Nero Never Looked So Good
There has always been a certain allure to a Ferrari that is specified in a shade other than Rosso Corsa. Sure, heritage may sway you towards one of the world’s most famous car colours, but for those who choose different, the result is an entirely different aesthetic for some of Maranello’s masterpieces.
Take this as a prime example, a 2004 Ferrari Enzo, up there as one of the brand’s most sought-after collector models right now, especially when it’s finished in a shade such as this one. Changing the entire look and presence of the early noughties supercar, this Nero DS (1250) example is believed to be one of just four ever finished in this shade, and one of a mere 43 to ever leave Italy in any shade of Ferrari’s black paint finishes. Having been used for jaunts across to France from London and racking up just over 7,000 miles in 21 years, the car awaits its new custodian, who will no doubt see a flurry of onlookers and camera phone snappers!
Confetti and Jewels
If you grew up with a fascination around Japanese car tuning, much like our Editorial team, there are certain vehicles or, more specifically, certain parts they wear that can send those in-the-know into a frenzy. The Toyota Supra has seen a meteoric rise to collector car stardom in recent years, followed closely by its rivals from Subaru, Mitsubishi and Nissan, and of all the Supras to own, this 1997 RZ Turbo ranks highly as it is believed to be one of eight worldwide finished in Deep Jewel Green.
The cabin is a perfect 1990s time capsule, featuring Recaro SR2 "Confetti" seats, matching floor mats and a carbon-fibre steering wheel. These items may seem like small additions to some, but amongst JDM collectors and enthusiasts, these are truly the holy grail, only adding to this incredibly rare example’s allure!
Abarth x Michelotti x Boano
Conceived as a competition-bred sports car, yet dressed in an elegant Boano body, Carlo Abarth's first sports racer, the 207/A, embodies a philosophy of lightweight precision paired with striking aesthetics which would continue for decades to come. Just a handful were crafted, with the figure believed to be 11, making each surviving example a rare ticket back to the golden age of gentleman racers and Mille Miglia dreams.
This example has been beautifully restored, while retaining a charming patina to the interior that reminds its occupants of its incredible history. As expected, this incredible machine is a pretty much guaranteed entrant into an array of vintage races, tours, or concours events worldwide, where it would undoubtedly score highly amongst its rivals.
As Subtle as a Sledgehammer
Now we must admit, this vehicle goes against just about everything we stand for in our love for cars here at Classic Driver. It’s deeply impractical, louder than a fresh rumble of thunder, ostentatious beyond belief and yet, we can’t stop looking at it. For those moments when the standard Mercedes-AMG 6x6 G-Wagon is simply not flashy enough, you can rest assured Brabus will find a way to turn an already outrageous machine up a few notches.
One of just 100 examples ever made, and believed to be the only Designo Mystic Blue example worldwide, this Brabus G700 6x6 boasts outrageous power and luxury that rivals some of Merc’s finest creations. The biggest question is: where on earth are you going to park it?
A Merak-ulous Creation
The Maserati Merak was first introduced at the 1972 Paris Motor Show as a lighter, more accessible follow-up to the V8-powered Bora. Its styling was a product of Giugiaro of Italdesign, sharing much of the Bora's chassis and suspension, and powered by the Maserati-designed 3-litre quad-cam V6, the very same engine that was used in the iconic Citroën SM.
As a piece of 1970s design delight, the Merak didn’t exactly sell in high numbers, with a mere 1,832 produced, one of which being this unique example. Leaving the factory in 1975, this car underwent a full, no expense spared transformation in 1984 in the hands of Swiss coachbuilder, Paul Saurer. Far from a cosmetic reworking or amateur modification, this 'Hot Merak' was entirely rebodied in hand-formed aluminium, with reimagined coachwork that echoes 'Group 4' purposefulness while retaining the elegance of the original. It is believed to be the only example ever produced, and comes complete with a set of ultra-rare 12 and 15 inch Gotti three-piece split-rim wheels, wrapped in bespoke 345/35-section tyres at the rear, wider than just about any modern supercar on the road today!
