Wanderlust

Tag: tartan

  • Euro Market Find: Violet Blue Metallic over Tartan Porsche 968 Cabriolet

    Euro Market Find: Violet Blue Metallic over Tartan Porsche 968 Cabriolet

    What: 1992 Porsche 968 Cabriolet
    Color: Violet Blue (violettblau; metallic UNI; 57 / L37E; Porsche))
    Chassis #: undisclosed
    Mileage: 199,722 km, 124,101 miles
    Price: €28,750
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Kruibeke, Belgium
    Auction Link: Link

    It’s a funny thing about bold factory specifications. They can go full Buffalo Girl and go ’round the outside, coming back into solid ironic cool status. On the surface, we don’t know many Porschephiles who place the 968 Cabriolet on their short list of cars to own. Same goes for Viola Metallic – a medium metallic purple in a world where purple can be polarizing. Red interiors can also be hit-or-miss, but then you throw in tartan like the 968-era correct Studio Check and things are getting really interesting really fast.

    The 968 you see here is in Belgium, so it’d be in need of importation if you’re one of our predominantly North American audience. This is the sort of car you’d see Germans diving deep into the product catalogue then surfacing months later doing a factory delivery with their true unique creation.

    For the factory-spec perfectionists, we think we see an aftermarket shift knob in these photos, which is a shame because finding a matching factory replacement may prove to be a challenge… though if there’s any brand we’d feel more confident about being able to source it who’d be better than Porsche we can’t think of them.

    Also, the wheels appear to be 993 Targa specification. Likely this car came with cup 1 wheels from the factory – either 16-inch as would have been standard on a 968, or perhaps upgraded to 17-inch like the 968 Clubsport.

    Okay, for sure this car is polarizing. Even still, it’s so unique that we think it’s the sort of car that gets snapped up in a heartbeat by someone seeking something where they definitely won’t stumble over a twin at cars and coffee, or perhaps the collector who has everything.

    So, what say you? Totally cool or totally terrible?

  • Market Find: Great Spec Meyers Manx Dune Buggy on Cars and Bids

    Market Find: Great Spec Meyers Manx Dune Buggy on Cars and Bids

    What: 1964 Volkswagen Beetle Title with 2025 Meyers Manx Build
    Color: Big Sur Blue (unknown source)
    VIN: 115345324
    Mileage: 4 miles
    Current Bid: $30,000 at time of writing
    CarFax: N/A
    Location: Charlotte, NC
    Auction listing: Link

    Kit cars as tailored drivers? We think the Meyers Manx qualifies. The team at Meyers Manx is bringing back the brand with some amazing products and plenty of special options to make tailored builds. On the other end of the spectrum, there are still individuals and dealers creating new builds of their own.

    Take for example this fresh build listed on Cars and Bids. It’s a great mechanical spec paired with a beautiful exterior/interior combination of Big Sur Blue (unspecified source, but likely the standard color by the same name from Meyers Manx) and plaid seats. Seems like it’d make an excellent option for a Summer 2025 daily driver.

  • Market Find: “Blackwatch Commission” Singer Classic Study Says No Thanks to Woven Leather

    Market Find: “Blackwatch Commission” Singer Classic Study Says No Thanks to Woven Leather

    What: 1990 Porsche 911
    Color: Paint to Sample Oak Green Metallic (oakgrünmetallic; metallic uni; 265 / 22L / 60K; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZLS405318
    Mileage: delivery miles
    Price: Sealed Bid
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Los Angeles, CA
    Dealer listing: Link

    The Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer you see here was completed just a few months ago in January 2025 and is virtually new. Built to Singer’s Classic Study formula, the “Black Watch Commission” was built to harken classic Porsches, something you can especially see in the decision to go with tartan seats versus the typical Singer Classic treatment of woven leather.

    Other spec includes titanium exhaust, Öhlins suspension, carbon fiber roof, carbon ceramic roof and more. The car is built to UK specification, but with left-hand drive. The Porsche Oak Green Metallic paint pairs well with satin nickel finished Fuchs style wheels.

    Since the car is so freshly completed (and apparently never delivered), the new owner will benefit from the typical 12-month warranty Singer offers.

