Rare 1991 Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2 Supercar Heads to Auction
A unique piece of German automotive history, the 1991 Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2, is set to captivate collectors at an upcoming RM Sotheby's auction in Miami this February. This distinctive supercar, a testament to visionary engineering and design, represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of only 30 units ever crafted. With its powerful Mercedes-Benz V-8 engine, unconventional styling, and impressive performance metrics for its era, the Imperator 108i Series 2 stands as a fascinating symbol of independent German automotive innovation, blending a rich lineage with exclusive appeal.
The narrative of the Isdera Imperator begins with its founder, Eberhard Schulz, a German designer whose career trajectory included stints at Porsche and B+B, where he famously conceived the Mercedes-Benz CW311 concept. This concept car, an homage to the legendary 300SL, was initially developed independently before Mercedes-Benz officially sanctioned the use of its iconic emblem. Schulz's ambition to transform the CW311 into a production model led him to establish Isdera, giving birth to the Imperator 108i. Though it shed the Mercedes badge, the Imperator retained the CW311's unmistakable wedge-shaped aesthetic and inherited a potent Mercedes-Benz V-8 powerplant, centrally mounted for optimal balance.
Over a span of nine years, Isdera meticulously assembled just 30 Imperator models, each built to custom specifications. The 1991 vehicle slated for auction is a Series 2 variant, showcasing the evolution of Schulz's initial vision. Following the Imperator, Isdera introduced the even more audacious Commendatore 112i in 1993, which featured a Mercedes-Benz V-12 engine, akin to the one powering the Pagani Zonda. However, only a single Commendatore 112i was completed before the company faced financial difficulties.
The Imperator's allure is amplified by its dramatic fiberglass bodywork, meticulously draped over a tubular steel spaceframe. Its design is truly extraordinary, characterized by a compact front, distinctive gullwing doors, and innovative pop-up headlights. Further enhancing its aggressive aesthetic are deep vents carved into the front fenders, uniquely styled aerodisc wheels, and twin side-exit exhausts positioned just forward of the rear wheels, all contributing to its striking visual presence.
Propelling this stunning machine is a Mercedes-Benz M119 32-valve, 5.0-liter V-8 engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This setup generated approximately 300 horsepower, allowing the Imperator to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a swift 5.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of 175 mph—figures that were remarkably impressive for its time. The car currently up for auction was originally delivered to a buyer in Japan, maintaining its left-hand drive configuration and arriving with historical documentation including its original order form and correspondence. With less than 1400 miles on its odometer, this exceptionally preserved Imperator is projected to fetch between $650,000 and $850,000, underscoring its status as a coveted collector's item.
The upcoming auction of the 1991 Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2 offers an extraordinary chance to own a piece of rare automotive artistry. This vehicle not only represents a significant chapter in German supercar development but also embodies the bold vision of its creator, Eberhard Schulz. Its limited production, coupled with its distinctive design and formidable performance, cements its place as a highly sought-after classic in the realm of high-performance automobiles.