All posts in “Cars For auction”

1994 McLaren F1 Now Up For Auction

Another McLaren is up for sale, you guys. This time it’s a 1994 McLaren F1, LM-Spec, to be exact. As if the McLaren F1 in and of itself wasn’t legendary enough, right?

Up for auction now at RM Sotheby’s, this car represents perhaps the finest work to come out of a partnership of legends. The brainchild of Ron Dennis and Mansour Ojjeh, with a design from Gordon Murrary, the car grew out of a desire to build the ultimate road car. And boy did they meet the goal. 30 years later, the McLaren F1 remains the car to beat.

McLaren only ever built 106 units of the legendary F1, 64 of them were road cars. We know — tragic. Even more tragically, though: only five boast LM specifications. That came after the McLaren F1’s overall victory in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 1994 McLaren F1 you see above is actually a model returned to the factory in 2000 and 2001 for two rounds of LM-spec modifications.

The factory retuned the BMW V12 engine, upping it to 680 ponies. It also received a criminal aero package and a massive rear wing, along with a new coat of silver paint. Only two cars were ever returned to McLaren for this sort of modification. And you’re looking at one of them. Suffice to say this represents one of the rarest McLaren F1s money can buy.

The car will go up for auction this August in Monterey with an expected price of well past $20 million. Don’t act so surprised.

BID HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1990 BMW M3 Convertible

On auction now is this 1990 BMW M3 Convertible. It’s not dramatically vintage, to be sure, though time moves so fast that 1990 is basically a bygone era now. An era brimmed in punk-rock and Happy Meal toys that are actually cool.

But we digress. This car is one of only 786 convertibles examples built between 1986 and 1992. Needless to say it’s not that rare, but still quite unique, as it’s also one of the only 12 Spanish-market models with no catalytic converters.

Though it was finished in May 1990, the car benefits from recently renewed brakes. It also comes equipped with a revamped exhaust system and a new soft top. In the correct factory material, too, which will definitely sit well with purists.

The first-generation BMW M3 is a cool-enough car. It looks pretty good, though it lacks the sleek lines and cramped profile of the usual sports car. Still, it’s still perceived today as one of the best drvier’s cars of that era.

The car is extremely well preserved, and the parts are nearly all original save for a handful of bits and bobs. It’s also just on its third owner since new, which means it’s more than ready for a new set of hands. Sure, it’s no Ferrari. And it’s not the best on-auction BMW ride we’ve featured here. Still, there’s something to be said about simplicity, and in that department, this one nails it. More info from RM Sotheby’s when you hit the link below. Car offered without reserve.

ON AUCTION

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1972 Jeep Commando

Jeep released in 1966 the Jeepster Commando, perceived as its response to the then-growing affinity for 4x4s. At the time, the International Scout, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Ford Bronco were high up on people’s wish lists. Jeep wanted not just to join the bandwagon, but rule it.

The Commando, much to its delight, became popular, too. However, when American Motors Corporation bought Jeep in 1970, they redesigned it. In fact, that’s one of the first things they did. In 1972, American Motors launched the new model, equipped with a 304-cubic inch V8 engine.

Unfortunately, this new model didn’t prove popular with the crowd, unlike the original Jeep Commando. American Motors promptly killed the line in 1973 following waning sales. The Cherokee then replaced it in 1974, though. This particular 1972 Commando above, now up for auction, comes from the Route 66 Packard Museum collection. It’s in great original condition, to boot.

The ride comes with Warn Lock-o-Matic front hubs plus an automatic transmission. There’s also the original 304-cubic inch V8 engine here. It’s a cool, slick-looking ride for those not really up for much flair. Not to say this doesn’t have flair, though. It’s got some, just not oozing with it to the point of being too treacly to take on the road. Comes in a gorgeous and vivid blue colorway reminiscent of offbeat 70s movies. Hit the link below to find out how you can bid for this modest, but notable ride. Estimated auction price is between $20,000 to $25,000. Easy on the pockets.

BID HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour De France Berlinetta

You know a care will be rare if the automaker never makes more than a hundred, and even past that is still remarkably few. Ferrari only ever made 78 Tour de France Berlinetta units. This Ferrari 250 GT belongs to an even smaller group. It’s a “single-louver” 250 GT due to its revised bodywork, which features single-lover on the D-pillar. It’s the fourth of just 36 units ever built. Suffice it to say that this thing is one of the rarest rides we’ve ever featured here on Men’s Gear.

The car first came to Sweden brand-new decades ago, where two Swedish race race drivers owned it. Eventually, it reached the United States, and in 2012, its current owner undertook a complete, concours-quality restoration. That’s why you get that light gray leather interior, which matches the period grey and red livery. It’s also got a set of Heuer stopwatches sitting on a unique rally binnacle.

