Wanderlust

Tag: RM Sothebys

  • Market Find: PECTO 911 GT3 RS, a One-off Sonderwunsch Special with RM Sotheby’s

    Market Find: PECTO 911 GT3 RS, a One-off Sonderwunsch Special with RM Sotheby’s

    What: 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
    Color: Guards Red (guardsrot; non-metallic UNI; 84A / 027 / G1 / 80K / M3A / L80K; Porsche) and White (weiss; non-metallic UNI; C9A; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AF2A95RS272296
    Mileage: undisclosed
    Value: Sealed Bid, Value in Excess of $500,00 US
    CarFax: N//A
    Location: Pickering, ON, Candada
    Auction listing: RM Sotheby’s

    If you have an affinity for both factory one-of-one creations and Canada, you won’t want to miss this 2024 911 GT3 RS. Unveiled at the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show, this one-of-a-kind Sonderwunsch special was built by Porsche Canada to celebrate the opening of the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto (PECTO).

    Obviously, an official Porsche importer wasn’t going to fall short on the details when it came to such a special build, and the so-called “PECTO GT3 RS” received options totaling $415,375 CAD. These included two-tone paint with special Guards Red and White Canada-themed livery, special red and black pepita fabric and countless other details like logos and even a one-off Porsche Design Chronograph.

    The car is listed for sale directly from Porsche Cars Canada, with a percentage of the proceeds going to charity. In addition to the car and the aforementioned watch, the sale also includes a scale model of the car and a driving experience at Porsche Experience Centre Toronto.

    Given the depth of details, we’re going to copy and paste the full description of the car here for the record, though if you’re interested in checking out more on the car and bidding on its sealed bid sale, click through the link above in order to do so.

    Lot Description [source: RM Sotheby’s]

    Designed specifically by Porsche Cars Canada alongside Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur department to announce the opening of the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto, RM Sotheby’s, a company founded and headquartered in Canada, is proud to offer this sensational 911 GT3 RS on behalf of Porsche Cars Canada.

    Built to announce the opening of the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto and unveiled at the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, this car is a stunning showcase of the abilities of the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur “Sonderwunsch” (special wishes) program to design and create automobiles that are unique in every aspect.

    Undeniably Canadian from every angle, the livery on the PECTO GT3 RS is a homage to the Canadian flag utilizing Porsche’s own shades of Guards Red and White and showcases fanatical attention to detail. The offset exterior color split is delineated by the location of the steering wheel’s 12 o’clock marker, with each side of the car boasting deviated accent colors from the main exterior color apparent on that respective side, including the GT3 RS side graphics, maple leaf painted on the roof, the outer lips of the black forged magnesium wheels, maple leaf painted on the centerlocks, Porsche script underneath the rear wing, and the PECTO logo on either side of the rear wing.

    The theme carries through to the GT3 RS’ interior with Pepita inserts on the seat centers and door cards in deviating red and white, red and white contrast stitching on the doors, red and white pass-throughs on the carbon fiber bucket seats, PECTO logos on the headrests, alongside Guards Red seat belts and the chrono stopwatch dial and tachometer in white. Replacing the usual ‘GT3 RS’ script on the illuminated doorsills is an outline of the Toronto skyline, illuminated in red and white.

    In addition to the car’s incredible color scheme, the PECTO GT3 RS remains exceptionally well-optioned including the Weissach package, 90-liter fuel tank, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes with calipers in Gloss Black, front axle lift, preparation for Porsche dashcam, passenger footwell mounted fire extinguisher, LED-Matrix Design headlights in black, Exclusive Design taillights, Bose Surround Sound system, automatic dimming mirrors with integrated rain sensor, pedals and footrest in aluminum, and traffic sign recognition.

    Since the car’s unveiling at the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the PECTO GT3 RS has traveled around Canada to a handful of different Porsche Centres and has now returned to the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto, where it will be on display until the conclusion of the auction. In addition to the car itself, the winning bidder will receive a scale model of the car, a one-off Porsche Design Chronograph, as well as a driving experience at the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto.

    Finally, Porsche Cars Canada has elected that any amount over the PECTO GT3 RS’ reserve price will be donated to Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium), a charity that has brought healing through happiness to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families since 1983. Through in-hospital, community, and overnight camp programs, the organization creates opportunities for children to build friendships and social skills, develop self-confidence and resiliency, and improve their overall well-being. By providing play-based experiences, they empower kids to take back their childhood, regardless of their medical diagnosis. Visit www.campfirecircle.org for more information.

