There’s something about a unique car from a time when acquiring something tailored wasn’t just a matter of chatting up a sales guy at a dealer and wandering into a lounge where all your options are laid out readily in front of you. Yes, it’s not always that easy today, but it was much harder back in the day… say 1992, when this very unique 512 TR was manufactured.
Rare paint? Check. Rosso Winner, a deep dark cabernet of a red that doesn’t look a thing like every other red Testarossa on the planet. Now, add in tone-on-tone red leather interior for good measure and you have something particularly tasteful? Don’t like a red-on-red Ferrari? Too bad. Literally every F40 that hasn’t been re-trimmed or sold to the Sultan of Brunei is red-over-red. Alas, none are Rosso Winner over red. That’s a shame.
What: 1992 Porsche 968 Coupé Color: Signal Green (signalgrün; non-metallic UNI; 22S; Porsche) VIN: N/A Mileage: 54,000 miles Price: $45,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Lee, MA Listing: Link
As 964 era Carrera Cup colors go, Signal Green may be the rarest. Yes, they’re all special but the rarer the more impactful and in that this recently imported 968 Coupé doesn’t disappoint. Is it worth $45,000? Well, it is a rare shade and it is low miles, but it’s also an automatic. To someone looking for a unique cruiser, this probably fits the bill. Alternatively, someone seeking the ultimate driver who likely wouldn’t be considering an automatic can also net a 968 Clubsport in Europe for similar money if they shop around.
It remains to be seen if the transaxle Porsche car market will ever truly explode, but that leaves even higher-priced rare specification examples like this one still a pretty good deal.
What: 1992 Land Rover Defender 90 200 TDi Color: Grasmere Green (grasmeregreen; non-metallic; 1CD/HBV/2207; Land Rover) VIN: SALLDVAF8JA919750 Mileage: 10,000 km, 6,000 miles shown, TMU Bid Price: $3,200 with 5 Days Left to Bid CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Milford, CT Listing:BringATrailer.com
Imported in 2020, this left hand drive original Defender 90 is a desirable specification though not entirely original. It’s been modified to look like early HUE 166 model including Grasmere Green paint, beige seats, white roof, color matched steel wheels and “HUE 166” badging.
Also desirable, it’s go the more powerful 2.5-liter turbodiesel inline four cylinder with give-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case. Other amenities include dual inward facing rear seats, locking center differential, hard top, 16-inch steel wheels, “Puma” hood, front disc brakes and cabin heater.
The listing has a lot of close-up detail shots that we didn’t include here but are worth checking out if you are thinking about bidding. Most Land Rovers this age are not pristine, and this one shows some wear and overspray. Even still, it’s still quite charming in a very classic Land Rover specification and so we’re including it here.
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.
What: 1992 Volkswagen T3 Multivan “Limited Last Edition” WBX6 by Oettinger Color: Tornado Red (tornadorot; non-metallic; G2; Volkswagen) Chassis #: N/A Mileage: 147,300 km, 91,527 miles Price: €69,990 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: CC Automobile GmbH, Velen, Germany Auction Link:Link
Why We Love It:
Known as the “Vanagon” in the United States, the Volkswagen T3 may be the 964 or 993 of the VW van lineage. While note quite as elegant as earlier T1 and T2 versions (a.k.a. Microbus), the more modern boxy shape retains the same rear-engine configuration that put Volkswagen (and Porsche) on the map. Also, its production run from 1979 to 1992 (practically the same as the Mk1 Golf/Rabbit Cabriolet) makes it a darling of the budding “rad era” car collector segment, while it was also a staple in the early #vanlife movement. All this combines to make for a robust collector market for T3s, meaning rare and special examples have realized appreciable gains. Throw in a special edition breathed on by a relevant remaster like a period German tuning house and you definitely have our attention.
As the sun was setting on the T3 era, Volkswagen moved to celebrate its retirement with a “Limited Last Edition” for the home market. 2,500 examples were built. Production was done by Steyr Puch under contract at their factory in Graz, Austria. The T3 you see here is 689 of 2,500.
The Limited Last Edition came standard in either Tornado Red and Orly Blue. One interior trim was offered, Velour Platinum Blizzard Diagonal fabric – a greyish design with diagonal greenish-blue stripes. Other equipment included there-point automatic seat belts for the rear seats, vented triangle windows at the front seat positions, headlight range adjustment and curtains. The only engine was a 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 68 horsepower or 2.0-liter fuel-injected petrol water-cooled boxer engine a.k.a. “wasserboxer” with 91 horsepower. Though incredibly practical as the T3 always is, neither engine made it particularly thrilling to drive.
