Modern classics from the 1980s and 1990s are currently the hottest risers in the auction market. That’s what the data says, and if judged by social media enthusiasm alone, it’s where the interest lies.
However, will that online enthusiasm translate to big-ticket sales? The auctions taking place around the forthcoming The Amelia concours in Florida, plus RM Sotheby’s ModaMiami event, are filled with on-trend 1980s-1990s modern classics from the likes of Porsche, AMG Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Lamborghini. Each auction contains genuine ‘unicorns’: ultra-low production number versions of mainstream cars through their options list. It’s become a critical part of this market, particularly for 1980s and ’90s Porsches.
What is notable is the lack of big-ticket 1980s-1990s Japanese cars and Group A homologation specials (Lancia Delta Integrale, BMW M3 E30 etc) – as we discussed in our review of 2024, there’s been a slight decline in interest in these areas. Maybe we’ll see more further into the year.
We’ve still got few weeks to go until ‘Florida Car Week‘, but we’ve taken a look at what Broad Arrow, Gooding & Co and RM Sotheby’s have so far announced. What will be tempting you on the East Coast?
Pre-merger AMG Mercedes-Benz
Pre-merger AMG Mercedes-Benzes have been one of the big 1980s-1990s modern classic hypes of the past few years, yet when news broke of Gooding & Co’s pair of AMG Hammers last week, the estimates came as rather a surprise. The above 1989 300 CE 6.0 Hammer is estimated at $1.5m-$2m, while a matching 300 E 6.0 Hammer (the four-door version) is estimated at $1.25m-$1.75m. When you consider that the current auction record for an AMG W124 is $885k, set by Broad Arrow at its Amelia auction in 2023, that on first instance seems bullish to the point upsetting the dairy farm.
Look closer into the details, and even in the rarefied world of pre-merger AMG W124s, this duo are special. Ordered by Italian industrialist Raul Gardini, each one was built with AMG’s M117 6.0-litre V8 and, crucially, a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox – which is believed to make both cars unique. Just 25 Hammer two-doors were built, and this particular one has had only two owners and has covered 57,423km. Meanwhile, the saloon, which has covered 56,010km, has been given a recommissioning treatment and engine rebuild during its current ownership in the US.
The estimates for this W124 duo are unprecedented, but most pre-merger AMGs are automatics. It’ll be fascinating to see just how much that extra pedal and stick add… And if you need to bring the dog with you? Gooding & Co also has a 1991 300TE 3.4-24 estate available, but the estimate has yet to be announced.
Broad Arrow also has a selection of pre-merger AMGs, taking in the firm’s wider repertoire, with the above 500 SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody a highlight of the eight-strong pre-merger selection. It’s covered just 3065 miles and won Best in Class at the 2024 Greenwich Concours de Sport, and it’s estimated at between $500k and $600k.
Elsewhere, there’s the four-door version of the above, in Midnight Blue – the 560 SEL AMG 6.0 is estimated at $300k-$350k. There’s also a 1993 500 E AMG 6.0 W124 (est: $200k-$250k), a 1994 S72 AMG (a W140 S-Class with a variant of the V12 later found in the Pagani Zonda) estimated at $175k-$225k, a white E320 Widebody AMG estimated at $175k-$200k, a Signal Red 560 SEC AMG 6.0 Thinbody estimated at $160-$180 at no reserve, a 1992 500 SL R129 6.0-litre AMG conversion estimated at $80k-$100k and an AMG-bodykitted 1988 560 SEL estimated at $50k-$75k.
That’s a lot of pre-merger AMGs up for grabs in a short space of time, and what used to drive the values of these cars in America was the ease at which they could be registered. AMG got around type approval by shipping the tasty bits to the US and having the cars assembled there. However, the cars built at the AMG factory, or those at AMG’s facility in Japan – of which there are examples in Broad Arrow and Gooding’s sales – might have challenges. However, initiatives such as the AMG Classic Conversion Certificate certainly help.
Porsche 911
RM Sotheby’s hasn’t consigned any pre-merger AMGs yet – instead, it’s majoring on Porsches for its 1980s-1990s modern classics offering, and not just 911s, either. We’ll come on to the other models in a moment, because the 911s consigned are some of the rarest and most desirable air-cooled models.
