What: 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Color: Paint to Sample Viola Metallic(viola; metallic UNI; 39G / 3AE / 54; Porsche) VIN: WP0AC2A88MS289456 Mileage: 4,597 miles Price: $159,888 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Link:Porsche San Luis Obispo
The 718 Cayman GT4 (and Boxster Spyder for that matter) are Tailored Driver favorites for a number of reasons, most of them fairly obvious- size, shape, power, etc. Further tugging on our heartstrings, this particular example is finished in the dark and moody Viola Metallic, paired with Carbon Fiber bucket seats that happen to feature CXX-tailored Hounds Tooth inserts. Someone really lucky is going to get this, shame it won’t be us.
What: 1993 BMW 316i Touring Color: BMW Individual Daytona Violet(daytonaviolett; metallic uni; 283; BMW) VIN: N/A Mileage: 142,915 miles Price: $14,000 OBO CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Woodstock, GA Link: Facebook Marketplace
Given the E30 BMW 3-Series was never sold as a station wagon (a.k.a. Touring in BMW speak) in the United States, nor did it sell the 1.6-liter 316 version, this car would likely qualify for one of our European Market Watch finds… except it’s already present in the U.S.A. according to Facebook Marketplace for Woodstock, Georgia.
As specifications go, it’s compelling. BMW Individual Daytona Violet paint over handsome sport cloth, a 5-speed manual and a wagon make it very compelling. Worth noting though, further shots and video of the car over on Facebook Marketplace also show some wear and tear that is to be expected on a 142,915 mile chassis. The U.S. got the 325i (2.5-liter inline 6) and 318i (1.8-liter four cylinder), meaning this car is less potent than any of the U.S. offerings. Even still, you won’t find wagons in America and you’d be hard pressed to find fun BMW Individual colors like Daytona Violet in this era of American offerings either.
Europe in the 90’s, man. What a strange time. The kind of time, in fact, where a well-to-do professional would put down real money for a brand new 528i, opt for BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic (great!), and also check the box for whatever this two-tone blue and beige, umm, statement piece is. Then, we can only assume, the owner came-to from whatever they’d ingested, and simply never drove it. Having covered just 6,990 kilometers in the past 27 years, a lot of statements can be applied here, but we can all agree that those who saw this car likely never forgot it.
What: 2018 Audi S5 sportback Color: Audi exclusive Merlin Purple(merlin purple; pearl effect; 4B / LZ3W / Z3W; Audi) VIN: WAUB4CF51JA075543 Mileage:75,577 miles Price: $34,988 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Milford, OH Link: Mid America Auto Group
While seemingly uncommon in the real world, Audi exclusive’s Merlin Purple sure is a frequent flyer in the world of Tailored Driver. Seen here on an S5 sportback, Merlin may not be for everyone but those bold enough to take the jump are rewarded with a deep, dynamic hue that is certain to be a conversation starter. At $35k, this Tailored Driver may be priced a bit higher compared to similar year and mile S5 sportbacks on the market and it does have an accident on the CarFax, but for the right buyer it might be worth the jump.
What: 1997 BMW 540i Color: BMW Individual Aubergine(aubergine; non-metallic UNI; 348; BMW) VIN: unknown Mileage: 115,000 miles Price: $11,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Fair Lawn, NJ Listing: Link
We’re fond of tone on tone cars, wearing the same color on the inside as they do on the outside. White on white was popular in the 80s, blue on blue isn’t that uncommon, F40s were red on red, and green on green happens. Purple on purple though, that’s almost never seen… and yet here one is in the form of a 1997 BMW 540i that is purple inside and out.
Technically, this color is Aubergine, the BMW version and not the Porsche version that appears to be darker. Some quick research shows remarkably that this wasn’t the only one built to this spec. Even still, it sounds like two or three may have been sold here in the USA. Even that begs the question on how two or three buyers would have landed on a color combination so unique. They all appear to be 540i configurations, though not all have automatic transmissions as does this car.
Is there more to the story? We haven’t found it yet, but suspect there is. In the meantime, this car is an excellent example of an affordable tailored driver. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a car this unique at an approachable price, but they happen and this purple on purple E39 is proof positive of that.
