It's time to finally fall in love with the Ferrari 612
When the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti launched in 2004, we were not convinced. While the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 certainly had star qualities and the ride comfort made the 612 as a genuine long-distance GT, Pininfarina's design language lacked the visual drama expected of a Ferrari. With it's long-bonnet, cab-rearward proportions, large and smooth body surfaces, and broad flanks, it even felt a bit bulky and — and impression that was reflected by it's considerable weight of 1,840 kg and its somewhat jerky F1 automatic gearbox. But 22 years later, after decades of loud and ornamental sportscar design, the Ferrari 612's elegantly subtle and understated Pininfarina design language almost feels like a relief — especially when it comes in the elegant color combination of grey Canna di Fucile with black Nero leather interior and the highly desirable gated manual transmission. One of only 199 manual Scaglietti's, this well-kept car is coming up for sale for an estimated 200.000 to 250.000 euros at Broad Arrow Auctions' Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este sale on 16 May.
The perfect power wagon
Unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, the rare Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Estate — one of just 1,700 examples built — combines discreet practicality and with true Affalterbach muscle. Powered by the hand-finished 5.4-litre M113 V8 developing 354hp, but not yet overstyled like contemporary power wagons, it was almost indistinguishable from less potent iterations of the popular family hauler — making it a true connoisseur's choice until this day. With its Avantgarde specification offering heated leather seats, sunroof and cruise control, this Emerald Black Metallic E55 has been properly enjoyed, but also well kept by its previous owners. A consummate Q-car capable of transporting family and luggage to the weekend getaway with understated, V8-powered authority, this late-1990s sleeper could be yours for an estimated 14.000 to 18.000 euros at Aguttes' upcoming sale.
Remember when Jaguars still won hearts and races?
Chassis 188, the first pure Jaguar XJR-9 built by Tom Walkinshaw Racing for 1988, debuted with an overall podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona before joining Jaguar’s five-car assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans as car number 21. One of three Silk Cut XJR-9s to finish in the marque’s historic 1-2-3 result — securing Jaguar’s first Le Mans win since 1957 — it later returned to IMSA to take pole and an outright victory at Del Mar with Brundle and Lammers. Campaigned again at Daytona in 1989, chassis 188 remains the only 1988 Le Mans-finishing works Jaguar from that triumphant year available on the market, freshly rebuilt and an overall winner at the 2022 Le Mans Classic. With its timeless Silk Cut livery, it embodies the pinnacle of Group C endurance racing — and the last big triumph in motorsports by the Jaguar brand.
The Pinnacle of Alpina Mania
Alpina mania is at an all-time high, and few models capture it like this 1990 B12 5.0 Coupé. Based on the legendary BMW 850i, Alpina transformed it into a Grand Touring masterpiece with larger pistons, revised Bosch Motronic, a bespoke exhaust, and 20-spoke 17-inch wheels — plus the iconic Alpina striping that marks it as instantly recognizable. Under Burkard Bovensiepen’s visionary guidance, just 97 of these were built, and this German-delivered example remains in extraordinary original condition, finished in Sonderlackierung Dunkel Sapphire Blue Metallic with a full historical file. In today’s collector market, where original Alpinas from the brand's independence days have never been hotter, the B12 5.0 isn’t just rare — it’s a statement: the ultimate Grand Tourer for those ready to go beyond the ordinary.
A Rolls-Royce among Porsches
This 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Coupé is a rare Sonderwunsch creation that stands apart from its more sportive and functional contemporaries. Finished in the singular colour of Rolls-Royce Exeter Blue — possibly the only 911 ever in this shade — it pairs an elegant, dark blue full-leather cabin with rich wood veneer across the dashboard, subtle Sonderwunsch touches such as a leather-covered fuse box, and fully electric Recaro comfort seats. Delivered new in Germany and preserved with remarkable originality, matching numbers, and full documentation including a Porsche Certificate, this Rolls-Royce among Carreras combines bespoke luxury with the exhilarating performance of the last classic 3.2-liter flat-six. A true collector’s gem, it embodies Porsche’s air-cooled heritage elevated to bespoke grandeur.
