Wanderlust

Tag: Moda Miami 2025

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Manaus Blue over Blue Sonderwunsch-Laden 911 Sport Classic Headed to RM Miami Sale

    Manaus Blue over Blue Sonderwunsch-Laden 911 Sport Classic Headed to RM Miami Sale

    What: 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Manuas Blue (manuasblau; non-metallic Uni; W50; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AG2A96PS252312
    Mileage: 1,177 miles
    Price Estimate: $500,000 to $650,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    From the Todd Blue LAPIS collection comes this 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic, #269 from a worldwide production of just 1,250. Even in that rare group though, this particular Sport Classic comes heavily laden with special details via a truly remarkable Sonderwunsch tailored focus.

    How remarkable exactly? RM Sotheby’s reports the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur CXX-code options add up to no less than $111,355. That’s some serious tailoring, so let’s dig into the details.

    The exterior paint color is Manuas Blue, a hue added to the Porsche Paint to Sample program the same year this car was produced. Its Fuchs-like 5-spoke wheels are color-matched in Manuas Blue, while other detailing like the Porsche script stripes are in Shadow Blue.

    Inside, the car features a truly unique interior taking a tone-on-tone approach of using blue nearly everywhere. The main leather color used on the seats is Graphite Blue with Pebble Grey stitching, extending also to the air vents, center tunnel, knee pads, front trunk, rear side panels, lower dashboard, inner door sill guards and also the owner’s manual wallet.

    And while a bold leather choice might do it for some, this car goes so much further with its details. Striking Paldao Wood inlays are found on dashboard, door cards, cupholder surround and vertically on the seatbacks. In the centers of the seats is a bespoke Pepita houndstooth in Black, Chalk and Speed Blue that is said to be inspired by the fabric used in the 911 Carrera “Sally Special” built by Sonderwunsch as a tribute to the Cars character and auctioned for charity by RM Sotheby’s in August 2022 and generating $3.6 million. This car is one of very few and reportedly possibly the first to receive this exclusive fabric.

    As RM’s Moda Miami event weekend takes on The Amelia for spring concours week bragging rights, it would seem there’s a bit of a throw down to be found between RM’s Miami sale and auctions at The Amelia. We aim to bring a spotlight to the highlights.