Assouline’s Rare Cars: The World’s Most Exclusive Rides is a luxurious journey through automotive artistry, curated by acclaimed journalist A.J. Baime. This exquisite compendium celebrates over forty of the rarest motorcars, spanning from 1931 to the present day, each a masterpiece of engineering and design. Baime, a noted authority in the automotive world, brings his expertise to highlight vehicles that transcend mere transportation, embodying the pinnacle of machine-making as an art form.
The book showcases iconic models like the Toyota 2000GT Roadster from You Only Live Twice, James Dean’s notorious Porsche 550 Spyder, and Ralph Lauren’s cherished Ferrari. It delves into the unique histories of these vehicles, from the groundbreaking Colombo V-12 engine of the 1947 Ferrari 125 S to the headline-grabbing $142 million 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé. Each car featured possesses a rich racing pedigree and a sculptural beauty that earns its place in this high-end collection.
Rare Cars also includes the bizarre and the extraordinary, like the 24-karat gold-plated DeLorean and the Rimac Nevera Time Attack, an electric marvel conceived by a Croatian teenager. These cars are rare gems, their scarcity and engineering prowess making them coveted by collectors worldwide.
In tribute to these masterpieces, the book itself is a work of art. Its hardcover is adorned with a mounted metal title plaque and crafted from rubber with a unique rubber-infused scent. The luxury clamshell box is handcrafted from sleek metal and lined with hand-stitched Italian leather, adding to its exclusivity.
Priced at $2,500 and available in September, this volume is a must-have for collectors and automotive enthusiasts. It offers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of rare and legendary cars.
For more from Assouline, see ‘The Last Heroes: 100 Moments of Olympics Legend’.