    Some six decades since the official importation of the first 356 to Canada in 1961, the opening of the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto showcases the continuing strength of the Canadian market for Porsche, all while offering Canadian customers an exciting new way to interact with the brand. The PECTO GT3 RS is the embodiment of that Canadian passion for Porsche and a brilliant showcase of the abilities of the Sonderwunsch program, making for a truly Canadian GT3 RS unlike any other.

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  • Market Find: Former Ralph Lauren Ferrari F50 in Giallo Modena Headed to RM Monterey Auction

    Market Find: Former Ralph Lauren Ferrari F50 in Giallo Modena Headed to RM Monterey Auction

    What: 1995 Ferrari F50
    Color: Giallo Modena (giallomodena; non-metallic UNI; 229211; Ferrari)
    VIN: ZFFTG46A2S0104798
    Mileage: 5,400 miles
    Price: $6,500,000 to $7,500,000 pre-auction estimate
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction
    Listing: Link

    As summer sets in, attention turns to Monterey Car Week. We’re beginning to see initial lot listings at the major houses, so why not start highlighting some of our favorites. To that end, we believe this F50 qualifies in spades.

    The color is Giallo Modena, one of just two US specification F50s built in this color. It’s a tasteful configuration, a point that gets driven home when you also mention that it was ordered new by Ralph Lauren who kept it in his possession for eight years.

    The car has logged just 5,400 miles and is Ferrari Classiche Certified. Most of us aren’t in the $6M+ Ferrari F50 market, but for those of us who are you may want to pay attention.

  • Market Find: 2017 Range Rover Custom by Chieftain in RM Sotheby’s Cliveden House Sale

    Market Find: 2017 Range Rover Custom by Chieftain in RM Sotheby’s Cliveden House Sale

    What: 2017 LAnd Rover Range Rover by Chieftain
    Color: Undisclosed Black
    Chassis: SALLAAA135A311116
    Mileage: Undisclosed
    Auction Price Estimate: £80,000 – £120,000 GBP
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Taplow, Berkshire, United Kingdom
    Sales listing: Link

    Fancy yourself a modernized Range Rover Classic? Then the car you see here may be the perfect answer. Yes, we all know they didn’t build Range Rover Classics in 2017, but this one’s been built on a Discovery 3 chassis.

    The truck you see here was built by Chieftain as a reimagining of the classic, one of the first examples built by the firm and used as a demonstrator, appearing in multiple magazine stories and company promotional materials. From there it was sold from JIA Ltd—parent company of Chieftain to its current owner in July 2020.

    The colors and miles aren’t in the listing by RM, but we’d be surprised if they can’t provide that for you.

  • Market Find: 1 of 1 Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’ Heads to RM Sotheby’s Milan Sale

    Market Find: 1 of 1 Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’ Heads to RM Sotheby’s Milan Sale

    What: 1989 Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’
    Color: Porsche Grand Prix White (grandprixweiß; non-metallic Uni; 908 / P5 / 9A5; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900142
    Mileage: 8,304 km, 5,160 miles
    Price Estimate: €1,100,000 – €1,500,000 EUR 
    CarFax: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s Milan Sale, May 22, 2025
    Auction listing: Link

    Imagine, in period, being one of the few who can afford and even attain a car as exclusive as the Porsche 959. Now, imagine you take said 959 and have it converted to a roadster. Well, it happened, and that fascinating car is headed to RM Sotheby’s upcoming Milan sale.

    The conversion was performed by Karl-Heinz Feustel in 1989 to a car reportedly sold new to Jürgen Lässig, a racecar driver with a 24 Hours of Daytona victory under his belt along with a runner-up at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

    Upon completion, the 959 was displayed at the 1989 Essen Motor Show. Think of it as Germany’s SEMA (but with some public and press days thrown in) and you’ve got the idea. No doubt the car, built in Grand Prix White with blue interior and matching soft top, left an impression amongst those who came out for the show.

    The car’s called a ‘Speedster’ and perhaps that applies. The painted A-pillar and windshield frame appear to be more 911 Cabriolet than Speedster, but it’s still incredibly unique. The exclusivity of the configuration goes up even further when you consider that the car came with a color-matched removable hardtop in a transport case, a tonneau top and spare ‘Speedster’ windscreen that makes one wonder if the conversion utilized a windshield incompatible with either the 911 Cabriolet or the Speedster of its time.

