A Brother in Arms
In March 2020, renowned German Mercedes tuner Brabus introduced armored versions of the Mercedes G-Class under its INVICTO program. The most understated of three versions, dubbed “PURE,” offered the highest level of protection while remaining as inconspicuous as possible. The “INVICTO Shelter Cell”—a structure bolted into the vehicle’s body, composed of hot-formed armored steel, 3D-printed protective elements, composite materials, and comprehensive bulletproof glazing—met the rigorous VR6 Plus ERV standard. This armoring adds 2,200 pounds to the vehicle’s weight, which Brabus compensated for by reinforcing the suspension and tuning the twin-turbo V8 engine to produce 550 hp. This G-Wagon, finished in metallic black with a two-tone leather interior, has covered just over 16,700 miles and has recently undergone a full service in Switzerland.
Le Race Car
In the early 1980s, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) sought to create a low-cost spec race car for its sports racing class. The result came in 1984, developed by Renault/Jeep Sport USA and designed by Roy Lunn (“godfather of the Ford GT40”). It cost just under $10,000 and was built with an aerodynamic fiberglass body over a space frame. The single-seater barchetta was an immediate success, with over 200 orders received by January 1984. Power came from a mid-mounted 1.7-liter Renault four-cylinder with 85 hp. In 1985, this example took part in four SCCA races and placed first in the “Sports Renault” class. After that season, it was placed in long-term storage, carefully preserved until its discovery, acquisition, and full restoration. Every detail appears original, from the decals and #38 racing number to Goodyear tires with Renault Jeep Sport stamping on them.
(Ad)vantage: Manual
A DB7 Vantage Coupé in Portland Green perfectly embodies the timeless elegance and pure, mechanical soul of an Aston Martin of the early noughties. What sets this 2001 left-hand-drive model apart from its peers is its six-speed manual transmission, which channels the 420 hp of the 6.0-liter V12 engine straight to the rear wheels. It transports us back to an era when the accelerator pedal, the gear stick, and the engine formed a perfect, harmonious trio—all accompanied by an inimitable soundtrack. Furthermore, the car is a true rarity: one of only about 300 DB7 Vantages (counting both Coupé and Volante models) ever produced with a manual shifter. With 50,115 miles on the odometer, this exceptional Aston is now waiting for its next admirer at The Automobile Store.
Peugeot with Presidential Provenance
Valéry Giscard d’Estaing served as President of France from 1974 to 1981—and was a true admirer and fan of the Peugeot brand. Even during his time at the Élysée Palace, he favored a 604 as his official state limousine, and he remained loyal to the “lion” marque even after transitioning into regional politics. In 1987, he acquired this 505 Turbo Injection; with 180 hp from a 2.2-liter engine, it was suitably powered for journeys from his political retreat in the Auvergne to Paris. Its color and specifications reflected his preference for understatement—as exemplified by his preferred exterior color. Green was his preferred color: both an earlier 505 and a later 607 wore it, as does this 505 Turbo, paired with brown leather and a sunroof. Having most recently been part of a large private collection in Lyon, Giscard’s former daily—which has covered 330,000 kilometers—is now on offer by Osenat.
C for Champion
In 1995, this Mercedes C-Class, with more than 440 hp and driven by Jörg van Ommen, competed in seven DTM races and five ITC events. Chassis RS95-0216 was one of four cars entered by the AMG factory team, and with van Ommen behind the wheel, it secured podium finishes at Hockenheim, the Norisring, Donington Park, Diepholz and Magny-Cours. At the end of the season, the driver from Moers finished as DTM runner-up to fellow Mercedes driver Bernd Schneider and placed fifth in the ITC. After the 1995 season, the car was displayed at the Wilhelm Maybach School in Stuttgart until 2014, when it was acquired by DTM enthusiast Jörg Hatscher, who commissioned marque specialist Thorsten Stadler to restore it. Since 2018, this DTM hero has made regular appearances in the DTM Classic series, wearing its authentic 1995 UPS/Tabac/Sonax livery, with Patrick Huisman and Jörg van Ommen himself at the wheel.
