The 1980s marked a golden age of automotive innovation, bringing us legendary supercars like the Ferrari F40, Porsche 959, and Lamborghini Countach. But beyond these household names, the decade also produced lesser-known gems that captivated enthusiasts of their time. One such rarity is the Isdera Spyder 036i, a handcrafted sports car that remains elusive to all but the most dedicated collectors.
With only 14 units ever built, the Isdera Spyder 036i is an exclusive machine, and its obscurity only adds to its allure. Recently, a particularly remarkable example surfaced at Artcurial’s auction, attracting the attention of exotic car collectors eager to own a piece of automotive history.
Isdera: A Boutique German Car Maker
Founded in 1982 by Eberhard Schulz, Isdera was a small-scale German automaker specializing in high-performance, custom-built sports cars. Schulz, a mechanical engineer, first made waves in the automotive world with the 1969 Erator GTE, a project he developed in his parents’ laundry room. He later worked for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, where he designed the 1978 CW311 concept—a car that Mercedes ultimately chose not to produce. Undeterred, Schulz decided to go independent, first collaborating with Rainer Buchmann at B&B Auto before launching Isdera as a standalone brand.
Unlike mainstream manufacturers, Isdera operated on an invite-only basis, with no public advertisements. Customers had to contact Schulz directly to commission a vehicle, and each car was hand-built over at least 12 months, resulting in extremely low production numbers.
The Evolution of the Spyder Series
Isdera introduced its first model, the Spyder 033, in 1982. Powered by a modified Mercedes-Benz engine producing 182 hp, it set the stage for future iterations. In 1985, the Spyder 033i followed, equipped with a 2.3-liter Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder engine. The final evolution, the Spyder 036i, debuted at the 1987 Geneva Motor Show, boasting several upgrades.
Each Spyder 036i was built to its owner’s specifications, ensuring no two were exactly alike. However, all models shared core design elements, including a tubular steel spaceframe chassis, a fiberglass body, and a mid-engine layout. Power came from a 3.0-liter Mercedes-Benz inline-six, producing 217 hp, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Unlike many contemporary supercars, the Spyder 036i had no roof and featured front-hinged scissor doors instead of gullwings.
A Unique and Upgraded 1989 Isdera Spyder 036i
The 1989 Isdera Spyder 036i currently up for auction is believed to be the second unit ever built and was displayed at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show. It originally featured a blue exterior over a purple leather interior, maintaining the standard 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.
However, in 2011, the car underwent extensive modifications at the Isdera factory in Hildesheim, Germany, transforming it into one of the most powerful and striking Spyder 036i examples ever. Key upgrades included:
- Widened front and rear wheel arches, finished in metallic silver
- Larger alloy wheels all wrapped in Toyo Proxes tires
- Black-painted body panels
- Interior overhaul with blue leather trim and Recaro Sportster seats
- Door cards upholstered in dark blue
The most significant modification was the engine swap—the original 3.0-liter Mercedes unit was replaced with a 3.6-liter AMG engine, boosting power to 276 hp, a 27% increase.
A Rare Opportunity for Collectors
This Spyder 036i has spent most of its life in Germany with its original owner and was first sold in 2006. Now, it has resurfaced for auction through Artcurial in Paris, complete with a digital history file, photos, and a letter from Isdera detailing its modifications.
With an estimated price of €230,000–€280,000 ($248,400–$302,400), this one-of-a-kind Isdera Spyder 036i represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history—one that only a select few will ever have the chance to experience.
