A passion for collecting can sometimes run in the blood. Certainly, it is a common dream among many car-loving parents to pass that interest along to the next generation. Part of that appeal is not merely gathering the best sports car examples from automakers around the world, but in carefully exercising these cars as they were intended. Genuinely enjoyed and faithfully serviced by a Florida-based father-and-son team that wished to actually put their collection of greatest hits to use, these enthusiast-centric examples can appeal to those who wish for more than simply acquiring a stable of sculptural sports cars.
Having curated some of the world’s most beloved performance cars from a diverse range of different automakers, The Rey Collection have decided to part with a portion of their highly desirable examples. Encompassing some European classics from the past fifty years, from the longtime poster car Lamborghini Countach in a Nero Tenebre-over-Rosso color scheme to the quickly appreciating Japanese all-star NSX-T, which forms the centerpiece of our group photo above, this sporting selection has been considerately chosen and thoughtfully maintained, all set for auction at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from March 25-26. Why buy sports cars from a single-owner collection? Read on to find out:
1984 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 S by Bertone
Estimate: $600,000 - $750,000 USD
From the scissor-style doors to the iconic color scheme and “phone dial” wheels, the Lamborghini Countach provides a design so striking that there is no wonder it became a subject of numerous posters and prints during the era. With a new generation of collectors eyeing 1980s examples as dream vehicles, Countach prices have been rising as of late. This example has been well-cared-for, with 14,451 kilometers (~ 8,980 miles) showing on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, and is certain to draw an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers when it crosses the block at RM Sotheby’s Fort Lauderdale auction later this month.
1984 Ferrari 512 BBi
Estimate: $350,000 - $400,000 USD
From the final year of 512 BBi production, this French-delivered example is one of a mere 144 produced by Ferrari worldwide in 1984. Desirable today for its timeless looks as much as its highly engaging, analog driving experience, this fuel-injected Ferrari is made even more attractive for its recent service history. Having been acquired by a previous owner in 2015, this example was treated to a restoration by Newman Automotive R & D in Minesing, Ontario, with fully documented receipts totaling $276,000, readying it for the road ahead.
2011 Porsche 911 Speedster
Estimate: $325,000 - $400,000 USD
Turning from a twentieth-century Ferrari to a twenty-first century Porsche, this 997-generation Speedster tells the story of how to build a modern-day special edition. Honoring the foundational first-generation Speedster, only 356 examples of this generation were made; all of them completed in 2011. Of the two color options offered, this Pure Blue-over-black leather colorway creates a final product which celebrates classic Porsche style while still offering a suite of modern amenities. Only 2,450 miles at the time of cataloguing.
2005 Ferrari Superamerica
Estimate: $300,000 - $350,000 USD
Continuing with our theme of modern, special-edition versions of legendary sports cars, the Superamerica has enjoyed a longtime status atop the leaderboard of Ferrari models. Made to evoke the aerodynamic, front-engine, coachbuilt grand tourers from the 1960s, this modern variant showed off the flexibility of modern motoring with its signature rotating, electrochromic hardtop roof, allowing drivers to maximize any driving environment. These Revocromico hardtops have themselves become rare items; this 12,871-mile example (one of 559 made) sports a replaced roof at a cost said to total more than $100,000.
1972 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupe by Ghia
Estimate: $250,000 - $325,000 USD
While the previous Italian-made example we covered was purposely made in limited quantities, many sporting models of the previous century were limited by virtue of their exclusivity. Originally sold out of one of Maserati’s main New York-based distributors for a price of $21,000 (which was not too far away from the average American house price during that period), the Ghibli SS 4.9 was unquestionably aimed at the top end of the market from new. This example, restored in 2010 in this handsome shade of Dark Blue Metallic over lipstick red Connolly leather, was well-equipped with air conditioning among other desirable options, and is believed to be one of a mere 413 Ghibli SS 4.9 Coupes made in left-hand-drive.
1972 Maserati Indy 4.9 by Vignale
Estimate: $85,000 - $110,000 USD
Like the example we just covered, this Maserati Indy is similarly powered by the venerable Type 116/49 4.9-liter V-8 engine and showcases the diversity of grand touring examples made by the Modenese brand in the early 1970s. Now regarded as a supremely tasteful choice among Italian sports car brands of the era, this Indy is even more scarcely seen than its Ghibli sibling, as it is one of only 39 US-market cars fitted with the five-speed ZF transaxle. Completely restored as recently as 2017, this tasteful example is well-equipped with Borrani dial forged wheels and desirable factory air conditioning, among many other options. Worthy of closer consideration for any Italian enthusiast.
1967 Fiat-Abarth 1000
Estimate: $30,000 - $45,000 USD
Of course, not all Italian-made sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s were aimed at the upper echelon of the market. This Fiat-Abarth 1000 showed the power that could be released from the relatively everyday Fiat 600 platform, at least when upgraded by a 1,050 cc inline-four engine developed by Abarth. This example has been prepared under the watchful supervision of former Abarth East Coast distributor, Al Cosentino, and fitted with disc brakes, roll cage, single racing seat, fuel cell, and fire suppression system for entry in modern club racing events. An example of a car worth driving as much as collecting; equally delightful for either.
2002 BMW Z8
Estimate: $190,000 - $220,000 USD
For modern interpretations of classic sports cars to correctly tread the line between tribute and improvement, the final product must first credibly deliver a driving experience that can favorably compare to its peers. Aside from its unquestionable aesthetics, which harken back to the truly iconic BMW 507, the Z8 provided a bridge for the Bavarian brand into the twenty-first century with neon taillights and its being powered by a 394 hp 4.9-liter V-8 similar to the engine from the e39 M5. Operated by a six-speed transmission and equipped with the optional, color-matched hardtop, this Titanium Silver Metallic over a Sport Red and Black Nappa leather interior example is the perfect blend of classic styling and modern performance.
2004 Acura NSX-T
Estimate: $115,000 - $150,000 USD
The final example on the first part of our summary of The Rey Collection, this Acura tells a story of how some supercars have become even more desirable with time. When the first-generation NSX debuted, some critics questioned its usability and Acura badge. Today, these facelifted, targa-topped supercars are properly appreciated as the dawn of the truly usable supercar, a product that nearly all supercar manufacturers aim for today. Especially when equipped with the six-speed transmission like this example (one of a mere 186 built by Acura for the 2004 model year), this Silverstone Metallic over Onyx Black Acura is now heralded for its stimulating driving experience and everyday reliability. Opening up supercar performance for a new generation of enthusiasts, it will be worthwhile for anyone interested in modern motoring to tune in to RM Sotheby’s nineteenth annual Fort Lauderdale auction when this neo-classic crosses the block.