We’re particularly fond of Paint to Sample Porsches built in an era before Paint to Sample was a common occurrence. In this case, the color specification is Summer Yellow over black leather, made even better with 18-inch two-piece Speedline variants of the classic 964-era Cup 1 wheel design.
According to the dealer’s listing, this car is one of about five to have been built in this color. Whether that means five 1991 Turbos or five 964 Turbos isn’t clear. Beyond that, the early 1990s weren’t robust sales years for Porsche, with only 674 U.S. market 911 Turbos even being sold that year.
We do notice a few modifications, including an Alpine stereo with single CD player, and that also has bluetooth phone and audio streaming. We’re also seeing what looks like an original equipment 993 style rear window spoiler with built-in LED strip taillight, which may not have been in production in 1991 but is a superior design to the large rectangular third brake light application found in early 964 era 911s.
One of the best parts of Tailored Driver population is the deep research required on the more obscure finds and referrals sent to us by our dedicated readership. While newer and more common are admittedly fairly easy to decipher, the older stuff that excites us can also frustrate. Case in point is this Tailored Driver, a 2015 Porsche Cayenne S e-Hyrbid found on Facebook Marketplace. Search for a 2015 order guide, and pickings are slim. From the lone brochure we were able to find, it seems that Periodot Metallic was indeed a ‘special order’ color for Cayenne in 2015 for the sum of $3,150. But in validating with Porsche Club of America’s Rennbow, it seems that 2015 was a gap year in formally offering Peridot on Porsche’s brand-saving SUV. Further, while we can find a few other examples of Peridot on Cayennes of the period, they are generally GTS variants. Just one Peridot e-hybrid popped up in our searches, which due to lack of VIN info shared, very well may be this one.
So while this is undeniably rare, whether this is a true Paint to Sample- it hard to say. What we can confidently say is that the extremely subtle juxtaposition of Peridot on the body and Porsche’s e-hybrid identifying Acid Green on the brakes and gauge needles is so close that it nearly seems like a slight discoloration rather than a purposeful brand-play.
As always, massive thank you to Chris for the tip!
For enthusiasts in the US, there’s often the opinion that while maybe we got a version, Europe ‘got the good one.’ While perhaps not the best representation of this sentiment, this Tailored Driver fits squarely into that category- bigger motor than was offered stateside, paired with a BMW Individual color. For those in the know, the 323i is a very interesting proposition in that it’s incredibly similar to the BMW Z3 coupe, albeit with a back seat. E36-generation from the firewall forward with an E30 rear subframe, this 323i will provide an exciting driving experience for whoever wins this Bring a Trailer auction. Please note, as this is a model year 2000 vehicle, it must be 25 years from the production date for trouble-free importation.
What: 2013 BMW M3 Coupé Color: Phoenix Yellow (phönixgelb; metallic; 445; BMW) VIN: WBSKG9C58DJ594555 Mileage: 93,000 miles Estimate: $56,000 AutoCheck Report:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Private Seller, Moreno Valley, CA Listing:Link
Why we love it:
Heritage or iconic brand colors are always a solid choice when it comes to a tailored specification, so an E92-generation BMW M3 Coupé in Phoenix Yellow Metallic of the E46 M3 generation just makes a lot of sense. Now pair it with a 6-speed manual transmission and Fox Red Extended Novillo leather and you have an exceptional specification.
Here’s what we know, via the owner’s listing on AutoTrader.
“This 2013 BMW M3 Coupe is 1/2 Individual Phoenix Yellow e9X models produced for the US market. This M3 is a 6-Speed manual, the interior features Fox Red Extended Novillo Leather. It is 1/1 as a combo of Phoenix/Fox/Manual Transmission. It is a one owner car which I ordered through Steve Thomas BMW in Camarillo, CA received May 2013. (Carfax will say 2 owners but it was just refinanced through my bank, all one owner.) The odometer currently reads 93k miles, this car is in excellent condition for the mileage. The car is very well maintained and cared for, the look and drivability of the car don’t reflect the mileage. This car has never been tracked. This is a very rare and special opportunity for the right collector.
“The front bumper and side rockers look brand new and were just repainted in March 2024 by a Spectrum Collision(BMW certified paint center). Standard and selected features are Dynamic Damper Control, Heated Seats, Carbon Leather Trim, Navigation System, 19 359 style wheels, RD Sport Suspension Springs, Turner Motorsport Aluminum Undershield Kit, Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler. The car features Shadowline trim and adaptive xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and many more standard features. Brand new stock steering wheel installed March 2024. It comes with the original Phoenix Yellow stock spoiler, stock suspension springs and any other original small parts on the side. All service records, the window sticker and 2 keys included. Car comes with clear California Title, currently in hand of the owner. It’s a been kept under careful care by a BMW enthusiasts, all preventative maintenance and parts replaced as soon as the car showed any read outs. All service done under warranty at Irvine or Crevier BMW, all service after warranty done at MRF Engineering.
“Important maintenance info can be provided upon request, it wont fit here.
“The car shows very minor rock chips/wear on the roof, spoiler and hood, appropriate for some milage but prob less than expected.“
Worth noting, this isn’t the first time we’ve featured this car. It was listed on AutoTrader before, likely by the same (original) owner. This time around, there are more details and better photos, so we’re making sure to share it again.
