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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

1969 Jaguar E Type Series 2 4 2 Litre Roadster 0

By Edward Jones – January 16, 2022

RM Sotheby’s Arizona: 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2-Li...

Presented by RM Sotheby's. Offered Without Reserve From The Tenebaum Collection The breathtaking Jaguar E-Type, lauded worldwide for its style and performance immediately upon its debut in 1961, evolved continuously across its hugely successful 14-year run. While the basic concept endured until production ceased in 1975, the E-Type is broken into three distinct Series, with smaller changes made on a running basis. Series 2 examples, including this 1969 4.2-Litre Roadster, were built from 1968–1971. These cars strike a desirable balance between the earlier Series 1 cars and the larger and rather more luxurious Series 3 cars that would follow. Chief among the Series 2’s attributes was its larger 4.2-liter dual-overhead-cam inline six, a feature introduced partway through E-Type Series 1 production; here, it produced 246 horsepower and, crucially, 263 pound-feet of torque. Some changes were prompted by evolving regulation, particularly new United States safety rules; others, including better engine cooling thanks to dual electric fans, a more ergonomic and comfortable cabin (complete with seats that now featured headrests), and improved three-caliper Girling front brake calipers and new Girling rear calipers, led to a more useable car that still proudly possessed the original E-Type spirit. In total, some 8,627 Series 2 Roadsters were produced. According to the accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust production record trace certificate, this US-specification car was completed 10 February 1969 and dispatched for delivery 25 April 1969 via the New York British Leyland distributor. It was originally finished in Cream with Red interior and Black top. After entering the Tenenbaum Collection, this E-Type was treated to a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration by Steve’s Jaguar Service of Canoga Park, California. An extensive, itemized list of tasks on file illustrates the degree of care and attention to detail that went into every aspect of the work, which was completed in 2018. A brown leather interior upholstered by the award-winning Rafael “Rafi” Abramyan of Los Angeles, California’s Classic Car Interiors was fitted at this time, and it pairs beautifully with its factory-correct Cream exterior and Black convertible top. Gleaming wire wheels with earlier-style knock-off hubs provide a sporty finishing touch. Refined in execution, yet still possessing the beauty and simplicity of the earliest production E-Types, Series 2 E-Types are as enjoyable to drive as they are to admire. This stunning restored example is accompanied by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust production record trace certificate and restoration documentation, and would be a fitting addition to any stable. RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com. View Listing

1971 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3 5 Cabriolet 0

By Edward Jones – January 15, 2022

RM Sotheby’s Arizona: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabr...

Presented by RM Sotheby's. Offered Without Reserve From The Tenebaum Collection Mercedes-Benz’s elegant Paul Bracq-designed W111 series made its debut in 1959. Among the most desirable variations were the two-door models—the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet and Coupe—produced from 1969 through 1971. These elegant V-8 powered cars were expensive, largely hand-built automobiles in the great tradition of German craftsmanship. The copious wood trim throughout the interior was all genuine, solid hardwood, sparingly accented with brightwork; the leather upholstery was thick and sumptuous; and both the ride quality and handling were (and continue to be) superb. On account of their largely hand-built construction, merely 4,502 of these tremendous automobiles were produced over three years: 3,270 coupes and 1,232 cabriolets. In simpler terms, the 280 SE 3.5 appealed, then as now, to those who appreciate the finest things in life. MRS. MARONEY’S MERCEDES-BENZ One of just 347 examples of the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet produced during the final year of availability, this Light Ivory over Cognac leather offering was delivered new to its original Los Angeles-area owner via Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood on 26 April 1971. Non-standard factory specifications included a center armrest, green insulating cabin glass, Behr air conditioning, rear power windows, Becker Europa radio with cassette, and whitewall tires. Interestingly, the car’s original owner was part of the family which managed the Maroney Company, a niche machining firm famous for outfitting NASA’s lunar module missions. The original maintenance booklet shows regular service entries at authorized Mercedes-Benz facilities through September 1976, with this handsome Cabriolet then indicating 75,000 miles. In 2014, this stately single-owner 280 SE 3.5 was sold directly to noted Mercedes-Benz specialist and restorer Scott Melnick of Calabasas, California. During Melnick’s short ownership, he masterfully reupholstered the car’s Cognac leather interior and beige soft-top using the correct horsehair padding. Recent inspection by an RM Sotheby’s specialist indicates that this 3.5 Cabriolet’s Light Ivory paintwork appears to be the original finish from new, although the brightwork was professionally refinished to an as-new shine during Melnick’s ownership. In November 2016, the Tenenbaum Collection acquired this 280 SE 3.5 from Melnick, and it has been carefully enjoyed since. Notable servicing invoices on file illustrate a comprehensive 15,000-mile maintenance interval, radiator rebuild, and the fitment of a new starter assembly through 2019. Desirable when new and no less coveted today, Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolets such as this are equally suitable for dedicated connoisseurs of the marque and those who appreciate the best of classic, hand-crafted luxury. This superb example is now accompanied by its original data card, owner identification plate, window sticker, manuals, service booklet, trim tag, tool roll, and California registration records dating back to its original purchase. RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 14, 2022