As for the specs, you’re looking at a2,953 cc Tipo 128D SOHC V-12 engine. There are also three Weber 40 DCL/3 carburetors thrown in. A four-speed manual gearbox comes standard, and there’s a four-wheel hydraulic finned-aluminum drum brakes, to boot. You also get a front independent suspensions with coil springs. Not only that, those breaks also feature lever-action shocks absorbers.

Purists will love the fact that this ride is Ferrari Classiche certified. Unfortunately, as of this writing, the car has already been sold. For Ferrari $6.6 million, if you must know. If you want to see it in person, go to the The Pebble Beach House Auctions by Gooding & Company on Aug. 16 and 17.

ON AUCTION

Photos courtesy of Gooding & Company

1973 Porsche 911 Targa 2.4s

If you’ve got your automobile history down pat, you already know that 1973 was the last year for the long hood/narrow bumper Porsche 911. Safety regulation the following year would promptly trigger a design change. By then everyone was readying their goodbyes to that iconic bodywork. But you can relive those glory details care of RM Sotheby’s.

Up for auction now is this sleek 1973 Porsche 911 Targa 2.4s, which, while mechanically stock, boasts special custom interior by Berluti, France-based maker of premium leather goods. They’re all over — Berluti’s sophisticated burnished Venizia leather covers the seats, dash, and panels.

A few things not covered in hide, though: the Bouclé wool, including the seat backs, floor mats, and carpeting. But the pairing works, still. A pair of driving shoes and a day bag are also included, to boot. The car is for the modern man — or woman — who wants utmost comfort and premium flare when he’s ready to go vacationing somewhere not far, but remote.

Sure, Berluti’s tones and colors might not be for everyone. But they serve a stark and alluring contrast to the ride’s silver exterior. Classic, refined, elegant, and slick, this is a truly one of a kind Porsche 911. And believe us, we’ve seen plenty of Porsche 911s here. If you’re in Paris between April 24 to May 7, you can place a bid on this refined ride. If not, just hit the link below to read more about the 1973 Porsche 911 Targa 2.4s. We won’t blame you for drooling.

ON AUCTION

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1993 Land Rover Defender 130

Rumor has it that this 1993 Land Rover Defender 130 was kept in the Canary Islands until November last year when the current seller imported it in the United States. Now up for auction, this comes with a ton of aftermarket upgrades. New fender flares and Sawtooth wheels are just two from its impressive roster of finishes.

To be honest, finding a notable Land Rover Defender is quite difficult. That’s no slight against the iconic vehicle at all, though. It’s just that there have been so many custom projects with the Land Rover Defender at its core, and some of them are misses. While some manage to strike the perfect balance between flir and power, other lesser examples fail to hit the nail on the head. Fortunately, this belongs to the former.

Dubbed the Alpine White 1993 Land Rover Defender 130 200Tdi, this left-hand drive boasts a 2.5-liter turbo diesel inline-four engine. That drives all four wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox, to add. As we previously mentioned, it comes with revamped fender flares and a front bumper with an A-bar and 10k-lb, to boot. You also get a winch, a roof rack, a snorkel, auxiliary lights, and custom upholstery. The vehicle sits on beastly powder coated 18-inch wheels with 37-inch tires.

This Land Rover Defender 130 also comes with a canvas bed cover, period documentation, and a stamped maintenance book. Plus all sorts of bells and whistles you wouldn’t expect on a Defender. Hit the link below for more information and photos of the car in question.

BUY IT HERE

Photos courtesy of Bring A Trailer

1968 Porsche 911 Soft-Window Targa

In 1968, Porsche built 268 examples of the 911 Soft-Windows Targa. Above is one of the last ones that exist. It’s one of Porsche’s sexiest rides, featuring a desirable body style that’s got a full open-air 911 motoring experience. Porsche didn’t make one like that until came the SC Cabriolet arrived in ’83.

1968 served as the final year of the SWB body style, sadly. Many Porsche collectors prefer this shape, especially those who appreciate the beauty of the original Porsche 911 design. The above is an extremely rare matching-numbers example that comes with a copy of its Porsche COA.

At 77,000 used, it’s been driven aplenty. RM Sotheby’s says it’s “believed original,” so bid at your own risk. Still, it comes with the original interior still preserved. That means pristine factory black leatherette seats, door panels, armrests, dash, mats, and mostly original carpeting. You’ll also find a rare rear seat delete compartment, a Blaupunkt radio, steering wheel, trim, and accessories. The convertible rear window and Targa top are both original, as well. The tonneau boot, meanwhile, is completely new.