That’s where Oettinger comes into play. Following World War II, Frankfurt-based Gerhard Oettinger, with a mechanical engineering degree he had originally used as a test engineer on Daimler Benz aircraft at the end of the war, decided to put his degree to use in other ways and created a business tuning Volkswagen Beetles. He’d eventually shift his focus to the VW Golf GTI, really building a name for himself by introducing 16-valve head for the Volkswagen engine years before the factory did.
When it came to the T3, Oettinger’s firm saw clear potential and so did Volkswagen. As the story goes, Volkswagen tapped Oettinger to produce a 6-cylinder version of the Wasserboxer. Alas, VW pulled out of the project before it was completed, but Oettinger soldiered on, calling it the “WBX6” and producing 3.5 (165 hp) and 3.7-liter (180 hp) versions. The net effect is described more as the “VW GTI” of vans rather than than the “Porsche 911” of vans, however there were vans of the period that used the Porsche air-cooled flat six that probably get that title.
Back to Oettinger, conversions based around the WBX6 were often paired sports suspension, structural upgrades, interiors and more. That’s about where this T3 Multivan slides into the picture, number 689 of 2,500. It was first delivered in Germany and finished in Tornado Red new from the factory. Receiving the Oettinger WBX6 conversion, it also got seats re-trimmed in two-tone grey and red leather.
Changes include a front spoiler, H&R 30 mm lowering springs wit Koni shock absorbers, steel braided brake lines, short-throw shifter conversion with extended 5th gear, Weinkrath-V4A stainless exhaust, front spoiler, Oettinger body enhancements and Projektzwo rear spoiler.
The wheels, 8x17s from OZ don’t look entirely period, making us wonder if they’ve changed over time. Same goes for the Projektzwo rear spoiler made by a firm that would have been a competitor to Oettinger.
The prospect of an “internal” car is always an interesting one. Generally ordered by a executive, a board member, or simply a department looking to get a reaction, a given brand rarely orders a vehicle without some larger purpose. Porsche, in this case, initially ordered this Tailored Driver for themselves, wearing then-Paint to Sample Violet Amaranth paint. The reaction sought must have been achieved, as Amaranth was promoted to series option just two years later.
We’re big fans of the road less traveled here, that’s not exactly a secret. This Tailored Driver is exactly that- finished in Porsche’s Midnight Blue Metallic (rare), with 1992’s 911 C2 Cab Rest-of-World only Turbo Look body optioned (more rare) Leather to Sample in an unknown light blue (incredibly rare). Per the listing this Tailored Driver is one of just 1,532 C2s optioned with the factory widebody, and has spent the entirety of it’s life in Germany. Being a 1992 model year example, importation to the US should be a breeze using a reputable vendor like Orchid Euro.
What: 1992 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 Color:Mint Green(mintgrün; non-metallic UNI; 22R; Porsche) VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZNS470XXX Mileage: 309 km / 192 miles Price: Upon Request CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Dipl. Wirt.-Ing. Manfred Hering, EARLY 911S e. K., Wuppertal, Germany Listing:Link
Why We Love It:
We’re hitting a theme this week of cars that have experienced color changes, and this one may be the most interesting yet. Get past the fact that it seems like you rarely if ever see a 964-generation 911 Turbo in Mint Green (much less one with less than 200 miles on the odometer), because that’s just the beginning of the story. You see, this car left the factory painted Paint to Sample Gulf Orange (gulforange; 019; non-metallic UNI; Porsche) with black interior.
According to the ad, the car received a full restoration presumably with color change by the massive classic Porsche dealer in Germany where it is currently for sale. They also have a comprehensive list of options. And while we suspect most all of it came on the car from the factory, the mention of a Mint Green shift knob and the sight of the mint green Porsche Tequipment steering wheel do make us wonder if those were fitted in the (Gulf Orange) car from new, or added when the car switched to Mint Green.