RM Sotheby’s Arizona: 1987 Porsche 959 'Komfort'

Presented by RM Sotheby's. Offered From The Tenebaum Collection Porsche stunned the automotive world when it unveiled its new “Gruppe B” at the 1983 Frankfurt Auto Show. Identified internally as the Type 961, this twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive design, with its innovative composite-over-steel body and chassis platform, powerful rear-mounted turbocharged engine, and multitude of electronic engine and suspension management systems was quickly judged to be one of the most advanced ultra-high-performance automobiles ever created—yet it was still unmistakably a member of the 911 family. This new machine was to be the German automaker’s entry into the cutting-edge FIA Group B international rally championship arena, where the only rule was that there were no rules—practically any technology was permissible. This no-limits policy encouraged a long list of automakers to create incredibly powerful and extremely fast vehicles, all of which required production of at least 200 street-legal examples on which these rally specials could be based. However, a rash of serious accidents forced a re-examination of the series. The FIA abruptly cancelled Group B, leaving manufacturers like Porsche on the hook. With production of the homologated road cars already underway, Porsche found itself in a dire financial situation. To recover its huge investment in tooling and research, the company’s board of directors had no choice but to press ahead in hopes it could convince a limited number of wealthy customers that a 200-mph road car was a sound investment. Company management need not have worried; eager buyers lined up to place deposits on the Type 959. In total, a mere 292 production 959s were built (plus a number of prototype and pre-production cars and a later series of eight cars completed from spare parts), making them eagerly sought today. The 959’s chassis, on the same 89.4-inch wheelbase as the 911 Carrera, was based on the 911’s stamped steel floorpan. In fact, the cabin’s center section, including its interior, was nearly identical to the 911. The front trunk lid and doors were aluminum; the extended nose section with its almost flush headlamps was molded of polyurethane, and the remainder of the shell from fiberglass-reinforced Kevlar. Aerodynamic stability was a primary consideration in the 959’s design, and after extensive wind tunnel studies, Porsche’s designers achieved a package with near-zero body lift and an amazingly low drag coefficient of 0.31, still an impressive figure today. There was extensive ducting and venting in the nose to cool the front brakes and oil radiator. The body’s rear section was greatly extended and widened, and it too was generously ventilated and topped with a full-width rear wing. The true brilliance of the 959 lay beneath its svelte body shell. Its tremendously powerful engine, rear-mounted, was Porsche’s race-proven flat-six, with air-cooled cylinders and four-valve, water-cooled cylinder heads. This engine, displacing 2.85 liters, was similar to those used in the brilliant “Moby Dick” IMSA GT coupe and Porsche’s Indy open-wheel project. Featuring a pair of asymmetrical turbochargers, each of them intercooled, this engine delivered power in an almost seamless fashion, with a small turbocharger spinning up almost from idle to establish low-end boost, while the second exhaust-driven turbine came into play at 4,500 rpm. At full throttle and maximum boost, this relatively small engine produced a very impressive 450 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Power was fed through