What: 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 Color: Hermès Orange (unknown) Chassis #: V8/10519/RCA Mileage: 72,528 kilometers, 45,066 miles Estimated Price: US$130,000 – US$180,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Bonhams Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Auction, Paris, France Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
Spoiler alert. The car you see here has been repainted, but in grand style and a truly unique shade that makes it so very one-of-a-kind that we can’t not report on it. The car you see here was actually delivered new as a right-hand drive coupé painted Cairngorm Brown with an Olive interior – a very subdued British car for a British customer who lived not far from the Aston Martin factory.
After shuffling through a few well-accounted for owners, the car shifted to the ownership of a prominent Emir in 2010 who commissioned a conversion to left-hand drive and a color change inside and out to Hermès orange.
From there it went to its current owner, who had it restored by Le Clos de Calatrava in collaboration with Aston Martin Works UK, completing that job in October 2024. Even still, the unique orange on orange color choice was retained.
The car is now ready for its next owner and will be sold as part of Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Auction in early February.
KAMM creates the ultimate lightweight 912c sports car with classic looks, incredible dynamics, and daily driver usability
Latest 912c brings a soft-window Targa to the KAMM family, using the proven Semi-Carbon 912c specification to create an exhilarating open sports car
Carbon fibre construction at core of lightweight philosophy resulting in sub-800kg weight
Launch model features KAMM produced roof rack and surfboard finished in Tangerine
[source: KAMMManufaktur]
Budapest, Hungary – KAMManufaktur is officially launching its 912c Targa, a car with all the lightweight purity expected from KAMM, but with the much sought-after soft-window Targa body.
The KAMM 912c has become renowned around the world for its light weight, high-quality build, classic looks and exhilarating performance. In a world of ever-increasing electronic driver management, the KAMM 912c allows owners to take back control and enjoy a truly analogue driving experience.
Now well into manufacturing and delivering KAMM 912c cars around the world, founder Miklos Kazmer faced one returning question – will there ever be an open-roof version? Kazmer is well known for his unwavering commitment to retaining authenticity in every car he creates and so, if there was to be an open 912c it had to be a soft-window Targa.
In the mid-sixties, the US was considering banning convertible cars for safety reasons. In the end it didn’t happen, but the decision was made to fit a roll-hoop to the 912 together with a removable central roof section and rear window. With a glass rear window being made an option from 1967, the soft-window Targa is the true original, open 912.
“The KAMM 912c is now being built for clients all around the world, from the US to Australia and mainland Europe to the Far East,” says Kazmer. “Many potential clients live in areas blessed with great weather and want to experience all a KAMM has to offer. With that in mind I created the KAMM 912c Targa. Based on the soft-window Targa, it retains classically original looks but is every inch a true KAMM.”
To celebrate the launch of the 912c Targa, a special one-off version has been created and is available for sale.
This exclusive launch model will be created using an original 1968 soft window 912 Targa (an original EU car, with Belgian papers), meticulously restored and re-engineered to KAMM Semi-Carbon specification and finished in period Tangerine paintwork with a tobacco leather interior and Porsche Pasha inserts.
To give the car a unique look it is fitted with KAMM aluminium steel lookalike wheels, Cibie spot lights, a KAMM carbon roof rack and a very special KAMM surfboard. The interior also comes with a host of discretely fitted standard features, including a high-quality audio system.
“I wanted to launch the KAMM 912c Targa with a one-off model,” says Kazmer. “As with all KAMM cars, the 912c Targa will be equally at home on the street as it is the track, and what better way to enjoy life than a fast drive to the beach in a soft-window KAMM 912c Targa, ready for a day of fun and relaxation.“
As with the 912c coupe, every donor car is carefully restored and re-engineered to perfection, creating the perfect base template on which to build the KAMM 912c Targa.
Based on the Semi-Carbon 912c the Targa’s panels are made in-house from carbon fibre, as is the iconic rollover hoop with its famous Targa badge. As well as using carbon fibre for the body panels, wing mirrors and seat backs, the windows are manufactured from lightweight, scratch-proof Lexan polycarbonate.
KAMM engineers have spent hundreds of hours discreetly reinforcing the body, using the latest automotive technology, to provide the required rigidity when driving enthusiastically. An FIA specification roll-cage can also be fitted, if required.
