Car owners trust Canepa´s motorsport team to deliver the expertise to restore and run their vehicles at the highest level. Here are some actual featured cars, which are for sale in their amazing 70.000 square foot facility at Santa Cruz/California. The Canepa experience is like none other.
1954 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT “Outlaw”
The Lancia Aurelia B20 GT came from humble beginnings. The original Aurelias had the first production V6 engines, and it only took a matter of time before people started testing their limits. The first series of B20 GT cars were built in early 1950. They were 2-door sports cars and were considered some of the first Gran Turismo cars in the world. During the 1951 Mille Miglia, demand outstripped supply for these little sports cars after proving their worth during the races. With an adept chassis and significant power for the time, the cars were becoming popular and eventually evolved over time spanning the course of 6 different series of Aurelia B20 GTs.
Not often does the idea come about of turning an Aurelia B20 GT into some sort of “outlaw”, a car that is restored and upgraded without the usual rules of engagement if concours shows. Thornely Kelham of Gloucestershire isn’t just your normal restoration facility, as they have the skills and know-how to create designs anew. Having sourced and restored the “Bracco” Aurelia B20 GT, a special racecar that took 2nd overall in the Mille Miglia and a scored a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951, Thornely was acutely aware of the intricacies of the Aurelia platform, but also heavily drawn towards it. One of the most notable features of the Bracco car was the hot rod-like chopped roof, no doubt in an effort to streamline the car at the time. After the restoration and appearance at Pebble Beach in 2015, the idea was planted of a Fuorilegge (“outlaw” in Italian), which brings us to this special car.
The 1st B20GT Outlaw project began with an American collector asking Thornley Kelham if they would build something like the Bracco car, but with modern upgrades paired with the “outlaw” philosophy that has been popularized by the Porsche 356 community. With “about a half a second of hesitation” they said yes, they could do that. They found a disheveled 6th series Aurelia, stripped it down to the bare bones, and began to chop, widen, and create the outlaw. Over 5,000 hours were invested in that first car and the cars after it, it being the test bed and having a large amount of creative license to create what Thornley Kelham thought would be the best interpretation. All four fenders were widened, fatter tires fitted, Jaguar D-type style wheels added, bumpers and rain rails removed, the front turn signals hidden inside of the head lights, Nardi scoop cut into the hood. On the inside, an Alcantara headliner, Porsche Speedster seats, and an FIA-spec roll cage certainly gives the vibe of a street racer with class.
Mechanically, the car was quite different than before. While the Lancia uses a Flaminia V6 engine, it was bored out to 2.8-liters with more powerful camshafts and a custom exhaust to produce about 185hp, giving a healthy boost over a stock engine. The steering rack was upgraded to a rack and pinion setup, brakes upgraded to discs on all four corners (but inboard brakes on the rear), and the sliding pillar suspension has custom gas-filled shock absorbers to look factory but produce modern handling capabilities.
When the time came to reveal the newly-created outlaw, Thornley Kelham were a little anxious as they were not sure how the car would be received. Fortunately for them, the B20 GT outlaw was met with thunderously positive responses at the 2015 Salon Prive’ held at Blenheim Palace. Two orders for the cars were made that day, and then two more shortly afterwards. Soon enough, Thornley Kelham were building their 5th and 6th cars in January of 2019.
Aurelia B20 GT Outlaw chassis #3, the car here, is one of the early orders for Thornley Kelham.
Finished in Lancia Racing Blue with a crème stripe over the hood and paired with a beautiful Oxblood Red interior. This vehicle is a true masterpiece, owing to its many meaningful specifications. One of which is the seats which are inspired by the 275 GTB to help preserve the overall Italian-ness of the car. Another is the 2.8-liter engine, which, like other Aurelia Outlaws, now has fuel injection. This car however has been fitted with a more improved fuel injection system allowing for an output of 225hp. Air conditioning was added to keep you cool, an upgraded pedal setup for supreme feedback, a special smaller Lancia steering wheel, an analog gauge panel under the dash, Series 1 Art Deco headlights, and a few other subtle touches that set this car apart from any others. The sloping roofline is still one of the most stunning parts of the car, hand formed by the artesian craftsman of Thornley Kelham.
