Understated Elegance
Released during the celebrations of a millennium, the Alpina B3 3.3 Touring E46 was the family hauler with a sting in its tail, but one that never shouted about its blistering performance. Under the bonnet sits the same motor from the US-specified E36-generation M3s, a 3.3-litre straight six capable of producing in excess of 280 horsepower. Aside from its impressive engine, the car’s styling was given the signature Alpina touch, oozing style and class without crossing the line into exuberance. This example is finished in a stunning colour combination and totes the iconic multi-spoke wheels and gold Alpina lines that taper along the body. If a perfectly usable, powerful wagon is exactly what you’re hoping to find under your tree this festive period, this might just be the one to snap up!
Delightfully Unconventional
Rooted in the 2CV’s rugged engineering, the Méhari offers simplicity with character, even more so than the already basic yet oh-so-loveable 2CV. It’s all function, its cabin bare of luxuries, yet surprisingly inviting, while its purposeful detailing hints at the model’s quietly capable nature. Presented in notably original condition, this Méhari is ready for country tracks, coastal roads, and anyone seeking motoring in its purest, most joyful form. Throw in the surfboards, grab all your mates, bring the entire village’s dog population, however you want to travel, the Méhari will take it all in its stride!
The Rarest Black Series of Them All
One of only 120 cars ever built and originally owned by Mercedes-AMG themselves, this SLK 55 AMG Black Series is a testament to just how unhinged the dynamic duo really were during the tail-end of the 2000s. Built over a two-year period, it was the very first model to carry the now-legendary “Black Series” name, and is powered by the monstrous 5.5-litre V8, producing 400 horsepower and a staggering 520 Nm of torque. Lightweight thanks to its fixed carbon roof, dynamic around corners thanks to its KW suspension, and race-derived with Recaro bucket seats make it one of the most focused AMG road cars of its time, this is a certified future classic!
Black Widow
Widely regarded as Ferrari's last link between the Enzo Era and its modern counterparts, the 348 Spider’s sleek styling has seemingly only got better with age. Once seen as the ugly sibling to the 355, the 348 now retains a loyal fanbase all over the world. One of just 556 examples imported to the US, this Nero over glorious Tan leather example was sold new to the California market, where it resided in and around the mid-coast until 2013, before heading across multiple states. Showing just over 18,000 miles, as time goes by, once mildly frowned-upon models such as this are now seeing a well-deserved resurgence!
Wolf in Sonic’s clothing
Desperate to stand out from the crowd, UK-based wheel creators Wolfrace needed to craft a vehicle to showcase their latest designs, but a brightly coloured Ford Sierra simply wasn’t going to cut it. Instead, the team needed a showstopper, and the result was the Sonic, a six-wheeled super-concept built to showcase the new 'Sonic' wheel design. Designed by aircraft engineer Nick Butler, it featured twin Rover V8 engines, a space-frame chassis with Jaguar running gear, and dramatic styling like something Batman would ride in, all allowing the Sonic alloys to bask in the spotlight. As visionary ideas that borderline insanity go, this slice of true 1980s delight is about as bonkers as they come!
