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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Khris Bharath – October 06, 2025

2025 Bonhams Cars Audrain Auction: Top 10 Results And Hig...

As one of the headline events of the 2025 Audrain Motor Week, the Bonhams Cars Audrain Auction at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, lived up to expectations with an impressive $10.3 million in total sales and an 87 percent sell-through rate. The curated 47-lot docket reflected a well-balanced mix of pre-war craftsmanship, mid-century classics, and modern exotics, drawing strong in-person and remote bidding. The undisputed star of the evening was the 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ Coupe, which achieved $5,725,000, taking top honors as one of Bonhams’ highest-grossing modern-era consignments. As one of only 30 examples built, the 300+ represents the ultimate evolution of the Chiron platform, powered by an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged Pïech-era W16 engine. In second place, a 1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp Silver Ghost Roi des Belges Tourer brought $621,000, highlighting that early motoring royalty still resonates with collectors when accompanied by period coachwork and known provenance. A 993 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS followed at $390,000, outperforming estimates, while a beautifully presented 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet achieved $318,500. A 1934 Packard Twelve 1107 Coupe, restored by Stone Barn Restorations, realized $307,500, demonstrating consistent demand for concours-level American pre-war craftsmanship. Among standout contemporary builds, the 1965 Jaguar E-Type Coupe reimagined by Helm with Bill Amberg Studios sold for $285,500. The 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo I reached $224,000, while both a 1986 Ferrari Testarossa and a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Convertible Sedan by Hibbard & Darrin, each pulled in $184,800. Rounding out the top ten, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/340 hp Split Window Coupe crossed the block for $176,960, showcasing steady growth in demand for blue-chip American classics. This year’s auction results cement Audrain Motor Week as the East Coast’s definitive collector-car destination. What began as a boutique event has now evolved into a national fixture, blending world-class concours competition, curated lifestyle events, and serious auction action. With Newport’s historic backdrop and Bonhams’ curation, the region’s collector-car scene is no longer in Monterey’s shadow, but is defining its own rhythm, and is one that is only set to grow in the coming years. View All Bonhams Cars Inventory 10. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/340hp Sting Ray 'Split Window' $176,960 9. 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Convertible Sedan Coachwork by Hibbard & Darrin $184,800 8. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa $184,800 7. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo I US$224,000 6. 1965 Jaguar E-Type Coupe Reimagined by Helm with Bill Amberg Studios $285,500 5. 1934 Packard Twelve 1107 Coupe $307,500 4. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 $318,500 3. 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS $390,000 2. 1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Roi des Belges Tourer $621,000 1. 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ Coupe $5,725,000 Images: Bonhams Cars

By Khris Bharath – August 01, 2025

#1-of-40 Bugatti Divo Could Fetch $9 Million At The Quail...

By any measure, the Bugatti Divo is already a marvel of engineering. But this particular example chassis # VF9SD3V34LM795015 is especially significant, because it’s the first Divo being offered at public auction. When it crosses the block at The Quail, this Divo, being offered by Bonhams Cars (Lot 196) at no reserve, with fewer than 800 miles on the clock, could fetch between $7.0 and $9.0 million based on early estimates. That’s no surprise for a machine as rare, radical, and revered as this one. Earlier this month, we reported on a Bollide, another ultra-limited Bugatti going under the hammer for an estimated $6.0 million. While that one is a track-only, no-rules hypercar, built for circuit domination, the Divo, on the other hand, is street-legal. However, let’s be honest, this car isn’t likely to rack up much mileage either. It’s destined for climate-controlled collections, hypercar concours gatherings, and the occasional adrenaline-filled canyon run or track-day stint, if that. This particular example, with contrasting racing blue accents and the French tricolor, was delivered new to a Florida collector in 2020; it was later displayed at the Petersen Museum’s Hypercars: The Allure of the Extreme exhibit. Currently fitted with aftermarket alloys for presentation, the car comes with its original wheels and documents. But for some context about what makes the Divo so exclusive and collectible, we need to rewind about seven years. Unveiled in 2018 at Pebble Beach, ironically, very close to the venue where it will go under the hammer for the first time in a few weeks from now, the Divo can be best described as a more aggressive evolution of the Chiron. Same chassis, same 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 putting out an identical 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque, but with a totally reimagined body and mission. Bugatti set out to create a machine with sharper handling, more downforce, and greater agility. The Divo’s top speed at 236 mph is lower than the Chiron’s 261 mph, but around the 3.85-mile handling loop at the Nardò ring in southern Italy, it was a full eight seconds quicker than the standard Chiron. As for the name, Albert Divo, the French driver who won the Targa Florio twice for Bugatti back in the 1920s, this hyper sports car also revived Bugatti’s long-standing tradition of in-house coachbuilding. Every line and intake on the aggressive Divo’s bodywork, from the wider air inlets and large front splitter to the dramatic roof-mounted NACA duct and active rear wing, serves a purpose. At 1,005 pounds, the Divo generates 198 pounds more downforce than the Chiron and weighs 77 pounds less, thanks to carbon fiber components, thinner glass, and even carbon-fiber wipers, tipping the scales at 4,323 pounds. Inside, it’s a study in lightweight luxury. Alcantara dominates the cabin, the Divo Blue accents flow into the sculpted seats, and even the paddle shifters are enlarged for quick engagement. There's a quiet nod to history with Rembrandt Bugatti’s elephant emblem on the passenger seat. With only 40 units made, all of which were offered exclusively to Chiron owners and sold out even before the aforementioned public reveal at Pebble Beach, it presents collectors with the rare opportunity to acquire something really special. Cars like the Divo rarely surface on the market, and, along with the Bolide and the Mistral, it remains a jewel in Bugatti’s modern portfolio from the Pïech-era, with Tourbillon embarking on the next chapter. View Listing Source: Bonhams Cars