  • Market Find: Paint to Sample Albert Blue Porsche 911 GT3 RS in San Luis Obispo

    Market Find: Paint to Sample Albert Blue Porsche 911 GT3 RS in San Luis Obispo

    What: 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Albert Blue (albertblau; 325 / 1818 / 387; Porsche)
    VIN:  WP0AF2A99RS272818
    Mileage: 1,420 Miles
    Price: $441,888
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
    Listing: Porsche San Luis Obispo

    Paint to Sample Albert Blue is an interesting color choice for a 911 GT3 RS – a color from Porsche’s rich heritage that’s somewhat subdued for such an in-your-face car as a GT3 RS. Pair it with red graphics though (not to mention carbon fiber laden Weissach Package) and the overall look becomes decidedly more bold.

    One hard-to-miss element of this build is the matching blue and red tartan fabric on the seats. We’ve not seen this pattern before offered by Porsche, and the listing makes no mention of Sonderwunsch touches, fabric, tartan or plaid. That said, there are plenty of companies out there specializing in making replacement seat centers for Porsche’s carbon buckets where their modularity in construction allow for additional special touches that can take on a factory installed appearance. This may be that – handsome, but perhaps not factory and something you may want to verify if that is important to you.

  • Market Find: TAG Turbo “AP87” in Mint Green as Broad Arrow Private Sale

    Market Find: TAG Turbo “AP87” in Mint Green as Broad Arrow Private Sale

    What: 1988 Porsche 911 TAG Turbo “AP87” by Lanzante
    Color: Mint Green (mintgrün; non-metallic UNI; 22R; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0JB0936JS050399
    Mileage: 300 miles
    Price: $2,848,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: England
    Link: Broad Arrow

    One of the more fascinating and certainly the more storied in the Porsche 911 remastering game must certainly be Lanzante and their Porsche 911 TAG Turbos. After acquiring a bulk of former TAG Turbo F1 racing engines developed by Porsche for McLaren, the firm set about building a series of only eleven Porsche 911 Turbos fitted with them. In doing so, they created the ultimate tribute inspired by the one-off Porsche TAG Turbo test car built by Porsche’s own R&D department.

    The engine in this particular 911 is a 1.5-liter V6, and specifically TTE P01 raced by Alain Prost at the 1986 German Grand Prix and the 1987 Hungarian and Japanese Grand Prix. Like the other Lanzante TAG Turbos, the car also gets carbon fiber bodywork, carbon ceramic brakes, coilover suspension and aluminum doors.

    The car in question was commissioned in Mint Green over black leather and featuring a blue and green tartan in the seat centers. It also features 17-inch versions of the familiar RUF 5-spoke wheel from period.

    Want to know more and get a deeper dive on the car? Check it out via the listing link above. Also, check out this video created by Hagerty to compare the car with a Ruf CTR.

  • Triple Blue Porsche 911 GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ with RM Sotheby’s in Miami

    Triple Blue Porsche 911 GT2 RS ‘Weissach’ with RM Sotheby’s in Miami

    What: 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Albert Blue (albertblau; non-metallic Uni; 1818 / 325 / 387; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AE2A93KS155244
    Mileage: 526 miles
    Price Estimate: $800,000 to $1,200,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    We’re noting a theme amongst the cars from the Todd Blue LAPIS collection, mainly blue and sometimes triple blue (blue body, blue wheels, blue interior) with some sort of incredible fabric pattern on the seats for good measure. Such is the case with this 991-era 911 GT2 RS “Weissach Package”, an incredibly unique build with a long list of special wishes touches.

    How unique? The original MSRP on this GT2 was $588,115, including over $232,000 worth of specific tailoring from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur (option code CXX). That all adds up to a 101% increase in CXX options alone over the base price of the 911 GT2 RS!

    The configuration begins with paint to sample Albert Blue bodywork with blue carbon fiber accents. The color dates back to Porsches of the early 1970s, though looks the part on this more modern 991 GT2 RS, especially with color-matched Albert Blue wheels.

    Inside, leather to sample Yachting Blue leather is accented with Chalk stitching and Graphite Madraskaro plaid. The leather has been extended to what appears to be every interior space available. The roof liner is in matching Yachting Blue Alcantara. Silver Grey seatbelts accent tastefully with the plaid-centered carbon fiber backed seats.

    Dials on the gauges and Sport Chrono have been specified to black, with black gloss carbon fiber trim and yatchting blue floor mats.

