Heralded by the slogan Nulla tenaci invia est via, meaning, “For the tenacious, no road is impassable,” Holland’s Spyker reemerged as an automobile constructor at the start of the new millennium. Debuting at the Birmingham Motor Show, the radical C8 Spyder was a complete stylistic departure from anything that preceded it. Yet, it skillfully recalled Spyker’s heritage in both aircraft and automobile production.

Notable design elements included fuselage-type styling, rear “cannon-port” vents, a prominent wide grille intake, a propeller-inspired steering wheel, an engine-turned dash insert, and more. With a race-bred, fully independent suspension, six-speed gearbox, and a 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter Audi V-8 engine, the C8 immediately became a force to be reckoned with in the sports car market worldwide.

Of the approximately 10 variants designed over the course of its production run, certainly the most inspired C8 was the Laviolette LM85, which paid homage to the automaker’s Le Mans racing history. The two-tone Burnt Orange and Gun Metal finish was inspired by the Spyker Squadron GT2 racing cars, complemented by a more luxurious interior, bathed in quilted leather and Alcantara, and accented by an aluminum instrument cluster. While the model designation refers to the starting number Spyker has enjoyed at Le Mans since 2002, the production run of only 24 units paid homage to the 24 grueling hours at Le Mans. Notable features included matching Gun Metal side-view mirrors, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a GT2 windscreen streamer, powder-coated alloy wheels, and black AP Racing six-piston brake calipers.

The LM85 we have the pleasure of offering is certainly one of the finest in existence; it is offered from the esteemed private collection of its first and only owner, where it has remained in climate-controlled storage, and it currently shows about 750 miles on the odometer. Its cosmetic condition is commensurate with the low mileage, as the car presents virtually as-new. In fact, the car comes complete with every original accessory, including the Chronoswiss watch, which is serialized to this particular chassis, and its fitted, matching luggage, which is complete with all the necessary accoutrement for the sporting motorist. As the car was first registered for the road in March of this year, it still retains approximately 18 months of warranty coverage from Spyker. With 60 mph achieved from rest in 4.4 seconds and in just two gear changes, it is clear that Spyker’s engineers achieved their design objectives with the C8. This particular LM85, with its Le Mans-inspired improvements, is undoubtedly among the most desirable variants of a very rarified breed.