What: 1994 BMW M3 Coupe Color: BMW Individual Daytona Violet(daytonaviolett; metallic uni; 283; BMW) VIN: N/A Mileage: 150,000 km Price: €36,999 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Görlitz, Germany Link: Mobile.de
If an E36 BMW M3 Coupe isn’t on your bucket list of 1990s cars then we need to have an intervention. If you already like E36 M3s then read ahead with interest. If you’re not, well, be prepared to be won over.
What’s that, purples like Daytona Violet aren’t your thing? Okay, we’ll give you a pass on that one. Purple’s aren’t for everyone. But, if they were, then we suspect BMW Individual Daytona Violet is up there when it comes to likable purples.
Now throw in a manual transmission, well-kept vader seats and black leather and you have a really incredible specification. This one’s located private party in Europe, so you’ll need to import it.
What: 1996 Mini Cooper S Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Riviera Blue(rivierablau; non-metallic Uni; S8 / L39E; Porsche) VIN: N/A Mileage: 40,000 km Price: €32,500 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: DT-Motors, Darmstadt, Germany Listing: Link
This car’s a bit of a puzzle. It’s an “ur” Mini. “Ur” means “original” in German, which is how Germans designate the original Audi quattro from every other Audi with quattro. Given this Mini is in Germany, not far from Frankfurt, the German descriptor sort of works.
The car itself is listed as “1 of 1” in Porsche Riviera Blue, with bespoke blue leather interior as well. It’s possible it wasn’t done by the factory, though the amount of interior details and “1 of 1” description makes us wonder if it’s some sort of factory special.
The dealer ad isn’t all that revealing in this regard, so we’ll just not that here. Otherwise, if you’re into something unique and don’t mind going through importation, this Mini makes a compelling case.
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.
Differing ever so slightly from BMW’s Techno Violet, BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic is a visually stunning purple that can really play visual tricks depending on conditions. In some lighting, it almost appears to be BMW’s Cosmos Black due to the color’s blue and purple metallic flake. Whatever your interpretation of it, this BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic E36 ‘vert is the latest in European Market Finds that we feel represents good value for money, offering a way for the everyman or woman to dip their toe into the world of Tailored Driver. With the right importer like Orchid Euro, this could be landed, plated, and insured for well under $20,000.
What: 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS Color: Ferrari Blu Le Mans(blulemans; metallic UNI; 516/C; Ferrari) VIN: : ZFFXR42B000105416 Mileage: 47,500 kilometers, 29,515 miles Estimated Price: Sealed Bid CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Netherlands Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
F1 aficionados will tell you that Michael Schumacher left Benetton where he’d just logged his second (in a row) of seven career championships, relocating to a struggling Scuderia Ferrari in 1996. No doubt Maranello was ecstatic to have him, which is the timeframe that the very special F355 GTS you see here was produced.
In period, the F355 was Ferrari’s newest model, which made the car a natural for their star new driver’s daily. Granted, this was Michael Schumacher, so this wasn’t your average Rosso Corsa over black leather F355. For Ferrari’s star new driver, this GTS was built in stunning Blu Le Mans metallic over Pelle Crema (A 3997) leather. The F355 was said to have been configured personally by Schumacher, who also made sure to spec in a 6-speed manual.
The car has been in the same ownership for the last 20 years. Check out the full description by RM Sotheby’s below, as well as with even more photos via the link above.
1996 Ferrari F355 GTS
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher’s former F355 GTS
Offered from over twenty years of single enthusiast ownership
Featured in numerous publications highlighting its Schumacher connection including Forza, Ferrari World, and Auto Trends
Attractive colour scheme of Blu Le Mans over Pelle Crema leather
Ferrari Classiche Certified in 2020
Accompanied by its original manuals and service book, stating Weber Management GmbH as the original owner
Documented by a letter from Cavallari Monaco Motors confirming ownership as well as photographs of Schumacher driving the car
[source: RM Sotheby’s]
By 1995, it was clear to everyone in Formula 1 that Michael Schumacher was a generational talent, and perhaps a driver the likes of which the sport had never seen. After winning his maiden championship with Benetton in 1994, in a car that many believed to be undeserving of the championship itself, he followed up with a repeat championship in 1995. Nineteen ninety-six would be different, and Schumacher would be lured away from Benetton to the team every racing driver wanted to race for: Ferrari.