Bonus points to the seller for both knowing the paint name and sharing a photo of the factory decal confirming it.
What: 1999 BMW M3 Evolution Convertible Color: BMW Individual Violet Blue(violettblau; non-metallic; 528; BMW)) Chassis #: WBSBK920X0EX67158 Mileage: 46,400mi Price: Auction CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Ryan Friedman Motorcars, Glen Cove, NY Auction Link:Link
Why We Love It:
The M3 we didn’t get, in a color we couldn’t- there’s a ton to like here. Sure the E36 generation’s M3 was offered in the US, but to many enthusiasts (or snobs), the S52 that powered it wasn’t really an M motor, just a 328i motor that’d been hot rodded a bit. Regardless of opinion, this M3 has the full-fat M3 Evo motor, and more importantly, the 6 speed manual that was specific to the Evo version. Further adding to the conversation is that this Tailored Driver is a right hand drive version, and a convertible- hardly the hardcore enthusiast’s choice. But to us, this represents a great opportunity to get in the Tailored market with a genuinely cool car.
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.
What: 2007 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 Color: Viola Ophelia (violaophelia; metallic uni; 0061; Lamborghini) Chassis #: ZHWBA37S07LA02526 Mileage: 17,383 km, 10,801 miles Price Estimate: €200,000 to €260,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: RM Sotheby’s Paris Auction 2025 Auction listing:Link
Why We Love It (and You Probably Can’t Have It):
When we feature cars from Europe or other markets, we tend to limit them to cars that are of an age that is easily importable. From Europe to the U.S., that’s 25 years and so a car first sold in 2027 like this Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 doesn’t qualify. We’re truly sorry about that, but this Ad Personam special deserves mentioning just the same.
As colors go, Viola Ophelia is said to have first appeared during Diablo era. It’s an Ad Personam exclusive color, making this really and truly a tailored spec. In this case, it’s paired with a two-tone mauve and cream leather interior with diamond stitching.
This car is reported to have been delivered new to the Middle East in April of 2007. From there it was registered in Monaco, then later sold to the current Danish consignor in 2022.
The car is believed to be one of just two Murciélagos built in this color. The transmission is Lamborghini’s 6-speed E-Gear automated manual transmission, and it’s also got the nose lift system.
Alas, it’s not old enough to import into the USA just yet, so maybe register it in Monaco for seven more years before it can join your stateside collection.
Fourth-generation bespoke GTC auctioned at 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) benefitting the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF)
Auction lot 45 raised $1.7M in 2025, the highest lot of the day
Auction winner to take delivery of Bentley’s latest open top grand tourer and join exclusive 2025 Monterey Car Week program
GTC sports unique Damson exterior with bespoke Mulliner interior of White and Damson hides with Silver Piping
Specification curated by Mulliner with Bentley Naples for the auction
The NWWF, in its 25th anniversary year, resulted in the most successful auction ever raising more than $34M for the NCEF
[source: Bentley]
Naples, FL – The first bespoke new Continental GTC Speed was auctioned for charity at this year’s Naples Winter Wine Festival. Bentley’s latest pinnacle open top grand tourer took part in the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), raising $1.7M to support at-risk and underprivileged children in Collier County. This brings the total amount raised at the 2025 NWWF to over $34 million, resulting in the most successful auction to date for its 25th anniversary year.
The Bentley Naples auction lot included two core areas: delivery of a unique Continental GTC Speed with Mulliner specification crafted specifically designed for the Naples Winter Wine Festival and an exclusive one-off package and access to Bentley’s largest event of the year, Monterey Car Week, taking place in August 2025.
The GTC features a striking Damson exterior paint paired with a Dark Grey Metallic fabric roof, while the Light Grey interior roof complements the White main hide and Damson secondary hide, accented with silver seat piping. Adding to its exclusivity are personalized Naples Winter Wine Festival treadplates, blackline and touring specifications, LED welcome lights, and a Moonbeam-painted pinstripe around the exterior. The GTC also features a unique piano white and Damson-painted veneer, a specification exclusive to Mulliner, making this vehicle truly one of a kind.
This year, for the first time, Bentley auctioned its most powerful engine offering, the Ultra Performance Plug-In Hybrid V8, which produces 771 horsepower, over 100 more than the previous version, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds.