Since its completion in 2019, this Outlaw has garnered just over 3k miles with drives in the 2019 Coupe de Alps (France) and in the Zoute Grand Prix (Belgium). When it was brought over to the US, it was cautiously air-freighted to avoid the possibility of sea transport corrosion. After touching down, the vehicle was then displayed at the Quail in 2021 and was most recently featured on an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.
When the Lancia arrived at Canepa, eyes wandered over to the car and began taking in all the details. The deep Lancia Blue color, the swooping body lines, the immense attention to detail, and the supreme craftsmanship. One of the most unique and stunning cars to come through Canepa’s doors, it was certain that the Lancia was in the right place among the other cars in our facility.
Being able to custom design and build a car with the highest degree of quality and attention to detail is quickly becoming a lost art. Finding skilled craftsman to carry out someone’s ultimate vision is increasingly difficult, but the team at Thornley Kelham have not only managed to do it, but they have completely surpassed the previously-set bar. From the nickel-plated hardware to the perfect metal shaping of all the fenders by hand, the custom upholstered seats to the ultimate tactile and sensory feedback that the steering, suspension, and the 2.8-liter Lancia V6.
The Lancia Aurelia B20GT Outlaw is a car that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
1992 Porsche 964 Carrera RS
Porsche had two goals with the latest iteration of the Carrera RS: Remove weight and add power. By shaving weight from a stock 964 and bumping up the power, Porsche introduced a limited edition 964 in 1992 worthy of the Carrera RS name. With a single-mass flywheel, twin plug engine, racing bucket seats, and a stripped-out interior, not only did it perform far better than a stock 964, but it provided the driver with a direct physical connection to the driving experience. At just under 2700 lbs, by today’s standards, it is considered a featherweight car and one of the best-driving modern-era 911s.
The famous moniker “Carrera RS”, reserved only for lightweight factory cars, found itself united with Porsche’s 964 for the very first time in 1992. Pulling from Porsche’s long lineage of lightweight cars with improved performance, the new Carrera RS found various features that embodied the original RS and RSR models. It featured a revised version of the standard engine, titled M64/03 internally, with an increased power output of 260 bhp by tuning and adding a twin plug ignition system, and lightweight flywheel coupled to the G50/10 transmission with closer ratios, asymmetrical Limited Slip Differential, and steel synchromesh. It had a track-oriented suspension system with a 40 mm (1.6 in) lower ride height, stiffer springs, shocks and adjustable stabilizer bars without power steering. Stripped of power windows, sound deadening, power seats, air conditioning, and the stereo, along with thinner side and rear window glass led to reduced weight. The use of magnesium wheels saved 22 lbs alone in addition to the aluminum hood, which also saved a substantial amount of weight. The chassis was welded by hand at the seams to increase rigidity, and when said and done, the Carrera RS would not only provide a more direct and visceral driving experience to the driver but also save over 340lbs.
This vehicle was registered new in 1992 after being sold by Porsche Italy S.p.A. The owner drove the car seldomly for a few years and accumulated a total of 7,000 miles (11,265 km). The 964 RS was then garaged for nearly two decades. In 2017 it was purchased by a California collector who imported the vehicle to the US. Over the course of almost 6 years, he kept the vehicle very well maintained and less than 2,500 miles have been added since his ownership.
Upon arrival at Canepa, every collector car for sale is put through an extensive and diligent process called the “Canepa Difference.” This includes a major and comprehensive mechanical inspection where all systems are checked and serviced as necessary. They also receive an award-winning concours-level detailing, including a thorough cleaning of each and every surface that ensures that every car is a sight to behold. With its paint in show quality condition, and the leather interior with almost no signs of wear, this 964 Carrera RS is a shining example of what a time-capsule RS looks like. All that was needed was a foam-pad-only polish to enhance the paint finish and bring it back to as it was when it was first delivered 30 years ago.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG “Black Series” is the high-performance variant of the SL-Class. The “Black Series” was meant for supreme performance, it was offered as a hardtop. Accompanying the fixed roof was a multitude of improvements to the performance, suspension, brakes, aerodynamics, and drivetrain. The ultimate Mercedes-Benz two passenger high-performance sportscar.
