Isdera is one of those names that often pops up when enthusiasts discuss obscure automobiles. The German company was founded by engineer Eberhard Schulz, who was once part of the Porsche development team and also worked as a design engineer for other companies. Out of all Isdera models, the Imperator 108i is comparatively more well-known thanks to its connection with Mercedes-Benz, and a rare example will soon be available at auction.

The Imperator debuted in 1984, but Eberhard Schulz created this stunning model as a concept car for Mercedes back in the 1970s. Under the name Mercedes CW311, the concept car was first seen in 1978, however Mercedes never put it into production. The automaker was happy to support Schulz to launch it under his own marque Isdera, though, and provided the necessities for building the beautiful supercar.

Only 30 were built within the nine-year production period, and the example now up for sale is a 1991 Isdera Imperator 108i powered by Mercedes-Benz 5-litre M119 V8 engine, capable of completing the 0-100 km/h dash in five seconds and reaching a top speed of 275km/h. The design is all about high functionality and aerodynamics, featuring a wedge-shaped fibreglass body, gullwing doors, and double side-exit exhausts.

The rare beauty will go under the hammer in Bonhams’ Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques à Monaco’, taking place on 23 April with an estimate of  €500,000 – €700,000.