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Tag: Graphite

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Feature Listing: 1986 Audi Coupe GT Commemorative Design

I’m pretty sure that I’ve written up more B2 Audis for sale than any other site out there. You won’t get an unbiased account from me, but they truly are a great design. They’re handsome, comfortable, reliable and fun to drive in just about any iteration. They’re more rare to see than both period Volkswagens or BMWs, too. And while they’re not without their quirks, they’re the type of car that certainly rewards ownership and makes you feel special. Obviously, I’m a fan of the Audi Coupe GT. I’ve owned five over the past 23 years and get joy out of seeing each one. But there are a few configurations of the GT that really stand out.

There weren’t many special editions of the GT produced, but in 1986 Audi made an entire run of “Commemorative Design” cars. The 4000CS, 4000CS quattro, Coupe GT and 5000 models all got special upgrades and each were slightly different. The closest were the 4000 quattro and Coupe GT, which shared paint colors and interiors. Option code 761 got you the Special Build package on the GT (750 for the 4000CS quattro). The exteriors of both were either LB7V Graphite Metallic or L90E Alpine White, but inside they shared the same lipstick red “Mouton” leather (92). While the quattro got the slightly uprated JT code 115 horsepower 2.2 inline-5, the GT relied on the KX code motor with 110 horsepower. The difference lay in the exhaust manifold; the GT unit was a 5-1 cast manifold, while the quattro had a beefier 5-3-1 exit, along with a larger diameter exhaust. However, the lighter GT was quicker than the all wheel drive variant; and thanks to the nature of the GT versus the quattro market, more of the 750 special 1986 models have survived. The ’86 CE models also received the notorious digital dash, and if you selected Alpine White, they had color matched wheels, mirrors and rear spoiler. But the Graphite over Mouton color combination really makes the sharp Giugiaro lines stand out:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Audi Coupe GT Commemorative Design on Washington, D.C. Craigslist

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2007 Mercedes-Benz S600 Designo Graphite Edition

On Tuesday of this week, I wrote up a crazy modified Maybach 57S. Beefed up with crazy amounts of horsepower, it was decidedly not understated even though it was dressed all in black. Around the same time, Andrew wrote up a 750Li, talking about how people never give them a second look, but they offer extreme luxury in a very understated package for a modest price. In this vein, I’d like to offer for your consideration this 2007 Mercedes-Benz S600; underneath, it’s the same W221 chassis the Maybach was designed around. That means ridiculous amounts of luxuries and technology at your fingertips. While this model isn’t the nutter AMG S65 model with 600 horsepower (the same drivetain that was in the 57S), it’s still not exactly a wall flower; the M275 was rated at 510 horsepower and 612 lb.ft of torque. If that’s not enough to give you a kick in the seat of the pants, your other ride is probably a F22 Raptor. On top of the Industrial Age power, this particular S600 was ordered with the exclusive “Designo” package in Grapite; it added some beautiful Nappa leather and matte wood accents that really dress up the interior. Outside, while the W221 isn’t the most attractive S-Class produced, I think pulls off the rare feat of looking much better than the W220 it replaced and also better than the newer refreshed W221 and W222 that followed it. And outside, what’s special isn’t that it’s a crazy, slightly overdone AMG adorned model, but a standard S600 – refined, understated, and dare I say attractive:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S600 on eBay

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