As with all KAMM models, the original 1.6-litre, air-cooled engine is increased to 2.0 litres and every component benefits from the team’s obsessive attention to detail. Power is upgraded to 185hp with torque of 205Nm but in line with its everyday character, 170Nm of torque is available from as low as 2,000rpm. Its five-speed dogleg transmission has a choice of short, long or touring gearing. The short-shifter itself has been designed and engineered by KAMM and connects to a Porsche hydraulic racing clutch before power is sent to a limited-slip differential.
As with all KAMM models, every 912c Targa will be built to the owners chosen specification, with unlimited paint and interior options and a number of technical specification and styling options to choose from.
The exclusive, launch edition KAMM 912c Targa is available at €395,000 with delivery available to anywhere in the world.
2025 build slots for bespoke KAMM 912c and KAMM 912c Targa are available now.
KAMM 912c Targa Specifications Body:
Original bodywork fully restored by KAMM
KAMM Sem-Carbon specification including carbon fibre front hood, front wings, doors, front bumper and splitter, rear decklid, rear bumper and numerous interior, structural and engine parts
Lightweight windows manufactured from hardened, scratchproof Lexan polycarbonate
Carbon fibre wing mirrors created by KAMM based on the famous Talbot 3000
Performance-oriented aerodynamic underfloor covering and front splitter
Option of full bolt-in roll cage to FIA specifications
Engine:
KAMM engineered 2.0 litre air-cooled 616 4-cylinder engine 185hp at 6,500rpm and 205Nm at 5,200rpm. 7,200rpm redline
170Nm of torque available as low as 2,000rpm
Individual throttle bodies
Bespoke intake and exhaust primaries
Reduced friction from revised cooling blades
KAMM airbox with active valve connections
Exhaust:
Bespoke performance exhaust
Exhaust engineered to allow full flow or operate in quiet mode
Gearbox:
Original 901 5-speed dogleg gearbox upgraded by KAMM to provide a reassuringly precise shift feel
Three gearing patterns: short, long and touring
Linkage and short shifter developed by KAMM
ZF limited slip differential
Porsche hydraulic racing clutch
Electrics:
Wire harness and connectors developed to motorsport specification
Electronic control unit by SCS with two modes for daily driving or performance and track
Power Distribution Module
Smiths gauges produced to KAMM specification
175 amp alternator developed by WOS Performance
Interior:
Choice of racing or touring carbon fibre seats
Range of FIA specification belts and harnesses available
Fusina Racing steering wheel
Comfort features include electric air-conditioning, lightweight carpeting, and a sound system with Morel speakers
Comfort options include heated seats
Suspension and brakes:
TracTive bespoke semi-active front and rear coilover suspension
Brembo brakes with ventilated discs and hydraulic handbrake
Wheel options:
Classic design with steel-look aluminium wheels in R15/R16 J6
Replica 917 style carbon 360 wheels in R15/6.5
Iconic three-piece 917 style wheels in R15 J7
About KAMMManufaktur Founded by Miklós Kázmér in Budapest, Hungary, KAMM focuses solely on the 912 sports car produced between 1965-1969. Renowned for being the lightest of all the road-going 911/912s, but with a better balance than a typical 911, the 912 may not be an obvious choice for a restomod, but its slim, simple lines, outstanding handling and iconic 4-cylinder engine makes the 912 the perfect choice for a KAMM creation.
The KAMM 912c is an exquisitely engineered, beautifully built, modern take on the 60s sports car icon. In an age where electronics take over many of the driver inputs, the KAMM 912c offers something different in the world of restomods in that it maintains the charm of a 1960s racer, with sensitive updates, instead of trying to completely modernise the 912 driving experience.
KAMM improves on perfection, without compromise, building on existing greatness to create the KAMM 912c. Taking an original 912, KAMM engineers restore every donor car to perfection, providing the perfect basis for a bespoke creation. Steel is replaced with carbon, seamlessly blended without trace, ensuring flawless fit and finish.
KAMM engineers enhance the chassis, brakes suspension, wheels and tyres and replace all original elements with brand new, factory parts including lights, fixings, and rubbers.
