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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 Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2019

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019 Recap

An outstanding week of automotive events around the Monterey Peninsula culminated in the most important car show of the year. First, we would like to thank the Concours for allowing us to display on Peter Hay Hill. Secondly, we would like to show you the highlights of this year's event. Sunday morning had beautiful weather for the Dawn Patrol. This is a chance for spectators to see these amazing cars make their way onto the field. For us, the most significant members of this group was a Nostalgia Motorcycle from NMOTO. They are the first bikes ever allowed onto the Concept Lawn. It was placed next to what inspired it, the 1934 BMW R7. After the cars are in place, the judges waste no time and head into their respective classes. Once their results were tabulated, the awards ceremony began. Here are a few happy entrants that have achieved the highest award in the automotive world. First In Class Winners: American Antique 1910 Marmon 32 Five Passenger Touring Shown by Mike & Sharon Silvera European Antique 1907 Napier 60 HP Roi des Belges Shown by the Louwman Museum American Classic Open 1936 Cadillac Series 90 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe Shown by John D. Groendyke American Classic Closed 1933 Packard 1006 Twelve Dietrich Stationary Coupe Shown by Academy of Art University Packard Open 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan Shown by Ralph Marano Bentley Centennial 3 Litre 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model Vanden Plas Open Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial 4½ Litre 1930 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Vanden Plas Open Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial 6½ Litre 1929 Bentley Speed Six H. J. Mulliner Open Two Seater Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial Derby 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Vanvooren Drophead Coupé Shown by Michel Doret Bentley Centennial Postwar 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Mulliner Sports Saloon Shown by Anne Brockinton Lee & Robert M. Lee Duesenberg 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Disappearing Top Roadster Shown by Paul & Cheryl Petrovich Rolls-Royce Prewar 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Inskip Special Henley Coupé Shown by Lord Bamford Mercedes-Benz Prewar 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Erdmann & Rossi Special Cabriolet Shown by The Keller Collection at The Pyramids European Classic Open 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet Shown by Richard & Melanie Lundquist European Classic Closed 1937 Delahaye 145 Chapron Coupé Shown by Merle & Peter Mullin Bugatti Type 57 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Private Collection Prewar Preservation 1907 Renault XB Labourdette Transformable Landaulet Shown by Steve & Marilee Hamilton Postwar Preservation 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Coupé Shown by William & Christopher Sharples Ferrari Grand Touring 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Scaglietti Spyder California Shown by Lee & Joan Herrington/The Herrington Collection Ferrari Competition 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Scaglietti Spyder Shown by Patrick & Carolyn Ottis Lamborghini Miura 1968 Lamborghini Miura SV Coupé Lamborghini Polo Storico Private Owner Postwar Sports 1960 Porsche Carrera Abarth GTL Viarenzo & Filliponi Coupé Shown by Robert Ingram/The Ingram Collection Postwar Touring 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia Supergioiello Coupé Shown by Jonathan & Wendy Segal Zagato Centennial Prewar 1932 Maserati V4 Zagato Spider Shown by Lawrence Auriana Zagato Centennial Postwar 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Coupé Shown by David F. MacNeil Best In Show 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer Shown by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie If you are curious about the order in which the awards were given, we have a treat for you. Below is a birds-eye view of the entire show. We'll see you there next year. " width="680"> Image Source: Kimball Studios/Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

