- Market Finds
- Petersen Automotive Museum to Host Cruise-in to Support Fire Recovery
- ON THE BLOCK: Seminal 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa Headlines Inaugural Broad Arrow Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Sale
- The Bugatti Home Collection Debuts in Paris
- STORIES: 33,000 Kilometers in a Porsche 911 Dakar
Market Finds
Other finds
- Original unrestored 1956 Porsche 356 A Speedster driver; 46,578 miles – $269,500
- Highly original 1964 MG MGB 45-year second ownership – $24,500
- One of 112 1969 Pontiac Firebird 350 HO Convertible 2012 frame off resto – $36,500
- Cherished and pampered 1986 Nissan 200SX Turbo sympathetic mods – $14,500
- One-owner 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary 32,452 miles – $29,995
- One of 138 1986 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S 59,656 miles – $210,000
- Mostly original 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV Rex Chambers maintained – $18,500
- Well maintained and sorted 1989 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible 5-speed – $14,900
- Two-owner 1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 5.0 HO 5-speed; 62,010 miles – $14,500
- 19,500-mile 2005 GMC C4500 4×4 Topkick Diesel original owner – $67,500
- One-owner 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback highly original; №s matching – $49,750
Petersen Automotive Museum to Host Cruise-in to Support Fire Recovery
Special charity event on Sunday, January 26, supported by Clarios and OPTIMA Batteries, will aid fire recovery efforts with fundraising, item collection and a Red Cross blood drive
WHAT: The Petersen Automotive Museum will host a charity Cruise-In on Sunday, January 26, to thank first responders and support recovery efforts from the devastating Southern California fires. In partnership with Clarios and OPTIMA Batteries, proceeds raised from the Cruise-In will benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the LAPD West Bureau. In addition, the American Red Cross will be on hand with an information booth and Blood Donation Center. The museum has partnered with an items collection organization and will accept donations for distribution to evacuation centers and families impacted by the fires.
“We’re committed to showing up for communities in need, and the Petersen Automotive Museum is part of our extended community,” said Adam Muellerweiss, Chief Sustainability Officer at Clarios. “It’s our privilege to stand with the heroic LA County first responders during these challenging times.”
“The devastation cause by the fires is heartbreaking, but we have been inspired by the dedication of first responders and the resiliency of our community. We are proud to team up with OPTIMA Batteries, Clarios and our incredible car community to support the ongoing recovery efforts,” said museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges.
To further acknowledge first responders for their heroic efforts, all LA City fire and police personnel will receive one-day free admission to the museum until April 26, 2025.
WHEN:
Sunday, January. 26, 8 a.m.- 11 a.m.
DETAILS:
- The charity cruise-in is open to all vehicle makes and models.
- Showcar tickets are $50 and include general admission to the museum, complimentary bagels, coffee and show car parking.
- General admission tickets are $50 and include one general admission ticket to the museum, complimentary bagels, coffee and on-site parking.
- The museum is halfway to its fundraising goal of $100,000 and hopes the incredible car community will help them cross the finish line
- To redeem their free one-day museum admission, LA City fire and police personnel can simply show a form of work ID at the admission desk before April 26, 2025.
- For all of those who wish to make a donation to the relief funds, please visit the donation page.
- For the latest event news and charity elements, visit the Cruise-In event page.
ON THE BLOCK: Seminal 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa Headlines Inaugural Broad Arrow Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Sale
GROSSE POINTE, Mich. (January 17, 2025) – Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is thrilled to announce the consignment of what many consider to be one of the most original early Ferrari models extant to its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction. Never before offered for public sale, the 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa with Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ansaloni (Estimate: €5.500.000 – €7.500.000), is one of two examples purchased by the Besana brothers, Ferrari’s earliest customers. Notably, the Spyder Corsa on offer, chassis number 004 C, finished sixth overall at the 1948 Targa Florio and is a veteran of the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglia races, while also boasting period Formula Two competition and hill climbs to its credit.
Complete with Ferrari Classiche White Book certification with its original body, chassis, 2.0-liter V12 engine, and five-speed racing gearbox, it is further complemented by 50-year family ownership from 1965 to 2015 with multiple in-depth editorial pieces documenting its impressive provenance. The car has received numerous awards, including a 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance class award in addition to being displayed at Pebble Beach within Casa Ferrari in 2019 and 2022. Further accolades include a Best of Show at the 2003 FCA National Meet, Cavallino and FCA Platinum Awards, and display as a feature car at the 2006 Cavallino Classic.