In addition to the new Continental GTC, the winners will experience Bentley’s exclusive Monterey Car Week 2025 program in August, the brand’s most significant activation of the year. The package includes four nights of luxury accommodations at The Inn at Spanish Bay, two tickets to Bentley’s VIP Terrace during The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and two VIP tickets to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, complete with access to The Bench hospitality suite at The Lodge, offering unparalleled views of the prestigious awards. Winners will also receive an exclusive invitation to Bentley’s Beach Dinner at Seal Rock Beach and access to Bentley’s Signature Party at the Beach and Tennis Club.
“Bentley Motors is pleased to support Bentley Naples as we see through another successful auction at the Naples Winter Wine Festival continuing its charitable efforts,” said Jun Watanabe, Senior Director, Sales and Operations at Bentley Americas. “Contributing to the community and fostering a sense of purpose are integral to our broader understanding of sustainability, paving the way for future generations to thrive.”
As part of Bentley’s commitment to philanthropy, the proceeds from the auction benefited the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), which works to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Collier County, Florida. The Naples Winter Wine Festival, now in its 25th year, is celebrated for its exceptional auction lots and its dedication to community impact, having raised more than $336 million since its inception.
“We have been honored to be involved with the Naples Winter Wine Festival Auction since 2006 and it’s transformative work the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF),” said Jason Reidel, Managing Partner of Bentley Naples. “Each year, together with Bentley Motors Inc we are grateful for the opportunity to play a role in supporting this incredible mission and making a meaningful difference in our special Southwest Florida community.”
“We are sincerely grateful to Bentley for allowing us to showcase this phenomenal automobile in our 25th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival live auction,” said Bill Beynon, Team 25 Co-Chairs. “Their extraordinary support this year and in the past several years has enabled us to raise much needed funds for essential programs that will improve the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in our community.”
About Naples Winter Wine Festival The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised more than $336 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County.
What: 1987 Ferrari 412 Color: Prugnia / Prugna (prugnametallise; metallic uni; 306; Ferrari) Chassis: Unknown Mileage: 71,202 km / 44,242 mi Price: €69,900 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Time 2 Drive, Wavre, Belgium Sales listing:Link
Why we love it:
If you’re into quirky Ferraris, they don’t get much more quirky than Ferrari’s 412 grand touring coupe. Now throw in full leather light beige interior, an automatic gearbox and purple metallic paint and you have a seriously unique build.
The color isn’t just rare, it’s also perhaps up for debate… at least its translation. The dealer has it listed as “prugnia”, Italian for plum. It appears the better known name as found in our research is “prugna”, with no “i” and translating to prune. We’re going to lean towards plum, that sounds enticing whereas prune is decidedly less attractive we’d guess. In that, we’re siding with the dealer’s take on the color name.
Notably, it’s a slush box, which makes it less desirable but also makes it more affordable. It’s also in remarkably good condition. It’s also got a sun visor signed by its designer Leonardo Fiorvanti, a neat detail. It was also chosen by Ferrari Belgium to be part of the Ferrari 70 Years display at Autoworld in Brussels.
Here’s what the dealer shares in the listing (linked above).
German car delivered new by Auto Becker in Dusseldorf on 19th february 1987, then send to Zwitserland and, by the end, imported to Belgium by the actual owner of the car in 2013.
This car is regularly driven by the owner to go on vacation or during touristic rallye’s.
The owner had the opportunity to meet personnaly the designer of the 412, Mister Leonardo Fioravanti and he decided to sign the car on the sun visor (see picture)
This car was also selected by Ferrari Belgium for display on the Expo “Ferrari 70 years” in the museum Autoworld in Brussels
Officina Valenti, the well-known Ferrari specialist take care of it since 2013
Regularly maintenance
Replacement of belts and power steering pump
Replacement both fuel pumps
Replacement of exausts
Replacement of 12 injectors and revision of the K-Jetronics systems
……..
Mechanically, the car drives perfectly
New paint in the original color a few years ago
The pneumatic suspension is working perfectly
Will be delivered with original books
Belgian registration
Time2Drive is mandated by the owner for the sale of this car
