Wanderlust

Tag: red

  • EU Market Find: VW T3 Multivan “Limited Last Edition” Oettinger WBX6

    EU Market Find: VW T3 Multivan “Limited Last Edition” Oettinger WBX6

    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.

    This T3 has had five owners and is accident free.

  • EU Market Find: Box-Flared 1991 Audi S2 C5 by ABT Sportsline

    EU Market Find: Box-Flared 1991 Audi S2 C5 by ABT Sportsline

    What: 1991 Audi S2 Coupé C5 by ABT Sportsline
    Color: Laser Red (laserrot; non-metallic; H1; Audi)
    Chassis #: N/A
    Mileage: 140,000 km / 86,991 miles
    Price: €52,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Kaiserclassic, Bromma, Sweden
    Dealer Listing: Link and Link

    Why We Love It:

    When Audi retired its iconic quattro in 1991, replacing it with the all-new S2 Coupé, the now loved 90s-era 2-door wasn’t exactly well received. Sure, it had an updated version of the brand’s turbocharged 20-valve 5-cylinder engine, but it was a bit heavier and… let’s face it… it was missing a certain something… a je ne sais quo as the French say.

    Well, some people were pretty sure they knew. Those box flared fenders on the so-called “ur quattro” may have started as a budgetary decision since they could be stamped into the steel [1], but by the time Audi’s original quattro had been retired, they’d become the go-to element on only the coolest cars – cars like the BMW M3 E30 or the Lancia Delta Integrale. Now, here was the new S2 and it ditched that muscular look for a more efficient and aerodynamic form (as did BMW with the E36 M3 for what it’s worth).

    By 1991 though, German Audi tuning haus ABT Sportsline had figured it out. They’d designed their own box flares and built just 40 examples, of which an estimated ten were turbocharged S2s. Most of the cars were delivered straight to ABT’s headquarters from Audi’s plant in Ingolstadt and were converted based on customer demand, a project managed by Christian Abt. Monaco’s Prince Albert [2] famously took delivery of a pearl white example believed to be a non-S2 Coupe quattro based on its early B3 unframed grille.

    Another known example is the C5 S2 imported to the U.S.A. by Rotiform co-founder Jason Whipple. Whipple imported the car several years ago, and famously chided Hoonigan co-founder Brian Scotto with it on YouTube. That car, very similar in specification to this one including the Laser Red paint, is believed to still be in the U.S.A. and may very well be the only C5 that’s made it to America… at least that we know of.

    The car you see here has always been a Swedish example. We’ll let the dealer’s description pick it up from here:

    “This car, original Abt, was shipped brand new to the Abt-agent in Stockholm. It was used as a showroom and demo car for some time and thereafter sold to the sales manager, Johan Lind. It was used for daily driving a few years with good maintenance. Thereafter it was garaged for a period. In 2001 the car was sold to the Chairman of “Audi Club Sweden”, Lars Jern.

    “In 2002-2004, the new owner got in contact with the famous Audi driver and engineer Anders Carlsson and his tuning-workshop, Ace Competition in Borås, Sweden. The Audi got an upgrade with the tuned 20v engine. The engine was built with the most well known parts and lots of experience. It was built to last long as the greatest legal road-car engine to an output power of 350+ hp.

    “In 2017 the current owner took the Audi back to the famous Anders Carlsson, Ace Competition in Borås Sweden. His company was at this time more like an exclusive private workshop since his old business was sold. A lot of parts were changed and updated, with his expertise. Complete new kits of brakes, pumps, belts, bushings, mounts as well as coil-overs were fitted. The 5-speed gearbox was carefully overhauled. A new front windshield was installed. The original Abt wheels were restored and put back with new Michelin tires. A brand new stainless steel exhaust system including a new catalyst was tailor made by the famous Swedish stainless steel workshop tuner Ferrita AB.