“The 1948 Ferrari 166, with chassis 004 C, that we have the pleasure of presenting at our inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction in May is undoubtedly one of the most significant examples of any early Ferrari built. With its outstanding provenance and long, well-documented history, we could not think of a more fitting and appropriate example to highlight our first Italian auction. Chassis no. 004 C’s existence aptly represents the very building blocks of the legendary Ferrari brand and stands the test of time as a watershed example for the marque.”
– Barney Ruprecht, VP of Auctions, Broad Arrow
Broad Arrow will conduct its inaugural European auction in partnership with BMW AG as the official auction partner of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. As a crown jewel in the concours world, Broad Arrow is excited to present 70 of the highest quality collector cars with a premium auction experience during the Concorso weekend on the shores of Lake Como. Broad Arrow will welcome Thomas Forrester—one of the UK’s top auctioneers—to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este podium this spring. Thomas has auctioneering in his blood and trained at both Phillips and Bonhams before launching his own Specialist Collectors Auctioneers more than 20 years ago, which holds over 50 calendar auctions each year. Thomas also works around the world raising funds for international causes in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, not least including the Royal Commonwealth Society at events attended by high commissioners, ambassadors, and royalty. Thomas previously took the sale at Broad Arrow’s successful inaugural Porsche Air|Water Auction in April 2024. Learn more about Thomas at broadarrowauctions.com.
For additional information about this auction, including consignment information, bidder registration, and general inquiries, please email info@broadarrowauctions.com
The Bugatti Home Collection Debuts in Paris
PARIS, France (January 17, 2025) – As part of Maison&Objet In The City, the iconic hyper sports car brand brings its new furniture collection to France with an exclusive showcase at the Luxury Living store on the legendary Avenue George V.
For the first time ever, Bugatti Home is presented in Paris. Produced and distributed by Luxury Living Group, and inspired by the values of the iconic Bugatti cars, the collection takes center stage at Maison&Objet In The City from January 16 to 20, 2025 with an exclusive showcase at Avenue George V.
For the first day of the collection’s Parisian debuts, customers are greeted upon arrival into the three-level exhibition space by the breathtaking presence of the Bugatti one-of-one, the legendary La Voiture Noire and the most exclusive car in the world – symbolizing Bugatti’s sophistication like no other. This iconic masterpiece, celebrated for its unparalleled design and engineering, embodies Bugatti’s dedication to pushing boundaries and creating timeless pieces of art. The presence of La Voiture Noire immediately immerses guests in the Bugatti universe, setting the tone for an experience defined by elegance and innovation but also a sense of pioneering spirit, a passion for perfection, and a desire to push boundaries again and again.
The highlight of the showcase, the third Bugatti Home collection is inspired by the brand’s most remarkable aesthetic elements and continues Bugatti’s legacy of excellence in craftsmanship. Iconic pieces such as the TYPE_3 sofa, TYPE_1 sofa, TYPE_5 chair, TYPE_4 table, and TYPE_9 mirror reflect Bugatti’s pursuit of innovation and artistry. Each piece is a fusion of a meticulous attention to detail and boldness, inspired by the values of the legendary hyper sports cars – and the brand’s “beauty and beast” philosophy – and refined by over a century of heritage.
A true testimony of the rich legacy of the Bugatti brand, Bugatti Home reinterprets, in its new Parisian venue, the values and vision of its founder, Ettore Bugatti. As an homage to that, customers will also be able to discover a rare Bugatti Baby II – a 75% scale replica of the iconic Type 35, Ettore’s creation and the most successful racing car ever – in collaboration with Hedley Studios. This collector’s item, with only 500 units worldwide, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the legendary Type 35 and its legacy on the brand, a centenary later. The presence of this masterpiece underscores Bugatti’s enduring legacy and its influence across generations.
Immersing the customer into the Bugatti Art de Vivre, the new Parisian showcase reaffirms the marque’s commitment to offering authentic unrivalled experiences beyond automobiles with the exhibition of exclusive collaborations such as the Rembrandt Bugatti “Dancing Elephant” – a tribute to Ettore’s brother, Rembrandt, original sculpture, crystal masterpiece from Lalique or the sterling silver La Voiture Noire sculpture from Asprey Studio. Capturing the essence of Bugatti’s Art de Vivre, these creations offer a comprehensive experience into the luxury world of the brand.