By Andrew Nabors – August 20, 2019

RM Sotheby's Record-Breaking Monterey 2019 Auction

It was a wild week at Monterey. Perfect weather and amazing cars could be found around the peninsula, and it allowed our friends at RM Sotheby's to have a record-breaking Monterey auction. The total of the transactions is over $107 Million, and that figure is comprised of a few of the world's best cars. The Ming Collection of late-model Ferraris exceeded all estimates, and a James Bond DB5 went for $6.4 Million. Gord Duff is their Global Head of Auctions, and he commented: “While there was an undertone of measured restraint throughout all the auctions over the weekend, it was encouraging to see record-breaking results for many of the highlight consignments as well as for outstanding collectible, lower value examples in the auction. In particular, seeing the as-new Ming Collection sell with such broad enthusiasm and pre-auction interest, continues to show that client demand for near-perfect late-model examples remains as strong as ever. Coupled with equally impressive results for historically significant cars such as the Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, the James Bond Aston Martin DB5, and the Ferrari 250 GT SWB, we are confident that as long as the passion for collector cars remains, the market will continue to support it with price-reflective transactions.” With his comments in mind, let us examine the top 10 sales of their 3-day event: 10. 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta "Scozia" - $2,040,000 9. 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS - $2,205,000 8. 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari - $2,947,500 7. 1995 Ferrari F50 - $3,000,000 6. 2006 Ferrari FXX - $3,520,000 5. 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Werks - $5,100,000 4. 1965 Aston Martin DB5 "Bond Car" - $6,385,000 3. 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype - $7,650,000 2. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta - $8,145,000 1. 1994 McLaren F1 'LM-Specification' - $19,805,000 What do these values represent for our hobby? We'll leave the speculation up to you. If you don't want to go through the bidding process, you have a great tool at your fingertips. Click the link below to browse the world's best resource for exotic cars, and stay with us for all your Monterey news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2019

Top 10 Monterey Unveilings for 2019

What once was a Concours on the lawns of Pebble Beach has turned into the automotive industry's top events. As you are reading this, the duPont REGISTY Live team is spread across the Monterey peninsula. A few of us remained behind to hold down the fort, and to inform you about the most important events we're missing out on. So here are our Top 10 Monterey Unveilings for 2019 Karma GT Peter Hay Hill is a perfect vantage point to showcase amazing automobiles. It overlooks the entrance to Pebble Beach, and it is where we will have a dozen of the world’s finest cars on display. Next to our exhibit will be the latest from Karma Automotive. They went back to the drawing board and entrusted the design of their latest model to Pininfarina. What they delivered is a stunning 2-door electric GT. So we’re excited that the 2020 Karma GT will be unveiled at Pebble Beach. Don’t be confused by the name, Karma still builds the Revero GT, an updated version of their first sedan. Learn More Here Acura Type S Concept Acura Type S Concept What we see here represents the future of Acura's styling. They plan to release two Type-S performance models in 2 years, and this concept finally makes a bold departure from the Honda models they are based on. Well Done Acura! Drako GTE Electric hypercars are poised to make gasoline obsolete. Fueled by automotive startups like Rivian and Tushek, a group of Silicon Valley engineers are throwing their hat into the ring. Drako Motors intends to offer 1,200 horsepower with unprecedented grip. They have developed 4-wheel steering in which each wheel can be turned independently. Given that each wheel has its own electric motor, it will raise the bar for EV performance. Learn More Here Pininfarina Battista Last year we were taken aback by a new electric supercar at Pebble Beach. While Enzo Ferrari concentrated on his race team Automobili Pininfarina was responsible for styling and building the production cars. Nothing lasts forever, and Ferrari eventually brought production in-house. This gave Pininfarina freedom to move their headquarters to Munich, and develop the amazing Coke Freestyle machine. Perhaps this was a ruse to make us think they were out of the automotive industry, but their latest creation is about to shake up the world. In their latest press release, we learn that the Pininfarina Battista refinement continues for Monterey. Learn More Here Lotus Evija One day in the distant future, the only place to find gas-powered cars will be at the world’s most prestigious car shows. As for now, electric hypercars are in high demand, so the LotusEvija world tour will start at Monterey. England’s first all-electric Hypercar offers 2000 metric horsepower, or 1,973 using the traditional SAE protocols. Their first American order was received within hours of the reveal, so Monterey is a logical starting point. Learn More Here 2020 Corvette Although it has already officially be unveiled, each new generation has been welcomed at Monterey. It will give the public a chance to get up close and personal with the 8th generation of Chevrolet's flagship. It will be on display and even in action at the Rolex Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca. Learn More Here Bugatti EB110 Successor Bugatti is set to premiere a new model this week during The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. More specifically, the unveiling will happen on Friday, August 16, at 11:20 am Pacific Time. Nothing is really known as to what will be unveiled, but speculations have been running wild. However, in the press release regarding the new car’s unveiling, Bugatti included a video. In the video, which you can watch below, the focus is mainly on the EB110. More importantly, the end of the video reads: “An EB110 homage.” Yes, it looks like the new Bugatti model will celebrate the iconic EB110. Ferrari-Powered Arno XI Hydroplane Originally built in 1952 to break the hydroplane record speed, Enzo Ferrari sent his best engineers to install a LeMans-prepped V12 engine with twin superchargers and methanol injection. A full restoration by Ferrari Classiche was completed a few days ago, and it was lifted by a crane on its original stand into our display on Peter Hay Hill. This is the first time the world has seen the restored Arno XI in better-than-new condition. Learn More Here Bentley EXP 100 GT The car adjusts accordingly by either going into “cocoon” mode or performance mode. Insulating you from the outside world, cocoon handles the driving while using the latest in sound and visual isolation. Fiber optics are woven throughout the cockpit to provide a relaxing ambiance. But all that can change with a gesture of your hand. You can take command at an instant, and the car’s personality changes. Light and sound are allowed in to connect you to the world outside. Another gesture allows the car to take a snapshot of your journey, these memories are stored in the AI system as memories of each experience. Learn More Here McLaren GT by MSO This one-off example of the GT is full of options that MSO has in store for the new model. This includes the new MSO Defined Flux Silver paint, MSO Bespoke Sating Graphite paint on the aero components, Gloss Black Diamond Cut wheels and a lot more. There’s even an MSO Painted Key Back that goes along with this car. Learn More Here " width="680"> Related: What to See at Monterey Car Week 2019

By Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2019

What to See at Monterey Car Week 2019

If you are heading to Monterey, we have a real treat for you. In addition to our massive tent on Peter Hay Hill, here are all the events you need to see. If you have never been, the Weathertech Raceway at Laguna Seca is a great place to watch classic racers in action. Fisherman's Wharf is home to world-class dining, and it is walking distance to RM Sothebys and Russo & Steele auctions. Carmel-By-The-Sea is a picturesque town unlike any other. The relaxed atmosphere will be the endpoint for the Tour d'Elegance on Thursday. Watching these classics roll into town will take your breath away. Make sure to get back on the highway before the crowd leaves, and come see us at Pebble Beach. Our display is atop Peter Hay Hill, across from the clubhouse. Safe travels, and we will see you there! Monday: Porsche Classic Join Porsche Monterey in celebrating its designation as a Porsche Classic Partner at ‘The Porsche Monterey Classic’, an exclusive Porsche event highlighting Classic Porsches. We welcome all Porsches for display. Come and join us while enjoying music, whiskey, wine, and hor's d’ oeuvres. Register your Porsche ASAP as space is limited. View Details Automobilia Monterey The largest automobilia show in America, and the only time during Concours Week to find these 45+/- top international dealers in a single venue. Enjoy the relaxed indoor setting while buying only original vintage posters, photographs, rallye plates, badges & pins, hood ornaments, signs, original art, display items, scale models, literature & books, signed items, postcards, etc. View Details Tuesday: Concours on the Avenue 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Scaglietti Spider Carmel-by-the-Sea's world-famous Ocean Avenue will be closed to traffic and eighteen blocks of downtown will be filled with collector cars and related motorized fun. A fascinating mix of American and foreign cars will be showcased in front of a backdrop of charming shops, critically acclaimed restaurants and numerous galleries. The Carmel Concours on the Avenue will focus on vehicles not usually seen during this ten-day period. View Details Wednesday: McCall's Motorworks Revival Join us and our 3000 VIP guests as we host our exclusive First-Class evening and experience culinary delights while strolling the array of exceptional and rare vintage race cars, motorcycles, and aircraft. World-Class sponsors will also join us to show off their latest offerings and WOW guests with the first look at what's coming next in the aviation and automotive world. Luxury watchmakers like Chronoswiss, Eberhard, Kerbedanz and Reservoir will be on display. Noted California chefs will pair gourmet selections with California wines for McCall's Motorsports Revival. View Details Little Car Show The Little Car Show showcases all marques from all countries. Expecting more than 100 vehicles 25 years and older. From micro, mini and arcane vehicles with no greater than 1,601cc displacement engines or electric powered vehicles, you'll enjoy this special show. Have a small car to show? Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Registration will be closed when 100 vehicles have registered. "Drop in" entries will only be processed on show day if space is available! We also have a "Special Interest" category and may allow limited production and custom vehicles that meet the general rules and intent of the show. View Details Prancing Ponies Prancing Ponies Car Show provides an opportunity for women car enthusiasts to inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM and to explore leadership in the automotive industry. Women owners and co-owners register today! Open to all Classic cars, Muscle cars, Supercars, and Hyper Cars and free to spectators. View Details Carmel Mission Classic Enjoy wine tasting by some of Monterey County's finest vineyards, a self-guided tour, and beautiful live harp music in the background as you stroll the grounds of the crown jewel of the Monterey Peninsula, the historic Carmel Mission. A no-host gourmet food bar will also be available by a local chef. All net proceeds go to the charities of the Knights of Columbus and Carmel Mission. From Ferraris to Funny-Cars and Blessings to Beverages, there’s something for everyone! View Details Thursday: duPont REGISTRY Live at Pebble Beach This year we have taken the high ground of Peter Hay Hill. In our display will be over $20,000,000 in exotics. Not only do we have the first McLaren P1 GTR, but we also have the only boat built by Scuderia Ferrari. Along with a Hennessey 6x6 Velociraptors, Pagani Huayras, and the first officially licensed Gulf Edition Mustang GT, stop by and say hello at our tent. Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Laguna Seca Described as a museum springing to life, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, is the largest event held during the famed Monterey Classic Car Week, and is the only event where cars are doing what they were originally intended to do…race. Approximately 550 race cars are invited to compete in the world’s premier motoring event, and are accepted based on the car’s authenticity, race provenance and period correctness. Featured Marque: IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) celebrates its 50th anniversary of premier sports car racing. View Details Tour d'Elegance 17-Mile Drive The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex is an annual driving event that delights entrants and spectators alike. The traditional Tour traces portions of the original 17-Mile Drive, traverses nearby mountains and valleys and pauses for a time in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. View Details WHEN: Thursday, August 15, 2019 EVENT SCHEDULE: 7:00 am Cars line up on Portola Road in Pebble Beach9:00 am Tour departs11:30 am Tour arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea12 noon Cars are displayed on Ocean Avenue2:00 pm Tour returns to Pebble Beach3:00 pm Concluding Champagne toast for participants Mecum The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 29 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month."We've come a long way from our first official auction at the Rockford Airport in 1988," notes President Dana Mecum. "We're really a family business that grew up and got big. Our goal has always been to give Mecum Auction attendees an amazing experience and unite them with an incredible car they will enjoy."What started in 1988 with little more than a few helpers around the family dining room table has grown to more than 200-strong when on-site at an event today. View Details RM Every August, the collector car world descends on the Monterey Peninsula for the ultimate celebration of the hobby. For over 30 years, RM Sotheby's Monterey sale has been the pinnacle of the collector car auctions, known for its innovative presentation and record-setting results. Along with all the auction excitement, Monterey Car Week is filled with a number of other hobby events, from historic racing to festivals and Concours, which transform the area into a car lover's paradise. The week culminates with the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where RM Sotheby's very own restoration team has won a remarkable six Best of Show honors. View Details Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction Photo credit: Pawel Litwinski/Bonhams The Bonhams Motoring Department is renowned for holding auction sales of rare of significant classic motor cars, motorcycles and related memorabilia, held in conjunction with some of the most prestigious global motoring events in truly charismatic locations. The recently launched Bonhams MPH brings Bonhams values to a wider audience for more modern and modestly priced collectors' motor cars, staging four dedicated sales per year at Bicester Heritage. View Details Russo & Steel Russo and Steele’s Annual Collector Automobile auction in beautiful Monterey, California is among an elite list of events that contribute to Monterey’s Historic Car Week, and holds the hottest ticket to Monterey’s Race Weekend, billed as the “Mecca of Collector Automobiles”. Russo and Steele offers a collection of the highest quality, most luxurious and collectible European sports, American muscle, hot rods and custom automobiles suitable to satisfy any automotive desires with both reserve and no reserve automobiles View Details Worldwide Auctioneers: Pacific Grove Worldwide’s Pacific Grove Auction on the Monterey Peninsula is scheduled for Thursday, August 15th. The Pacific Grove Auction enjoys the best views in town, with the 2019 event again set to be staged in the spectacular ocean side setting of the Pacific Grove Golf Links, adjacent to the famous 17 Mile Drive and perfectly positioned at the tip of the Peninsula for both Monterey and Pebble Beach. View Details Friday: Legends of the Autobahn Legends of the Autobahn Concours will take place at The Club at Pasadera in Monterey, California, during the famed Pebble Beach Concours week. This rich venue provides the growing event with the continued room to expand and it’s so close to Laguna Seca that you can hear the historic cars warming up! Join the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes Club of America, and the Audi Club of North America—the world’s preeminent German-marque car clubs—at the annual Legends Of The Autobahn Concours d’Elegance. View Details Japanese Automotive Invitational The Japanese Automotive Invitational, presented by INFINITI, is a celebration of Japanese automobiles in a festive and relaxed atmosphere. Featured vehicles exemplify Japanese innovation, design, and performance that originate from a rich and historically significant car culture. Unique among a week of vintage automotive events during Pebble Beach Car Week, the Japanese Automotive Invitational has distinguished itself as the premier experience