A striking Ferrari 599XX EVO with black accents and a large rear wing is parked outdoors under a partly cloudy sky, awaiting its debut at the Monterey auction.

By Khris Bharath – July 15, 2025

1-of-50 Ferrari 599XX EVO Set To Cross The Auction Block ...

This isn't a race car, nor is it street-legal, and neither does it qualify for any official competition series, and yet, the 599XX Evoluzione, or Evo, might be one of the most extreme Ferraris of the modern era. Created under the obsessive umbrella of the brand’s XX Programme that launched back in ‘05, this machine was designed purely to defy the laws of physics and chase lap times on the race track. For those unaware, the FXX Programme invited the Ferrari brand’s most loyal and capable clients to act as development partners. As a buyer of one of these extreme machines, you didn’t get to take the car home. Instead, you became a Corse Clienti member. Ferrari housed, transported, and maintained the cars for you while getting you track access at exclusive events around the globe. Think circuits like Silverstone, Nürburgring, Daytona, Mugello, Bahrain, and more. In return, you offered real-time feedback that Ferrari’s engineers would eventually integrate into future designs and models. The FXX itself was a re-engineered Enzo, stripped away of any road pretensions. Later came the 599XX and its wild sibling, the 599XX Evo. It was followed by the FXX K, based on the LaFerrari, and the even more extreme FXX K Evo. Each was built in minuscule numbers, and each, a rolling testbed for Ferrari’s bleeding-edge tech. Which is why the sale of a 599XX Evo, like the one seen here, is a big deal. This 2010 Rosso Fuoco (red) with silver example wears the number 44, a number associated with current Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton. Ironic, since Hamilton was still racing for McLaren when the 599XX came out. The car is being offered by RM Sotheby’s and is one of just 50 built, and even fewer received the Evo kit. Unveiled in 2011, the Evo package added a carbon fiber rear wing with active Drag Reduction System, redesigned aero front and rear, and recalibrated suspension. It also marked one of Ferrari’s first uses of active aerodynamics, featuring a twin-profile rear wing equipped with a Formula One-style Drag Reduction System (DRS). Controlled by onboard sensors, the system adjusted in real time to throttle input, steering angle, and yaw to balance downforce (up to 970 pounds at 124 mph) and minimize drag at high speeds. At its heart is a 6.0-liter V12, a highly-strung evolution of the 599 GTB Fiorano’s Enzo-derived engine. In the GTB, this unit could be paired with a gated six-speed box, making it the last front-engined Ferrari to offer a manual transmission. But here on this EVO-equipped 599XX, the output has been dialed up to 740 horsepower from the standard 599’s 612 horsepower, and even the base 599XX’s 720 horsepower. The extensive weight loss has also resulted in shaving 77 pounds of the 599XX’s 3,350-pound curb weight. The result is a 1:15 lap time around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, which is three seconds quicker when compared to the non-evo 599XX and easily ahead of the Ferrari Enzo and several other purpose-built GT racers. But beyond the incredible pace, the sound on the 599XX EVO has been amplified even further, as the side-mounted exhausts were redesigned to reduce backpressure and deliver a sharper, more violent scream at 9,000 rpm. New Pirelli slicks boosted cornering grip, and every system, from throttle mapping to braking calibration, was tuned for maximum attack. Given it’s extremely limited production run of just 50 examples, this Evo-spec 599XX represents one of the rarest and most advanced front-engined Ferraris ever made. A rare opportunity to acquire something truly unique, purpose-built, and born from Ferrari’s most exclusive engineering program. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: RM Sotheby's, Ferrari

Three supercars parked: a silver Mercedes-AMG One (top), a black and white Bugatti Veyron (bottom left), and an orange-black Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss (bottom right)—showcasing top sale highlights from Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed.