What: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster Color:Fire Orange(feuerorange; non-metallic UNI; U94; BMW) VIN: WBY2Z6C52K7D77174 Mileage: 220 Price at Time of this Writing: N/A, Auction CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Mecum Kissimmee Auction, Kissimmee, FL Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
A BMW i8 is already a rare and quirky thing. Now, throw in BMW Individual Fire Orange paint and matching leather segmentation and stitching and you have a truly unique thing indeed. We found the car posted by Evan Lerner on the BMW Individual market & discussion Group on Facebook where he shared that the car is from the Michael Fox collection, a collector who has had “a few special (BMW) Individual cars in the past,” including an Austin Yellow M2.
The car goes on the block on January 18, so check it out soon.
What: 2023 BMW M4 Competition Color: BMW Individual Fire Orange III (fuerorangeiii; non-metallic uni; P7E; BMW) VIN: WBS43AZ04PCM81308 Mileage: 6,829 miles Price at Time of this Writing: $84,900 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Sam Lehman Jeep, Champaign, IL Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
BMW’s Fire Orange made quite the impact when it was applied to the North American market-specific M3 Lime Rock Edition and RoW-only M3 GTS during the E9X generation, as it was just as in-your-face as the four-liter V8 shoved between it’s front fenders. In the time since, Fire Orange has had a few iterations (now on its third) and take rate seems to be somewhat slim. I suppose we can’t really blame potential buyers for not selecting P7E as their BMW Individual (option code 490) hue of choice when Tailoring a nearly $100,000 M3 or M4, but we have to assume quite a few give it some real thought. With that, we say be bold, enjoy someone else’s depreciation, and take the plunge.
What: 2010 Audi S4 Color:Audi exclusive Solar Orange (non-metallic UNI; LY2G; Audi) VIN: WAUMGAFL7AA093077 Mileage: 27,600 Price at Time of this Writing: $20,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: Pictured below Location: Fountain Inn, SC Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
Incredibly rare early Audi exclusive build in Solar Orange with impossibly uncommon Tuscan Brown two-tone seats, low miles and a 6 speed manual transmission… what’s not to love? Found on Cars and Bids, this Tailored Driver represents an easy (and maybe cheap!) way of getting into something unique while not suffering the parts availability issues that come with proper rarity. Imagine not springing the extra $2,500(!!!) for an exclusive build on your new Audi back in 2010… couldn’t be us.
What: 2013 Audi Q5 hybrid Color: Audi exclusive Papaya Orange (non-metallic UNI; LY2B; Audi) VIN: WA1C8BFP2DA042301 Mileage: 247,000 Price at Time of this Writing: $2,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Hampstead, NC Marketplace listing:Link
Why we love it:
Those memes about sending each other Facebook Marketplace listings of equal parts poor and awesome decisions at 1AM? That’s this Tailored Driver in a nut shell. Entering our radar over the weekend, this Audi exclusive Papaya Orange Q5 hybrid is the kind of thing fever dreams are made of- super rare color, weird options (tan interior and no sunroof?), and ‘needs work’ giving little context to why the price is so low. We’ve reached out to the seller, but apart from an also-ran feature on German Cars for Sale Blog back in the day, details on this Q5 hybrid are slim. Since it already seems to need a new motor, we hope whoever snags this drops in something wild, swaps out the tan interior for Black SQ5 bits, and swings for the fences.
It’s safe to say that Bentley has some most excellent amber hues, and this new Flying Spur Speed in Mandarin (mandarin; metallic UNI; unknown code; Bentley) is quite exemplary of that. This new Flying Spur Speed that turned up on the brand’s Global Media Drive. Bentley has released photos of each car on location for the drive. This includes full build specifications. Going forward, we’re going to be color checking all of them, and first up is this particular specification.
Mandarin is a medium orange from the Bentley Mulliner spectrum, accented on this car with blackware and 22-inch ten swept spoke wheels painted black.
Inside, the cabin is Beluga and Mandarin leather detailed with contrast stitching and dark-tinted Turned Aluminum fascias.
