911 3.8 RS for BPR GT3 and GT4 classes of racing. Like many homologation specials, this effectively makes the car a bit of a racing car for the road. It’s widebody stance is also believed to be an inspiration to the RWB Porsche movement and the Idlers racing series from which it spawned.

    Of the 1,104 911 Carrera RS 3.8s built between 1994 and 1996, 227 were spartan Clubsport versions. It’s not known how many were standard RS versions utilizing the lightweight Clubsport options as did #261 that RM will be selling as part of their Miami sale this year.

    The 993 Carrera RS 3.8 is powered by a 3.8-liter version of Porsche’s normally-aspirated M64/20 engine. It produces 296 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,400 rpm. As with the previous 964 3.8 RS, the 993 3.8 RS also makes use of 18-inch modular 3-piece alloy wheels from Speedline, though their magnesium centers were updated to match the 993 era “Cup 2” design.

    As for the Riviera Blue paint color itself, it is a hue that seems to harken earlier decades like the 1970s, but was actually introduced as a 993 launch color. Like many colors over the years, Riviera Blue was a bold color Porsche introduced with their new models that suffered in period from being polarizing enough that the take rate was very low. However, it aged gracefully and today is highly sought after by collectors both for its unique hue and its rarity.

    The car was delivered new to Porsche Center Dusseldorf in June of 1995. It remained in Dusseldorf until 2007 when it next spent its time in several significant Porsche collections in England, Holland and France before being imported into the U.S.A. prior to being 25 years old via NHTSA’s “Show and Display” exemption. Today, it is titled in the USA.