By Khris Bharath – July 14, 2025

2025 Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale: Top 10 Resu...

Long before the hillclimb action and record-breaking runs kicked off at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday morning, the build-up for the weekend’s Bonhams Cars auction was already making headlines across the estate at Chichester. On Friday, July 11, the prestigious auction house held its annual Goodwood sale, and true to form, a spectacular array of automobiles crossed the auction block. The auction house managed to achieve an impressive 80 percent sell‑through rate at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed sale, covering Lots 101 to 158. The auction brought in around £10.2 million ($13.75 million) in total sales, making it the highest‑value U.K. motoring auction so far this year, and the catalog featured a curated selection of motorsport icons, luxury cars that exude class, and modern hypercars. Leading the sale was Lot 153, a 2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE Coupé, which achieved a staggering £2,456,600 ($3.31 million). With only around 100 miles on the clock, this one-owner hypercar came equipped with the rare AMG-ONE Motorsport Styling Package, a Formula 1-derived plug-in hybrid V6, and full service history as recent as June 2024. One of just 275 examples built worldwide, it was the kind of car you don’t just buy, but chase. Second place belonged to Lot 110, a 2007 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Coupé, which sold for £1,527,000 ($1.22 million). With only 478 miles from new, a canceled Swiss registration, and an elegant Mocca Brown over White Coffee paint combo, this one-owner example stood out even in a room filled with automotive royalty. But the auction's biggest shock came from Lot 123, the bright orange 1992 Mazda FD RX-7 Veilside Fortune Coupé, which stunned the crowd with a final price of £911,000 ($1.18 million). Famously featured in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, driven by Sung-Ho Kang (Han), this was one of only two surviving hero cars, and was never used in any drift sequences on set and stored in pristine condition since 2008 by its UK-based owner. Other highlights included: Lot 132, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, which sold for £866,200 ($1.16 million), Lot 154, a 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition, which brought in £437,000 ($589,409) and Lot 134, a 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage, that hit £345,000 ($465,323). Bidding also ran hot for a 1992 Jaguar XJ220, Lot 137, £310,000 ($418,116), a 1928 Bentley 4½ Litre Tourer with Coachworks by Vanden Plas, Lot 131, £304,000 ($410,024), and a 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé, Lot 118, £190,900 ($257,479). Rounding out the top ten was Lot 126, a 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Fuel Injection Saloon, which sold for £178,250 ($240,417). From pre-war craftsmanship to cutting-edge performance and more, Bonhams once again showcased an excellent array of cars and automobilia, and its Goodwood auction remains one of the most anticipated collector car events on the motoring calendar. Check out the complete 2025 Festival of Speed auction results " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> and our extended coverage of the 2025 Good Festival of Speed here. View All Bonhams Inventory 10. 1970 Aston Martin DB6 MK2 Fuel Injection Sports Saloon £178,250 (~$240,417) 9. 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé £190,900 (~$257,479) 8. 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Tourer: Coachwork by Vanden Plas £304,000 (~$410,024) 7. 1992 Jaguar XJ220 Coupe £310,000 (~$418,116) 6. 1963 Aston Martin DB4 ‘Series V’ Vantage Sports Saloon £345,000 (~$465,323) 5. 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition £437,000 (~$589,409) 4. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster £866,200 (~$1,168,299) 3. 1992 Mazda FD RX-7 Veilside Fortune Coupe £911,000 (~$1,228,723) 2. 2007 Bugatti Veyron Coupe 16.4 £1,527,000 (~$2,059,561) 1. 2023 Mercedes-AMG One Coupe £2,456,000 (~$3,312,562) Source: Bonhams Cars