In Italian “countach” is an expression like “goodness” or “oh my God.” Sounds about right. Car-aware kids of the 1980s likely exclaimed it when they first encountered one, maybe in the pages of Road & Track or maybe in that opening scene of Cannonball Run. No doubt they headed on down to the local mall and picked up a Choices poster at Spencer Gifts, hung it on their bedroom wall and stared longingly at it for years to come. Now, they’re adults and they all dream of the same Countach fantasy. And, if they’re appropriately funded, they add one to the garage. If you’re that kid, you should check out this ’87 Countach 5000 QV set to cross the Broad Arrow block at The Amelia in a few weeks.
And while monochromatic “cocaine white” on white will get you Wolf of Wall Street cred, or black on gold will get you reliving the Cannonball Run, we’d argue a Giallo Fly (Fly Yellow) on brown leather brings back 80s vibes with just as much authenticity.
This one’s a desirable setup, a later Quattrovalvole 48-valve version of the V12 with “round belly” design, yet predating all the plastic cheese gratery of the final 50th anniversary models. This car is one of just 66 fuel-injected U.S. market cars ever produced. It is well preserved and unmodified, and has spent much of its life in California and Florida. It’s also had mechanical refurbishment done recently in 2024.
According to Porsche Club of America’s Rennbow color index, Racing Yellow (renngelb; non-metallic UNI; 1S1 / P3; Porsche) replaced Speed Yellow as the go-to yellow of choice when Porsche includes a yellow in its modern models. Rennbow also shares that, in person, Racing Yellow is a touch more green than Speed Yellow. Given its commonality as a standard offering, this isn’t an extremely rare color.
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 ‘Disruptor’. It’s finished in Chartreuse (chartreusemetallic; metallic uni; R9G; Rolls-Royce).
The French herbal liquor made by Carthusian monks since 1737 for which Chartreuse is likely named comes in green and yellow that vary in flavor and alcohol content. The drink is distilled and aged with a recipe of 130 herbs, plants and flowers. The name for the liquor itself came from the Grand Chartreuse monastery located in the Chartreuse Mountains near Grenoble.
In the case of Rolls-Royce’s Chartreuse Metallic, it’s a an equally complex metallic gold with hints of green. The net hue is striking and unique, drawing attention in ways that make it highly distinctive.
What: 2019 Volkswagen Golf R Spektrum Color: Spektrum Ginster Yellow (ginstergelb; L132; Volkswagen) VIN: WVWVA7AU5KW120194 Mileage: 55,086 miles Price at Time of Writing: $34,999 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
At this point we suspect our readers are familiar with the Volkswagen Golf R Spektrum series from 2019. In short, 40 different colors were chosen, built, and subsequently sold through the U.S. and Canada. Of those, Ginster Yellow was chosen to hark the 1997 Driver’s Edition GTI (Mk3).
The car you see here is one of those Ginster Yellow cars, one of apparently 30 to be painted that color. The seller lists that’s it’s a DSG car, has the Driver’s Assistance Package and the Black Styling Package. Modifications are limited to H&R Blue lowering springs and a CTS intake. Though no CarFax is linked in the ad, the seller states it’s got a clean report including clean accident history.
What: 1990 Porsche 911 Color: Egg Yolk (non-metallic UNI; no code; Singer) VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZMS400589 Mileage: 4,650 Price at Time of this Writing: £845,000 GBP Asking CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: London, UK Listing:Link
Why we love it:
The cue for a Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer is measured in years, so for those seeking to own one and not hung up on creating their own commission, purchasing one off the pre-owned market is the most likely play. Granted, they don’t come up often, and when they do we tend to expect them in prestigious places like an RM Sotheby’s private listing.
That’s the case with the car you see here. Note the name of the commission, “UK 1”, which designates it as the first UK registered Singer. Are you surprised it’s right-hand drive? That should be obvious, but maybe adds to the cool.
Another cool note on this car is the history. Singer used this car for promotional activities, including display at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it was driven up the hill by Chris Harris and Marino Franchitti. Noted automotive journalist (and 964 Carrera RS owner) Dickie Meaden also drove the car for a feature in the December 2015 issue of Evo Magazine for which they also shot a video (see above).
Since this is an early Singer commission, it’s fitted with a Cosworth-built 3.8-liter version of Porsche’s flat six. It’s also finished in Egg Yolk paint over a relatively subtle black leather interior with comfort seats, Becker stereo with navigation and a roll bar.
What: 2017 Audi A4 Color: Audi exclusive Toucan Yellow (Tukangelb; LY1H; Audi) VIN: WAUENBF40HA067620 Mileage: 42,000 Price at Time of this Writing: Auction CarFax:Link MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: N/A Location: Palm Harbor, FL Auction listing:Link
Why we love it:
If Tailored Driver is about anything at all, it’s about the desire to be uncommon. By that metric, the initial owner of this 2017 Audi exclusive Toucan Yellow A4 can certainly be considered a kindred spirit. Beyond the fairly rare Toucan Yellow exterior, this Tailor opted for Nougat Brown sport seats with Dark Walnut high gloss trim. We like all of these thing independently. Together? Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