    Whatever the case, it’s a very special car, one you can find more information on via the RM Sotheby’s link above.

  • Market Find: Brumos Delivered One-of-One Purple 993 Turbo S Goes Sealed Bid with RM Sotheby’s

    Market Find: Brumos Delivered One-of-One Purple 993 Turbo S Goes Sealed Bid with RM Sotheby’s

    What: 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Viola Metallic (violametallic; metallic Uni; L39G; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AC2994VS375765
    Mileage: 26,000 miles
    Price: Sealed Bid
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Link
    Location: Deerfield Beach, FL
    Link: RM Sotheby’s

    As measured by its Viola Metallic paint, this Porsche 911 Turbo S delivered new to Brumos Porsche is one of just three U.S. market cars to get this color. Now pair it with its unique interior specification and it is believed to be one-of-one.

    While the paint is self explanatory when viewing these incredible shots provided by RM Sotheby’s, the interior is worth lingering on for a bit more detail. Leather is special Rubicon Grey leather that, to our eye, looks quite lavender in these photos. Does that qualify this car as tone-on-tone purple-on-purple?

    Even better, the interior doesn’t just stop at the unique hue of the leather. Porsche Exclusive extended leather abounds, including the heated and power-adjustable 993-era racing-style sport seats. Deviated stitching in Speed Yellow and Speed Yellow seat belts tie in the yellow of the brake calipers, not to mention pop as accents on a purple background given yellow and purple are color spectrum opposites.

    Other interior equipment includes carbon fiber interior trim on the dashboard, door panels, door pulls, and Tequipment shift knob and emergency brake handle. Other equipment includes power sunroof, staggered light alloy wheels, Digital Sound Packag, embossed headrests and Litronic headlights.

  • Former AMG North America Founder’s Personal ’84 500 SEL AMG in Sealed Bid from RM Sotheby’s

    Former AMG North America Founder’s Personal ’84 500 SEL AMG in Sealed Bid from RM Sotheby’s

    What: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL 5.0 AMG “Blueberry”
    Color: : Lapis Blue Metallic (lapisblau; metallic Uni; DB-932; Mercedes-Benz)
    VIN: WDB1260371A077462
    Mileage: 114,294 miles
    Price Estimate: $150,000 to $200,000
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Deerfield Beach, FL
    Link: RM Sotheby’s

    Vintage Mercedes-Benz AMG’s built long before Mercedes’ own buyout of the firm tend to command a premium by collectors in the know. That statement is true for any pre-buyout AMG, but even amongst those, this Lapis Blue 500 SEL known as “Blueberry” is special.

    You see, it was the personal car of AMG North America founder and CEO Richard Buxbaum. Augmentation to the car was done in period under the personal supervision of Hans Werner Aufrecht as a Christmas gift to Richard and his wife Robin back in 1984.

    Inside, the car gets extended Orion Grey leather upholstery with custom door cards completed by Gemballa.

    The car was driven plenty in period and has logged miles to show for it. That said, it’s also got $120,000 in receipts for mechanical and cosmetic restoration since October 2022.

    Obviously this car has a very unique and historic backstory. RM Sotheby’s goes above and beyond to tell that story in detail, so we highly recommend clicking through and digging in. Beyond that, their lot listing includes historic photos, documents, build list, etc. Make sure to check it out.

  • Market Find: RM Sealed Bid Drop McLaren P1 with Matte Finish

    Market Find: RM Sealed Bid Drop McLaren P1 with Matte Finish

    What: 2015 McLaren P1
    Color: Unknown Matte Green
    VIN: SBM12ABB8FW000022
    Mileage: 130 km, 81 miles from new
    Price at Time of this Writing: Sealed Bid
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Auction Listing: RM Sotheby’s

    Okay, this is both not a North American spec car nor is it old enough for easy import. It’s so special though, we’re making an exception. We figure the motivated owner who can afford it likely isn’t terribly worried about importation and road registration in the U.S. or Canada. At least, that was the excuse we’re telling ourselves to add this car to our blog.

    The P1 was McLaren’s first hypercar since the legendary F1. In its time, it teed up against the likes of the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari. 375 cars were built, making it more exclusive than either the Porsche or the Ferrari.

