Ferrari Speedster with German roots
In 1979, Bernd and Jutta Michalek founded a coachbuilding and model-making business in Mainz (Germany), specializing in conversions, small-series production and the development of exclusive accessories, such as a storm-proof soft top for the Ferrari 550 Barchetta. In 1993 and based on a Ferrari 328 GTS, Michalek launched the "Conciso" concept. The name perfectly reflected the vehicle's character, as evidenced by its speedster-style architecture. Michalek had the wedge-shaped, doorless aluminum body manufactured in Italy; it reduced the car's weight by 30 percent to a mere 890 kilograms. Featuring door compartments designed to hold two helmets, a nod to the Lancia Stratos, the Conciso caused quite a stir at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show. After spending years in Belgium, where it was granted road-legal status in 2014, this unicorn has been in the US since 2018, where it has been showcased dynamically on Jay Leno’s Garage and more recently at the Petersen Museum. Now, this unique Ferrari with German design roots is being auctioned via RM Sotheby’s Sealed Auction.
From Daytona to Goodwood
Once seen tearing around the iconic Goodwood Circuit during the 78th Member’s Meeting, this Studebaker Lark Daytona 500 showed its boxy tail to an assembled Ford armada of Mustangs, Falcons, and Galaxies. The Daytona was the top trim level of the Lark "compact sedan", produced by the Studebaker-Packard Company during its first generation in 1959, and the only model in its segment available with both six and eight-cylinder engines. Built specifically for historic motorsports, this particular car is powered by a 430 hp Chevy V8 built by Peter Knight and is now offered for sale complete with spare wheels and assorted body panels. As the overall winner of the St Mary’s Trophy at the Goodwood SpeedWeek 2020 and the Pierpoint Cup, this crowd favorite, which appears deceptively unassuming at first glance, is ready to once again outclass more powerful rivals at Goodwood once more!
This 1985 911 Turbo 3.3 dates back to the early days of Porsche’s "Sonderwunsch" department, established in 1978, a time when under the direction of the late Rolf Sprener individual requests were still fulfilled through a particularly close dialogue between the customer and the factory. Father-and-son duo Werner and Christoph Fartak from Lahr in Southern Germany also profited from this customer-friendly sales strategy. In addition to a 964 Turbo, a Turbo S Lightweight, and a 993 GT2, these long-time loyal Porsche clients also ordered this 930 in their favorite Sonderwunsch color "Coppa Florio Blue." Beyond its unique paintwork, which shifts between white and sky blue depending on the light, this 930 Turbo is distinguished from a standard model by air intakes in the rear fenders, wider side skirts, and body-colored wheels. A special detail tracing back to Porsche’s then-head of design, Anatole Lapine, is the dark blue pinstripe applied by hand into the surroundings of the body-colored wheel centers. Currently located at P1 Cars in Barcelona, this unrestored Turbo features its matching-numbers drivetrain and is an authentic survivor from an era when no customer request was rejected by Porsche.
Soft-Top Showstopper
Many early Mercedes G-wagons would find themselves being used by armed forces around the world, due to their rugged dependability and go-anywhere ability. Examples such as this one from 1991, it features a two-door configuration, a soft top, a short wheelbase, a fold-down windshield, and a robust diesel engine, and yet, nothing about this 250 GD, at least visually, hints at its military origins. Its Emerald Green Metallic paintwork and Cognac soft top, paired with a matching leather interior and wood trim, give it a decidedly refined appearance. Equipped with a replacement original Mercedes engine, this "G" underwent an extensive frame-off-restoration comprising laser cleaning, cavity sealing, repainting and all the associated work. Modern touches include air conditioning, heated seats, an infotainment system, and a rearview camera. Now, this "Wolf in fine clothing" is ready for its next outing, though, despite its famously all-wheel-drive capabilities, would you really take such a beautiful example into muddy and rugged terrain?
The King of Kings
In 1995, Nissan introduced the 400R as a limited high-performance variant of the fourth-generation Skyline GT-R (R33), with the moniker "400" denoting horsepower output and "R" for "Racing." The overall development and engineering of the GT-R was commissioned to Nissan’s motorsport division NISMO; a pedigree evident in details such as the strut tower brace, wheels, brake pads, and racing bucket seats. The twin-turbo V6 engine, bored out from 2.6 to 2.8 liters, produced an incredible 470 Nm of torque, thanks to more responsive turbos, more efficient intercoolers, and further fine-tuning, propelling the 400R from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds. An aerodynamic package featuring a redesigned hood and an adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler optimized the airflow of a car capable of topping 300 km/h or 186 mph. Although Nismo originally planned to build 100 units, only 44 were ultimately produced, and among them is this right-hand-drive example finished in Sonic Silver, which spent nearly three decades in Japan before recently arriving in the US. Now, it will await a new home at Broad Arrow’s Quail Auction during Monterey Car Week this August, with an estimate starting at a staggering $800,000.