By Khris Bharath – May 27, 2025

2025 Broad Arrow Auctions Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Est...

In its inaugural appearance as the official auction partner at the annual Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este hosted by BMW Classic Group, Broad Arrow delivered a masterclass in curating, staging, and selling a diverse range of collector-grade cars and automobilia. Hosted inside the grand Rotunda at Villa Erba on May 25-26, the two-day auction held on the banks of Lake Como saw bidding from in-person attendees and over 8,000 viewers online, bringing in €31 million ($35.23 million) in total sales, with a sell-through rate of 78% across all lots sold. At the top three on the leaderboard: a 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni (Lot 214), which is steeped in motorsport pedigree with successful runs at the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia, saw the hammer drop at €7.54 million ($8.57 million), taking the crown as the weekend’s most expensive sale. This was followed up by a stunning pre-war beauty with provenance, a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 Spéciale Teadrop Coupé (Lot 237). This Art Deco beauty was arguably one of the most elegant cars in the room and crossed the auction block at €3.61 million ($4.1 million). Third place went to a 1989 Ferrari F40 ‘Competizione’ (Lot 212) that drew in €2.31 million (2.63 million). Clad in racing slicks, the car that took inspiration from the Michelotto F40 LM race cars, and this example is one of an estimated 27 produced. Beyond the auction, the weekend also saw several concepts and coach-built cars make their world debut at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza. BMW revealed the Speedtop Shooting Brake, a sleek coupe meets wagon, alongside the long-awaited M2 CS. The Concept RR gave us a glimpse of the next generation of supersport tech from BMW Motorrad. Milanese coach-builder Zagato is no stranger to the lawns of Villa d’Este, and this year was no exception. They took the wraps off two of their latest collaborations, the Bovensiepen Coupe, which is based on the M4 convertible, and the 1-of-1 Alfa Romeo Doppiacoda, which showcases some legacy Zagato design cues in the modern era. Below are the top 10 results from the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction by value. Check out the final results here. View All Broad Arrow's Inventory 10. 1980 BMW M1 €602,500 (~$683,100) 9. 2023 Ford GT €613,750 (~$695,860) 8. 2003 Honda NSX-R €934,375 (~$1,059,790) 7. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster €1,007,500 (~$1,142,290) 6. 2006 Porsche Carrera GT Sold Ahead of Auction 5. 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS €1,525,000 (~$1,729,025) 4. 1954 Siata 208S Motto Spider €1,750,000 (~$1,984,126) 3. 1989 Ferrari F40 "Competizione" €2,312,500 (~$2,621,882) 2. 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupé €3,606,250 (~$3,088,718) 1. 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni €7,543,750 (~$8,553,005) Source: Broad Arrow Auctions

A collection of classic sports cars, mostly red, arranged in a large garage with a race car featuring number 220 in the center, showcased as part of the RM Sotheby’s Quadrifoglio Collection Monterey 2025.

By Khris Bharath – May 02, 2025

RM Sotheby’s To Auction 12 Historic Alfa Romeos At Monter...

RM Sotheby’s has just raised the bar for its 2025 Monterey Sale with the announcement of the 'Quadrifoglio Collection', a curated set of 12 competition Alfa Romeos made up of a wide spectrum of cars ranging from world-class prototypes to legendary touring models. Quadrifoglio in Italian stands for four-leaf clover. The badge has been reserved only for Alfa’s most competitive machines and has been in use since 1923. The stunning Quadrifoglio Collection is a tribute to Autodelta, the brand’s motorsport arm and its successful run in post-war racing at venues like Daytona, Targa Florio, the Nürburgring, and Monza. Heading the lineup is the extremely rare 1968 Alfa Romeo T33/2 ‘Daytona’, which was one of only a handful of cars equipped with a 2.5-liter engine for the 1968 season. It was restored by an ex-Autodelta mechanic, Marcello Gambi in the 1990s and has been regularly tested and maintained for vintage racing. Next in line is the only 1964 Giulia TZ-1 of 117 built, delivered new with the double-bubble roof. Owned and raced by privateer, racer, and collector Vladimir Nabokov, this car featured on the 1969 issue of Sports Car World Magazine. The 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ ‘Coda Tronca’ is another rarity and is one of just two early competition entries under the Martini & Rossi Racing teams that had successful campaigns at Daytona and Sebring in 1962. It was fully restored under the current nine-year ownership. Other highlights include an unrestored 1750 GTAm with Belgian race history and a well-preserved Giulia Sprint GTA restored by SCCA champion Horst Kwech. With some of Italy’s top coachbuilders like Zagato, Bertone, and Pininfarina having designed some of the cars in this collection, these racing-bred Alfas are true masterpieces and could represent the most significant single marque offering this year. The estimated range for these cars varies from $20,000-$30,000 for the 1961 Giulietta Sprint, all the way up to $1.7-$2.0 million for the 1969 T33/2 'Daytona'. With early consignments like Ralph Lauren’s 1995 Ferrari F50 set to cross the block in mid-August, Monterey 2025 is already shaping up to be a highly anticipated event and one of the top car auctions to watch this year. It also presents collectors a rare opportunity to acquire some of the most storied automobiles from a brand that is celebrating its 115th anniversary in 2025. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: RM Sotheby's

A white Porsche 959 Speedster with the top down is parked on a paved road next to a grassy field with scattered flowers, ready to turn heads at the RM Sotheby's Milan Auction.