dedicated to Japanese automotive achievements, culture, personalities, and the future of Japanese-inspired innovation and design. View Details Porsche Werks Reunion Don’t miss Monterey Car Week’s largest gathering of Porsches! Expect to view a breathtaking array of Porsches at this free-to-spectators event, from rare classics to current models and everything in between. Display your own cherished car in Porsche Corrals or enter the Porsche Concours and compete to win in more than 20 prize categories. Porsche Club of America (PCA) welcomes all Porsche clubs, owners, and enthusiasts to the annual PCA Werks Reunion during the world-famous Monterey Car Week on California's Monterey Peninsula. Membership in PCA is not required to participate in this celebration of Porsche automotive engineering. Spectators are welcome to attend Werks Reunion Monterey free of charge ($20 parking fee, cash only). No registration is needed. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering For seventeen years, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering has provided an unparalleled and exclusive experience for motorsports enthusiasts and collectors from around the world to enjoy rare collections of fine automobiles and motorcycles in a garden-party setting on the rolling greens of Quail Lodge & Golf Club. Held in conjunction with The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, is the 22nd Annual Bonhams Motorcar Auction on the western grounds of Quail Lodge & Golf Club offering easy access, plenty of convenient parking, and lots of sunshine amidst the famous Carmel scenery. The Quail will continue to create an enhanced experience for attendees and sponsors alike. Guests will enjoy exquisite motorcars on display and culinary pavilions, with the ease of onsite parking. View Details Saturday: Concourso Italiano Concorso Italiano is the world’s largest luxury and exotic Italian Car show. This is truly a multi-faceted luxury lifestyle event celebrating all things Italian; fashion, food, wine, art, and products. Concorso Italiano, famous for the diverse and significant collection of exhibited Italian cars, is centered on as many as 1,000 Italian & exotic automobiles, Italian motorcycles. Those that attend also enjoy the Concorso Italiano Fashion Show, musical performances, and on-stage interviews with legendary automotive collectors and industry designers View Details Exotics on Broadway It all began with a vision to bring something new and fresh to Monterey Car Week, and with that “Exotics” was born. This unique event is focused entirely on the Super, Hyper and Exotic Car phenomenon. With the surroundings of historic downtown Seaside and open admission, we are creating a whole new destination event for the auto enthusiast and collector alike. Exotics on Broadway showcases some of the rarest and exciting cars of our time alongside the companies that can take these cars to the next level in performance and showmanship. The carefully crafted approach of Exotics on Broadway is to create the ideal venue for companies to showcase their products and services to a demographic passionate about high-end cars and modifying them. Sure to draw crowds in the tens of thousands, the event is free and open to the public. Exhibitor booths will range from automotive manufacturers to wheel manufacturers, tuners to automotive dealerships and everything in between. View Details Sunday: Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Car collectors worldwide dream of competing at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links is the stage and the rolling Pacific Ocean serves as the backdrop. Begun in 1950, this concours is the top-ranking collector car competition in the world. It is also the event to which most other modern concours now trace their roots. Initially modeled on the early European concours that showcased new cars, the Pebble Beach Concours shifted its focus to collector cars in 1955—and other concours followed suit. It has also taken the lead by including racing greats and offering featured marques and special classes as early as 1953, introducing displays of dream cars and concepts in the 1980s, and instituting driving events and emphasizing the importance of preservation in the 1990s. View Details Guided by—and often driving—the interests of enthusiasts the world over, this Concours continues to set the bar for all others. The Concours d'elegance is not a contest of speed, but of elegance. Automobiles are judged for their style and technical merit, as well as their history, their originality and the accuracy of their preservation or restoration—and the best garner reward and recognition. Dawn Field opens to entrants; Dawn Patrol viewers are not allowed onto the field until 5:30 am8:30 am Judging Commences10:30 am Field officially opens to general admission spectators1:30 pm – 5:00 pm Awards are presented Be sure to stop by our booth, and say hello! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2019

