RM Sotheby’s Turbollection: Exotic ’80s and ’90s Cars – Autoblog Special Event
If you have even a passing interest in cars, there’s little doubt you know a thing or two about Porsche, whether the topic centers around a classic name like 911 or the more mainstream Cayenne and Macan crossovers. Bugatti? Sure, most people know about the historic French builder of world-class, record-setting automobiles, though admittedly the EB110 we’re about to show you probably wouldn’t be the first to come to mind. Fewer are likely familiar with the likes of Vector Aeromotive, a tiny American company with history that dates back to the 1980s. And we’d wager that most have never even heard of the likes of Isdera and Cizeta.
Brush up on your history, (super wealthy car collecting) folks. RM Sotheby’s has an exciting array of cars coming up for auction during the Monterey Car Week festivities on California. Among all the expected Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Shelby classics potential buyers can wade through, the so-called Turbollection collection features much rarer oddities.
Here’s a handful of highlights, including some official auction notes:
1993 Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype
– Ultra-rare EB110 Super Sport Prototype; one of seven created
– Participant in Bugatti’s May 1993 speed testing at Nardo Ring where an EB110 achieved 351 km/h to become the world’s fastest production car
– Displayed by Bugatti at the brand’s official presentation in Tokyo; sold new to legendary Japanese racing driver Sokichi Shikiba
– New fuel tanks installed in February 2024
– Factory finishes of Grigio Chiaro Metallic over Black trim
1993 Vector Avtech WX-3 Prototype
– The most radical and technologically advanced tour de force released by America’s first supercar manufacturer; the only WX-3 coupe prototype produced
– Displayed by Vector at the Geneva International Auto Salon in 1992 and 1993; extensively featured in marque advertising and period automotive press
– Retained by company founder Jerry Wiegert until 2019, and currently shows fewer than 2,625 miles since new
– Powered by its original twin-turbocharged, 7.0-liter, all-aluminum V-8 engine producing a conservatively manufacturer-rated 1,000 hp
– Benefits from nearly $300,000 in restoration work executed between 2019–2021
1991 Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2
– Striking wedge design and Mercedes-Benz V-8 power
– Believed to be one of 13 Series 2 Imperator 108i examples
– Showing just 1,912 km (~1,189 miles) on the odometer at the time of cataloging
– Delivered new to Japan
1993 Cizeta V16T
– One of just nine examples completed
– Fewer than 1,000 km (~622 miles) showing on the odometer
– Ordered new by the Royal Family of Brunei
– Displayed at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show
– Transverse-mounted V-16 with bodywork designed by Marcello Gandini
1985 Porsche 959 ‘Vorserie’
– An incredible and storied example of Porsche’s game-changing supercar
– One of five surviving V-series 959 prototypes; first registered to Ferdinand Piëch and retained by him until 1987
– The only pre-series example comprehensively documented and photographed by its factory-assigned 959 test driver, Dieter Röscheisen
– Tested at Ehra-Lessien, Nardo, the Nürburgring, the Contidrome, and on long-distance trips all over continental Europe
– Extensively featured in Porsche 959 by Jürgen Lewandowski, with recorded ownership since new; a truly unrepeatable Porsche of incredibly fascinating provenance
Unveiling the Legends
The Turbollection at RM Sotheby’s is more than just a collection of rare cars; it’s a showcase of automotive history and innovation. Each vehicle in this collection represents a unique chapter in the evolution of supercars from the ’80s and ’90s. From the groundbreaking technology of the Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype to the futuristic design of the Vector Avtech WX-3 Prototype, these cars are more than just machines; they are works of art.
The Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype: A Speed Demon
The Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype is a true speed demon, with a top speed of 351 km/h that made it the world’s fastest production car at the time. This ultra-rare prototype is one of only seven created, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. With its sleek Grigio Chiaro Metallic finish and powerful performance, this Bugatti is a true masterpiece of engineering.
The Vector Avtech WX-3 Prototype: American Innovation
The Vector Avtech WX-3 Prototype represents American innovation at its finest. This radical supercar features a twin-turbocharged, 7.0-liter V-8 engine that produces a staggering 1,000 hp. With its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology, the WX-3 is a true testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its creators. Retained by company founder Jerry Wiegert until 2019, this prototype is a rare gem that showcases the best of American automotive engineering.
The Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2: A Rare Gem
The Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2 is a rare gem that combines striking design with powerful performance. Believed to be one of only 13 examples produced, this Isdera is a true collector’s item. With its Mercedes-Benz V-8 engine and low mileage, this Imperator is a pristine example of automotive excellence. Delivered new to Japan, this Isdera has a unique history that adds to its allure.
The Cizeta V16T: Fit for Royalty
The Cizeta V16T is a car fit for royalty, having been ordered new by the Royal Family of Brunei. With its transverse-mounted V-16 engine and sleek design by Marcello Gandini, this Cizeta is a true masterpiece of Italian automotive design. Displayed at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show, this V16T is a rare find that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
The Porsche 959 ‘Vorserie’: A Legend Revisited
The Porsche 959 ‘Vorserie’ is a legend revisited, with only five surviving prototypes in existence. This pre-series example, first registered to Ferdinand Piëch, is a true piece of automotive history. Tested at some of the most famous tracks in Europe, including the Nürburgring and Ehra-Lessien, this 959 has a provenance that is unmatched. Featured in Porsche 959 by Jürgen Lewandowski, this example is a must-have for any serious collector.
In conclusion, RM Sotheby’s Turbollection is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. From the rare Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype to the innovative Vector Avtech WX-3 Prototype, each car in this collection is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, the Turbollection offers something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to own one of these rare and exotic ’80s and ’90s cars at the upcoming auction.