Going into 1996, it was only fair that Ferrari gave their new driver a road car of his own to use and enjoy as he saw fit; the very F355 GTS offered here, allegedly the first Ferrari Michael Schumacher used whilst driving for the Scuderia. Introduced in 1995, it was the newest model in Ferrari’s lineup, a perfect fit for the team’s newest driver.
Built in early 1996, Schumacher’s F355 GTS is beautifully finished in Blu Le Mans (516/C) with a painted roof over Pella Crema (A 3997) leather, a stark contrast to the fantastic V-10 powered cars painted Rosso Corsa that he drove on circuits around the world. Said to have been configured personally by Schumacher, perhaps the car’s most important feature was its traditional six-speed manual gearbox, rather than the optional Formula 1-style automated manual, offering the two-time world champion a change of pace from his day job.
The car’s service book notes that it was delivered to Weber Management GmbH (the company of Michael Schumacher’s manager, Willi Weber) on 30 April 1996, and was delivered via Ferrari Deutschland GmbH in Wiesbaden. This would have been just two days after the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, where Schumacher finished second.
It appears that the car was used by Schumacher at his residence in Monaco, as the car received its first service at Monaco Motors, the official Ferrari dealership in Monaco, on 5 May 1996, having already covered 1,639 km, and just in time for him to have present during that year’s Monaco Grand Prix. A letter on file from Monaco Motors, the Ferrari service centre for Monaco, confirms that the GTS belonged to Schumacher and was serviced at their facility for him until September 1997. An undated German newspaper clipping, on file in the historical documents, shows Schumacher driving the car in Monaco. Although it is not known how long Weber Management owned the F355 GTS nor how long it was used by Schumacher, the car came into the ownership of Pierre Valentin of Mougins, France in May of 2002 and later Christopher Allen of Vallauris.
The F355 GTS was acquired by the current owner at auction in 2004 during that year’s Monaco Historic Grand Prix where it was being sold as Schumacher’s former personal vehicle. The current owner has very much used and enjoyed the car as its manufacturers intended. Believed to be the car’s third owner after Weber Management, he always had a soft spot for the F355 and purchased it due to its beautiful specifications and fascinating Schumacher history. Prior to the current owner’s acquisition, the back of the driver’s seat was signed by Schumacher, and upon his purchase the car was supplied by a letter from Monaco Motors, the official Ferrari dealership in Monaco, confirming that the car was serviced by them whilst in Schumacher’s care in September of 1997.
According to the consignor, in his capacity as a motoring journalist following Formula 1 during the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, he had the opportunity to approach Michael Schumacher when he was driving for Mercedes-AMG and asked him about his old F355 GTS. To his surprise, Schumacher instantly remembered the car when shown a photo, remarking that he was happy it found a new home with a true enthusiast.
Not afraid to enjoy his new F355 GTS to the fullest, the car was driven straight home to Belgium from Monaco when purchased and has been used regularly by him, being driven simply for fun or to various car events in his native Belgium. It has been featured in three different magazine articles whilst in its current ownership: the November 2006 issue of Forza magazine, the March 2013 issue of the German magazine Ferrari World, and the June 2021 issue of Auto Trends Classic magazine, which was published in both Dutch and French. In 2017, the car won Best of Show at Spa Italia in Belgium. Minichamps even made a series of 1:43 scale models of this car in a display with Michael Schumacher as the background. Having been driven approximately 21,000 km prior to his purchase, the car is showing just under 47,500 km from new at the time of cataloguing.
The car was granted Ferrari Classiche certification in 2020, confirming that it retains its original chassis, gearbox, bodywork, and is finished in its original colour combination. The Classiche certification also confirms that the car is no longer fitted with its original engine, but one of the correct type. Rumour has it that the car was equipped with an up-rated engine when delivered new to Michael Schumacher, but this has yet to be proven conclusively. The car was fitted with the current engine prior to the consignor’s purchase in 2004.
Throughout its current ownership, the car has always been serviced by authorized Ferrari service centres and serviced as advised at regular intervals. Numerous invoices from its current ownership are on file, as well as invoices from Monaco Motors in 2002 and 2004 prior to its acquisition by the consignor. The F355 GTS’ last major service was carried out by F.M.A Ferrari in September 2024 and included fitting a new windscreen, new rear brake pads, timing belts, spark plugs, a new battery, and restoration of the dashboard.
