When a good friend and client told us his Porsche 911 ‘DLS’ reimagined by Singer was complete and he wanted to photograph it with two of his other cars we look after for him here at Belchers Farm, a Pagani Zonda C12 and a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, who were we to object? After an amazing reaction on our social media channels, we thought the results were too good not to share with you here. So with the generous owner’s blessing, these are three of the most in-vogue collector cars of the moment…
Given our collective experience in the collector-car world, we’re often asked for insight on a whole host of automotive subjects. But if there is one question we are asked more than any other, it’s which cars we think are either currently in vogue or those we think are the ‘next big thing’. Well, in recent times, we’d argue the three four-wheeled unicorns pictured in this story – the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, Pagani Zonda C12 and Porsche 911 ‘DLS’ reimagined by Singer – are towards the very top of the new-generation collector’s automotive wish-list.
A zero-compromise homologation special from the halcyon GT1 era of endurance racing, arguably the most extreme and technologically advanced interpretation of the ‘restomod’ the world has ever seen and what can only be described as a piece of Italian automotive jewellery. It’s no secret that as younger collectors have entered the market, so the focus has shifted towards more modern cars. But beyond that, these three cars exemplify what the new-generation collector wants: rarity and individuality. Tastes are more discerning than ever. And with that, today’s collectors want different. ‘Garden-variety’ is so 2016.
“A zero-compromise homologation special from the halcyon GT1 era, arguably the most extreme interpretation of the ‘restomod’ the world has ever seen and what can only be described as a piece of Italian automotive jewellery.”
On a more objective level, aren’t these cars magical? In their own respective ways, they stir up all the right emotions – at least among us here at Girardo & Co.! The Porsche embodies Singer founder Rob Dickinson’s ‘Everything is Important’ mantra down to the very last nut. The quality is mind-boggling, elevating the humble 911 to an entirely different level – one which we reckon actually transcends cars. And that’s before you even fire the flat-six motor, which genuinely idles like a 1990s V10-powered Formula 1 car. Kudos to the owner for this discreet specification, which only serves to let Singer’s extraordinary craftsmanship shine brighter.
The Pagani Zonda echoes the artistry and craftsmanship of the Porsche, but with a distinctive Latin flair. This C12 was only the seventh Zonda built, way back in 2001, though you’d never tell its age from looking at it – the design has stood the test of time, thanks in part to the factory aesthetic updates that have become such an integral part of the Pagani ownership experience. In a similar ilk to that of the McLaren F1, membership in the Pagani owner’s club is now extremely sought-after.
The Mercedes is definitely the car whose reputation precedes it the most – probably because it’s one of only six ever built. But as you approach the CLK GTR Roadster, the sheer lunacy of its shape and proportions melts away any thoughts and feelings about its historical significance or rarity. Peak 1990s? Heck, perhaps peak supercar! In spite of its credentials plucked directly from the world of motorsport, it’s the frankly hilarious production Mercedes bits and pieces, designed to thinly disguise this thoroughbred racer as a car you’d actually want to drive, which make it so charming to us. The dials and the heating vents, for example, which appear to have come straight off an E-Class.
Conclusion? Shock – we’d like to keep them all. As three-car solutions go, we’ve certainly seen worse! We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the owner of this exquisite trio for allowing us to spend the day with them and, of course, sharing the fruits of our photographer Jonny Lau’s labour.
Photos: Jonny Lau for Girardo & Co.
These three cars are not for sale, but we do have a number of great collector cars which are – click here to discover them.