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The 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Steal The Show...

PLUS: Why The McLaren Elva Didn't Sell For $1.25m

The Daily Vroom

Good morning, Vroomers!

Looks like the high-rollers were out in full force this weekend. We saw not one, but two seven-figure sales, with this 918 Spyder from the Porsche motherland in Germany leading the pack at a cool $1.8 million. That's some serious cash for a hybrid, even if it is a 900-horsepower supercar unicorn.

Just goes to show, the market for these top-tier, limited-production beasts is still red hot. Whether it's a smart investment or just burning money depends on your perspective (and probably your bank account). But one thing's for sure - whoever snagged this barely-driven piece of Porsche history isn't planning on using it for their grocery runs.

The weekend just keeps delivering knockout punches in the high-end sales department.

Catch you tomorrow,

Sam

Interesting Auctions This Week

2024 Aston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition 

Just when you think you've seen it all, Aston Martin drops this bombshell on us. We're looking at a 2024 DBX 707 AMR23 Edition that's so fresh, it's practically still got that new car smell with only 70 miles on the clock!

This isn't just any DBX - it's decked out in that head-turning Podium Green with Lime highlights that'll make you feel like you're piloting the F1 Medical Car. And speaking of F1, get this - it's got Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll's signatures on the engine plate. Talk about bragging rights!

Under the hood, we've got a beast of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 churning out a whopping 697 horses. Paired with a 9-speed auto and all-wheel drive, this SUV is ready to leave most sports cars in the dust.

The AMR23 package doesn't just stop at the paint job. We're talking carbon fiber body kit, racing green brake calipers, and an interior that screams "I'm not your average soccer mom's ride" with its two-tone leather and lime stitching.

Now, I've got to say, the only thing that could make this listing better would be a video of Fernando Alonso taking this bad boy for a spin. Can you imagine? That would be absolute auction gold! But even without it, this DBX is a showstopper.

2005 Morgan Aero 8

Well, well, well, what do we have here? A 2005 Morgan Aero 8 that's about as rare as a unicorn sighting! This isn't your grandpa's Morgan - it's the company's leap into the 21st century, and boy, did they make a splash.

Finished in sleek silver with a red interior that screams "I'm not your average sports car," this Aero 8 is turning heads for all the right (and maybe a few wrong) reasons. That cross-eyed front end? It's not a bug, it's a feature! Seriously though, it's part of what makes this car the perfect ride for a supervillain with style.

Under the hood, we've got a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8 pumping out 333 horses. And here's the kicker - it's mated to a 6-speed manual. That's right, three pedals for maximum driving enjoyment!

Now, I know what you're thinking - "Is this thing comfortable?" Well, if you're under 6 feet tall, you're in luck. Any taller, and you might need to be a bit of a contortionist to get in and out. But hey, that's part of the charm, right?

With only 1,600 miles on the new odometer (there's a story there), this Aero 8 is practically fresh out of the box. It's got some cool mods too, like paint protection film for those of you worried about rock chips on your weekend drives.

If you're looking for something that'll turn more heads than a Ferrari at your local Cars & Coffee, this is it. It's not just a car, it's a conversation starter on wheels. And for those brave souls in the U.S., don't worry about import headaches - this baby's ready to cross the border with minimal fuss.(vehicle previously purchased in the US)

2001 Lotus Esprit V8

This 2001 Lotus Esprit V8 is about as close as you'll get to a brand new example of this British icon. With just 3,400 miles on the clock, it's barely broken in!

Dressed in Metallic Silver with a black interior, this Esprit is a stunner. But it's not just a pretty face - under that sleek body lurks a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 pushing out a hefty 350 horses. And yes, it's mated to a proper 5-speed manual. No paddle-shifting here, thank you very much!

Let me tell you, seeing this Esprit takes me right back to my younger days. I used to dream about driving one of these beauties. That wedge shape, those pop-up headlights - it was the epitome of cool in my books. I'd spend hours imagining myself behind the wheel, carving up mountain roads or cruising down the coast. And now, here's a chance to own one that's practically fresh out of the showroom!

This isn't just any Esprit - it's from the final and most refined generation. Pop-up headlights? Check. Removable sunroof? You got it. AP Racing brakes? Of course!

Now, it's not perfect - there are a few minor chips and scuffs, and the tires are from 2016. But come on, that's nothing for a car old enough to drink in the States!

Here's the thing though One of the potential bidders asked for some undercarriage photos, and the seller's response? "I don't have a working relationship with any independent auto service garages." Come on! If this was with a proper seller, they would've had this beauty up on a lift from day one, showing off every nook and cranny. That kind of response could easily put off a serious buyer.

