Your ticket to Le Mans
Often overlooked in favor of the scarlet thoroughbreds from Maranello, the De Tomaso Pantera is one of the most underrated GT weapons of the 1970s: brutally effective, mechanically tough, and far more capable than its reputation suggests. With a muscular V8 and an established competition pedigree, it remains eligible for many of the top historic events, including Le Mans Classic, Tour Auto, Spa Classic, Peter Auto’s Classic Endurance Racing, and selected Goodwood Revival demonstrations. For those seeking a serious yet refreshingly unconventional alternative to Ferrari, this Pantera delivers in spades. RM Sotheby’s will offer this example at their Paris sale on 28 January, with an estimate of €300,000–350,000
Affalterbach Abundance Agenda
The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG comes from a brief, gloriously excessive era when AMG pursued performance without compromise. Its hand-built 6.0-litre biturbo V12, crafted under the “One Man, One Engine” philosophy, delivers 612 hpand a factory-limited 1,000 Nm of torque. This particular car, originally delivered by Mercedes-Benz Milano, wears the rare Designo Mystic Blue metallic and features a high-level Designo specification. With only 37,000 km on the clock, it is in superb, near-new condition. The SL 65 AMG combines immense performance with genuine grand touring comfort, representing a period of AMG history that is unlikely to return and is already attracting growing interest. It is now offered for sale with Rock ‘n Roll Classics.
Independence Days Icon
This Alpina B6 is a reminder of the era when Alpina was still independent—a chapter that has grown more significant since BMW’s takeover, increasing interest in pre-acquisition models. One of just 219 examples, this 1989 E30-based B6was specified with Diamond Black paint, black leather, a 25% limited-slip differential, and period-correct luxury options, reflecting Alpina’s subtle yet purposeful grand touring ethos. Powered by a 3.5-litre straight-six producing 254 hp and 320 Nm, it has covered only 30,000 km and remains beautifully preserved, making it a highly desirable collector’s car. Currently, it is offered by Axel Schuette Fine Cars.
From Maranello with Track DNA
The Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale represents the ultimate track-focused evolution of the 360 Modena, built in limited numbers with upgrades such as carbon-ceramic brakes, a lighter chassis, and a more powerful 3.6 L V8. Its exceptional specification and driving purity have made it highly desirable, as seen in recent record results—over $1 million at the Mecum auction. These analog, track-bred Ferraris from Maranello are becoming increasingly sought-after. A 360 CS in Azzurro California is currently offered in the Broad Arrow Auctions Global Icons: Europe Online Auction, with estimates of €450,000–500,000 and bidding open until January 30, 2026.
The original RSR
According to Mechatronik, this Porsche 911 Carrera 2.8 RSR, chassis 9113600002, is the only prototype of the model and the very first 911 RSR. Delivered as a 911 S in 1972 for Porsche’s internal use, it was converted the same year into a prototype for testing and homologation, appearing at the 1,000 km of Zeltweg. Sold to the Martini Racing Team, it raced the 1973 Targa Florio, finishing sixth overall after inheriting the race number of a damaged sister car. Later, it served Dunlop for tire development, passed through several private owners—including Dave White, who installed one of only four short-stroke factory engines still in the car—and was raced in Central and South America. Restored to its original RSR form, it received an FIA Historic Technical Passport in 2023 and was acquired by the current owner in 2025. As one of only two 2.8 RSR prototypes with documented racing history, it represents the birth of the 911 RSR and Porsche’s early GT racing success.