By Khris Bharath – April 28, 2025

One-Off 1987 Porsche 959 Speedster To Be Offered At RM So...

The Porsche 959 is one of the most significant models for the German sports car maker. But this particular example builds upon that legacy with a fascinating story. Carefully reimagined, this 1987 Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’ was born from the vision of master craftsman Karl-Heinz Feustel and is now headed for auction at RM Sotheby’s Milan sale in May. Originally, a ‘Komfort’ model was finished in silver metallic, CHASSIS NO.WP0ZZZ95ZHS900142 rolled off the production line in Stuttgart, back in November 1987, and was reportedly delivered to racing driver Jürgen Lässig, who has victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and a podium finish at Le Mans to his name. After an accident on the autobahn in 1988, the original car was left damaged, but thankfully, this wasn’t the end for this 959. It was then acquired by Feustel, who decided to turn tragedy into opportunity by transforming this 959 into something truly bespoke. After 4,000 painstaking hours at a small workshop near Cologne in Germany, the transformation was complete, and the Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’ was born. First shown at the 1989 Frankfurt International Motor Show and then at the Essen Motor Show, the 959 Speedster now featured a Grand Prix White exterior, set against a vibrant blue leather interior, complete with an electronically operated blue soft top, and a hardtop for more inclement weather. Additionally, the car also came with a tonneau cover, spare door mirrors, owners' guides, and a spare ‘speedster’ windscreen. Feustel wanted $1.2 million for this unique build, and it was acquired by a German collector in 1990. But here’s why a ‘959 Speedster’ is so special. Porsche itself never made one, making Fuestel’s creation an outlier. The 959 and Speedster both carry a lot of weight in the Porsche world, and their coming together is a big deal. Developed for the sun-kissed skies of California, Speedsters are lightweight, low-slung sports cars and command a premium over standard Porsche convertibles. These models embody the spirit of purist open-top driving and can trace their roots to the 356 and subsequently the 911 Speedster with their distinctive double-bubble humps. As for the 959, it was born as a homologation special developed in the early 1980s to compete in Group B rallying. A groundbreaking car that " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> it introduced technologies never seen in a production car before: think all-wheel drive, active suspension, and an electronically managed chassis system. 1986 was a monumental year for the Porsche 959, as it not only won the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally but, on the pavement, it also became the fastest street-legal car in the world, with a top speed of 197 mph. The 959 laid the foundation for the German brand’s tradition of halo cars and future flagships like the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. Porsche only built 292 examples of the 959, cementing its exclusivity and desirability. Well-maintained cars routinely command prices in the seven figures on the collector car market. The Porsche 959 Speedster, seen here, has been in private ownership since 2008 and was recently serviced by ADR Motorsport in March 2025. While every Porsche 959 is a collectible, this one-off creation takes it a step further. Expected to fetch €1,100,000 - €1,500,000 EUR ($1.2-1.7 million), the 959 Speedster is a true unicorn, bringing two distinctive elements from the Porsche world together. View All Porsche 959s For Sale Image Source: RM Sotheby's

By duPont REGISTRY – August 26, 2024

Sotheby’s Motorsport Celebrates a Year of Record-Breaking...

A year ago, Sotheby’s Motorsport embarked on a mission to redefine the online car auction experience. With a vision that combined luxury, transparency, and innovation, the platform aimed to elevate the online market for exotic, rare, and collector cars. From this ambitious beginning, SOMO emerged as a trusted name in the high-end automotive auction world. In just 12 months, SOMO has facilitated over $30 million in sales, attracting clients from all over the country. The platform has not only set world auction records but has also successfully brought to market single-owner collections and celebrity-owned vehicles. The commitment to focusing on the upper echelon of the market has paid off, with the recent sale of a 2016 Ferrari F12tdf for $1.15 million serving as a testament to the platform’s growth and success. It’s remarkable to see how much has changed in just one year. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of consignors, collectors, and enthusiasts who shared SOMO’s vision. Their trust and partnership have been instrumental in building a platform that values both excellence and transparency. The feedback and faith of the community have been invaluable, making this first year a resounding success. Looking ahead, Sotheby’s Motorsport is set for another year of significant growth. The platform is excited to continue its journey, with plans to introduce new opportunities for consigning and buying in the upcoming fall season. As SOMO celebrates its one-year anniversary, the team is eager to share more about their journey, introduce the faces behind the platform, and welcome new and returning clients to explore the possibilities of luxury car auctions. The future is bright for SOMO, and the team is ready to continue raising the bar in the world of online car auctions. Visit SOMO Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2024