a specially designed Borg-Warner six-speed transmission, which included an extremely low "gelände" gear for use in the off-road situations the Type 961 rally car might encounter. Porsche’s Porsche-Steur-Kupplung (PSK) system allowed the driver to vary the 370 pound-feet of torque between the rear and front axles, allowing up to 80 percent to the rear under hard acceleration, all managed electronically. The 959’s highly advanced suspension was also race-derived, with double-wishbones at each corner, coil springs, and double shocks that could be adjusted by the turn of a knob from the driver’s seat. Both the ride height and shock damping were electronically adjustable, and a full array of instruments kept the driver in touch with everything going on behind and beneath. Special 17-inch lightweight magnesium alloy wheels and model-specific run-flat tires were created for the 959, and the wheels included one of the first automatic pressure-monitoring systems. Large power-assisted, ventilated disc brakes with ABS handled stopping chores. Most 959s were delivered as “Komfort” models, with a broad array of cockpit amenities, including full leather trim and air conditioning. With its ability to put power to the pavement so effectively, the 959 was an amazing performer. It could see 60 miles an hour in less than four seconds from a standstill, cover the standing quarter mile in about 12 seconds, and touch 200 mph on a clear road. Without question, the Porsche 959 set the standard for high-performance road cars that was unchallenged until Ferrari unveiled its slightly faster, but much less sophisticated, F40 a few years later. This attractive Guard’s Red 959 “Komfort”, notably fitted with heated sport seats for the driver and passenger, is now offered from the Tenenbaum Collection. Though its early history remains unknown at the present, it has enjoyed nearly a decade of outstanding stewardship while residing in the collections of dedicated American enthusiasts. The accompanying history file demonstrates the outstanding degree of care lavished upon this fortunate 959. Following the consignor’s purchase in 2012, Proto Tech Inc. of Oakland Park, Florida, performed a full engine-out service, with invoices totaling over $77,000. All aspects of the car were addressed, including the brakes, fuel system, differentials, and steering rack. Following Proto Tech’s servicing, the car has since been maintained by Callas Rennsport of Torrance, California, beginning in 2013. Invoices document significant servicing annually during their caretaking. In 2013, invoices totaled over $29,000 for various servicing and clutch work. In 2014, new engine mounts were installed and the complete clutch assembly was replaced to a total of nearly $11,000. In 2015, the rear shock system was reassembled and a major service on the engine was performed, totaling over $30,000; over $24,000 in additional work was carried out in 2016. In total, invoices on file indicate nearly $176,000 in work performed. Acquired by the Tenenbaum Collection in 2017, this 959 “Komfort” has seen only limited use, and now displays approximately 14,000 kilometers (~8,700 miles) at the time of cataloguing. A legendary model, it embodies the pinnacle of the era’s technological advancement and the peak of Group-B development. This 959, accompanied by 2012–2016 service documentation, tool kit, and books, represents a tempting opportunity to acquire a special car that shocked the enthusiast world when it was first unveiled—and has only grown more desirable in the decades that followed. RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 13, 2022

