This is the 1989 Isdera Spyder 036i, a car that perfectly illustrates just how extraordinary and adventurous the automotive world could be in the 1980s. When people talk about iconic supercars from that era, they quickly think of the Ferrari F40, the Porsche 959, or the Lamborghini Countach. But there were also small, exclusive manufacturers who realized their own vision of the ultimate sports car. Isdera is perhaps the finest example of this.Isdera was founded in 1982 by German engineer and designer Eberhard Schulz. His career began at Porsche, where he made an early impression with his own hand-built prototypes. Schulz had a clear vision: small production runs, hand-built cars, and an unprecedented level of exclusivity. His cars were not sold through dealers nor widely advertised. Anyone wishing to order an Isdera simply had to contact Schulz directly. In fact, you had to call the CEO personally to order a car.Each Isdera was then built entirely by hand by a small team of craftsmen. That process often took about a year per car, which immediately explains why production remained so extremely low.The Spyder series formed the heart of the brand. The first model appeared in the early 1980s and was powered by Mercedes-Benz technology. In 1987, Isdera presented the ultimate evolution of that series at the Geneva Motor Show: the Spyder 036i.This version was equipped with a powerful Mercedes-Benz inline six-cylinder engine and a manual transmission, combined with a mid-engine configuration. The chassis consists of a tubular frame, while the body is extremely lightweight. The result is a sports car that is not only light and fast, but also has a character all its own.What immediately stands out about the Isdera Spyder is, of course, its design. The car has a distinct 1980s look, with sharp lines, a very low seating position, and spectacular “Flügeltür”-style doors. The whole thing looks almost like a concept car, but one that was actually built by hand and driven on the road.Across all generations of the Spyder series, an estimated total of only fourteen examples were built. That makes this car an extremely rare piece of German automotive history today.The example you see here dates from 1989 and is in exceptionally well-preserved and excellently maintained condition. In 2012, various factory options and modifications were also carried out, fully in line with Isdera’s original specifications.Under the small hood lies a powerful Mercedes engine with an AMG block, which perfectly matches the car’s character: light, responsive, and mechanically pure. Everything about this Isdera feels handcrafted and exclusive, exactly as Eberhard Schulz intended at the time.So what you see here is not just any sports car from the 1980s. This is a hand-built Isdera, from a small German manufacturer that built its cars exclusively to order for a very select group of customers.With only fourteen examples built, the chance of ever encountering another one is exceptionally small. And that is precisely why this is exactly the kind of car you see today at the most exclusive events, from prestigious concours d’élégance to special winter rallies in places like St. Moritz.The Isdera Spyder 036i is thus not only a rare sports car, but also a fascinating chapter in the history of the German automotive industry. A car for connoisseurs and collectors looking for something that truly no one else has. Are you interested? Contact Gallery Aaldering today and discover this special Isdera for yourself.
