Half-pint supercar
Above the fine cuisine, architecture, and music, the greatest gift France has given to the world has to be the laundry list of fantastic hot hatches that they’ve produced, and one of our absolute favourites is the Clio V6. This 2003 Renault Clio V6 Phase I was the marque’s first attempt at frankensteining a mid-engined Clio, and while it may not be as polished as the Phase II, or as sweet-handling as some of its ancestors, we simply adore this mini supercar. The Renault Laguna-sourced V6 isn’t the most sonorous, and yes, the turning circle may be equivalent that of a planetary orbit, but we guarantee you’ll never see more smiles and thumbs-up than from behind the wheel of one of these. Just don’t venture into any parking lots, because you won’t be able to make it out again.
Six cylinder symphony
This 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este Coupe isn’t a car, it’s your ticket to one of the most exclusive car meets in the world. Every year, the surviving examples of the 32 Carlos Felice Bianchi Anderloni-designed Alfa 6C Villa d’Estes gather at the famed hotel for which they were named, and the only way to attend is if you own one yourself. This stunning dark green example retains its original engine and has been brought up to full concours standard, so not only will you be rolling up to Villa d’Este in style, but you’ll also be behind the wheel of one of the most beautiful 6Cs in existence.
The mad king
This unique 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi was tuned and extensively modified in-period by Willy Koenig, the legend behind the wild Koenig Specials we so rarely see. This example is the most powerful 512 BBi built by Koenig Specials, with a modified camshaft, pistons, exhaust system, and the cherry on top: a pair of turbochargers. As a result, this Ferrari produces a mighty 450 prancing horses, almost double what a standard 512 BBi puts out, giving this wild stallion equivalent performance to that of an F40. With 22,123 miles on the odometer, this Ferrari has been sparingly used in it’s four decades on the road, and now it could be yours.
Decal delight
We’ve seen our fair share of Porsche 911 Turbos pass through the Classic Driver Market, but this 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo 3.0 immediately caught our eye with its stunning ‘Turbo’ decals. Originally sourced by respected Porsche expert Richard Tuthill, this car underwent an exhaustive, 1000-plus-hour restoration, which you can now enjoy at what will surely be a hefty discount compared to the total cost. So, if you want a taste of one of Porsche’s most iconic models, this example will offer the sweetest experience possible.
Simply riveting
There’s something about 60s sports cars that elevates them above anything else on the road in our eyes, and this 1965 Iso Grifo A3/C is no exception. Not only is this the last A3/C to be built to Stradale specification with the desirable rear “flat windscreen”, but this is also one of those sought after models that feature riveted aluminium bodywork. While not immaculate, this A3/C possesses something arguably more desirable than mirror-finish paintwork, and that’s a lovely peppering of patina throughout the bodywork and interior that can only be acquired after years of loving use. That patina is what makes this a truly unmissable opportunity, so be sure to take check out RM Sotheby’s Monaco 2022 sale if you’re interest is piqued.