    “A professional paint-job was done in 2019 / 2020, original color. The last years the car has been driven only a few days per year, in between it was stored in a warm garage. Oil and filter has anyhow been changed yearly. Brake fluid is changed in 2021. During the winter 2023 the turbo charger, Borg Warner, was sent to SL-turbo in Degerfors, (Ace Competiotion partner) for a complete overhaul. The turbo got a new original Borg Warner housing. The hydraulic servopump was changed to a newly rebuilt RS2 pump bought from Autewo GmbH in Germany. This replacement work was done by certified Audi workshop at Möller Bil, Västerås

    “The headlights are replaced and converted to xeon in 2020. They turn on automatically, even in daylight (the law in Sweden), but with moving the control one step upwards you could drive without headlights.”

    Worth Noting:

    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.

  • EU Market Find: Rare Saab 900 Turbo S Ruby Edition Hits Market in Netherlands

    EU Market Find: Rare Saab 900 Turbo S Ruby Edition Hits Market in Netherlands

    What: 1993 Saab 900 Turbo S Ruby Edition
    Color: Ruby Red (rubinröd; metallic uni; 242; Saab)
    Chassis #: YS3AD35
    Mileage: 197,500 km / 122,720
    Price: €37,995
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Doetinchem, The Netherlands
    Seller Listing: Link

    Why We Love It:

    Nothing says 1980s quite like a Saab 900 Turbo. Back in the Reagan era and even then quirky, Saabs came into vogue for their unique shape, hatchback and early use of turbochargers… not to mention kitschy yet trademark three-spoke wheel designs. The Swedish brand from Trollhättan built a cult-like following, long before being purchased by GM and later shuttered by GM during the great recession.

    All that serves to make an already obscure car even more obscure in the collectors market. Throw in an UK-market super limited edition (converted to left hand drive for your non-UK driving pleasure) and you have, what we’d argue, achieved peak obscurity. Enter the Saab 900 Turbo S Ruby Edition.

    The year was 1993, and Saab UK wanted to do something special. The idea was a special edition model limited to just 150 units. With no intentions of homologation or anything like that, the plan was basically a color and trim package, but from a brand that didn’t offer many limited editions it was and remains a highly collectible thing amongst Saab-o-philes.

    At its center is the Ruby Red paint, from which it draws its name. It also got a unique Bridge of Weir Scottish ‘Buffalo’ leather upholstery with ruby-matching Zegna wool inserts [1]. The original Ruby Edition also got color-coded bumpers and grey three-spoke wheels rather than silver [2] in order to set it apart from other period Saab 900 offerings in the UK. From the factory, the car boasted the brand’s turbocharged 16-valve 4-cylinder tuned to 185 bhp.

    While hardcore collectors may grouse, those seeking this car as a drivable classic will likely appreciate the primarily OEM plus modifications you’ll find in the listing linked above. These include the aforementioned left hand drive conversion, and also European bumpers, Aero skirts and GT specs, 16-inch Saab Aero wheels with polished rims, engine upgrades to about 225 hp, Saab 9000 front brakes, OEM rear wiper retrofit, OEM exterior temperature gauge, Bilstein shocks, Blaupunkt Radio, LED dash lights and headlights, OEM third brake light from Saab 900 Classic and more. The seller even lists that he’s got louvered slats for the rear window if that’s desired.

    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.

  • Color Check: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in Scala Red

    Color Check: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II in Scala Red

    Rolls-Royce recently dropped basic color and specification from the Cullinan Series II and Black Badge Cullinan Series II global media drive held in Ibiza back in June. Alas, we weren’t on that drive, but we are able to share the basic color information in order to help inspire those ordering Rolls-Royces of their own, or considering Rolls-Royce hues in build specifications from other manufacturers. 

    We’ve been adding each car in our Color Check over the last few weeks. Next up is this Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II christened ‘Protagonist’. It’s finished in Monteverde (scalaredmetallic; metallic uni; R97; Rolls-Royce).

    Though not officially sited, the deep red of Rolls-Royce’s Scale Red Metallic is spot-on similar to the trademark red carpets and curtains that adorn the interior of Milan’s Teatro Alla Scala that dates back to 1778.