    Order book options begin with the Weissach Package ($18,000) including carbon used on the fiber roof panel, anti-roll bars, front trunk lid and additional components. Interestingly, CXX tailoring was even specified here at Mr. Blue’s request, adding dark blue tint to the carbon fiber on the roof panel, front fender louvers, mirrors and rear wing. According to RM, this car is one of just three to be fitted with the blue carbon fiber specification. The Weissach package also included magnesium wheels, with the wheels on this particular car tailored in color-matched Albert Blue. All told, Weissach cars weighed in at just 3,241 lbs.

    Other options on the car include the Light Design Package, Sport Chrono Package, front axle-lift system, extended range fuel tank and Porsche Dynamic Light System.

    The car was delivered new to Todd Blue’s LAPIS Collection via Porsche of North Houston

    When it was launched in 2017, the 991-era 911 GT2 RS was the most powerful 911 Porsche had ever produced. It featured a twin turbocharged 3.8-liter flat six delivering 700 horsepower to the rear wheels via 7-speed PDK (DSG) transmission. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was accomplished in just 2.8 seconds and it was capable of a top speed of 211 mph.

  • EU Market Find: Parisian 1992 Mercedes 300 3.4 AMG in Crystal Green

    EU Market Find: Parisian 1992 Mercedes 300 3.4 AMG in Crystal Green

    What: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300 CE 3.4 AMG
    Color: Crystal Green Metallic (kristallgrün; metallic UNI; 256; Mercedes-Benz)
    Chassis Number: N/A
    Mileage: 100,500 km, 62,447 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: €95,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Casting Automobiles, Paris, France
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Likely due to rarity, it’s not uncommon to see a W124-generation Mercedes-Benz 300 CE coupe built by AMG crossing the six figure mark. Transaction prices approaching six figures (actually passing them by the time you convert to U.S. dollars and import) aren’t something we typically see of 1990s era cars from Mercedes-Benz. However, make them a well preserved AMG and it’s a whole new ballgame.

    If you’re a connoisseur of these cars, then we think it’s worth pointing your attention towards this particular specimen – a tone-on-tone coupe in a rare color of Crystal Green Metallic paired with green-tartan seating. It appears to have originated from Japan, though can now be found at a specialty dealer in Paris, France.

    Translating the listing gleans a few more notes about the car based around option codes. Where’s what it says:

    • 916 VEHICLES FOR HOT COUNTRIES – ADDITIONAL PARTS, HEATED REAR WINDOW
    • ORIGINAL JAPANESE CAR CRYSTAL GREEN (256U) with PINE CANVAS (066)
    • 221 LEFT FRONT SEAT WITH ELECTRICAL ADJUSTMENT
    • 222 RIGHT FRONT SEAT WITH ELECTRICAL ADJUSTMENT
    • 240 EXTERIOR TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
    • 341 ADDITIONAL INDICATORS
    • 425 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX
    • 430 HEADRESTS, TINTED UPPER PART
    • 600 HEADLIGHT WASHER-WIPER DEVICE
    • 613 LEFT-HAND DRIVE HEADLIGHTS
    • 664 20 LITERS OF FUEL AND VE III PACKAGING MODE
    • 802 CHANGE OF MODEL YEAR, LAMINATED GLASS

    Now, throw in the fact that this is a fully-built and well-preserved AMG model constructed on the W124 chassis a full 13 years ahead of Mercedes-Benz’s own buyout of AMG and you have a thoroughly interesting specimen for a serious MercedesBenz collector.

    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.

  • Spirit of Le Mans Taps Rothaman’s Colors with Latest SOLM Rally Tartan

    Spirit of Le Mans Taps Rothaman’s Colors with Latest SOLM Rally Tartan

    Our focus is typically factory specification, though we deviate from that in certain cases such as firms creating remasters of iconic cars. So, should we cover a fabric manufacturer that remasters iconic color combinations of racing liveries and remixes them as a tartan? That seems noteworthy, particularly when we’re checking out these first-look photos of Spirit of Le Mans’ next Rothman’s inspired pattern dubbed SOLM Rally.

    Okay, the “rally” name may be a bit broad as we can think of any number of iconic rally liveries – Alitalia, HB Audi Sport, Subaru 555. Even still, Rothman’s is no lesser player in this space so we’ll give them a pass yet keep hoping they branch out into the aforementioned others. SOLM already does a take on Martini, so we’re liking this trend even if the Porsche association is quite obvious.

