Understated, not underrated
The BMW M3 GT was launched as a homologation model for the FIA GT Series in 1995, but the marketing strategy behind the rare machine could have been created by the most hyped brands of 2022. Limited to only 356 units, sold exclusively in Europe and only in the elegant shade of British Racing Green, the BMW M3 GT was the most powerful, desirable and collectable variation of the E36 generation. With its subtle design cues – just look at those Amaretta sports seats in Mexico Green nappa leather and that fine carbon trim – and the in-line six cylinder engine generating 295 hp and 323 Nm of torque, the BMW M3 GT might not be able to compete with the infinite drama and force of modern-day M3s, but isn’t the slight understatement what made us fall in love with the M3 in the first place? We at Classic Driver cannot think of a classier car to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW M than this green diamond currently offered for sale in Paris.
The Road to Sebring
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Maserati Ghibli might be the most flamboyant and voluptuous sports car built by Maserati in the 1960s, but for some reason we always preferred the subtle elegance of the Maserati Sebring’s Vignale silhouette and stance. With its powerful 3.7-litre 6-cylinder in-line engine and comfortable 2+2 setup, there must have been few better grand tourers to cross the continent from Rome to London, Paris and the Cote d’Azur. This grey-over-red 2nd series Sebring has been restored for more than 400,000 euros, making it one of the most desirable cars on the market.
Dinosaur Jnr.
Few cars scream 1970s sex appeal like a Ferrari Dino – and this might be the most desirable example you have seen in a while. Finished in a rare Bianco Polo Park and retaining its original Nero interior, matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox and body, this highly-original 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS has only had two private owners from new, the last of whom kept it for over four decades. The car was originally delivered to Italy, where it has remained ever since, and is accompanied by its original owner’s manual, hardtop and soft fabric cover, jack with leather pouch, spare parts catalogue and spare wheel. Now here's the real question: do you restore this beauty or keep it in its original splendour?
Small car, big bang!
Are you looking for a small but quick and cool city car? A matching tender to your Ferrari Testarossa or Lamborghini Countach? Well, this Autobianchi A112 Abarth might be the ultimate Italian ‘pocket rocket’ you've been waiting for. With it’s 70 hp 1.0-litre engine, the car wasn’t exactly bursting with power, but considering the overall weight of only 700 kilos, the compact A110 Abarth was a highly enjoyable and agile car that even scored some rallying fame at the hands of then-famous drivers like Attilio Bettega, Fabrizio Tabaton and Gianfranco Cunico. This well-preserved, low-mileage example is coming up for auction on December 14 with Aguttes in Paris. A quick Montmartre hill climb, anyone?
Raspberry Fields Forever
If you are into classic Porsche 911s painted in obscure period colours, this open-top 964 Carrera 2 might excite you just as much as us. Painted in ‘Himbeerrot’ or Raspberry Red – a rare shade slightly lighter and warmer than the recently revived Rubystone Red – this fruity convertible from Finland could be the perfect daily driver to put next to your weekend-only 964 Carrera RS. Sold new in Germany and first registered for Porsche AG in Stuttgart as a “Werkswagen”, the car was used by the factory or a fashionable employee – it even still wears its original paint.
