This is a 1986 Isdera 033-16, easily one of the rarest sports cars in automotive history, with just 17 believed to have been crafted globally. This ultra-exclusive model traces its roots back to the early 1980s, when German designer Eberhard Schulz founded Isdera AG, short for Ingenieurbüro für Styling, Design und Racing. Schulz’s path to car design began humbly in the 1960s, designing his first vehicle, the Erator GTE, in his parents’ laundry room. This innovative 400-horsepower car caught the eye of Porsche, who then hired him as a designer in 1971. While at Porsche, Schulz began work on a prototype inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, a project that eventually led him to partner with tuner Rainer Buchmann. Together, they would establish B&B GmbH & Co Auto KG in 1978 and soon unveiled the CW311, a Mercedes V8-powered prototype that boldly showcased the three-pointed Mercedes star, a a strategic publicity move at the time. Despite the unique and exciting design, Mercedes decided not to proceed with production, which prompted Schulz to establish Isdera AG in 1981/1982, setting out to bring his visions to life independently. The first Isdera model, the Spyder 033, arrived in 1982, and by 1985, Isdera released the upgraded Spyder 033-16 with a 2.3L Mercedes four-cylinder engine. In 1987, Isdera introduced the last model in the Spyder series, the 036i, at the Geneva Motor Show. With a 3.0L inline-six delivering 217 horsepower, this final Spyder demonstrated the peak of Isdera’s innovation in this series. All Isdera vehicles were handcrafted, tailored to niche enthusiasts who valued exclusivity and high-performance. This 1986 033-16 model, a highlight of Schulz’s vision, has remained with just two owners, both of whom preserved it’s immaculate condition. Today, this 033-16 was recently photographed here at the 2023 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, a world-renowned event for top-tier automotive craftsmanship.
How many made? 17
Engine: 2294cc 4-cyl DOHC (170hp)
Debut: 1985 Geneva Motor Show
Top Speed: around 144mph
0-60mph: around 7.5 seconds
Photo Credit: @o.h_cars
Research: @rarecarsonly
1986 Isdera 033-16
15.11.2024
Isdera