The U.S. Dollar’s continuing decline is prompting a flight to alternative assets, and a remarkably rare German sports car is capturing the attention of investors bracing for further currency devaluation. The value of the dollar has fallen to a four-year low, dropping more than 3% in recent weeks after a more substantial 10% decline throughout 2025 – the largest drop in over 50 years, according to recent analysis.
A 1991 Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2, one of just thirteen ever produced, is slated for auction by RM Sotheby’s in Miami on . The vehicle, originally delivered to Japan, has accumulated a mere 1,378 miles despite undergoing restorative work after years in private collections. It was previously serviced by Canepa in California.
The Isdera Imperator 108i is the brainchild of Eberhard Schulz, a former Porsche designer. Its distinctive “wedge” shape, reminiscent of designs from Italian houses like Gandini, is executed with German engineering precision. The car features a fiberglass body mounted on a steel tubeframe chassis and is powered by a 300-horsepower 6-liter Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, paired with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox. This mid-engine configuration contributes to its performance characteristics.
The auction estimate for the Isdera ranges from $650,000 to $850,000. The vehicle previously sold for 690,000 euros at a Bonhams auction in Monaco in 2021. The car’s rarity is expected to drive competitive bidding, particularly given the growing concerns about the dollar’s stability. Morgan Stanley Research suggests the dollar could lose another 10% of its value by the end of 2026.
A Unique Machine
Beyond its potential as a hedge against currency risk, the Isdera Imperator 108i possesses intrinsic qualities that make it a compelling acquisition. The car’s futuristic, fighter-jet aesthetic is striking, featuring exposed side-exit exhausts, NACA ducts, a sharply raked windshield, and distinctive front fender vents. It represents a high point of late-20th-century “wedge” design, taking the principles pioneered by Italian designers like Marcello Gandini to their ultimate expression.
While visually exotic, the Isdera’s underlying structure is relatively straightforward. The fiberglass body is built around a steel tubeframe, and the powertrain consists of a readily available 300-horsepower 6-liter Mercedes-Benz V8 engine. This combination of striking design and robust engineering contributes to the car’s appeal.
The particular Isdera being offered for auction has passed through four different collections in the last decade and has received restorative and prescriptive repairs. Despite its low mileage, the car has benefited from ongoing maintenance, ensuring It’s ready to be driven.
A Response to Economic Uncertainty
The current interest in the Isdera Imperator 108i is not merely a matter of automotive enthusiasm; it reflects a broader trend of investors seeking refuge from economic uncertainty. As the dollar’s value erodes, tangible assets like rare automobiles are gaining appeal as potential stores of value. The logic, as some see it, is that even if debt burdens increase due to rising interest rates, the underlying value of a rare asset may hold steady or even appreciate as the currency depreciates.
The auction listing playfully suggests that acquiring an Isdera might be a rational response to a collapsing currency, even if it requires taking on substantial debt. The argument, albeit tongue-in-cheek, highlights the desperation some investors may feel as traditional financial safeguards weaken.
Auction Details and Considerations
Bidders at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Miami will likely recognize the rarity of the Isdera Imperator 108i and its potential as a hedge against further dollar depreciation. The pre-auction estimate of $650,000 to $850,000 reflects the car’s scarcity and desirability. However, the final sale price could exceed this estimate if multiple bidders compete aggressively.
The last time this specific Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2 was sold, it fetched 690,000 euros at a Bonhams auction in Monaco in 2021. While past performance is not indicative of future results, this provides a benchmark for potential value. The limited number of these cars available makes it difficult to establish definitive comparable sales data.
Potential buyers should approach this auction with caution and conduct thorough due diligence. While the Isdera Imperator 108i may offer a compelling investment opportunity, it is essential to recognize the inherent risks associated with purchasing a rare and potentially illiquid asset. As with any investment, it is crucial to assess one’s financial situation and risk tolerance before making a decision.
