BMW M1

 

The M1 is one of BMW's first, latest, and only successful attempts in creating a dedicated flagship sports car. It was introduced in 1978 and is motivated by a mid-engine 3.5-liter inline-six with 277 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The M1's mid-mounted six-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. The M1 launches from zero to 60 mph in about six seconds and can accomplish an approximate top speed of 162 mph. It was designed by famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the first car fully developed by BMW Motorsport, and homologated for Group 4 and 5 racing. BMW was initially planning to partner with Lamborghini to produce the M1, but a variety of different issues caused Lamborghini to pull out of collaborating with BMW on the M1. Underneath the M1 is a tubular steel spaceframe, while its body is made of fiberglass. Notable unique exterior design aspects of the M1 include pop-up headlights and two BMW roundel logos on the rear of the vehicle. A relatively compact front trunk and automatic climate control are standard in the M1 as well. 

A total of 453 examples of the BMW M1 were produced from 1978 to 1981, specifically 399 road cars and 54 purpose-built race cars. It later inspired an M1 Homage Concept that unfortunately never entered production and the design of the futuristic-looking i8 plug-in hybrid sports car that debuted in 2013. The average BMW M1 is currently valued in the $600,000s on the resale market. The specific M1 pictured in this post was on display at this year's Legends of the Autobahn show that took place during Monterey Car Week two weeks ago. This is the first M1 that I have seen up close in recent years, and it is easily the coolest, most impressive, and my favorite BMW at Legends of the Autobahn this year. Overall, I may not be the biggest BMW fan, but the M1 is certainly an amazing car due to its beautiful and timeless design, unique formula for a BMW, low production numbers, and significant importance in BMW history. Stay tuned for more content from this year's Legends of the Autobahn show coming up in the next several posts. 

Vehicle Specification Sources: Classic.com, Supercars.net, Audrain Auto Museum 

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Ferrari Enzo

 

The Enzo is the fourth vehicle in Ferrari's ultimate supercar lineage. Named after Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, it debuted in 2002 as the replacement for the F50 atop the Prancing Horse portfolio at the time. Powering the Enzo is a 6.0-liter naturally-aspirated V12 with 651 horsepower and 458 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed F1 automated manual gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 217 mph. The Enzo's Formula 1 technology features were firsts for Ferrari road cars, such as its shiftable automatic transmission, active aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes, and carbon-fiber body. Also featured on and in the Ferrari Enzo are dihedral butterfly doors, a rear spoiler and front flaps that adjust depending on vehicle speed, and a stripped-down interior with carbon-fiber racing seats and a steering wheel that houses LED shift lights and a majority of the primary controls. 

Only 400 units of the Ferrari Enzo were ever built between 2002 and 2004, making it one of the rarest ultimate Ferraris. The Enzo also spawned a track-only version called the FXX. Pricing for the Ferrari Enzo started at just below $660,000 when new, and values for Enzo examples that have reached the resale market in recent years have skyrocketed well past $5 million. There were three different Enzo examples that crossed the auction block at three separate auctions during Monterey Car Week two weeks ago, and each of them sold for $9.41 million, $10.675 million, and $12.1 million respectively. The highest recorded sale of a Ferrari Enzo took place towards the beginning of this year at a Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Florida, where one sold for a whopping $17.875 million. 

The particular example pictured in this post is the first Ferrari Enzo that I remember ever seeing in person, which was not officially displayed at the Legends of the Autobahn show but parked close enough to where I consider it to be part of that specific show. Based on its license plate, this Enzo appears to have been transported from the UK to Monterey in order to partake in Car Week festivities this year. I was certainly amazed and in disbelief when I stumbled across this Enzo when attending the Legends of the Autobahn show. The handful of other supercars parked alongside this Enzo definitely made it seem like a show extension that afternoon. Not only was this specific Ferrari Enzo my favorite parking lot find at Legends of the Autobahn, it is one of the top vehicles I was most thrilled to see up close during the one day I was in the Monterey area for Car Week this year. Overall, the Enzo is one of the coolest, most impressive, and most important Ferraris ever made. I am especially in awe of the Ferrari Enzo due to its striking design, incredible performance, greater exclusivity than many other supercars, and Formula 1 technology that set the standard for Ferraris going forward. Stay tuned for more content from this year's Legends of the Autobahn show coming up in the next several posts. 