    Interestingly, the theatre has a unique history with Rolls-Royce. According to the Museo Teatrale Alla Scala, on the night of August 15th, 1943 the theatre sustained considerable damage from an air raid carried out by the Royal Air Force. Bombers used in those runs were comprised of Lancasters and Halifaxes that would have both been powered by Rolls-Royce Merline engines.

    It is said that reconstruction of the Scala theatre began with an unusual concert amidst the wreckage, with the orchestra seated in front of the curtain and the audience seated on ordinary chairs. The theatre was rapidly rebuilt and was reopened less than three years later on May 11, 1946.

    Could that be the reason this Rolls-Royce has been christened ‘Protagonist’? That’s unclear, but it makes for a great story paying a nod to European history that is not so black and white as this Cullinan’s interior.

  • EU Market Find: Red-on-Red 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI

    EU Market Find: Red-on-Red 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI

    What: 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI
    Color: Peru Red (perurot; non-metallic UNI; 042; Porsche)
    Chassis Number: 9114600829
    Mileage: 40,877 km, 25,399 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: €169,911
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Witmer & Odijk, Warmond, Netherlands
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Nothing like a highly unique car in a highly unique build. In 1974, one year after producing the legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7, Porsche introduced the 911 2.7 with mechanical fuel injection (MFI). And while it had gone to G-body construction including bigger and heavier bumpers, it made up for that with countermeasures such as lighter seats an aluminum arms in the rear suspension. All told, it weighed in at 1075 kg (2370 lbs) and was capable of 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds… in 1974. Though they don’t command the premiums of the Carrera RS 2.7, there’s no question that 1974 911 Carrera MFI specimens are sought after. Now throw in a sensational build specification and you have something really special.

    Having had just two owners, the first was an Italian show manufacturer and that’s likely the reason for the very unique specification. Color over like color is always an interesting choice, and this Peru Red over red example would be already very distinctive, though that’s made even more unique due to the presence of the 1974 Carrera sport fabric also seen here in red that is both very rare and appears to be very well kept.

    Peru Red was not a Paint to Sample affair, but it was offered during the 1974 model year. For the casual observer, it might be hard to spot the differences from Peru red to more common Porsche reds such as Guards Red or Signal Red. Park it next to the others though and it’s immediately obvious that Peru Red has more of a brick or terra cotta quality to it.

  • Market Find: “The Denmark Commission” Singer Classic Study Porsche 911

    Market Find: “The Denmark Commission” Singer Classic Study Porsche 911

    What: 1990 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic Study “The Denmark Commission”
    Color: Rome Red Metallic 
    VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZLS402183
    Mileage: 3,728 since Singer restoration
    Price at Time of this Writing: $950,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Culver City, CA
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    In modern parlance, the “Classic Study” from Singer is effectively its original format. While in the earliest days of the Southern California-based Porsche reimagineer this was the Singer model, subsequent launches of the extreme DLS or more G-body inspired Turbo now mean the original F-body or so-called “longhood” inspired car is known as the “Classic Study”.

    In the Classic Study, this may very well be the most iconic form for a Singer. It harks that initial era of the 911 in a remarkably elegant way. And should you spec it like this “Denmark Commission” in a color that harks original hues of that era (Rome Red Metallic in this case), while speccing the interior in something equally as simple as those late 60s / early 70s cars (like say… black leather), you get a car that looks legitimately of the period it is meant to hark. Sure, park it next to an original red F-body 911 S and the differences are clear, but we still love the idea of staying true to the roots and remaining understated with such an extravagant build.

    As you may have guessed, the Denmark Commission was built for a Danish client, and completed in December of 2017. Over the years, Singer built 450 examples of the Classic Study before capping off the series with accepted orders ending in June 2022. The current American owner of the car purchased it in 2023.

    It’s rare that a Singer Classic Study comes onto the market. This one has landed with RM Sotheby’s in their Private Sales division. Check out more photos and details via the car’s official listing.