RM Sotheby's $5.5M Ferrari F50 Sale At Monterey Sets A Ne...

RM Sotheby's makes waves in Monterey! To say that Monterey Car Week 2024 was a hit would be a complete and utter understatement. First-ever world premiers and record-setting auctions took place throughout the week of fuel-driven festivities. On the topic of high-end, collector-grade car auction sales, the professionals at RM Sotheby's knocked it out of the park with a new world-record-setting Ferrari F50 sale during the second night of its flagship Monterey Auction. The 1995 Ferrari F50 took the stage in Northern California and drove bidding to a whopping $5,505,000. With a starting bid of $2.5 million, the price continued to skyrocket as an intense battle of bidding took place amongst an excited crowd of collectors and enthusiasts. The massive seven-figure sale now puts this example at the top of the list of the most expensive Ferrari F50s ever sold at auction. The Ferrari F50 stands out as one of the Italian marque's 'Big Five,' which also includes the 288 GTO, F40, Enzo, and LaFerrari. While the F50 now shines as one of the most coveted collector cars in the world, it hasn't always received the recognition it deserves. Since Ferrari's release of the 349 cars in July of 1997, the list of owners featured familiar celebrity names like Mike Tyson, Rod Stewart, 50 Cent, Ferrari Collector David Lee, and many more. The Ferrari F50 features a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V12 engine derived from Formula 1 technology, delivering an impressive 513 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, the F50 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 202 mph. With RM Sotheby's setting the bar with its World Record Ferrari F50 sale, we can't wait to see what the next example brings to the auction block. View all Ferraris for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferraris For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by RM Sotheby's (@rmsothebys) Source: RM Sotheby's

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 26, 2023

Sotheby's Motorsport Is Auctioning Off This Ultra-Rare 20...

Any collector or fan of Mercedes-Benz is going to want to check out this rare opportunity. Throughout Mercedes-Benz's successful history as an automotive manufacturer and motorsports champion, there have been vehicles that continue to hold significance among passionate car collectors and enthusiasts. Some of those collector-grade cars share a similarity in being a part of Mercedes-Benz's ultra-exclusive AMG Black Series, incorporating design characteristics and performance engineering from the winning Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Showcasing one of the most desirable models from the limited-production series, the professionals at Sotheby's Motorsport are pleased to offer this pristine 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series as part of its current online auction lineup. With worldwide production of 350 units and only 175 of those delivered to the U.S., this specific SL65 AMG Black Series features a gloss black finish from Mercedes-Benz. In addition to an aggressive body style and lower ride height, model-specific carbon fiber bodywork comes complete with an active rear wing and diffuser for optimal aerodynamics at high speeds. A set of factory 19/20-inch sports wheels acts as the traction-grabbing source for the subcompact supercar, with AMG carbon ceramic brakes supplying the stopping power. Inside, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series reveals a subtly stealthy Black AMG Exclusive leather interior. The driver-centric cabin presents a sport-focused look and feel thanks to gloss carbon fiber trim accents, 12-way power heated & ventilated AMG sport seats, power 4-way steering wheel, and luxuries including Airscarf neck-level heating. An AMG instrument cluster with racetimer and gear position displays raises the Black Series' urgency over standard SL cockpits. The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series comes fit with a monstrous 6.0L bi-turbocharged V12 AMG engine, paired with a 5-speed driver-adaptive electronic AMG automatic transmission. Fitted during current ownership with a RENNtech R3 Performance Package, the output is further pushed to a claimed 810 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque according to the aftermarket manufacturer. With an odometer reading of 8,984 miles at the time of listing, this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is sold with a clean Montana Title registered to the seller's Montana LLC. This 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series auction from Sotheby's Motorsport is currently live for bidding and ends on September 28th. View Sotheby's Motorsport Auction Listing Source: Sotheby's Motorsport

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