Vehicle Specifications Sources: Classic.com, Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale 

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Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-Door (2027-)

 

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door has been fully redesigned for 2027, and some significant fundamental changes were made to the brand-new best-performing 4-door Mercedes compared to its predecessor. The AMG GT 4-Door's new generation's biggest fundamental change over its predecessor is swapping internal combustion for pure electric power. It is currently available in two different trim levels: 55 and 63, and pictured here is the top-of-the-line 63 model, making this particular version the main focus of this post. The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-Door is motivated by three electric motors producing up to 1,153 horsepower and 1,475 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims that the new AMG GT 63 4-Door can launch from zero to 60 mph in about two seconds and zero to 124 mph in 6.4 seconds. Its top speed is capped at 186 mph. The new AMG GT 4-Door's three electric motors are axial-flux instead of the conventional radial-flux, becoming the first mass-produced EV to feature this type of motor. The axial-flux design allows for the motor to be lighter and smaller, generating consistent performance without losing power. 

The new AMG GT 4-Door's 106-kWh battery is capable of charging at rates up to 600 kW and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in as quick as 11 minutes under ideal conditions. This makes it one of the fastest-charging batteries of any electric vehicle. Its range is rated at up to 432 miles on the European cycle, which equates to around 365 miles on the American cycle. Standard mechanical equipment on the new AMG GT 4-Door include three-chamber air suspension, all-wheel steering, 4Matic+ All-Wheel Drive, and a new drive mode known as AMGFORCE Sport+. This particular new drive mode activates a digital exhaust soundtrack, tachometer, redline, and steering wheel paddle shifters to emulate the driving dynamics of a V8-powered car. As for the GT 63 specifically, it gains active hydraulic control and an AMG Race Engineer Control Unit, or extra dials on the dashboard for improved handling, over the GT 55. Like its predecessor, the new AMG GT 4-Door is technically a hatchback with its rear liftgate that allows for more cargo space than most sedans with traditional trunk lids. A front trunk with a measly 1.7 feet of cargo space under the hood is provided with the new AMG GT 4-Door as well. Its standard interior layout is four seats, including two rear individual bucket seats, while a five-seat layout with a three-across second-row bench is optional. Also standard inside the all-electric AMG GT 4-Door are a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, 14-inch passenger display, and dual wireless charging pads up front. 

The redesigned and now all-electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is set to hit US showrooms later this year for the base 55 model and early next year for the top-of-the-line 63 model. Pricing for the new AMG GT 63 4-Door will more than likely start at over $200,000. To no surprise, the Legends of the Autobahn show that took place during Monterey Car Week two weeks ago marked the first instance that I have ever seen the new AMG GT 4-Door in person. It was displayed along with some other cool and important Three-Pointed Star-badged vehicles in front of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America booth at this year's Legends of the Autobahn show, and I found its appearance there to be somewhat unexpected. While I prefer its predecessor and do not see it as super physically attractive, I view the new AMG GT 4-Door in a more positive light after seeing one in the flesh for the first time compared to when it was first revealed about three months ago. Overall, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is a great performance vehicle with some insane specs and cutting-edge technology, and it certainly challenges the Porsche Taycan as one of the most appealing and best all-around electric cars in my eyes. Stay tuned for more content from this year's Legends of the Autobahn show coming up in the next several posts. 

Vehicle Specifications Sources: Motor Trend, Car and Driver 

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Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake

 

Featured here is a somewhat obscure wagon version of the high-performance Mercedes-Benz CLS that was primarily offered in Europe but never officially sold in the US, the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. The Shooting Brake body style was introduced and added for only the second-generation CLS from 2013 to 2018, making it cooler and more practical than its sedan/four-door coupe counterpart. Powering this particular CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with 557 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and tops out at an electronically-limited speed of 155 mph. Later model years of the CLS63 AMG Four-Door Coupe and Shooting Brake gained an optional performance pack, a facelift, and an S version that is faster, more powerful, and more refined. Besides the additional cargo space, the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake's specs, standard equipment, and options are practically identical to those of its four-door coupe counterpart, except the Shooting Brake is a tad lower in ride height, a tad longer in overall length, and 33 pounds heavier. Despite its added practicality over its four-door coupe variant, the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake contains about 14 less cubic feet of cargo space than an equivalent E-Class wagon. 

While the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake was never officially sold in the United States, it was never particularly common in Europe or the few other markets it was available in. This specific example is the first CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake that I have ever seen in person, which occurred at at this year's Legends of the Autobahn Show during Monterey Car Week. It is outfitted in a unique livery with a flashing light bar on top due to it being CMS Motorsports' designated safety car for its CMS 1000 Benz Rally, which goes from Los Angeles to Monterey for Car Week every year. I was genuinely surprised to see a CLS63 Shooting Brake at Legends of the Autobahn, let alone on US soil. If I had to guess, it was likely imported here from overseas under the federal show-and-display exemption, but there's always a possibility that it was just a four-door coupe converted into a shooting brake. Besides the unique livery and flashing light bar, custom HRE wheels were added onto this CLS63 Shooting Brake as well. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is one of the most underrated forbidden fruits known to American car enthusiasts and one of the most underrated vehicles on display at Legends of the Autobahn this year. Stay tuned for more content from this year's Legends of the Autobahn show coming up in the next several posts. 