1976 Cadillac Eldorado

This '76 Eldorado convertible is a real gem. With only 15,000 miles on the clock, it's about as close to brand new as you'll find for a car pushing 50 years old. The Greenbrier Firemist paint still shines, and that white leather interior looks barely sat in.

Under the hood lurks a massive 8.2-liter V8 - they sure don't make 'em like that anymore. It's loaded with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a top-of-the-line Caddy of the era, right down to the 8-track player.

What makes this car stand out? It's a perfect snapshot of the '70s - big, bold, and unapologetically American. This was the end of an era for land yachts like this, especially convertibles. It's not just a car, it's a time capsule on wheels. For anyone into classic American luxury or automotive history, this Eldorado hits all the right notes.

Potential Bargain Of The Day

This '91 Audi 90 Quattro 20V is shaping up to be a potential steal. With the current bid at just $1,250 and no reserve, there's a real chance of grabbing a piece of Audi history for pocket change.

Remember, we're talking about a rare bird here - one of less than 1,000 that made it stateside. That 20-valve inline-five engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, and 5-speed manual make for a sweet enthusiast combo.

Now, it's not all roses. The car was declared a total loss in 2017, apparently due to trunk lid damage. There's no CarFax, which is a bit eyebrow-raising. But the owner's gone to bat for this car, getting it repaired and keeping up with maintenance using respected Audi specialists.

They've also tackled some common issues, like swapping out the finicky Hitachi fuel injection for more reliable Bosch units. That shows some real commitment.

At this price point, even with its quirks, it could be a bargain for someone who knows these cars and isn't afraid of a project. Whether you're looking for a unique daily driver or a fun weekend tinkerer, this Audi might fit the bill.

Just remember, you're buying a 30-year-old German car. Parts won't be as plentiful as a Civic, and it might need some TLC. But hey, at no reserve and $1,250, the potential upside here is huge. If you're intrigued, maybe ask for more details on that insurance incident and some undercarriage shots.

Bottom line: This could be your chance to snag a cool piece of Audi heritage for less than the cost of a beater Corolla. Just make sure you know what you're getting into - and maybe budget for a timing belt, just in case!

A Tale of Two Million-Dollar Cars: When Auction Magic Strikes (and When It Doesn't)

Just when you think 1600veloce has outdone themselves, they manage to bring in another listing that tops the previous. This weekend, we saw a perfect example of their Midas touch with the sale of a stunning 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. Meanwhile, a 2021 McLaren Elva failed to find a new home on Friday, showcasing the unpredictable nature of high-end online auctions.

The Mercedes That Stole the Show

Let's talk about that 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. Fetching a cool $1,335,000, this beauty is a testament to both the enduring allure of classic Mercedes and the power of a well-presented auction listing.

The moment you lay eyes on that Graphite Gray paint job, you know you're in for something special. It's not just a color; it's a statement. And don't even get me started on the sound of that engine – it's the stuff dreams are made of.

Reading through the maintenance history is like flipping through a love letter to automotive care. Some serious money has been poured into keeping this machine in tip-top shape. We're talking cylinder head overhauls, oil cooler rebuilds, and a water pump replacement. It's clear that this wasn't just a car; it was someone's passion project.

The listing itself? A masterclass in presentation. With over 60,000 views, it's clear that this 300SL struck a chord with enthusiasts. From the detailed description of its cast-iron block to the meticulously documented refurbishment history, every aspect of this car was showcased to perfection. You need to watch the video’s to see a master at work, they’re that good!

The McLaren That Couldn't Quite Make It

On the flip side, we have the 2021 McLaren Elva. Now, don't get me wrong – this is an incredible machine. One of only 149 planned, finished in that eye-catching McLaren Orange with heritage-style graphics? It's a head-turner, no doubt about it.

But sometimes, even the most exotic cars struggle to find their audience in an online setting. With a sticker price of $1.8m, this Elva was always going to be a tough sell. Despite my unwavering belief in online auctions, some vehicles just seem better suited for the live auction environment, where the energy of the room can push bidders to reach for their wallets.

The high bid of $1.25 is nothing to scoff at, but it falls short of what a car of this caliber might fetch in the right setting. It's a reminder that while online auctions have revolutionized the car market, there's still a place for traditional auction houses when it comes to specialized cars

The Takeaway

What these two auctions show us is the importance of knowing your audience and your platform. The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, with its broad appeal and meticulously documented history, was perfectly suited for an online auction where enthusiasts could pore over every detail.

The McLaren Elva, while undoubtedly spectacular, might have benefited from the atmosphere of a live event where its rarity and cutting-edge technology could be experienced firsthand.

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