Unquestionably one of the greatest racing drivers in any discipline, Michael Schumacher heralded in a new age of dominance for Scuderia Ferrari in F1, returning the team to the top step of the podium in both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. Likewise, the F355 is considered by many to be a watershed moment in Ferrari’s modern history, a truly fabulous driver’s car worthy of the Cavallino Rampante.
Even when not considering its Schumacher connection, this is a fabulous example of one of Ferrari’s most desirable mid-engined sports cars, finished in a seldom-seen colour scheme, in the rare and desirable GTS body style, and equipped with the must-have option of a six-speed manual gearbox. Schumacher’s connection with the car only adds to its allure, and needless to say, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
What: 1996 Porsche 911 Targa Color:Blue Turquoise(blautuerkis; non-metallic UNI; J1; Porsche) VIN: N/A Mileage: 131,000 km (81,400 miles) Price at Time of this Writing: €114,993 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Schoten, Belgium Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it: In the lexicon of air-cooled Porsche 911s, the 993 Targa is both obscure and hard to find. By the final air-cooled type 993 generation, Porsche had ditched the full-width open top with roll hoop-style design it had pioneered throughout F-body, G-body and 964 generations, replacing them with a more livable (and heavier) glass panorama-style panel that slide back underneath the rear window glass. It’s a design that would stick around through 996 and 997 generations. During the 993 generation, it wasn’t terribly popular, making it a rare find today. Now add a very rare paint color and you have a very unique find indeed.
The hue is Blue Turquoise, paired over Classic Grey (Code TT) leather for a beautiful appearance. It’s also got a manual 6-speed. Given most of the ones we’ve seen have Tiptronic automatic transmissions, we’d wager this makes it even more rare and desirable.
This particular car shows as having been delivered first to Porsche AG as a company car of some sort. Maintenance history, performed exclusively at Porsche facilities, show the carefully logged history of the car.
– 29 km: Delivery by Porsche Stuttgart – 17,412 km: Maintenance by Porsche AG – 39.314 km: Maintenance by Porsche AG – 57,180 km: Maintenance by Porsche AG – 84.978 km: Maintenance by Porsche Centrum Levallois, France (Invoice available) – 108,994 km: Maintenance by Porsche Centrum Levallois, France (Invoice available) – 126,859 km: Maintenance by Porsche Centrum Antwerpen (Invoice available)
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.
DETROIT, MI — Known for incredibly detailed one-of-a-kind Hummer customizations, Mil-Spec Automotive is debuting their newest bespoke build, #006. The sixth new H1 from the Detroit-based company features a sleek slant-back and an overall design heavily inspired by its celebrated military platform. Aiming for the perfect blend of tactical-inspired power paired with modern engineering, #006 represents the finest H1 build yet from Mil-Spec Automotive.
“Six really is the culmination of everything our company has learned over the past four years restoring both the military and civilian model Hummers down to the smallest detail,” comments Mil-Spec Automotive CEO Adam Mitchell. “These trucks offer so much potential and really are amazing platforms for a company like ours to come in and re-engineer as well as redesign them as bespoke builds for enthusiasts looking for something completely different.”
As a starting point, Mil-Spec Automotive used their second build (another slant-back) as inspiration. The commissioning client requested a higher-fidelity version of #002. Mil-Spec Automotive Lead Designer Ian Broekman created the overall theme, opting for a more utilitarian aesthetic that highlights the strong H1 stance with a clean design. Mil-Spec Automotive wanted to evolve every aspect of #006, and tighten up every aspect of the truck in terms of design, engineering, fit, and finish.
A 1996 4-door slant-back H1 served as the donor vehicle. As with every Mil-Spec Automotive build, the vehicle is completely disassembled and rebuilt to mint condition. The job involves replacing the factory seam-sealed floorpan with a fully welded aluminum unit. The in-depth process also actually shaves some vehicle weight while significantly adding rigidity and dampening overall road noise. Mil-Spec Automotive also fabricates any necessary replacement body panels out of aerospace-grade aluminum. This includes door skins as needed.
The most unique aspect of #006 is its adjustable suspension system. The #002 Slant-Back also had the optional Mil-Spec Air-Ride suspension, but a more refined self-leveling execution was used for the new #006. This system adds about four inches of ride-height adjustment to increase off-road ground clearance when needed via RideTech airbags at each corner. Accuair pneumatics and switches control the airbags for in-cab height adjustability; the self-leveling feature compensates for the added weight of rear-seat passengers and/or cargo. Unsprung weight is controlled to taste via 8-way-adjustable shocks.