    The car you see here was delivered new to Qatar, and is painted a non-specified shade of “Matte Green”. It’s one of “only a handful” to boast matte paintwork according to RM. And while that exterior is a bit subdued military spec, the interior is decidedly more rowdy in McLaren Orange. The orange continues to the P1 graphics and McLaren badges front and rear that are typically painted in red. Also orange are the brake calipers, wheel caps, tops of the rear spoiler, hydraulic rams, top of the engine and side skirts just aft the front wheels.

    Beyond the seats, McLaren Orange accents continue through the interior including contrast stitching, P1 logos in the headrests, upper dashboard and steering wheel. Elements such as switchgear for the IRIS system, powertrain management, trim surrounding the start button and light and mirror switches on the driver’s side door are also color-matched in McLaren Orange.

  • Market Find: White on White 1988 Porsche 959 Sport Part of RM Sotheby’s Miami

    Market Find: White on White 1988 Porsche 959 Sport Part of RM Sotheby’s Miami

    What: 1988 Porsche 959 Sport
    Color: Porsche Grand Prix White (grandprixweiß; non-metallic Uni; 908 / P5 / 9A5; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ95ZJS905016
    Mileage: 3,757 miles
    Price Estimate: $5,500,000 – $6,500,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Coral Gables, FL
    Link: RM Sotheby’s

    Rare car. Rare spec. Not tailored.

    Besides silver, a white 959 isn’t especially rare. Yes, this still a Porsche 959 road car built for Group B homologation we’re talking about, so it’d be worthy in these pages anyway. However, we give it extra points for having rare specification within that space.

    The color is Grand Prix White, so in the lexicon of Porsche paint colors that’s G-body vanilla. In fact, Grand Prix White and Guards Red were the only colors made available on the 959 Sport.

    Notably, we love the look of the incredible 959 center lock Cup-looking magnesium 5-spokes also color-matched to Grand Prix White. The latter is why we call it “white on white” in the title, a styling cue that is oh-so-quintessentially 80s and arguably consistent with the Porsche’s 1983 Gruppe B prototype concept car. So, while vanilla, it’s still a great look.

    Also, this is a 959 Sport, is a whole lot more rare than the 959 Komfort. Of the 292 production 959s constructed, only 29 of them were built to Sport specification. Differences for the Sport included full leather-wrapped roll cage with four-point racing harnesses and cloth upholstery. As weight savings measures, the Sport also saw the deletion the Komfort’s adaptive suspension that was replaced with conventional coilovers. Air conditioning and stereo were also deleted. All told, these deletions shaved some 220 lbs. off the weight of the Komfort.

    A detail worth calling out is the car’s seats. In this pre-964 era, Porsche wasn’t yet fitting Recaro Pole Position shell seats from the factory as they would in the Carrera RS and many, many more. Thus, the 959 Sport uses Porsche’s familiar folding bucket in big bolster configuration. Where it differs is pass-throughs for racing harnesses. It’s also got unique Sport-specification fabric seating surfaces stitched with the same unique gradient striping one would see in a 959 Komfort’s leather seats.

    The car you see here is the 16th 959 Sport built. Briefly sold directly to an American associated with a privateer Porsche racing team, the car’s first owner quickly sold it off once he learned he’d have no luck importing the car to America. Even still, he didn’t do it before renting out a track for a day and having some fun with it.

    The car would spend most of the rest of its life thus far in Switzerland, before going to Italy in 2015 then America after that.

  • Porsche and RM Sotheby’s 911 S/T Auction Raises $1 Million for American Red Cross

    Porsche and RM Sotheby’s 911 S/T Auction Raises $1 Million for American Red Cross

    [source: Porsche Cars North America]

    Atlanta, GA – Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) and RM Sotheby’s announced today that a rare 911 S/T auctiongarnered one million dollars. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the American Red Cross to help people affected by disasters big and small across the country, including the wildfires in California and recent flooding in the South. The generous bidder, who has chosen to remain anonymous, is known to PCNA having previously purchased the 911 Sally Special, which also benefited charities.

    “On behalf of everyone at PCNA, we are truly grateful to the winning bidder for their generosity,” said Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Their bid will make a meaningful difference to the outstanding work of the American Red Cross.”

    The Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters nationwide each year – from single-family home fires to extreme weather events affecting entire communities. Most recently the American Red Cross has been active in California. Since the outbreak of the fires in Los Angeles, the American Red Cross has provided over 14,500 overnight stays shelter, 128,000 meals, as well as over 102,000 relief supplies such as flashlights, face masks, water and other essentials to those directly affected.