RM Sotheby’s Arizona: 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

Presented by RM Sotheby's. Offered From The Tenebaum Collection To say that expectations for the Porsche 918 Spyder ran high would be a massive understatement. Not only was it a follow-up to the storied Porsche Carrera GT: It also squared off directly against the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari. All three contemporary hypercars made use of the latest advanced hybrid-electric powertrain technology, but 918 Spyder was perhaps less of a hard-edged track-weapon—instead focusing on top-quality materials, impeccable build quality, and true everyday useability. Additionally, it boasted the furthest electric-only range, lowest carbon dioxide emissions, and lowest fuel consumption when compared to its ostensible competition. Of course, none of this came at the cost of mind-bending performance. Cradled in a chassis constructed almost entirely of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composite, the 918 Spyder’s heart is a 90-degree V-8 based upon that found in Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 Le Mans prototypes. Thanks to its flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connection rods, four valves per cylinder, and dry-sump lubrication, it revs to an ear-piercing 9,000 rpm. As a result, it delivers 608 horsepower, which equates to an incredible 133 horsepower per liter of displacement. Add in the pair of electronic motors, and the 918 Spyder’s total output is 887 horsepower and 994 pound-feet of torque. Power is managed through Porsche’s tried-and-true PDK seven-speed transmission, and its delivery can be further refined through five driving modes, ranging from full electric to “Hot Lap,” which used every ounce of available performance from the powertrain. Sixty miles per hour can be reached from a standstill in under 2.5 seconds, a time faster than both the McLaren P1 and the Ferrari LaFerrari, leading towards a top speed of 211 mph. The car’s brakes are as mighty as its incredible powertrain. Massive carbon-ceramic discs sitting behind the car’s lightweight alloy wheels measure at 410 millimeters in diameter at the front with six-piston calipers and 390 millimeters in diameter at the rear with four-piston calipers. Assisting the car’s handling and downforce are a handful of active aerodynamic features, including an adjustable rear wing, a pair of under-floor flaps in the nose, and further adjustable flaps in the headlamp area. The 918 Spyder’s performance specifications were impressive when new, and they remain so today. It is worth noting, however, that of Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren, only Porsche has launched a fully electric road car—the highly successful Taycan—underscoring the 918 Spyder’s crucial role as a bridge between Zuffenhausen’s internal combustion-powered past and unfolding electric future. 918 SPYDER SERIAL NUMBER 465 This 2015 918 Spyder, serial number 465 of 918 produced, was delivered new via Porsche of The Main Line, Newton Square, Pennsylvania. Its $958,500 total price reflected a desirable selection of options, including an exterior finished in the dramatic, 918 Spyder-exclusive Liquid Metal Chrome Blue (itself a $53,000 add-on). This is paired with an interior finished in Authentic Onyx Black with Acid Green Piping, a $26,000 feature, as well as a carbon fiber interior package, Carbon floor mats with Acid Green piping and seatbelts with Acid Green accent stripes. The front axle lift system, a very useful feature, rounds out the extra-cost options list at $10,500. Believed to have had just two owners from new, this 918 Spyder shows fewer than 1,400 miles at the time of cataloguing. The majority of the car’s body is covered by paint protection film, preserving its beautiful and visually arresting exterior finish. Thanks this precautionary step, and given its very modest use, it is in spectacular condition—giving its next owner to enjoy the closest thing to an “as-new” 918 Spyder experience as is possible today. It is accompanied by its window sticker and manuals. As hybrid and electric vehicles gain ever-greater acceptance, the 918 Spyder showed that Porsche had the engineering expertise to create innovative products and become an industry leader in the electrification of the automobile. Lessons learned from the 918 have trickled down to other models, such as the Cayenne and Panamera hybrid models, and even the all-electric Taycan. Naturally, it also remains an utter thrill to drive! For years to come, the 918 Spyder will be fondly remembered as Porsche’s bright outlook on the future, showing that performance and efficiency can be beautifully combined to create a truly mesmerizing automobile. A well-equipped 918 Spyder is a must-have in any Porsche collection, and the Tenenbaum Collection’s low-mileage example in wonderful colors will not disappoint. RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 12, 2022

Mecum Auctions Presents the Jerry Brewis Estate Collection

Presented by Mecum Auctions - Brewis viewed each of his cars as an investment, and they were treated accordingly, with Brewis protecting his investments by maintaining them pristinely during their time in his collection and driving many of them sparingly. With his passing in April, his 45 remaining cars—many of which have remarkably low odometer readings—are now set to join Mecum’s lineup this January at the World’s Largest Collector Car Auction in Kissimmee, and all are stunning examples of the care and thought he put into his collection over his lifetime. Vehicles from the Jerry Brewis Estate Collection to be offered Friday, January 14 at Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2022. Mecum Kissimmee 2022 will feature an estimated 3,500 vehicles in total, daily Road Art selections, the Mecum Midway of food, exhibitors and various live entertainment acts, the Dodge Thrill Ride, and, of course, the ceaseless high-energy Mecum auction action. Kissimmee 2022 will also mark the beginning of a multiyear partnership between Mecum Auctions and MotorTrend Group with Mecum’s debut on MotorTrend+ and MotorTrend TV. For more information on Mecum Kissimmee 2022 and all other Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 'Lonnie', Fuel-Injected 454 CI, 6-Speed View Listing 2017 Dodge Viper ACR Coupe, 8.4L/645 HP, 6-Speed, 141 Miles View Listing 2018 Ford GT '67 Heritage Edition, 3.5L/647 HP, 7 Miles View Listing 2020 McLaren 600LT Spider, Twin-Turbocharged 3.8L, 87 Miles View Listing 2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, .5L, 161 Miles, Ad Personam Interior View Listing 2006 Ford GT, 5.4L, 6-Speed View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 12, 2022

RM Sotheby’s Arizona: 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S 'Flachbau'