  • Market Find: 2023 Audi exclusive RS e-tron GT in Matador Red

    Market Find: 2023 Audi exclusive RS e-tron GT in Matador Red

    What: 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT
    Color: Matador Red (matadorrot; metallic UNI; Y3S; Audi)
    VIN: WAUBHBFW4P7901038
    Mileage: 20,090 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: $82,999
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Manheim, PA
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Audi exclusive paint on the four rings’ RS e-tron GT is more rare than you’d think, making cars like this one even more special when they come to market. This one is in handsome Matador Red Metallic, offering a fresh take on the familiar RS e-tron GT form.

  • Color Focus: Porsche Guards Red – Y39

    Color Focus: Porsche Guards Red – Y39

    CODE:  Y39, also 027, G1, 84A, 80K, M3A, LM3A, L80K

    TYPE: Non-Metallic

    CONTENT ARCHIVE: Guards Red

    SUMMARY:

    Guards Red (indischrot; non-metallic UNI; Y39; Porsche) a.k.a. “India Red” is maybe the most Porsche of Porsche colors. No, it’s not a quirky shade nor has it got “Signal” in the name, but it is perhaps the most ubiquitous. It seems like half the Porsches delivered in the 1980s could have been Guards Red, a time when it was not uncommon for owners of less desirably colored Porsches to respray their non-red Porsche to fit in.

    Near as we can tell, Guards Red begins around 1974 on the 911 and never really stops from that point on. Porsche’s official color configurator lists the color code as Y39, though many other codes have been assigned to Guards Red over the years, including: 027, G1, 84A, 80K, M3A, LM3A and L80K.

    Beyond ubiquitousness, Guards Red was also significant on track and also the silver screen. Originally India Red, the color was one of the initial 15 colors to be painted on the iconic Porsche 911 RSRs run in the 1973-1974 IROC series. More on the pop culture side of the Porsche cultural spectrum are movie cars, including a Guards Red Porsche 911 Cabriolet in Against all Odds and an early 944 that starred in Sixteen Candles.

    Guards Red isn’t exactly a primary red, which may explain why it didn’t get a name like “Signal Red”. It tends to be a bit more orange than primary, and perhaps just a tad darker. However it’s been tuned to deviate with a basic primary red, the formula has proven not just to be winning, but so beloved that its presence in the Porsche lineup near seems to end.

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  • Market Find: Tizian Red Metallic Audi TT RS Heritage Edition

    Market Find: Tizian Red Metallic Audi TT RS Heritage Edition

    What: 2022 Audi TT RS Heritage Edition
    Color: Tizian Red Metallic (tizianrotmetallic; metallic UNI; LB3V; Audi)
    VIN: WUAASAFV8N1900768
    Mileage: 2,568
    Price at Time of this Writing: $84,901
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Mini of Knoxville, TN
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Every once in a while, a limited or special edition model comes to market that shows just how much attention to detail a brand’s product planning department gets it. The MY2022 TT RS Heritage Edition was one of those cars. Audi built just 10 each of five different heritage colors, each with their own interior specification. In this case, it was Tizian Red Metallic of the ur quattro era and paired with Audi exclusive Havanna Brown leather and Jet Grey stitching.

    The original press release materials linked above don’t really do the cars actual colors justice, so it’s always nice to see one in person. They don’t pop up on the market much, so when they do we take notice. This one’s got barely any mileage on it as well, so collectors should take note.

  • BMW M Says Paint it Red

    BMW M Says Paint it Red

    BMW M continues its Individual focus on social media with one of its latest posts focusing on red hues offered by the brand. So, when it comes to scarlet, which red would you choose?

    We’re unable to embed the post HERE, so we’re attaching the image here. In it, BMW simulates the M4 Coupé in Fire Red II (fuerrrotii; non-metallic uni; 375; BMW), Imola Red II (imolarot; non-metallic uni; 405; BMW), Ruby Star Neo (rubinrotiiperleffekt; metallic; S03; BMW), Madeira Red (madeirarot; metallic; R20; BMW) and Damast Red (damastrot; metallic; B03; BMW).