Worth noting, the car also has several options that we’ll list here along with U.S. pricing. These include Mulliner Personal Commission Solid and Metallic ($25,035), ‘Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System ($9,615), Touring Specification ($7,890), Bentley Rotating Display ($6,955), Illuminated Flying ‘B’ in Black Gloss ($5,315), Flying Spur Blackline Specification ($5,175), Wellness Seating ($4,670), 22″ Ten Swept Spoke Wheels – Black Painted ($4,000), Dark Tint Engine Turned Aluminum Fascia ($4,330) and Panoramic Glass and Sunroof with Twin Blinds ($3,645).
Touring Specification includes Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Night Vision and Head-up Display.
Flying Spur Blackline Specification includes Black Gloss Matrix Style Grille and Black Surround, Black Gloss Bumper Lower Matrix Style Grille Surround, Black Gloss Front Headlamp and Rear Lamp Bezels, Black Gloss Side Window, Lower Door and Door Handle Brightware, Black Gloss Wing Vent, and Black Gloss Rear Bumper and Number Plate Surround Brightware.
Wellness Seating includes Postural and Lumbar Adjustments, Cooled and Heated Seating and Massage Functions.
Believed to be used initially as a launch color for the R8 GT, Samoa Orange Metallic (samoaorange; metallic UNI; X2U; Audi) embraced Audi’s heritage for earth tones in the late 2000s, a time that also birthed Ipanema Brown and Teak Brown. This fiery dark orange would later be used as more of a standard color when the first-generation R8 got its facelift, then later on the TT competition. It even shows up on an R8 Mk2 on screen as Tony Stark’s R8 Coupé in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. As a result, Samoa Orange Metallic remains a popular choice in the extended Audi exclusive color palette.
What: 1977 Mercedes Benz SL 280 built by BB Manufaktur Color: Cayenne Orange (cayenneorange; non-metallic UNI; 406; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: UD | F10095 Mileage: 17,500 km Price at Time of this Writing: €61,990 CarFax: N/A MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: N/A Location: Nuremberg, Germany Dealer listing:Auto Zitzmann GmbH
Why we love it:
While the third-generation Mercedes-Benz SL (C107) isn’t hasn’t proven as graceful at aging as the second-generation W113 Pagoda, it has come into its own as 80s cars begin to bask in the glow of Radwood and other Reagan era automotive celebration. Technically though, cars like this 1977 SL 280 pre-date the 80s/90s cut-off of an event like Radwood, but if you can talk your way through the entry line then we think you’d have a good chance at winning with a car like this example. Built by BB Tuning, Rainer Buchmann Frankfurt-based customization shop that built some of the wildest cars you might see, and with a heavy focus on Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Interestingly, this is a stock period correct Mercedes-Benz color. Like the build itself, Cayenne Orange appears to be peak trendy and bordering on kitsch-cool back in the late 1970s. In some ways it was so unique that it aged out quickly and today is undoubtedly cool… even if ironically so.
And speaking of both ironic cool and period trendy, that’s probably the best way to describe how BB Tuning builds such as this car remain today. Likely largely untouched from the day it finished its aftermarket tailored build by BB Tuning, the car commands a presence and a premium well above its bone-stock period counterparts… probably even over pristine Cayenne Orange examples.
Look past the Cayenne Orange paint and color-matched BBS wheels and you’ll find a most interesting interior. Tailored in marbled leather, popular at the time but seldom seen today, it’s not exactly tasteful by today’s standards, but it’s so period and unique that we have no doubt the new owner will love it just the same.
Embracing the period theme even more so is the audio system with components by Blaupunkt. Given the anemic audio comping from the factory at that time, aftermarket stereos were virtually required on builds such as this. Brands like Blaupunkt led the way in the German aftermarket, and this system is based on a Monza head unit with no less than 12 speakers throughout the marbled leather cabin.
Okay, this car’s not for everybody. But, we suspect if you get it then you’ll probably want to get it.
Some colors are just made for the season, and if it’s autumn then we can’t imagine a better fall color than Samoa Orange Pearl (samoaorangepearl; pearl UNI; LX2U / J0; Audi exclusive). Launched initially on the first R8 GT, Samoa Orange is an Audi exclusive finish on this current-generation RS 3 sedan.
We caught this car and a few photos by Ryan Raymond on the Audi Club North America Facebook Group and it looks fantastic. Whether paired with the factory black wheels or aftermarket gold, it’s hard not to love this car.