“By staying true to our French heritage and opening our first Bugatti Home representation in Paris, we create authentic experiences that are fully aligned with our global vision for the future of Bugatti but also with our roots. Beyond automotive, our rich legacy influences our commitment to designs that are visually captivating and echo our most iconic design elements and shapes, where “Forme Follows Function” and ultimate performance merges with cutting-edge artistry.”
– Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director at Bugatti
“Following the grand launch of the third Bugatti Home collection during Milan Design Week, presenting it in Paris was a natural progression. This iconic city, deeply connected to Bugatti’s heritage, and one of our most prestigious Luxury Living spaces on Avenue George V, represents the perfect setting to continue this journey of excellence, passion, and incomparable elegance.”
– Andrea Gentilini, CEO at Luxury Living Group
In this refined setting, each detail of the third collection has been carefully crafted to offer the customer a striking display of pure design and craftsmanship. The 2024 collection embodies timeless refinement, merging natural and technology-driven materials and transparency with solidity to create unique contrasts. The juxtaposition of raw materials, like smooth aluminum and open-pore oak, highlights the artisanal craftsmanship that is integral to Bugatti Home’s identity. The narrative is further enriched by the debut of lighting solutions, such as the TYPE_13 lamp collection, and statement pieces like the TYPE_6 sideboard and TYPE_10 coffee table.
The Paris showcase not only celebrates Bugatti’s heritage but also marks a new chapter in its journey. With its Paris debut, Bugatti Home invites guests to explore a world where automotive performance and luxury design converge. Looking ahead, this journey will continue with the opening of an ultra-exclusive space in Milan during the Milano Design Week 2025, a milestone that promises to further solidify Bugatti Home’s position at the forefront of luxury design and innovation.
STORIES: 33,000 Kilometers in a Porsche 911 Dakar
(January 14, 2025) – From negative 20 to positive 38 degrees Celsius, from the coast to an elevation of nearly 4,700 meters, and from highways to gravel roads, Nguyen Hoang Anh, owner of a logistics company, drove his 911 Dakar from Vietnam to the Mongolian part of the Gobi Desert and back again, passing through China along the way. That’s 33,000 kilometers in 75 days. Here he talks about his unbelievable journey, which has turned him and his off-road sports car into local celebrities.
The first time you start up a Porsche engine is always a unique experience. Especially if that Porsche is a 911 Dakar. The world begins to vibrate, along with me in the center of it. It’s September 2023. I take a deep breath – and then finally exit my garage at home in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. I’m seated behind the wheel of the first 911 of its kind sold in Vietnam. It’s only been with me for six weeks. But for much longer than that, I’ve been dreaming of driving an off-road sports car through the closest desert to Vietnam, the Gobi. Although “close” may be the wrong word. The dry zone extends across China and Mongolia. And the journey will cover more than 33,000 kilometers. And I don’t have much time either, as winter is fast approaching up there in the north.
Impatience has been my constant companion for some time now, as I’ve long followed development of the off-road 911. I ordered my car in GT Silver Metallic, one of 2,500 worldwide, a year ago. I didn’t modify the vehicle at all before the journey – it’s already designed for extreme situations. However, my 54-year-old body is not. In preparation, I did a two-day test-drive through Vietnam, covering 2,000 kilometers. And now I’m embarking on a journey into the unknown in my 911 Dakar. The dream is alive and well and appears to be coming true, which means I’ve already achieved my first goal.
September 19 – 23, stage destination: border between Laos and China
I’m accompanied by two friends in a pickup and an SUV. We trust each other completely and work well together, which is important because it’s a long journey with major challenges. We’re using walkie-talkies to communicate and, for longer distances, smartphones. The first few days take us up along the coast of the South China Sea, then to the west through Laos – with breathtaking views. But we’re only getting warmed up. My destination is the landscapes that no other 911 has ever navigated. There won’t always be roads, and the direct route won’t always be the fastest. We haven’t defined any specific routes. Just stops for the night, towns we definitely want to visit, and border crossings that require registration. Like the one now between Laos and China.
September 24 – October 3, stage destination: Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai, China
We enter without any issues and enjoy the Chinese roads just behind the border. This is my first opportunity to really test the potential of the 911 Dakar. And what a powerhouse it is! Kilometer after kilometer, we glide along on our journey up north. Located on the Tibetan Plateau, the crystal-clear Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai is an absolute highlight. The surface reflects the blue sky, which feels so close here at an elevation of around 3,100 meters.