    “Thanks to the Porsche Cars North America and RM Sotheby’s auction, the Red Cross is able to support families impacted by disasters big and small across the country,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for this partnership as we work together to provide help and hope to people in times of dire need.”

    Painted in Shore Blue Metallic and equipped with the Heritage Design Package, the auctioned 911 S/T is number 1,919 of the 1,963 vehicles created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911. It is the only 911 S/T in the United States not yet assigned to a customer. Many connected to Porsche contributed their time and energy to the auction, including actor Orlando Bloom who lent his support to raise awareness of the sale, and RM Sotheby’s who waved their usual fees to maximize the amount that reaches the Red Cross.

    “It’s deeply gratifying to support the American Red Cross in partnership with Porsche Cars North America,” said Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby’s. “We’d like to send our heartfelt congratulations to the new owner of this amazing car and thank them for their generosity in supporting communities in need.”

    In addition to the car, the winning bidder will also receive a limited-edition 911 S/T Porsche Design timepiece and an exclusive owner’s manual pouch signed by Director of the GT model line, Andreas Preuninger.

  • Rare Fantasy Yellow ’61 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Bound for RM Miami

    Rare Fantasy Yellow ’61 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Bound for RM Miami

    What: 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
    Color: Fantasy Yellow (fantasiegelb; non-metallic; DB 653; Mercedes-Benz)
    Chassis: 198.042-10-002756
    Mileage: 38,447 miles
    Price Estimate: $1,400,000 to $1,700,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    Mercedes made big news at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show when it revealed the 300 SL Roadster as a replacement for the iconic 300 SL Coupe also known as the “Gullwing”. Additional chassis reinforcement took weight up, though further improvements such as a fully synchronized gearbox, improved engine (dropping direct injection), rear axle design assured the newer and heavier Roadster remained one of the fastest accelerating cars available in those years.

    In 1960, the Roadster received upgraded larger drum brakes known as “racing drums” as a bridge until new Dunlop disc brakes debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, exhibited on an identical car to this one given it shared the same striking orange Fantasy Yellow paint. In addition to the Geneva Motor Show “disc brake” Roadster, Mercedes also built a second “big drum-brake” car also for exhibition purposes. This is that second car.

    There is no question that the specification was a special order at the time. This included Fantasy Yellow bodywork (DB 653) over black leather (1090) with black soft-top (872) and a black hardtop (DB 040) trimmed with Crème headliner (E4). The car also received English instrumentation, a 3.64 rear axle, 15-inch Kronprinz wheels, chrome disc wheel covers, and quality checks to ensure that it was “suitable for exhibition.”

    Revealed in the car’s accompanying factory data card, the “big drum-brake Roadster”, chassis 2756, was originally ordered in late 1960 as a “Standenwagen”, meant for Mercedes-Benz to exhibit at the aforementioned 1961 Geneva Motor show. Interestingly, it appears its commission number was then reassigned to the “disc brake Roadster” that Mercedes ultimately placed on the stand in order to debut the disc brake upgrade at the show.

    Of the entire run of 1,858 300 SL Roadsters built between 1957 and 1963, only five were ever finished in Fantasy Yellow. Of those five, only the two mentioned brave were recorded for exhibition use.

    Further information revealed in the factory data card suggest it may have been used at the 1961 Tokyo Motor Show, and was most definitely retained by Mercedes’ Exhibition Department or use in company advertisements as late as 1962. It also received a new engine before leaving Mercedes’ ownership, which is the same engine fitted in the car today.

    In early 1963, the car was sold to its first owner outside the factory. David Jackson used the car at both his residences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Jackson sold the car nine years later to Dr. R.L. Huntworth of Huntington, West Virginia who kept the car for six years before selling it on. The next owner was John Walker, principal of Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati, who kept the car for two years before selling it to Jack Hahn who would own the car for the next 40 years. In 2013, the yellow Roadster was acquired by Jim Gusweiler of Ohio. The car would next enter the hands of a renowned California collector who commissioned a nearly two-year restoration by Legendary Classic Center of Costa Mesa, California that was completed in 2015.

    It’s at this time that the interior and soft top were refinished to the dark green you see here. One other modification is noted at this time, the addition of Rudge wheels that were color-matched in Fantasy Yellow