    Why Porsche? Most reading this site probably don’t need to ask, but we’ll tell you anyway. Porsche owners love to retrofit tartans. Add in seats with modular center cushions like the current Porsche shell seats and you get companies who make whole businesses on assembling swappable seat centers for an extra bit of retro flare that doesn’t require a Sonderwunsch build allotment. We’re not so sure Gulf fabric inside a Gulf livery build isn’t just a bit too much Gulf, but if that’s what an owner wants then Spirit of Le Mans seems ready to provide it.

    For instance, there are a lot of Porsche 911 Dakars out there wearing Porsche’s “Rough Roads” livery. Why Rough Roads? Well, while they mirrored the period Rothman’s colors of the Paris Dakar 959s (and many other Porsche race cars), they probably didn’t want to pay licensing or deal with the negative P.R. of putting a cigarette manufacturer’s name on the side of their new Safari-from-the-factory Carrera 4s. Even still, we’re guessing that Spirit of Le Mans is guessing lots of owners may want some tartan to match their cars.

    SOLM Rally is just one of many incredible looking fabric patterns Spirt of Le Mans offers. They’ve even got a Gulf Racing houndstooth should that be your speed. Check them out at SOLM.co.uk.

  • Introducing the Singer Guavate Commission

    Introducing the Singer Guavate Commission

    Singer Vehicle Design has teased its latest classic build with red and green theme just in time for the holidays. And while it’s probably safe to say there wasn’t an intentional yule season theme in the imagining of this commissioned 911, the specification still assures every day is a holiday when you have the keys to this car.

    Here’s what we know about the specification. The exterior is Paint-to-Sample Plantain Green. Inside, Burgundy leather covers most surfaces, accented with woven leather seat centers that create a unique tartan pattern.

    As is typical with most Singer Classic specification cars, this reimagined 964 features a 4.0-liter flat six, with power sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

    Singer shared the car HERE on Facebook, and unfortunately embed protections are on so you’ll need to follow the link to find the post directly.

  • European Market Find: Rubystone Red Porsche 968, Low Mileage / High Price

    European Market Find: Rubystone Red Porsche 968, Low Mileage / High Price

    What: 1992 Porsche 968 Coupé
    Color: Rubystone Red a.k.a. Ruby Star (sternrubin; 82N; Porsche)
    Interior: Blue
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 42,125 km / 26,175 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: € 74,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Heteren, NL
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love mention it:

    The Porsche 968 is (or rather was) one of the last good deals in the Porsche market. It’s also arguably one of the best Porsches of the transaxle era. And while the European market only Clubsport or the super rare Turbo are the big money versions, super low mileage, great spec and incredible condition can approach 911 money. Take for instance this Rubystone Red version sitting inventory at Porsche Centrum Gelderland in the Netherlands.

    At little over 26,000 miles logged, the car is practically new. And we’d argue that while perhaps polarizing, the spec is incredible. From the 964 era Carrera Cup comes the original Rubystone Red (a.k.a. Ruby Star), and it’s paired with blue leather and partial Studio Check fabric seats.

    A translation of the meat and potatoes of the listing goes as follows:

    Hereby we offer you this beautiful 968 3.0 Targa with only 42,000 km! Presented in a truly fantastic color combination. The exterior in the cult color Rubystone with the interior in a combination of leather and fabric in multicolor cobalt blue. Exactly as it was delivered new to its first owner by Porsche Zentrum Alltöttnig in Germany. The original purchase invoice, many other invoices, the maintenance booklets and the original German Letter are all present.

    Worth noting, while amazingly pristine, our eye is catching two potential modifications that **could** have come from the factory. These include the chin spoiler (that was possibly a Porsche Tequipment accessory) and the adjustable rear spoiler that appears to be identical to the design on the 968 Turbo. Factory replica parts like these do exist in the aftermarket, which would be less desirable on a car this original. It’s possible these were special wishes items, but that should be checked via the mentioned original purchase invoice the dealer has on file or with the Porsche Classic department in Stuttgart.

    Another peculiarity worth noting on any European market 968 (or 944, or 924) is the mention of the term “Targa”. In the U.S., familiarity with G-body 80s 911 models with full open Targa roofs can be confusing when you see one of these cars listed also as “Targa”. In regard to the transaxle cars mentioned, a Targa simply refers to the very large sunroof that came on these cars from the factory.

    Whether those parts are original or not, that’d be easy to rectify for an owner seeking ultimate originality. And if they’re not original and you like OEM plus upgrades from maybe the ultimate 968 model ever, consider it a bonus.

    As with any of our European Market Finds, this car is older than 25 years, making it an easy import into the U.S.A. should you be so inclined.