A rare 1991 Isdera Imperator 108i supercar has been listed for auction in the USA. Formally, the model does not bear the three-pointed star, but it is technically and historically closely linked to Mercedes-Benz. The car is expected to fetch up to $850,000 at the RM Sotheby’s auction. This is reported by Focus.
The lot will be offered as part of the US auction. The model is little-known even among collectors, as only a few dozen such cars were ever built.
Unique Isdera Imperator 108i Supercar
The Isdera Imperator 108i was created by German engineer and designer Eberhard Schulz. The project originates from the 1978 Mercedes CW311 concept car. It did not receive a production future at Mercedes, after which Schulz decided to realize the car independently.
The coupe is distinguished by its wedge-shaped silhouette, sharp-edged forms, and pop-up headlights. The gullwing doors follow the solution of the legendary Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. In total, from 1984 to 1993, only 30 examples of the Imperator 108i were produced.
Rare Mercedes-Based Supercar with a V8
Mercedes-Benz transferred the project rights to Schulz and supplied the powertrains. The cars were equipped with Mercedes-AMG V8 engines ranging from 300 to 390 hp. This specific 1991 example has a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated Mercedes M119 V8 producing 300 hp.
The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.1 seconds, and the top speed reaches 282 km/h.
This Imperator was newly acquired by a collector from Japan. Over 35 years, the car’s mileage is only 2,218 km. According to the auction house, the supercar has been preserved in excellent condition and is essentially a time capsule.