Espace Shuttle
To this day, Tesla is still struggling with the problem of hands-free driving, but back in the 1980s, Renault were encouraging their forward-thinking Espace drivers to sit back and relax by rotating their seats to face the rear passengers. Now, we wouldn’t recommend doing this while on the move, but the lack of health and safety on display here is refreshing to say the least.
Spinning seat antics aside, the first-generation Espace’s space shuttle-esque boxy exterior seems increasingly appealing to us in the Classic Driver office, and this 1988 example looks to be in outstanding condition with just under 46,000 km on the odometer. Boasting a blue DX paint finish, ultra-cool aluminium wheels, and a double sunroof, this would be the ultimate chariot for a 1980s-themed road trip for you and your friends this summer.
Back in Sapphire Black
This Sapphire Black E46 M3 CSL has to be one of the finest examples of BMW’s greatest post-millennium automobile we’ve seen in recent memory. Far more appealing than the other Silver Grey CSLs out there to our eyes, this 2004 M3’s all-black, sinister appearance gels marvelously with the E46’s perfectly-proportioned good looks.
Despite its pristine condition, this example is no garage queen, showing just over 70,000 miles on the clock, meaning you don’t have to worry too much about devaluing this modern classic by getting out on the road and enjoying arguably the finest application of BMW’s legendary S54 straight-six firecracker.
Padre del Mostro
The most famous car to bear the SZ badge is unquestionably the polarising, Alfa Romeo 75-based SZ that debuted in 1989, but the first to carry the name is just as magnificent an automobile as ‘il Mostro'. This 1966 Alfa Romeo SZ was designed by the legendary Ercole Spada and was based on the Alfa 2600, combining its powerful straight-six and then-cutting-edge disc brakes with utterly jaw-dropping coachwork by Zagato.
This example has benefitted from a complete mechanical restoration that saw an overhaul of its engine, gearbox, and brakes. The body was resprayed from its original white to this lovely coat of Rosso Alfa, while its original interior remains in an excellent state of preservation. All-in, just 105 of these stunning Alfas were ever built, in part due to its price being triple that of the 2600, making the opportunity to add this stunning example to your collection that much harder to resist.
Midnight Club
Blue interiors can be a little hit or miss, but this 1991 Porsche 964 Turbo’s original owner absolutely nailed its specification, combining a custom-order Midnight Blue Metallic exterior with a Dark Blue leather interior to outstanding effect. Genuine Speedline rims complete this supremely alluring package, forcing us to question why anyone would tear up one of these stunning 964s for their backdate or restomod builds.
Currently showing just under 136,000 kilometres, this 964 Turbo looks to be in excellent health, while a set of new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and an optional limited-slip differential should help put all 320 horsepower to the tarmac. Recently benefitting from an engine rebuild, this is one 964 we urge you to take out and drive!
Bullseye!
As one of Marcello Gandini’s finest creations, any Countach occupies an echelon above 99 percent of most vehicles, and somehow this 1987 Countach 5000 QV still manages to stand out from the other examples on the market. Its angular Rosso Chiaro Perlato bodywork, golden rims, and cream interior with red inserts result in one of the best-dressed raging bulls we’ve seen this year, while its shockingly-low mileage of just 7,640 miles is also not to be overlooked.
Being a 5000 QV, this example represents the sweet spot of the Countach range in our eyes, featuring that outrageous wing and more muscular bodywork while still retaining some of the original LP 500’s purity of design. If you’re looking to add the ultimate poster car to your collection, this picture-perfect example is waiting!