This 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG “Black Series” is one of 175 examples produced for the US. Finished in “Stealth” Black, over black leather upholstery, it is powered by a massive twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 paired with a paddle-shifted five-speed transmission and limited-slip differential. The hand-assembled 6.0-liter V12 features enlarged twin turbochargers that are unique to “Black Series” cars, and is factory rated at 661 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. A special plaque bearing the signature of the engine’s builder is affixed to the engine cover.
“Black Series” cars exclusively feature wider carbon-fiber bodywork and a fixed carbon-fiber roof, decklid, and side panels. This example is finished in Black and features bi-xenon headlamps with washers and adaptive cornering as well as a speed-sensitive carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and polished exhaust outlets. The forged 19″ and 20″ AMG twin-spoke alloy wheels are mounted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires measuring 265/35 up front and 325/30 at the rear. The track is widened by 4.5” at the front and 4.1” at the rear (compared to a standard SL65) and features an active-roll stabilization system and Electronic Stability Control. Stopping power is provided by silver AMG-branded calipers over slotted and oversized cross-drilled rotors at all four corners.
The cabin features power-adjustable multi-contour sport seats trimmed in Exclusive black leather with model-specific contrast stitching along with a matching dashboard, door panels, and carpeting. Carbon-fiber trim accents the center console and doors, and amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control, COMAND infotainment with navigation, Keyless-Go, an Alcantara headliner, and a Harman Kardon LOGIC7 sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The shift knob denotes the car as one of 175 designated for the US market (only 350 total built worldwide). The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel fronts paddle shifters, a 220-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level.
This specific example is in “like new” condition with only 1800 miles. It was first offered and sold by Euro Motorcars in February, 2009. During its time with the first 2 owners, the SL65 “Black Series” was regularly serviced by Euro Motorcars. The car was purchased by its third owner in June 2012, and driven an average of only 95 miles per year. The car was regularly serviced and maintained by Mercedes dealerships.
Prior to its arrival here at Canepa, the vehicle went through a major service including new tires and complete service of air-conditioning, cooling system, electrical, hydraulic components, and transmission.
This SL65 AMG “Black Series” was treated to the same Canepa Difference process every vehicle that comes to Canepa goes through. It was inspected, tested, serviced as needed, and detailed to a Concours level. This SL65 AMG “Black Series” is one of Bruce’s absolute favorites among all “Black Series” Mercedes Benz.
1964 Porsche 356C Outlaw
1964 marked the release of the final iteration of the 356 with the deliverance of the 356C. This update in the 356 now sported disk brakes all around, as well as optional SC specifications. The 356C was manufactured starting in July 1963 and ending in September 1965. By the time the 356C debuted in 1963, the 356 had undergone numerous updates and enhancements over the years and had nearly done away with what remained of its humble Volkswagen beginnings. The 356C is unquestionably the best and most complete design to date.
This 356C belonged to a dedicated 356 enthusiast who had owned the vehicle for nearly 55 years. He was the 3rd owner, who had just begun his journey as a devoted PCA member after purchasing the car in March 1967 for $2,750. Over his initial decade of ownership, the vehicle was a daily driver until he decided to garage the car for almost 20 years before giving it the restoration it deserved.
In 1999, this 356C began the process of a ground-up restoration spanning over three years by the late noted restorer, Gary Kempton. During this intricate restoration, a number of areas were addressed, including but not limited to bodywork, paint, chrome, interior, engine, transmission, suspension, and a 6v to 12v conversion. Midway through the process, it was decided that this 356C would receive notable upgrades, specifically a 1720cc big bore kit, SC camshafts, Solex carburetors, Koni shocks, 6-inch wheels wrapped in 195/65 R15 Pirelli P6000 tires, bespoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a beautiful-sounding Leistritz muffler. After receiving his vehicle in 2002, he enjoyed this 356C for almost two decades before selling it to its most recent owner in 2021.
Upon arrival at Canepa, every collector car for sale is put through an extensive and diligent process called the “Canepa Difference.” This includes a major and comprehensive mechanical inspection where all systems are checked, serviced, and restored as needed. They also receive an award-winning concours-level detailing, including a thorough cleaning of each and every surface.
Extensive road testing and final adjustments were made to the 356C to constitute an engaging driving experience. What followed was a concours level detail (over 100 hours), including hand cleaning every area of the engine, transmission, chassis, engine bay, underbody etc., complete with careful detailing of every corner of the front trunk, interior, and exterior finishes and trim.
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