The list of equipment is as follows:
139 Heated seats, left seat 220 limited slip differential 40% 231 Michelin tires 288 headlight cleaning system 327 Radio “Symphony RDS” 340 heated seats, right seat 403 cup cast wheel, 17 inch 423 cassettes and coin containers 425 rear window wiper 437 Comfort seat on the left, electrically adjustable 438 comfort seat right, electrically adjustable 441 Radio preparation 481 manual transmission 488 Inscription German 490 sound package 494 additional amplifiers 499 version for the Federal Republic of Germany 562 Airbag driver and passenger side 573 air conditioning 605 headlight range adjustment 650 Electric sunroof 659 on-board computer 685 Split rear seats 930 rear seat covers, leather 975 trunk lining with velor carpet 981 leather interior without seat covers 983 front seat covers, leather X33 engine performance increase 911 Turbo XK7 shiftgearknob mintgreen XU1 Remote control central locking
Whatever the case, this is an incredibly unique car in an incredibly unique and period correct color. Mint Green had just been introduced at the time as one of the Carrera Cup colors. While uncommon in general, it was most common in the 964-era 911 Carrera RS, and occasionally seen on other period cars like 911 Cabriolets and the occasional 968.
What: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3 Sportline Avantgarde azzurro Color:Azzurro Blue(azzurroblau; metallic UNI; 366; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 130,100 km / 80,840 miles Price at Time of this Writing: €15,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Private Seller, Münich, Germany Listing:Link
Why We Love It:
One of several cars built in Mercedes-Benz Avantgarde series of W201 190 Es, the 190 E Avantgarde Azzurro is a unique thing indeed. With DTM-harkening 190 EVOs making anything W201 even more interesting, the azzurro and all its 90s German kitsch offer a more unique approach to the package.
Perhaps inspired by other market offerings such as the Volkswagen Color Concept cars, or Wolfsburg’s even more radically quirky Harlequin models, the Avantgardes utilized color in order to dial up the fun factor of a then aging W201 range.
The most notable differences on the Avantgarde azzurro is the use of color. For starters, its Azzurro Blue metallic paint was unique to the Avantgarde offering. Then, much like the Harlequin, it artfully incorporated multiple colors in trim on the seats, big-bolstered rear individual seating, the floor mats, the shift knob and the steering wheel. More substantively for drivers, it also got Mercedes’ Sportline suspension that was 20% stiffer and 23 mm lower than run-of-the-mill 190s.
Only 950 azzurro models were built, though it was their quite literal avant-garde nature that likely played into Mercedes’ choice to not sell the cars in the U.S.A. Fortunately, they’re now old enough for import and this clean and preserved example has just come on the market near Münich, listed for sale by an individual.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
What: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300 CE 3.4 AMG Color: Crystal Green Metallic (kristallgrün; metallic UNI; 256; Mercedes-Benz) Chassis Number: N/A Mileage: 100,500 km, 62,447 miles Price at Time of this Writing: €95,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Casting Automobiles, Paris, France Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Likely due to rarity, it’s not uncommon to see a W124-generation Mercedes-Benz 300 CE coupe built by AMG crossing the six figure mark. Transaction prices approaching six figures (actually passing them by the time you convert to U.S. dollars and import) aren’t something we typically see of 1990s era cars from Mercedes-Benz. However, make them a well preserved AMG and it’s a whole new ballgame.
If you’re a connoisseur of these cars, then we think it’s worth pointing your attention towards this particular specimen – a tone-on-tone coupe in a rare color of Crystal Green Metallic paired with green-tartan seating. It appears to have originated from Japan, though can now be found at a specialty dealer in Paris, France.
Translating the listing gleans a few more notes about the car based around option codes. Where’s what it says:
916 VEHICLES FOR HOT COUNTRIES – ADDITIONAL PARTS, HEATED REAR WINDOW
ORIGINAL JAPANESE CAR CRYSTAL GREEN (256U) with PINE CANVAS (066)
221 LEFT FRONT SEAT WITH ELECTRICAL ADJUSTMENT
222 RIGHT FRONT SEAT WITH ELECTRICAL ADJUSTMENT
240 EXTERIOR TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
341 ADDITIONAL INDICATORS
425 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX
430 HEADRESTS, TINTED UPPER PART
600 HEADLIGHT WASHER-WIPER DEVICE
613 LEFT-HAND DRIVE HEADLIGHTS
664 20 LITERS OF FUEL AND VE III PACKAGING MODE
802 CHANGE OF MODEL YEAR, LAMINATED GLASS
Now, throw in the fact that this is a fully-built and well-preserved AMG model constructed on the W124 chassis a full 13 years ahead of Mercedes-Benz’s own buyout of AMG and you have a thoroughly interesting specimen for a serious MercedesBenz collector.
This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.