Top billing has to go to the above 1994 964 Turbo S 3.3 Lightweight. Although the later 964 Turbo 3.6 is viewed more preferably than the standard 3.3 964 Turbo, this ultra-rare edition is very special. One of just 80 made, it’s 180kg lighter than a standard 3.3 964 Turbo. However, thanks to a bigger turbo and other engine tweaks, it pushes out 381bhp, which is 60bhp more than the standard car and just 4bhp away from a Ferrari Testarossa. It’s estimated at between $800k and $1m.
Other special 911s from the 1980s-1990s modern classics era include a one-of-227 993 Carrera RS Clubsport (M003), believed to be unique in Riviera Blue (est: $750k-$950k), a 1989 930 Turbo Cabriolet Flatnose (est: $400k-$600k) and a 1989 930 Speedster (est: $350k-$450k).
Broad Arrow currently has fewer ‘rare model’ 911s, but the above 964 Turbo 3.3 is a good example of a unicorn-spec car, which could prove to drive auction interest. This 1992 model has paint-to-sample pearl white metallic paint, Speedline alloy wheels from the Turbo 3.6 and TechArt accessories. It’s also fitted with 19 X-code options such as Dark Rootwood interior components, plus leather trim and headliner. One of 233 US-spec cars, it’s covered 937 miles and is up for grabs for $350k-$450k.
Other special Broad Arrow 911s include a brace of 1989 930 Speedsters, one in white (est: $225k-$250k) and another in red (est: $215k-$245k), as well as a 1997 993 Turbo (est: $200k-$225k).
Over at Gooding & Co, the above 1997 993 Turbo S is certainly the pick of the 1980s-1990s modern classics-era 911s. While details on this particular car aren’t currently available, other than it being Arctic Silver Metallic over a special-order Boxster Red leather interior, the 424bhp 993 Turbo S was a very special way to kiss goodbye to forced-induction air-cooled 911s. It featured larger Triple K K-24 turbochargers, an additional oil cooler and an updated Motronic engine-management system, as well as a bigger rear wing and ducting in the front spoilers and rear haunches. Just 435 were built. It’s estimated at $550k-$650k.
Other 1980s-1990s 911 highlights from Gooding include an all-blue 993 Carrera S (exterior, interior and wheels), and a 1999 996 Carrera. Neither have published estimates yet.
Ferraris and Lamborghinis
Although Enzo-era Ferraris have been struggling, the Testarossa-era cars have been doing well for the past year, and Lamborghinis have also seen a surge in value. The Rosso Italiano collection offered by Gooding & Co at no reserve encapsulates both markets – plus more besides.
It’s led by a 1984 Lamborghini Countach 5000S (est: $575k-$650k), a 1991 Diablo ($350k-$425k), a 2002 Ferrari 575M ($275k-$350k) on 165 miles, a 1980 512BB (est: $250k-$300k) and a 1986 Testarossa Monospecchio (est: $225k-$275k). Outside the collection, Gooding also has a Giallo Yellow 1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Over at RM Sotheby’s, a 1996 Ferrari F50 leads the 1980s-1990s contingent in terms of value. The above car is the 154th out of 349 built, and has done 2174km. It’s estimated at between $5.5m and $6.5m.
Other Ferrari highlights from RM Sotheby’s collection include a rare-spec black-over-maroon 1992 512TR (est: $275l-$325k), a no-reserve 1983 512BB in white that’s one of 27 equipped with an Ermenegildo Zegna interior (est: $300k-$350k) and a US-market non-adjustable-suspension 1991 F40 (est: $3.25m-$3.75m).
Lamborghini highlights include a 1991 Countach 5000S in yellow at no reserve ($500k-$600k), a 1993 LM002 ($350k-$450k) and a 1991 Diablo ($220k-$260k).
Broad Arrow has just one Lamborghini so far – but it is a special example. One of 66 5000 QVs destined for America, it’s been in single-family ownership for 25 years and features a rare combination of yellow exterior and burgundy interior. It’s estimated at between $550k and $650k.
Broad Arrow’s Ferrari selection includes a grey 348 Spider (est: $110k-$140k), a 1988 Testarossa ($175k-$200k), a 1990 Testarossa on 525 miles ($350k-$400k) and a 1983 512BBi (est: $290k-$330k).