Presented by RM Sotheby's. Offered From The Tenebaum Collection This 1994 911 Turbo S “Flachbau” is one of the rarest and most sought-after Porsches of its time, combining the best of the classic air-cooled, single-turbocharger, rear-wheel-drive Turbo era with distinctive looks and undeniable exclusivity. So it is perhaps surprising to note that the model owes its existence to a quirk of Porsche production history: As the automaker wound down production of its 964 Turbo in late 1993, and with the 993 Turbo on the horizon, a final batch of uncommitted 964 coupes was sent over to Porsche Exclusive for conversion to "S" specification. Consequently, all were equipped with the "Works Increased Horsepower" X88 engine option, uprated with a larger, single KKK turbocharger with increased boost, a more efficient intercooler, modified cylinder heads with larger ports, increased-capacity fuel injectors, and more radical camshafts with advanced engine timing. The M64/50S X88 was an air-cooled flat-six which delivered 385 horsepower at 5,750 rpm, 25 more horses than the standard 3.6 Turbo. Torque was increased to 384 pound-feet and was available much lower in the rev range, which helped resolve the lack of urge at lower boost levels. Power was fed through a G50 five-speed manual transaxle with a ZF-sourced 40 percent locking differential. These cars were all fitted with standard 3.6 Turbo suspension, including 21- and 22-millimeter anti-roll bars in front and rear, respectively, and Boge shocks and struts. Engineer/racer Roland Kussmaul lowered the ride height by about an inch and a half to enhance handling. Porsche produced these special 964-based Turbo S coupes in several distinct varieties. Besides the standard Turbo S, there would be four different versions, depending on where they were to be sold; these were designated as Option X83, X84, and X85, the last of which was available in two flavors. Most, but not all, were given variations of the exotic, hand-fabricated (and thus very expensive) 935-like flachbau, or "flat-nose" bodywork. The American-market Turbo S coupes ordered with the X85 Flachbau option added an additional $60,000 to the Turbo's $99,000 base price. These incorporated 928/968-style retractable but uncovered "flounder" headlamps, standard Turbo sheet-metal, asymmetrical 959-style air intakes on both rear quarter-panels, a special front air splitter, a louvered rear wing that enclosed the intercooler, quadruple exhaust tips, and 18-inch-diameter "Speedline for Porsche" modular light-alloy wheels, 8 inches wide in front and 10 inches in the rear, shod respectively with 225/40 and 265/35 high-performance tires. In total, 76 Turbo S Flachbau coupes were built; 10 X83s were sold to Japan, 27 X84s offered to "Rest of the World" buyers, and 39 examples of the X85 version with flat-nose front ends were sold to the United States. An additional 17 X85s were delivered with standard 964 Turbo fenders, complete with vertical headlights. This 1994 Turbo S Flachbau was delivered new to its first owner, an Oklahoma City resident, in July 1994 via Motorcars International of Springfield, Missouri. While its performance potential was obvious, this triple-black Porsche also received a number of luxury touches; its original specification included heated front supple leather seats with lumbar support, a power sunroof, and a remote CD changer. Though driven only sparingly, service invoices on file illustrate the high level of maintenance this Porsche has received over the past decades. In addition to regular oil and fluid changes, mechanical systems were serviced as-needed—and careful attention was also paid to perishable rubber components and cosmetic items as well. In addition to a service file containing invoices spanning 2002–2018, this 911 is accompanied by a window sticker, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, an owner’s manual, and tool kit. Offered from the Tenenbaum Collection showing just 3,700 miles at time of cataloguing, this car represents a special moment in turbocharged 911 history. The 993 Turbos that would follow gained all-wheel drive and traded the signature single large turbocharger for two smaller units; while excellent performers, they offer a driving experience very different than that of 964 Turbos such as this. For those seeking the pinnacle of classic Porsche Turbo feel, along with the added rarity of the US-specification X85 package, this low-mileage, exceptionally preserved, triple-black 1994 911 Turbo S “Flachbau” would make the for the ultimate prize. RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 11, 2022

Mecum Auctions Presents the Michael Fux Collection

Presented by Mecum Auctions - Entrepreneur extraordinaire Michael Fux has become better known for his jaw-dropping collection of supercars than for the businesses that allowed him to build it. As the proud owner of more than 160 world-class vehicles, Fux isn’t shy about showing off his amazing autos. In fact, the Michael Fux Collection lives so loudly on Instagram that he has more than 139,000 followers in total. The photo-sharing platform is perfect for Fux, serving as an outlet to effortlessly illustrate his admiration for these alluring beasts. With the humorous handle of “fuxwithmichael,” Fux is able to spread the beauty of his collection with car lovers globally. Vehicles from the Michael Fux Collection to be offered Saturday, January 15 at Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2022. Mecum Kissimmee 2022 will feature an estimated 3,500 vehicles in total, daily Road Art selections, the Mecum Midway of food, exhibitors and various live entertainment acts, the Dodge Thrill Ride, and, of course, the ceaseless high-energy Mecum auction action. Kissimmee 2022 will also mark the beginning of a multiyear partnership between Mecum Auctions and MotorTrend Group with Mecum’s debut on MotorTrend+ and MotorTrend TV. For more information on Mecum Kissimmee 2022 and all other Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com. 2020 McLaren Speedtail, 194 Miles, No. 100 of 106 Built View Listing 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS, 6.5L/789 HP, 138 Miles View Listing 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale, 3.9L/986 HP, 57 Miles View Listing 2021 Ferrari F8 Spider, 3.9L/710 HP, 66 Miles View Listing 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R, 4.0L/577 HP, 324 Miles View Listing 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R, 58 Miles, 4.0L/577 HP View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 11, 2022

