- Exhibited at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show

- Incredibly exclusive model, very limited series (estimated at 14 examples)

- More powerful and sportier version, modified at the factory

At the end of the 1960s, Eberhard Schulz (working at Porsche at the time) impressed everyone with his Erator GTE prototype which its shape was reminiscent of the Ford GT40. Having left the Stuttgart manufacturer a little while later, he joined forces with specialist Rainer Buchmann to create B&B Auto which gave birth to another prototype, the CW311 (introduced as a Mercedes brand)

It was this same prototype that would serve as an inspiration for the Isdera Spyder 033i launched in 1982 by Eberhard Schulz, who was now flying solo. Handcrafted and designed in a racing shape with sophisticated technology, this first version had a 1.8-litre Mercedes 4-cylinder mid engine. It was followed by a closed version called the Isdera Imperator, before evolving with a more powerful 2.3-litre engine in 1985. And in 1987, the last version of the Spyder made its appearance: It was called the 036i and was launched at the Geneva Motor Show; its performance, consisting of a 217 hp 3-litre Mercedes 6-cylinder engine, was finally worthy of its bold appearance. Production of this model remained extremely confidential, since the total number of Spyders produced is estimated at 14 examples.

This particular Isdera Spyder 036i left the factory on the 28th March 1989 and was delivered to a Mr. Keller from Munich. It was in blue colour with a purple leather interior. Pictures evidence that it was displayed at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show and is believed to be the second 036i produced. The beginning of its history is not exactly known but it seems to have spent most of its life in Germany and changing hands around 2006. Then, on the 14th July 2011 while under its previous ownership, this car was sent to the Isdera factory in Hildesheim (Germany) for major improvements. The bodywork was equipped with wing extensions painted in metallic grey and covering wider wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes tyres. Inside, the purple upholstery was replaced with dark blue leather covering the entire interior, including the new Recaro Sportster seats. And notably, the old 6-cylinder engine has given way to a 3.6-litre version developed by AMG and developing 276 hp, which enabled the car to compete with the best sports cars of its era. It was then exhibited at various Isdera events.

This well-preserved Isdera 036i Spyder comes with a digital history file, including photos and a letter from Isdera detailing the list of modifications made. Sold with an old German title that is no longer valid, this is a rare opportunity to own a unique car, developed by an ingenious manufacturer, genuinely sporty with an extremely original shape which coincides with a prototype, while offering extraordinary sensations on the road or on the circuit. 

Photos © Peter Singhof