October 4 – 13, stage destination: Tian Shan, China
We encounter the Gobi Desert’s first patches of sand and rolling hills in Xinjiang in northwestern China. It’s time to take some serious off-road excursions with the 911 Dakar. The opportunity to navigate this sports car through demanding terrain is a revelation. The 911 is just as good at climbing as it is at sprinting.
Because it simply feels right, we tie a small batch of fireworks to the back of the car with a rope and then drive through the steppe, which is permitted and often done in China. Here it represents a way to expel evil spirits and pave the way for happiness. And that’s exactly how it should be! The fireworks are spectacular! Cheers of excitement!
The Chinese leg of the famous Karakoram Highway between Pakistan and China passes between the Khunjerab Pass and Kashgar, once an important city along the Silk Road at the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Because it reaches an elevation of 4,714 meters, it’s occasionally referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. We almost make it up to 4,700 meters. Our route takes up past the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and on to Kuqa beyond the Tian Shan mountains. The pass is considered to be one of the most beautiful roads in China, and we enjoy the spectacular landscape with its precipitous slopes in dark-grey stone.
The road will soon go into hibernation – so we’ve made it just in time. There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path. I didn’t come up with that, but it fits perfectly with our journey, which has a single destination: the road we’re following. Or even the terrain off the road.
October 14 – 20, stage destination: border between China and Mongolia
We’ve been on the road for nearly a month now. Behind the wheel, I’ve been trying to sort the many impressions into thoughts. Is this the adventure of my life? There’s plenty of evidence that it is. And there’s a lot that’s still unclear to me.
We arrive in Hemu high up in the north, for many the most beautiful village in China. What a jewel in an already magnificent region surrounding Kanas Lake. Picturesque autumnal landscapes form an awe-inspiring natural wonder. By the time we arrive, peak season is already over, allowing us to drive the attractive, usually overcrowded forest route to the village. Lush grasslands ahead of us, snow-capped mountaintops off in the distance, and between them the perfectly smooth surface of Kanas Lake. If you were to ask me why I’m on this journey, first of all it’s the urge to experience my 911 more intensively. But it’s also for moments like these. Magical locations that stay with you for all time.
October 21 – 27, stage destination: Arkhangai Province, Mongolia
The beauty of the past few days has been intoxicating. But these emotions are only intensified when we reach our destination, the Mongolian Gobi Desert, and see the challenges of our trip with our own eyes. I’ve underestimated the terrain, which has large, sharp stones that sliced two of our tires open. Fortunately, we have two spares with us. Despite all that, we manage to reach our intermediate destination, the home of the Kazakh Beken family, which practices the Mongolian tradition of eagle breeding deep in the mountains. I feel humbled when they show us the majestic animals. What an extraordinary sight. Eagles are revered in Mongolia – for their strength, their agility, and their loyalty. My 911 is my eagle, I think to myself with a slight grin. That evening, we bask in the tranquility of nature with the Bekens, enjoy a meal together, listen to them sing for us, and delve deep into the fascinating world in the westernmost part of Mongolia.
But our difficulties with the desert’s harsh terrain continue the next day. While gliding on the desert sand feels like flying, large stones along sections of the route slow down our progress significantly. With only the tracks of past vehicles to show us the way, some of the terrain is demanding – and quite a daunting task for the 911. But the car pulls through and gets us to where we need to go.
We get lost on our way to the Tsenkher Hot Springs in the Arkhangai Province – and once again the 911 Dakar comes to our rescue. We have to navigate the last 20 kilometers off-road through the mountains. There’s no road, and occasionally only a nomadic path to guide us. We cross riverbeds and wind our way through forests. Eventually we reach the healing waters of the hot springs and marvel at the natural wonder. Now I know: The Dakar will be able to handle any terrain on this journey.
October 27 – November 5, stage destination: border between Mongolia and China
The rear bumper hit some rocks when I accelerated too quickly in a riverbed two days ago. Now we have to go to a repair shop in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Once we arrive, I’m more than surprised to discover that the mechanic is Vietnamese, apparently like many others here. It’s wonderful to be able to talk to people from my home country who don’t belong to our travel group, which makes the repair shop a welcome stop for more than just the 911.