The car finished its full disassembly and repaint recently, by the way. And it comes in its rare factory shade of Sand Beige code no. 6807. The newly rebuilt engine features less than 500 miles, so there’s plenty of rubber to burn. We get it: it does feel like we’ve seen all the Porsche 911s in the world. The quantity does lessen the notability of the base car. But make no mistake — this one’s as rare as they get.

GET IT HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Porsche 911 Turbo Prototype

Now ready for the taking is this Porsche 911 Turbo, dubbed as the most interesting prototype that’s been in private hands for many years. If you want to be more specific, this one’s the R-Program Type 993 Porsche built back in 1994, when the new model replaced the 964.

This particular model was pulled from the assembly line before receiving an engine and transmission. Then Porsche’s Racing and Technical Development took it in for various tests. There, they did various things. They put wider fender flares, for example. And also a special nose and rear-deck air spoilers.

After they finished testing, they sold the car through a Porsche dealer in Hofheim, Germany. But it was missing its engine and gearbox when it left the factory. Word has it that at the time, the engine was top secret. When the 993-generation Porsche 911 Turbo came out, the company sent the engine and gearbox, rounding out the entire ride.

This model is apparently one of the only development cars to survive. It comes in a gorgeous red leather interior complete with red carpeting. You’ll also find here Turbo “Twist” alloy wheels, a rear window wiper, air conditioning, and electric windows. Topping that off are 12-way electrically adjustable seats and a rear-seat delete with additional storage. Finally, there’s a nice little Blaupunkt Symphony entertainment system. Talk about vintage.

Porsche typically destroys cars not meant for mainstream sale. Which is why this model comes as a rare chance to own a piece of history almost obliterated from public view.

VISIT AUCTION HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

1972 Magnus Walker Porsche 911 STR II

Fresh out of England, Magnus Walker braved Los Angeles penniless. But at the bottom, there’s nowhere else to go but up. So Walker built a fashion empire from the ground up, and redefined what it means to be a true Porsche fan.

Perhaps the best quality about Walker is he isn’t afraid to be bold, to push boundaries. Which is why it gives him no fear to add plenty of flair to vintage Porsches. That outlandish, no-Fs-given style sentiment is reflected in all his car. His Porsche 911 STR II is no exception, of course.

It’s perhaps his most popular build yet, having been featured on a coterie of magazines and TV shows. It’s also a darling within hundreds of editorials and online blogs. Walker calls it his “best build to date,” something that’s extremely hard to argue against.

As for the specs, you’ll find an air-cooled 3.2-liter flat-six engine underneath, with 275 ponies. That’s mated to a 915 transmission, just as Porsche intended. There’s an updated suspension, too, plus a new black interior. That lends it road handling ability well beyond a stock Porsche 911 would be capable of. Despite the newfangled stuff, Walker thought to retain the car’s non-assisted dynamics, exactly what makes them famous in the first place.

This is probably one of the only few chances you’ll get toward owning an outlaw Porsche 911. And it’s a no-reserve auction, so it’s practically anyone’s for the taking provided you swoop in fast enough to steal it.

BID NOW

Photos courtesy of PCarMarket

1982 BMW Alpina B7 S Turbo

This BMW beaut, now up for auction at RM Sotheby’s, is an Alpina B7 S. That’s a huge deal, and if you don’t know why, shame on you.

Just kidding. Of course, all vintage car fans know that Alpina makes high-performance versions of BMW cars. It’s been doing that for more than 50 years now, bringing spoked wheels and turbocharged motors to BMW’s otherwise vanilla models.

Suffice it to say that Alpina makes better BMW cars than BMW itself. You want proof? Look no further than the ride you see above, a 1982 Alpina B7 S. With its boxxy yet sleek corners and understated decals, this ride screams vintage.

But the car isn’t just about looks. Alpina didn’t skimp on the specs, that much its clear. We’re talking a twin-turbo 3.5-liter inline six that makes 330 horsepower. That’s not terribly impressive these days, of course. But those are insane numbers at the time and brought the car parallel to dedicated sports coupes of the era.

If you knew enough about Alpina, you wouldn’t be surprised at all. The automaker’s philosophy was that owning a sedan shouldn’t mean forgetting that you still deserve utmost speed and performance. As such, apart from the engine, Alpina threw in a lot of other upgrades for the Alpina B7 S. Like improvements to the suspension, new shocks, springs, and additional bracing, to boot.

This particular 1982 Alpina B7 S model is the 22nd made out of just a total of 60. We expect for hardcore vintage car collectors to eat this one up in no time. The car has been driven merely 36,000 miles, by the way. Owning it means also owning a thrilling chunk of the history of high-performance sedans.

SEE MORE HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s