Another BMW Group 5 Art Car
This is a one-of-a-kind BMW in many respects. Originally based on a modest 1982 BMW 318, it was heavily upgraded with the mighty V8 and running gear from a BMW 540i, plus a bespoke body inspired by similar conversions such as the famous one in Jägermeister colors. And as if all this extravagance weren't enough, this bespoke signature build by Kustom Kolors of Dorset (UK) was finished with a striking asymmetrical artwork.
It took approximately two years to transform this homage to a BMW 320 Group 5 of the late 1970s and early '80s into a road-going beast – and, perhaps more significantly, into a BMW Art Car in its own right. Now this unique interpretation of a true BMW racing icon is set to cross the block at Historics Auctioneers' forthcoming Ascot sale.
An Open Aston for America
For once, this open Aston Martin wasn't classified as a Volante, since it was created in close collaboration with long-time partner Carrozzeria Zagato. Unveiled at the 2003 LA Auto Show as the "DB AR1" (for American Roadster 1), it was built on the DB7 Convertible platform with American buyers in mind. It featured only a minimalist tonneau cover to protect the stationary car from rain and intruders. A larger front grille, a steeply raked windshield, and Zagato's signature double-bubble motif set it apart from a standard DB7.
This example is the 84th of only 99 built and remained with its US owner until 2009, when it was exported to Germany, before passing to Belgium in 2015. Painted in Stronsay Silver over a Claret Red leather interior, it has a mere 240 miles on the odometer. This DB AR1 represents one of the most collectible examples of a partnership that was revitalized in the early 2000s.
Range Rover with Royal Provenance
This Range Rover L322, finished in a bespoke color reminiscent of the Balmoral Green seen on Range Rover Classic models of the mid-1980s, hails straight out of the desert – and comes with an extraordinary provenance, having been owned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, who ruled the Sultanate of Oman from 1970 until his death in 2020.
Apart from the color and an interior with the Sultan's personally chosen seat covers, the most obvious modification was the addition of a factory Land Rover bull bar with spotlights. In period, it was common to see the bar adorned with desert water bags made of hemp, which, being microscopically porous, kept drinking water cool on long hunting trips. The 2006 car is powered by the AJ-V8 4.4-liter naturally aspirated engine of Jaguar origin, mated to a 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox. With 64,000 miles on the clock, it is currently part of a private collection in Oman.
The manual long-distance stormer
The Ferrari 599 GTB was conceived as the true successor to the 575 M Maranello. Its styling was somewhat controversial at the time but today is widely regarded as one of the defining designs of Pininfarina's final era of elegant Ferraris. With no spoiler or wings, it is understated yet undeniably aggressive. At its heart sits the gorgeous 6.0-liter V12, closely related to the Enzo engine. With 620 hp, it can propel this front-engined Cavallino to top speeds in excess of 205 mph. In period testing, journalists even managed to measure around 210 mph...
Originally delivered new in Germany, this 2006 example has remained exceptionally well preserved. The conversion from the 6-speed 'F1' automated manual transmission to a 6-speed manual gearbox strengthened the effortless performance character even further. Finished in the highly desirable Rosso Monza and complemented by a Sabbia interior, the car comes with a custom-made luggage set.
Goodbye Z4, welcome back Z3!
BMW recently announced the discontinuation of its last roadster, the Z4 — making this the perfect moment to fulfill the dream of open-top motoring in a BMW with this classic 1998 Z3, a car with a complete German ownership history and a highly distinctive color scheme: "Violet Red Metallic", matched by a black-and-violet two-tone interior.
The car was owned by the same first (female) owner for over two decades. Since 2021, the accident-free roadster — with a total mileage of 33,000 — has been in the possession of its third owner. Exceptionally well preserved and powered by the then-baseline 1.9-liter four-cylinder (140 hp), this Z3 with a body-colored hardtop and fully documented ownership history is now for sale at C.O.G. Classics in Rosendahl, Germany. We are confident that this Spartanburg-built (USA) Bimmer will make the loss of the Z4 much easier to bear.