RM Sotheby’s Arizona: 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo 'Flachbau' T...

Presented by RM Sotheby's. Offered From The Tenebaum Collection A dream car for many since it first hit the road in 1975, Porsche’s first generation of 911 Turbo, known internally as the 930, quickly established itself a global performance benchmark. With huge flared fenders and a whale-tail rear deck spoiler, it certainly looked the part as well, all while being instantly recognizable as both a Porsche and a 911. One of the more compelling options available to 911 Turbo buyers was the M505 package, which transformed the car with the flachbau (or “flat-nose”). This gave the Porsche 930 a sleek, 935-inspired look with lowered and louvered front fenders, pop-up headlamps, boxed rocker panels, and straked side cooling vents on the radically widened rear quarter panels. This was a pricey, and thus, rare option available for Turbo Coupes, Cabriolets, and Targas. Of these, Flachbau Turbo Targas are even rarer: Just nine M505 Turbo Targa Flachbaus were produced for 1989 (plus a single M506 Targa reportedly for the Middle Eastern market). From 1987–1989, a mere 29 Turbo Targa Flachbau examples were created in total. Although the majority of Porsche 930s received a four-speed manual gearbox, final-year cars, including this example, were fitted with a Getrag G50 five-speed manual transmission—a feature that further enhances the model’s celebrated driving dynamics. According to the accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this US-specification Targa was completed on 4 March 1989. Commissioned through Porsche’s Special Wishes department by the heir to Sbarro, the Italian food empire (as confirmed by the bill of sale on file) it was finished, then as now, in Guards Red over a Cashmere Beige and Black partial leatherette interior. Beyond the dramatic Flachbau bodywork, optional equipment included a limited-slip differential, a shortened shift lever with leather boot and knob, driver and passenger sport seats—each attractively trimmed with red piping—with electronic height adjustment, an amplifier, and velour carpet in the luggage compartment. A Light Rootwood dashboard, a center console, an electronic boost gauge, and even a passenger’s side lighted makeup mirror speak to the high level of custom specification throughout. Further, a Blaupunkt Reno radio was specified (an Alpine head unit is presently fitted). Now offered from the Tenenbaum Collection displaying fewer than 8,000 miles, and accompanied by delivery documentation and window sticker, tool roll, tire kit, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this Turbo Targa represents an exceedingly rare example of the already-exclusive Flachbau style. Add in its intriguing provenance, G50 gearbox, unique specification, and its wonderfully original, low-mileage state of preservation, and this example represents a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity for the serious Porsche collector. RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2022