Like its predecessor #002, the new slant-back’s exterior is finished in Deep Sky Black textured spray-on polyurethane material, which is infused with Kevlar to help fend off brush and shopping-cart scratches. Black semi-gloss trim accents give a murdered-out effect but with subtle contrast. Other exterior options include the functional Mil-Spec hood scoop that decreases underhood temperatures, heavy-duty bumpers with a front Warn 12,000-pound winch, an all-aluminum offset snorkel, and a windshield-mounted 60-inch Baja Designs OnX6 LED lightbar.
The new Mil-Spec Automotive H1 #006 is part of the company’s inaugural Launch Edition line. Limited to 12 bespoke vehicles created between 2018-2020, all Launch Edition H1 feature significantly upgraded powertrains. Instead of using the original 6.2L GM diesel found in most H1, Mil-Spec Automotive uses the LBZ version of the 6.6L Duramax engine found in the final-production-year 2006 “Alpha” Hummers. Each engine is rebuilt and assembled in-house to produce 500 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant improvement over the original specs: 360 hp/650 lb-ft.
Gear reduction comes from an Allison 6-speed automatic transmissions that is prepped by MSA to handle the extra Duramax power. To maximize reliability, Mil-Spec replaces the factory all-wheel drive system with a late-model GM HD truck system: the part-time New Venture Gear 242 2-speed transfer case so that the front axleshafts aren’t being driven when the vehicle has traction on pavement. To reduce noise/vibration/harshness (NVH), Mil-Spec engineered the motormounts and transmission crossmember to optimize drivetrain angles and add rigidity. Prior to assembly, Mil-Spec powdercoats the frame to combat corrosion.
For #006, Mil-Spec also upgraded the 29-spline axleshafts and 1.92:1 portal gear-reduction units to the military Humvee 12,000 GVWR versions. To maximize traction without adversely compromising steering, a selectable ARB Air Locker was added to the rear axle. Also, brakes are upgraded to Wilwood 12.25-inch slotted/drilled rotors downstream from a Hydratech hydroboost unit that uses the power-steering pump to add pressure to the braking system.
Tires are 38×13.50R20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on 20×9.5 Black Rhino Armory military-look beadlock wheels in Matte Gunblack for a mature and function-focused look. Some customers like the factory Hummer wheels with central tire-inflation system (CTIS), but Mil-Spec Automotive feels that this system is more leak-prone. Instead, most customers work with Mil-Spec to choose aftermarket wheels. For dependable inflation, Mil-Spec Automotive adds an on-board compressor to supply inflation and service air. A quick-disconnect air fitting is mounted on the rear bumper, and a tire-inflation hose is included inside the cab, stored in the rear console.
Mil-Spec Automotive’s in-house designers also work with clients to completely personalize interiors. The overall scheme on #006 is a function-forward two-tone black leather with black Tough Duck marine-grade canvas accents to match the truck’s triple-black theme. Instead of carpeting, Mil-Spec chose an all-weather vinyl fabric for optimal durability. This covers the polyurethane-coated body tub. Sound-deadening material is also added generously to help overcome the H1’s rattly DNA. Acoustic control extends to the padded headliner, which runs the length of the vehicle, through the Slant-Back hardtop.
The rest of the interior retains only the original front-seat brackets. The instrument panel and gauges were designed in-house by Mil-Spec. Features include an altitude reading, GPS speed, and performance-capturing for top speed, 0-60 mph, and quarter-mile times. A MOMO Prototipo steering wheel is covered in upholstery-complementary leather.
All controls and vents are positioned aircraft-style in the custom center console. Dual Vintage Air systems provide separate A/C for front and rear seats. Convenience items also housed in the console include numerous USB and 12v lighter-style power ports, four cupholders, storage trays, and a rear lockbox. Infotainment is marine-grade, 9-speaker JL Audio equipment pumping out 700 watts of power. Dual batteries with a marine-style shut-off and a 200-amp alternator supply sufficient juice for charging and accessories. A back-up camera is integrated into the rearview mirror. Paracord grab-handles extend the tactical overtones. Finally, the customer expressed interest in fitted luggage. Mil-Spec sourced a tactical-inspired solution that matches the truck’s aesthetic with Pelican Elite Travel System Luggage: Carry-On, Weekender, and Vacationer.
MSRP on #006 is $295,039. For more information on its specs or on the remaining Launch Edition build slots, please contact Mil-Spec Automotive, 248-430-5150, www.milspecauto.com.