The car is ready to go again in no time, and we take this opportunity to flee what is arguably the coldest and most populous capital in the world. After all, we didn’t come for a city trip, but rather for experiences like the impressive natural spectacle we encounter a short time later. With the sun setting behind the rolling autumnal woodlands just past the frozen Lake Khövsgöl, the second-largest lake in Mongolia, I try to etch this moment into my memory forever. Snow awaits us further to the east – this much we know.
November 6 – 16, stage destination: Snow Town, Harbin, China
The forecast is correct, and we’re greeted by thick snowflakes as we reach the terrain in northern China again. We finally have the opportunity to drift with the 911 – but not for long. The roads are extremely icy, and it’s dangerous. When we find ourselves standing in traffic three days later, the situation is no longer dangerous, but risky. The long wait interferes with our plans to such a degree that we decide to take the risk and go off-road, which allows us to pass all of the vehicles stuck on the road. A short time later, the video of this daring maneuver generates more than two million views on social media. This is yet another moment that reveals that my relationship with my 911 has only just begun – and will continue for years to come.
Mohe is the northernmost city in China – and with temperatures below negative 30 degrees Celsius in the winter, it’s also the coldest. Here, the only thing between us and Russia is a frozen river. But our route will take us in a southernly direction to China Snow Town. Officially named Zhongguo Xuexiang, the village certainly lives up to its unofficial name. On what just might be the most beautiful day of our journey, we test the 911 Dakar in China’s most famous snow – and what a dream it is! Until today, a 911 had never been seen here in Snow Town. What an honor.
November 17 – December 4, stage destination: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The next leg is not as stunning as the first part through western China and, in terms of driving, not as spectacular as in Mongolia. And yet, it’s one of the most exciting, as it leaves us with an overwhelming sense of euphoria. We made it! We went to the Gobi Desert and are now on our way home – and want to keep driving. May the road never come to an end. We visit the city of Dandong at the border to North Korea with the collapsed bridge that once connected the country to China. We drive through Beijing and head for Shanhai Pass, where the Great Wall of China begins in the ocean. We continue in a southernly direction and head for home.
While I’m still trying to process the many impressions, I keep noticing people following us with their smartphones. At some point, a friend from China sends me some videos of our journey that his son had found on social media. And suddenly we are even accompanied by a film crew; the hashtags “Vietnam911” and “VietnameseUncle” have been causing quite a sensation on Chinese social media for some time. My Porsche and I – we’re famous. We enjoy the attention, the many acquaintances, and inspiring encounters.
It’s the first day back in Vietnam, and one thing is clear: It was, indeed, the adventure of my life. A total of 33,000 kilometers in the 911 Dakar – I just might be the first person to complete a mission like that. This calls for a lap of honor. The people who followed our trip online drive alongside us, with more and more gradually getting in on the fun. I come to realize that this journey was not only inspirational for me. Once home, I’m overjoyed and elated by all the impressions and the 911 Dakar, which loves sand dunes just as much as it does frozen mountain lakes, snowy roads, demanding slopes, and empty highways. This vehicle has become incredibly close to my heart over those 75 days, and I want to travel the world with it. And I know it will never fail.
One year later, destination: Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany
Now that it’s late summer 2024, I’ve had time to process the impressions from last winter. I was already working on my next plans when I received a fascinating message: The developers of the 911 Dakar in Stuttgart have heard of me and my journey. They want to meet me. I can hardly believe it – and I’m amazed. My dream not only came true, but also exceeded all expectations.
With an exhausting flight behind me, I find myself a short time later in front of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, where, in a way, my journey began. Achim Lamparter, the General Project Manager for the 911 Dakar, is there to welcome me. For me, he’s a hero because he and his team made my journey possible. He arrives in the 911 Dakar, of course. He spends some time with me, provides insights into the exciting development of the 911, and is interested in learning how “his” 911 performed. I begin singing the car’s praises and promise to come for a visit sometime in the 911. After all, this wasn’t our last adventure. Someday we’ll travel around the whole world, all the way to Stuttgart. Me and my 911 Dakar. My eagle.
Text first published in Christophorus Magazine, issue 413.
Author: Nguyen Hoang Anh
Photos: Nguyen Hoang Anh and Jörg Eberl
Copyright: All images, videos and audio files published in this article are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the written consent of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Please contact newsroom@porsche.com for further information.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.