The best Green Over Tan cars for sale right now
©️ LBI Limited // @lbilimited
We’ve all done it - given yourself an imaginary budget and spent copious amounts of time on various car sales sites searching for that dream three car garage. The rules change depending on who you play with, but extra points are always awarded for finding something completely obscure!
So, with that in mind, I present to you the first of what’s likely going to be many of these articles, where I share some Green Over Tan goodness I’ve spotted for sale online. Some are fast, some are old, some need a little work, but all of them are certain to turn some heads!
DD Classics - 1968 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Pagoda
We begin (naturally), with a Mercedes-Benz. For me, perhaps the most perfect Mercedes-Benz ever made: the SL Pagoda. First debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, the SL just oozes style and effortless grace. The name Pagoda is actually because of its Coupé roof. designed by Paul Bracq, it’s reminiscent of the curved roofs of Far Eastern temples, where it didn't take long for the then new SL to receive the nickname “Pagoda”.
“The SL Pagoda remains as popular and iconic today as when it was unveiled, and opportunities to acquire examples of this pedigree are a rarity.”
Anyway, let’s talk about this specific one. Currently available via the incredible DD Classics, home to some of the finest classic cars on the market right now (seriously, check out their inventory!), this 250SL is finished in its original colour combination from new: Dark Olive Green over an Ivory interior and black soft-top.
Built in LHD form for the North American market, it was delivered new to the State of Oregon and first registered in Portland where the car resided in the same city its entire life from 1968 till late 2019 when it was acquired by DD and brought across the Atlantic back to Europe. Having been in the same single ownership from 1981 and spanning 38 years, DD are correct in stating this as a “once in lifetime find.”
LBI Limited - 1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe
I stumbled upon LBI Limited by complete chance, after being tagged by various followers in a pair of old Jags. What started as intrigue, quickly turned into pure amazement and admiration for the sheer variation in the vehicles they consign. Race cars, sports cars, Hoonitrucks, you name it - these guys have sold or are in the process of selling it.
Amongst those crazy cars is this 1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe. Arguably a bargain at $35,000, this example is finished in a quintessentially British colour combination - British Racing Green over Barley leather. First introduced in 1975, the XJS platform had a monumental role to fill as the replacement for the adored E-Type. It’s crazy to think nearly 20 years had passed from this model for sale and its original launch.
You might have spotted something on the inside that you would very rarely see in a Jaguar XJS though: a manual gearbox. This example is said to be one of just 19 examples believed to have been fitted with the 5-speed manual produced for 1994, all of which were sent to the United States, making this example a very special offering. I urge you to check out the full, hugely detailed and gloriously written sales post on LBI’s website, but for now, I’ll use this quote to sum up such a unique car.
“The Jaguar XJS series of cars are an excellent example of a vehicle that was not universally loved when new but has aged very gracefully and turned into a true collector car. This example with its iconic British color scheme and a desirable, factory-fitted, 5-speed manual transmission is sure to be universally sought after for years to come. Thanks to its excellent upkeep throughout the years it’s sure to provide plenty of enjoyment as well, with its good original driver quality condition ensuring that its next caretaker can drive it to its fullest without the worries of a Concours restored example.”
Promus Vehicles - 2008 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead
So the Jag was a big, posh armchair that would be more than capable of wafting around in pure style, but what if you want all of that, and no roof? I gotcha.
Behold - a 2008 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead finished in one of the most incredible colour combinations I’ve seen. Let’s get the “It’s not tan” comments out of the way early, and just appreciate it for the sheer yacht that it is. The shade is known as Woodland Green, a rich, pastel shade of green that flows perfectly around this exceptionally long car, reaching the rear decking behind the seats where the wood flows into an interior known as ‘Cornsilk’.
This Phantom in this shade is believed to be one of three examples worldwide, making it an exceptionally rare car. I’m begging one of you reading this article now - buy it!
Select Automotive - 2021 BMW Alpina B3 Touring
Let’s go a little more modern for this next one, just one year old in fact. Whenever BMW bring out a fresh new iteration of their 3, 5, 6, 7, or 8 series models, there’s one brand in particular you know will deliver the goods. That brand is Alpina, which has just recently been bought out by The BMW Group, which could hint to a bespoke in-house service through BMW or an expansion of the Alpina sales network. Whatever the future might bring, the 3 Series is arguably one of the brand’s best.
This 2021 Alpina B3 Touring is finished in one of the best shades available on the range, simply known as Alpina Green Metallic. This deep, rich shade of green is complemented by a Tartufo Merino leather interior with the all-important bright finished alloy wheels and Alpina branding across the side panels.
With 462bhp at the touch of your right foot, the B3 is certainly no slouch - in fact, it has just 9bhp less than its far sportier distance sibling, the M3. Despite it’s monstrous power output and refined handling, the B3 Touring looks effortlessly stylish, with enough space for the whole family to enjoy!
So there we have it - just a quick deep-dive into some of the cool things I’ve spotted this week.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve found a Green machine I need to see!