Other Porsches
The massive interest in 911 specialisms has also drawn out some of the rarest elements from other parts of the back catalogue. RM Sotheby’s has a 1988 959 Reimagined by Canepa up for grabs – the third example made, it carries an estimate of $3m-$3.5m. However, our eye was drawn to this unassuming 968. To the uninitiated, it might just seem like a normal 968 with a lairy bodykit and some Speedline alloy wheels – but what you’re looking at is not only one of the most potent Porsches of the early 1990s, but one of the rarest Porsche of all time.
It’s the 968 Turbo S, a Jürgen Barth and Gerd Schmid-developed project that saw the 968’s 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine turbocharged to produce 304bhp and 368lb ft of torque – only the 964 Turbo 3.6 had more torque at the time. It had a Torsen limited-slip diff and reinforced gearbox, as well as a bespoke bodykit. A planned production run of 100 ended up being just 13 plus one prototype. This particular car is estimated at between $550k and $750k.
Other Porsche specialities include a 1981 928 S by Gemballa, with a Version I widebody conversion. Offered at no reserve, it’s estimated at $125k-$175k.
Gooding & Co also has a 959 – a 1988 Komfort edition that was originally sold to HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah of the Royal Family of Brunei, and is one of 31 finished in Graphite Metallic. It was then owned by Ken Lingenfelter, and serviced by Bruce Canepa – it’s estimated at between $1.75m and $2.25m.
However, it is the above 1994 Porsche 928 GTS that will test theory about collectable specifications. It’s believed to be a one-of-one special order from tennis champion Helena Suková. Finished in Guards Red, it is only one of four to be equipped with the X83 wing option, and it has a host of special-order options courtesy of Porsche Exclusive and Porsche Motorsport. The presence of a manual gearbox adds to the rarity. It’s estimated at between $350k and $500k.
Ruf
One of the stand-out lots from Gooding’s 1980s-1990s modern classics selection has to be the 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird. The 26th of 29 built, it is one of nine finished in yellow and has covered only 1700km. For the uninitiated, this 463bhp machine was crowned winner of Road & Track’s famed World’s Fastest Cars feature in 1987, hitting 211mph. It’s estimated at $6m.
However, it’s not the only RUF available, because its even more powerful follow-up is up for grabs, too. The CTR2, based on the 993-era 911, took the Turbo’s 3.6-litre engine up to 520bhp. The only Adriatic Blue example out of 18 built, it’s estimated at $2m-$2.5m.
RM Sotheby’s also has a RUF – a 1990 Porsche RUF RCT Evo Restomod estimated at between $900k and $1.1m.
Other attractions
Away from the usual suspects, the Florida sales also offer some intriguing 1980s-1990s modern classics. The above 1991 De Tomaso Pantera 90 Si is a German-market car – these last-of-the-line cars, which were restyled by Marcello Gandini, were not sold in the US. Just 41 were built, of which 38 were sold to the public. It’s estimated at between $150k and $200k.
This 1989 Nissan 300ZX Turbo IMSA GTO was driven by Steve Millen and Johnny O’Connell. Built around a spaceframe chassis, the carbonfibre-composite body covered a modified version of the VG30DETT twin-turbo V6, which was good for 650bhp at the start of its career, but by the end it was pushing 850bhp. This car is one of three built for the 1989 season, and it took seven top-five places that year, including third for John Morton at Mid-Ohio.
In 1990, the chassis and wheelbase were extended to look more like the production 2+2 300ZX, which helped stability. Millen nabbed its first win that year, at Mosport, and with him and O’Connell driving it took 16 podiums in 45 races between 1989 and 1992. It was then adapted with a passenger seat for drive-alongs. It’s estimated at between $400k and $600k.
Okay, so this distinctly 1970s Lancia Stratos HF Stradale is not really part of the 1980s-1990s modern classics selection, but with fewer than 500 built – and with a portion of the proceeds set to benefit The Footprints Foundation’s Driven to Care Legacy Scholarship programme – it’s hard to ignore. It was part of Peter Kaus’s Rosso Bianco Collection between 1981 and 2008, and was restored in the 2010s. It’s being offered by Broad Arrow, and is estimated at between $575k and $650k.
Further details
For more details on Broad Arrow’s sale, which takes place at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island on March 7-8, head here.
For more details on Gooding & Co’s sale, which takes place at the Racquet Park, Omni Amelia Island Resort, on March 6-7, head here.
For more details on RM Sotheby’s ModaMiami sale, which takes place at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, on February 27-28, head here.