Vehicle Specifications Sources: Motor Trend, Car and Driver, CMS Motorsports  

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Mercedes-Benz 600

 

This particular 600 is far from the average classic Mercedes-Benz sedan. It was crafted by aftermarket firm S-Klub LA, in which the body from a classic Mercedes-Benz 600 was installed over the interior and underpinnings from a 2024 AMG S63 E-Performance. Peak power output for this 600/AMG S63 E-Performance mashup build is 1000 horsepower and 1100 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive carry over from the AMG S63 E-Performance as well. Exterior enhancements added to the 600 body include a widebody kit, a carbon roof, a LiDAR-equipped grille with an oversize Mercedes-Benz badge, LED headlights and taillights, the front splitter, rear diffuser, and exhaust from the AMG S63 E-Performance, a large hood vent, and custom HRE wheels. The AMG S63 E-Performance's interior in this particular 600 is fully functional and factory-spec, and it comes with the optional Executive Rear Package. 

The S-Klub LA Mercedes-Benz 600 Restomod first debuted at last year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It was outfitted with a massive rear wing during and around its initial debut, but as of now, the rear wing has since been removed. I had seen some photos and videos of this specific Mercedes-Benz 600 at times within the past year, and I was certainly amazed to see it in the flesh at last week's Legends of the Autobahn show during Monterey Car Week. Not only was this 600 the coolest and craziest aftermarket build on display at this year's Legends of the Autobahn, it is in fact one of the coolest and craziest aftermarket builds I have ever seen. While public opinion may be divided on the S-Klub LA Mercedes-Benz 600, I view it as extremely cool and greatly appreciate its excellent quality and attention to detail. I love how this specific Mercedes-Benz sedan combines a mostly vintage exterior design with unbelievable performance, modern luxury, and advanced technology in the most insane way possible. Stay tuned for more content from this year's Legends of the Autobahn show coming up in the next several posts. 

Vehicle Specifications Sources: S-Klub LA, Motor1 

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Mercedes-Benz 300SL

 

The 300SL is one of the most iconic classic Mercedes-Benz models and often deemed my many automotive historians as the first supercar. It is based on the W198-series platform and offered in either coupe form with gullwing doors (1954-57) or roadster form with traditional doors (1957-63). Powering the legendary 300SL is a 3.0-liter inline-six with a standard output of 215 horsepower in the Gullwing and up to 240 horsepower in both the Gullwing with the high-compression motor and Roadster. Each variant of the 300SL was mated to a four-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. It can potentially hit a top speed of 162 mph, making the 300SL the fastest car in the world at the time it was new. Also featured on the 300SL were a variety of technological advancements for its era, such as mechanical fuel injection, a lightweight tubular spaceframe, dry-sump lubrication, and an independent suspension. Its interior is also greatly refined as well, and its large steering wheel can be tilted to allow for easier access in and out of the vehicle. Due to many of its revolutionary and timeless aspects, German publication Auto Motor und Sport named the Mercedes-Benz 300SL its Sports Car of the 20th Century. A total of 1,400 300SL Gullwings and 1,858 300SL Roadsters were produced, with examples remaining highly sought-after by collectors and routinely selling for over $1 million on the resale market today. 

As for the first example pictured at the top of this post, while it looks like the real deal, this particular example is a heavily-modified aftermarket build based on the SLK roadster created by the folks over at S-Klub LA. Not only is it made to look very similar to the original 300SL, this specific build adds a modern AMG V8 and other high-performance mechanicals, along with custom carbon-fiber and fiberglass widebody panels and a custom removable hardtop with partial gullwing doors. The SLK-based widebody 300SL from S-Klub LA rides on an upgraded modern suspension, performance-focused Brembo brakes, and HRE aftermarket wheels. Its interior has been reimagined as well, combining classic design elements with digital screens and modern electronics. I expect many Mercedes-Benz purists to not be fans of the S-Klub LA 300SL, but I view it as unbelievably cool and out-of-this-world. 

Each of the three 300SL examples pictured here were on display at last week's Legends of the Autobahn show as part of Monterey Car Week. It was definitely great to see one of each variant of the iconic 300SL in addition to an extraordinary custom build showcased at this year's Legends of the Autobahn, as they were a few of the most valuable, special, and impressive vehicles there. Overall, the 300SL is such a beautiful and amazing classic Mercedes-Benz. Its gorgeous styling alongside its revolutionary tech and world-beating performance for the 1950s are huge contributors in helping propel Mercedes-Benz to its status as a world-class automaker. Stay tuned for more content from this year's Legends of the Autobahn show coming up in the next several posts. 

Vehicle Specifications Sources: Classic.com, Saratoga Auto Museum, Hemmels, Supercars.net, S-Klub LA 

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