RM Sotheby’s Arizona: 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Presented by RM Sotheby's. Offered Without Reserve From The Tenebaum Collection The title of “last great analog supercar” is hotly contested, but the Porsche Carrera GT sits at the top of the list for countless enthusiasts. Advanced in its design and in its use of cutting-edge materials, the Carrera GT nevertheless offers a purist driving experience unlike anything built by major automakers today. At its heart is a naturally aspirated V-10 paired with a specially developed six-speed manual transmission, the sole gearbox offered. A lack of intrusive electronic driving aids made the Carrera GT a challenging, but immensely rewarding, car to master. Add its stunning exterior and interior design to the equation, and it is no wonder that each of the 1,270 Carrera GTs built—of which only 644, this example among them, were delivered new to the United States—is treasured today. Fittingly for a Porsche, the Carrera GT’s origin is grounded in motorsport. After Porsche’s thrilling triumph at the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans, in which the purpose-developed 911 GT1 secured a dominating 1-2 finish, much discussion mounted about the potential build of a commemorative racing model. At the Paris Salon two years later, Stuttgart unveiled a new concept car, though the model’s development had essentially tailed off after corporate priorities were refocused on building the company’s first SUV, the Cayenne. Customer interest was undeniable, though, so Porsche resuscitated the project as a top-shelf boutique supercar that eventually became the Carrera GT. Available for deliveries in 2004, the Carrera GT was clearly predicated on the race car principles of low weight and extreme power, starting with a 220-pound tub of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The lightweight material also composed the engine subframe and was generously used throughout the breathtaking coachwork, which sprung from the pen of Grant Larson—responsible for the popular Boxster. Originally developed as a Le Mans prototype engine, the jewellike 5.7-liter aluminum V-10 utilized an unusual V angle of 68 degrees and employed aluminum pistons and an aluminum intake manifold, titanium connecting rods, and a forged crankshaft to maintain a low weight of 452 pounds. Dry-sump lubrication allowed for the rear-placed motor to lie very low within its subframe, and a carbon ceramic clutch and low-mass flywheel contributed to free-revving low-inertia performance encapsulated by a redline of 8,400 rpm. Developing 605 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 435 pound-feet of torque, the V-10 was mated to a six-speed manual transaxle. The end result of such impressive technology was earth-shattering performance, with the Carrera GT reaching 60 mph from standstill in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. Cross-drilled ceramic-composite disc brakes with huge 14.96-inch rotors anchored lightweight magnesium wheels, and an ingenious suspension system derived from the 911 GT1 ensured superior cornering and balance. Larson’s exterior design was just as beguiling as the mechanical wonders that lay underneath, clearly influenced by the marque’s classic racing spyders of the 1950s. The Carrera GT was equipped with a removable lightweight hardtop that lent the car a breathtaking fastback appearance, though whether it was fixed in place or removed, the occupants’ roll-over hoops and arching meshed cam covers contributed to voluptuous curves throughout the design. Despite the model’s quasi-race-car brief, the Carrera GT was available with a host of comfort amenities such as air-conditioning, power windows, a Bose premium sound system, and fitted luggage. In tandem with leather-upholstered sport seats built around CFRP and Kevlar shells, the interior belied a car of such capable performance. Though driven very sparingly from new, this Carrera GT has benefitted from a high level of care by its dedicated owners. The accompanying maintenance history file notes an August 2015 service at Rusnak/Westlake Porsche of Thousand Oaks, California that included a safety inspection, clutch inspection, an oil change, and belt and spark plug replacement. A regular service by Porsche North Scottsdale of Scottsdale, Arizona followed in January 2019, which included an oil change and clutch measurement (which found the clutch to be at 30 millimeters). Invoice copies on file indicate that the odometer displayed 5,037 miles at this time. In August 2019 the car was serviced by Porsche of Woodland Hills, California, including the fitment of four new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, alignment, new spark plugs and coils, oil service, and new TPMS sensors. At the time, mileage was recorded at 5,262, and the car has seen only limited use since. Most recently, that same facility replaced the battery and conducted a vehicle inspection in June 2020. Offered from the Tenenbaum Collection, this stunning GT Silver example presently records under 5,500 miles from new and is in spectacular original condition. In addition to service invoices, it is accompanied by the optional matching seven-piece luggage set, including garment bag, shoulder bag, briefcase, duffle bag, console bag, and two small leather pouches that fit neatly into the ends of the doors. Automotive critics hailed the Carrera GT as one of the greatest supercars of all time when it was introduced, marveling over its incredible performance in a lightweight, race-ready package with exotically beautiful styling; it is the rare modern masterpiece that is equally suitable for concours exhibition and driving enjoyment. Considering this example’s low mileage and wonderfully maintained condition, this US-specification Carrera GT it is an opportunity not to be missed. RM Sotheby’s is set to kick off the collector car auction calendar once again by returning to the stunning grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on 27 January for its 23rd annual Arizona sale. View all lots and register to bid online at RMSothebys.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2022

2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition Roadster - Ba...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - Powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine with an automatic transmission with 1,540 actual miles. The Final Edition SLS AMG GT was specifically made and ordered for Mercedes-Benz VIPs, with only 10 coupes and 10 roadsters allocated for North America. All factory-original with unique design and Magno Matte Graphite paint, Final Edition design black Nappa leather with silver diamond-pattern stitching, carbon-fiber mirror covers, AMG Performance media with Bang & Olufsen sound system, black forged wheels and red brake calipers. View Listing

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