In the latest sealed drop auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s, the focus is squarely on supercars from the past couple of decades. This unique auction format has proven to be a big draw for car lovers, providing a discreet avenue for acquiring some of the rarest vehicles in the world. And this month’s lots are among the finest examples of coachbuilding expertise, with limited production runs and one exquisite one-off vehicle. Bidding is currently open and is set to close on 17 July.
We put the spotlight on three exceptional vehicles from this particular catalogue, including a redesigned Porsche 911 Speedster, a rare Zagato-designed Ferrari and a truly unique piece of coachbuilding mastery by Bertone.
1995 Porsche 911 Speedster Remastered by Gunther Werks
California-based Gunther Werks are specialists in Porsche customisation - namely the Porsche 911. This isn’t just a vanity project or an exercise in artistry, however. Gunther Werks sees their work as a continuation of what Porsche left unfinished in 1998 when they axed the air-cooled 993-generation of the 911 model. Each custom is a bespoke vision of what the 993 would look like if it were still being built today.
The redesign process for the 911 Speedster involved an extensive amount of carbon fibre, integrated into the chassis and via bespoke bodywork. The resulting convertible body is, according to Gunther Werks, twice as stiff as a coupe despite not having a roof. The claims extend to its performance, which is said to be superior to a closed model due to its lighter and stronger construction.
An upgraded suspension system includes computer-controlled active suspension, custom-made suspension arms, new anti-roll bars, lighter struts, and a hydraulic front lift system that’s ahead of its time. Rothsport Road and Race, another air-cooled 911 expert based in Oregon, worked on the engine. The original naturally aspirated 3.6-litre was overhauled in favour of a beefier 4-litre block. That was only the tip of the iceberg, as every single engine component was completely upgraded and refitted, generating over 430 horsepower once completed.
The finish, comprising Tungsten Metallic paint applied in two stages and two-toned interiors in elegant Brandy and Onyx Nappa leather, brings the whole design together. This vehicle also has the optional Travel Package that includes a carbon fibre steering wheel and a carbon centre console.
Only 25 examples of the Speedster were produced, and this is one of the very few right-hand drive examples, configured for a Hong Kong buyer. It is road registered with all taxes paid in Hong Kong, and has not been on the road apart from testing. All of the Gunther Werks models have been sold, making this a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
2009 Zagato GTZ Nibbio
Zagato is a name that really needs no introduction for any supercar enthusiast, having produced some of the most stunning vehicles of the past century. This car, which was commissioned in 2013, is the 8th out of only 9 GTZ Nibbios ever produced. With the approval of the consignor, Zagato sought out a donor car that would serve as the skeleton for the build. Ultimately, a suitable model that had less than 25,000 kilometres recorded was found, in pristine physical and mechanical condition.
The car was completely stripped to prepare its transformation into the Nibbio. Marella Zagato, wife of CEO Andrea Zagato, picked out the stunning silver colour and the contrasting red interior was fully retrimmed. The Nibbio incorporates several of Zagato’s signature elements, including a double bubble roof and a tapered rear section. The bodywork harkens back to elements seen on the 550 and 575 GTZ, which preceded the Nibbio and featured similar carbon fibre elements.
A 6-litre V12 engine roars to life with 613 horsepower and a maximum speed of 330km/h, managed by an automated gearbox modelled after the ones found in F1 racers. State-of-the-art braking, damper and traction control systems ensure that the Nibbio’s road performance is tightly controlled.
Since completion, the car has only been driven about 200km and has been kept in excellent condition. Zagato conducted a thorough inspection in 2020, the details of which are on file. The GTZ Nibbio is an exemplar of 21st century coachbuilding and is an essential addition to any car collection.
2012 Bertone Nuccio
This is the definition of ‘one-of-a-kind’, showcasing the craftsmanship of a long-revered coachbuilder and the evolution of supercar design in the 21st century. A celebration of Bertone’s 100th anniversary, the car was named after the son of founder Giovanni Bertone and was inspired by an iconic previous one-off - the Lancia Stratos Zero.
Over a period of three and a half months, the car was completely re-envisioned, with the design undergoing a futuristic overhaul. Ergonomics were a significant consideration during the process, to ensure that the Nuccio’s aesthetics and performance didn’t come at the expense of comfort. A 4.3-litre V8 engine is at the centre of the car’s operation, along with a six-speed automated gearbox by Graziano and F1-style paddle shifters. Bertone also introduced a patented lighting feature - one section of the headlight glows blue when braking to alert pedestrians at the front.
The Nuccio was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and a separately produced production version was showcased at the Beijing Auto Show later that year. It also graced the Corso Italiano in the United States to introduce it to the American market.
Sadly, Bertone would be plagued by financial troubles and would eventually fold in 2015, leaving the Nuccio to languish in storage. The brand would be brought back to life in 2022 under new ownership, but it was already too late for the Nuccio, which was sold off at auction in 2018 along with several other Bertone assets. At that point, it was acquired by its first and only owner, where it remained as part of a private collection.
The Nuccio has recorded just over 29,000 km, most of which was accrued by the original car prior to its conversion. It is a distinctive work of automotive craftsmanship and holds a special place in history as a 21st century masterpiece built by a legendary name.