Mecum Auctions to Offer 600 Collector Cars in Monterey

If you enjoy the excitement and variety that Mecum Auctions is known for, get ready for something unprecedented. All hands are on deck, as they are planning to sell 600 cars in 3 days. Located at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, this impressive display will grace the lawns of the Del Monte Golf Course. In a press release earlier today, we've learned that Dana Mecum and his wife Patti are offering their 1954/59 Ferrari 0432M. It wears a body by Scaglietti, so keep an eye on Lot F113. Also from their collection is a 1952 Allard J2 Roadster that was driven to victory lane by Carroll Shelby. Thus being the inspiration for the Shelby Cobra. 1954/59 Ferrari 1952 Allard Other notable lots include 11 cars from Hot Rod icon Blackie Gejeian. They include several winners of the "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" award. "The Emperor" was a George Barris build for Chuck Kirkorian, and the 1927 Dick Williams Roadster will fetch a small fortune. The Emperor 1927 Dick Williams Ford Roadster The first production 2005 Ford GT will battle against a LaFerrari for top honors, and the final 1953 Corvette (#300 of 300 built) will cause a bidding frenzy. Expect to see a1935 Auburn Boattail Speedster, 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged, and a pair of 1947 Delahayes. Be sure to tune in to their YouTube channel to follow the action, and stay with us for all your Mecum updates. Here are the top sellers from last year to give you a preview: " width="680"> Related: Mecum Monterey 2019 Preview: Hypercars, Supercars, and More Record-Setting Ford GT to be Offered at Mecum Monterey

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 23, 2016

Revealed: Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Beve...

Known for it's star-studded resident's roster, gorgeous sunsets and insanely beautiful people, impressing in Beverly Hills is a task in itself, but Rolls-Royce took on the challenge with their Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe- Beverly Hills Edition.On display for the first time at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills Edition Phantom Drophead Coupe features a stunning Orange Metallic finish capable of rivaling even the most pristine sunset. All four wheels are adorned with matching Orange Metallic wheel centers which encase the iconic Rolls-Royce emblem, and the interior features complementing black leather with hand-stitched leather contrasts in Mandarin and stunning polished Piano Black veneers to finish it off.(Related: Rolls-Royce Creates Bespoke Picnic Hamper for Phantom Zenith Collection) This stunning example is adorned with the luxury trimmings like hand-stitched Rolls-Royce emblems in the headrests and a specialty door sill marking its exclusivity. Many things won't turn a single head in Beverly Hills, but we're pretty sure this Phantom might just do the trick.Phantom Drophead Coupes for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 22, 2016

Revealed: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante

Pebble Beach, aka one of the most exciting car events of the year, is a great place for reveals, and Aston Martin used the opportunity to debut their Vanquish Zagato Volante.(Also Read: Cadillac Escala Concept Revealed, Shows Future Design)Limited to 99 units, the new Zagato Volante will be created as an answer to "overwhelming customer interest for the previously revealed Coupe." The new Zagato model will hold true to the brand's lineage and maintain many of the design elements the compilation is known for. According to a company press release:"The Vanquish Zagato Volante shares its proportions with the Coupe, a quintessential Aston Martin form with a classic Zagato twist, evoked by round tail light reflectors that use the same 'bladed' LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan supercar. The twin cowls on the rear deck blend into the leading edge of the luggage compartment, concealing a bespoke folding hood derived from the mechanism used in the Vanquish Volante. Carbon fibre sills around the lower body create a pronounced horizontal emphasis that runs from front to rear."Vanquish Zagato Volante Specs Engine: 6.0-liter V12 Horsepower: 592 hp 0-60 time- 3.7 seconds The interior of the vehicle is held to Aston Martin's high standards. Options for customization for the ultimate in aesthetics and style is provided by the automaker's 'Q' division. Offered is an array of high-quality materials, which include herringbone carbon fiber and the finest leather available.Price and full specs have not been released at this time, but stay tuned for updates. Deliveries are set for 2017, though no concrete time frame has been established.View All Aston Martins For Sale

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