7 OF THE BEST MODIFIED VEHICLES SOLD ON COLLECTING CARS
Adding a personal touch to a car or motorbike is a concept almost as old as the mainstream automobile itself. Today, that might typically manifest in everyday hatchbacks tweaked by their owners, in powerful and vibrant turbocharged JDM cars, or cosmetic additions to prestige SUVs. However, many of the best professional modifiers go well beyond this, in some cases reimagining motoring icons with one-off builds that alter the original purpose. Here we explore the Sold section for bespoke and custom creations, including audacious off-roaders, finely fettled supercars, and heading-turning transformations.
2011 Land Rover Defender 110 - 6.2 V8 ‘Offender’
Cosmetically and mechanically reimagined by marque specialist Mahker, this 2011 Land Rover Defender 110 featured a 6.2-litre Corvette LS3 V8 with upgraded cylinder heads and a Whipple supercharger, good for an exhilarating 700bhp.
Nicknamed ‘Offender’, it was finished in the alluring hue of Satin Champagne metallic, dressed in a Kahn bodykit, rode on 20-inch Kahn alloy wheels, and featured a custom roll cage, a DriveRite IntelliRide air suspension kit with Fox shock absorbers, and a new entertainment system. Mahker also equipped the car with a six-speed automatic gearbox and an updated transfer case with the option of rear-wheel drive. To help control this Defender’s monstrous power, 370mm AP Racing front discs with six-piston callipers, and 330mm AP Racing rear brake discs with four-piston callipers were installed.
1996 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo Gemballa GTR 600
Tuning house Gemballa has a fearsome reputation for creating head-turning and bespoke variants of popular Porsches, from the hallowed Carrera GT to the luxurious Cayenne.
One year after its first delivery, this original UK-market 911 was sent to Gemballa and upgraded to Biturbo 570 specification, comprising a power increase to 570hp, a GT2 front splitter, a Turbo rear wing, sport suspension, stiffer gearbox mounts, and upgraded brakes. While the owner enjoyed the upgrades for a year, it was returned to Gemballa in July 1998, where a substantial enhancement programme was carried out over the next 18 months at a cost of €190,000. The final result was a car that combined aspects of Gemballa’s GTR 600 specification with the company’s Le Mans Biturbo appearance. It was adorned with a host of GT2-specification equipment, Kevlar front and rear riveted arch extensions, side skirts with integrated air ducts, polycarbonate side and rear windows, a striking GT2 Evo rear wing with a ‘boomerang’ carbon-fibre gurney, and a revised front end with faired-in headlights.
The 3.6-litre flat-six was rebuilt with GT2 components and equipped with larger KKK turbochargers, resulting in a substantial power increase to 610bhp and 530lb-ft of torque. Staggered 18-inch BBS centre-lock magnesium alloy wheels were fitted, the suspension and brakes were upgraded, and the bodywork was treated to a Polar Silver respray.
2019 Suzuki Jimny - Brabus G-Wagen Tribute
This 2019 Suzuki Jimny was a striking, scaled-down tribute to the imposing Brabus G-Wagen 800. The exterior featured a flared bodykit, front wing-mounted indicators, a miniature bull bar, and a wider track with AMG-style alloy wheels. The car had also been given a mild hybrid powertrain upgrade.
Inside, the seats were re-trimmed in beige leather with diamond stitching, black textured leather across the dashboard, and carbon-fibre trim. Despite its small stature this Jimny had undeniable road presence, attracted more than 3,500 views, and achieved a remarkable sale price of €61,480.
1993 Porsche 911 (964) Turbo RUF 3.8 BTR
This 1993 Porsche 911 (964) Turbo 3.6 was upgraded by the famous RUF tuning house to 3.8-litre BTR specification in 1998. Finished in an all-black colour scheme, it was offered for sale with just 24,545 miles on the odometer.
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Enhancements did not stop at a healthy power increase to 530bhp, as RUF also fitted a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes and suspension, RUF GT2 buckets seats, an RS-style aero kit, a sports exhaust, 18-inch Speedline wheels, as well as a host of interior components.
2018 Mercedes-AMG (W463) G65 - Brabus G900
We’ve already explored an eye-catching Brabus tribute, but this 888bhp Brabus G900 is very much the real thing.
The G900 wore a ‘Widestar’ body kit, a host of carbon-fibre components, additional LED lighting, and a prominent bonnet scoop. Its 6.3-litre V12 produced a mighty 888bhp and 1,106lb-ft of torque, enough to push the car from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. Number 10 of only 10 created, this example was also fitted with the Brabus high-performance braking system, consisting of eight-piston front callipers, flex-steel brake lines, and high-performance fluid. It was finished in a fitting shade of matte black, over a well-equipped black and Vanilla leather cabin.
2021 Ducati Monster 1200 by deBolex
Customisation on two wheels is just as popular as on four, and this stunning 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 by deBolex demonstrated bespoke and beautifully crafted modifications. Powered by a 1198cc Testastretta L-twin, producing up to 147hp, this was one of just 25 Ducati Monsters reimagined by UK-based motorcycle tuner deBolex Engineering, and acted as the prototype for the following 24 units.
The bike featured aluminium bodywork, a lightweight aluminium subframe, a polymer fuel cell, several carbon-fibre components, a Maxton RT10 rear monoshock, and a custom SC-Project performance exhaust. All of the visible components apart from the engine and frame were said to be bespoke items, and its alluring yellow paintwork was accented by green stripes and a white number panel on the front of the fairing.
2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed ‘Off-Road’
We end our expedition into the Sold section with a unique and unconventional adventurer. This 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed left the factory as a cosseting grand tourer, though when offered on Collecting Cars in March 2023, it had been transformed into a desert plaything, equipped with carbon-fibre wheel arch extensions, a rear external roll cage, a water and fireproof wiring harness, full underbody skid plating, a Rigid Adapt roof light and third brake light, and a bull bar.
Ground clearance was increased thanks to the fitment of enlarged 3mm air suspension with an internal safety lock, the ECU was remapped, a carbon-fibre intake was fitted, and an external light control panel was fitted in the still luxuriously appointed cabin.
If you seeking a ready-built custom vehicle by some of the best modifiers and tuning houses in the world, or the ideal platform to begin your own journey of modification, then keep an eye on our Coming Soon section, and subscribe to updates for all the latest news and listings.