As you’ll read later on, there is a little bit of a Porsche theme in today’s edition. So I thought I’d highlight a few different but special Porsche’s ending this week. I also wanted to add a couple of non-Porsche cars that caught my eye.

2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Edition 50 Years Porsche Design

Let's kick things off with a modern marvel – the 2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Edition 50 Years Porsche Design. This isn't just a car; it's a love letter to half a century of Porsche design brilliance. Jet Black Metallic over Black/Cool Grey – this beauty screams sophistication and performance. Under the hood, you've got a 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six engine that dishes out 443 horsepower, seamlessly paired with an 8-speed PDK transmission.

What makes this ride cooler than a James Bond tuxedo is its blend of classic 1972 Targa homage with 2023 tech – ventilated sport seats, a front-axle lift system, and a premium Burmester sound system. It’s like driving a piece of history that's ready to take on the future. If you’re a Porsche purist like me, this car hits all the right notes – it's the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-have for any serious Porsche enthusiast.

1984 Porsche 956

If you’re talking about legends, the 1984 Porsche 956 is the kind of car that makes grown men weak at the knees. The last of its kind, this beast dominated the racetracks with victories at the Fuji 500 Miles and Fuji 1000 Kilometres. With a turbocharged 2.65-liter flat-six engine, this machine was all about pushing the limits. And let’s not forget, it was driven by racing royalty like Vern Schuppan and Hans-Joachim Stuck.

This 956 isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of motorsport history, meticulously maintained and ready to roar again. Owning this is like having a slice of racing heaven in your garage – it's raw, it's powerful, and it’s got a pedigree that’s second to none. Personally, I can’t think of a cooler piece of racing heritage to own. It’s a testament to an era where engineering met artistry on the racetrack.

2000 Subaru Impreza P1

Step into the world of pure, unadulterated power with the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL 6.0 AMG. This isn't your grandpa’s SL – this is an AMG-tuned monster with a 6.0-liter V8 that’s got around 375 horsepower under its Astral Silver hood. What makes this one stand out? It’s a pre-merger AMG, which means it’s rare and has that special touch from AMG Japan. Wrapped in sleek Astral Silver with an Anthracite Leather interior, it’s got the full AMG body kit, OZ Racing wheels, and an exhaust note that’ll make your heart race.

This SL is the epitome of 90s cool – bold, brash, and beautiful. It’s a collector’s dream that combines the best of Mercedes luxury with AMG’s performance pedigree. For me, this car embodies the spirit of a bygone era where luxury and muscle met in perfect harmony – it’s the ultimate expression of power and prestige.

1956 Porsche 356A Speedster

The 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster – now this is where classic meets iconic. Finished in Slate Grey over red leather, this Speedster is the epitome of vintage cool. It’s got a 1.6-liter Super 90 flat-four under the hood, which may not sound like much today, but back in the day, it was the stuff of legends.

This car has a history that includes cross-country drives to Monterey Car Week and participation in the Speedster 50th Anniversary. The combination of its stunning aesthetic, iconic design, and rich history makes this 356A Speedster a true gem. It’s the kind of car that turns heads, starts conversations, and makes you fall in love with driving all over again. Personally, I think this Speedster is a rolling piece of art – it’s everything a classic Porsche should be: stylish, fun to drive, and full of character.

1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero

Finally, let’s talk about the 1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero. This isn’t just a car; it’s a slice of JDM heaven. Those of you’ve who’ve been here a while will know I’m a big JDM fan.

With a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, this Silvia is all about that pure, unfiltered driving experience. Finished in Diamond Graphite Metallic, it’s got the looks to match its performance. What makes it special? It’s nearly unmodified – a rare find in the world of heavily tuned Silvias. This car is the poster child for 90s Japanese sports cars – nimble, powerful, and just plain fun. It's the kind of car that makes every drive an adventure and every corner a thrill. For me, the Silvia Spec-R Aero represents the essence of what makes JDM cars so beloved – it’s raw, responsive, and ridiculously fun to drive.

For those who don't know, Marqued was part of the prestigious Porsche family, a venture of Porsche Digital, Inc. The idea was simple yet ambitious: combine compelling automotive stories with car sales. It seemed like a match made in heaven for car enthusiasts. But today, it looks like the curtain has fallen on this promising platform.

Over the years, we've heard numerous rumors about Marqued's demise. But now, it seems the end has truly come. The last sale was in May, and there are no more auctions on the site. It's a stark reminder that even with a pedigree like Porsche, success in the digital auction world is far from guaranteed.

Let's be clear: running an auction site isn't a walk in the park. There are many moving parts, and it takes a special blend of expertise, timing, and luck to make it work. But being a venture of Porsche Digital, Inc., you'd expect Marqued to have a treasure trove of incredible Porsche cars up for auction from day one. Surprisingly, they never really had any standout Porsches on offer. It's quite puzzling, isn't it?

It would have made so much sense for Marqued to position itself as THE Porsche website. I mean, Porsches consistently top the sales charts on all auction sites. It was a golden opportunity served on a silver platter. But somehow, they missed the mark.

Instead, Marqued seemed to get stuck in the romanticism of storytelling. Don't get me wrong, I love a good car story as much as the next gearhead. But their narratives, while well-intentioned, never quite captured the audience's imagination or gained significant traction.

Being a Porsche Digital, Inc. venture, you'd think they'd have the resources to hire an experienced team to bring top-notch Porsche auctions to the market. But for some reason, that never materialized. It's a real mystery why they couldn't leverage their Porsche connection more effectively.

Now, don't be fooled - auction sites like Bring a Trailer make it look easy, but it took them years to break through and become the powerhouse they are today. Marqued, with its Porsche connection, had a leg up - a real chance to challenge the status quo. But it seems they couldn't capitalize on this advantage.

As it stands, it appears Marqued is no more. To me, that's a real shame. It's not just the loss of a potentially great platform, but a missed opportunity to create something truly special in the automotive digital space.

In the end, the story of Marqued serves as a reminder that even with a strong brand behind you, success in the digital world requires more than just a good idea. It needs execution, adaptation, and a deep understanding of your audience. Hopefully, others in the automotive digital space can learn from this experience and bring us the next great platform for car enthusiasts.