Enthusiasts Blogging Our Favorite Classifieds
It always surprised me what comes out of the woodwork when looking at unusual color combinations. Most of the time I didn’t even think it was possible, but the old adage of anything is possible with enough money sure rings true.
Today, we have a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 up for sale in London finished in Designo Purple over Designo Purple leather. Thats the name. Just Designo Purple.
My disappointment was immeasurable when I heard Mercedes-Benz gave the axe to the S-Class couple following the production of the C217 that wrapped up in 2020. Hard to believe there would be no S-Class coupe after it existed in one way or another beginning way back in 1937. One would think it would make a perfect candidate to be fully electric the same way Rolls-Royce is going with their new Rolls-Royce Spectre set to hit roads for the 2024 model year, but I guess not. So if you want the last S-Class coupe, here you go.
Today’s car, a S560 up for sale in Portland, Oregon is as classic as it comes. Black over black leather. It’s a pure grand tourer for 365 days a year thanks to 4MATIC all-wheel drive and still can play in the big leagues with the Bentley Continental GT and the Rolls-Royce Wraith. I want one.
Well, there is a first time for everything. In over 1,000 cars I’ve looked at, I’ve yet to actually check one out in person before giving my opinion on it. That changes today with this 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 2. However, this car just wasn’t conveniently for sale down the street. Oh no. I peeled myself out of my chair, jumped on two planes, three trains, and walked a mile to the sleepy town of Brummen, the Netherlands to Gallery Aaldering. This is a place I’ve featured a handful of times before just because of their crazy collection, including a Wiesmann that was still there! Ordinary people go to the beach, I just visit car dealerships.
Sometimes I think about those very fortunate people, and probably deservingly so, that every few years would swap out their Porsche 911 Turbo for the newest model year and be happy. Going from a 930 to a 964 Turbo was probably nice, and then going to the 993 Turbo must have felt like heaven. So why would you question your friendly salesperson who only likes you because you spend lots of money with them when the new 996 Turbo showed up on lots and was promised to be the best 911 Turbo yet? I can imagine the disappointment, but then again those same people are probably driving a 992 Turbo S this very day. Not exactly a tragic story.
Still, the 993 Turbo is somehow beating father time and getting more and more desirable every year. What once was a really fun 911 Turbo under $100,000 is now two or three times that, and the really prime examples, like the one we have today, have some mind-blowing asks. How does Iris Blue Metallic with 10,000 miles sound?
One thing about the Porsche Carrera GT is that it makes no apologies. There is no additional single clutch gearbox for people who want to just scoot around, no soft comfort seats, and certainly, nothing to save you when things get hairy. It is pure take it or leave it and if you are brave enough, you can find out what the limit really is in one of these. I think that is one part of why these have shot up in value like crazy as there certainly will never be another car like the Carrera GT. Today’s car, a Guards Red example up for sale in California, certainly brings one of those crazy price tags but also a fair amount of miles for one of these.
