Auctions

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 – August 21, 2025

10 Most Expensive Cars To Sell At 2025 Monterey Car Week ...

If you want to understand the state of the collector-car market today, you don’t just look at classifieds or dealer lots anymore; you look at events like Monterey Car Week. Alongside Villa d’Este and Goodwood, Monterey remains one of the highlights of the annual automotive calendar. With traditional auto shows losing steam, several automakers are now turning to places like the Quail to unveil their most-anticipated models and evocative concept cars. But coming to auctions specifically, we knew this year’s showing was going to be spectacular. As early as April, we highlighted some of the biggest players heading to the West Coast including RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Company, Bonhams, and Mecum; all already part our list of the top 10 auctions to watch in 2025. Each arrived with a docket made up of several multimillion-dollar consignments, and between August 13 through 17, Northern California’s Monterey Peninsula once again became the world’s most concentrated showcase of collector-car wealth, breaking multiple records along the way. If you’ve been following along, we’ve already broken down each auction house’s top results in detail, where we witnessed fierce bidding both online and on site. Bonhams Cars staged one of its strongest Monterey outings in years, bringing in $44.7 million at The Quail Auction with a 96 percent sell-through rate. Mostly made up of no-reserve modern hypercars, the top sale came from a 2020 Bugatti Divo that went for $8.6 million. Mecum contributed $39.5 million in sales with strong results for classics and American muscle, while Broad Arrow impressed, bringing a Maserati MC12 Stradale to $5.2 million and a Koenigsegg CCXR to $3.2 million at the Jet Center auction. Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach sale reached $128 million, led by a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione at $25.3 million. But by far, RM Sotheby’s was the highlight of the weekend, wrapping up two action- packed evenings at $165.3 million, an 87 percent sell through rate, moving 47 cars past the $1 million mark, with seven exceeding $5 million and the top two breaking $10 million including a one-off Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made” that stunned bidders at $26 million. In total, Monterey 2025 achieved a staggering $432.8 million in sales according to Hagerty across five major houses and four days, the second-highest Car Week total ever, narrowly behind the $471.2 million of 2022. Ferrari continues to dominate, claiming eight of the top 10 lots, but the era spread of automobiles is broader than ever. While the top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction are dominated by vintage and classic cars, it appears that buyers aren’t just chasing prewar exotica or 1960s icons anymore. Folks are now writing eight-figure checks for cars that defined the 1980s, 1990s, and even modern supercars. This indicates a generational handoff in car collecting tastes. Yes, cars with racing history, matching numbers, or unique editions command premium bids. But Monterey this year has proven that there’s a growing interest for newer metal amongst a younger demographic of buyers and collectors. With that, here are the 10 most expensive cars that crossed the block from Monterey Car Week 2025. View All Cars For Sale on duPont REGISTRY 10. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari: RM Sotheby’s $5.23 Million 9. 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster: RM Sotheby’s $5.34 Million 8. 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta: Gooding Christie’s $6.71 Million 7. 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Prototiporari: Gooding Christie’s $7.26 Million 6. 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione: Gooding Christie’s $8.14 Million 5. 2020 Bugatti Divo: Bonhams Cars $8.55 Million 4. 1995 Ferrari F50: RM Sotheby’s $9.24 Million 3. 1993 Ferrari F40 LM GTC: RM Sotheby’s $11.05 Million 2. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Competizione Alloy Spider: Gooding Christie’s $25.30 Million 1. 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’: RM Sotheby’s $26 Million Images: RM Sotheby's, Gooding Christie's, Bonhams Cars

A bright yellow Lamborghini Miura sports car, a true million-dollar car, is parked on a paved road with grass, bushes, and trees in the background—ready to turn heads at the Monterey 2025 Auction by Mecum.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 21, 2025

Mecum Recaps Monterey 2025 Auction With 6 Million-Dollar ...

Mecum brought some exciting sales to this year’s Monterey Car Week. Each year, the idyllic Monterey Peninsula on California’s coast goes from a quiet seaside gem to the world’s most exciting automotive capital for Monterey Car Week. One of the world’s most anticipated annual automotive gatherings, Monterey Car Week brings together incredibly exciting events, VIP experiences, unforgettable shows, and adrenaline-filled auctions where some of the most valuable vehicles in the world change hands. Mecum Auctions was part of the action this year, holding its Monterey 2025 sale at the Del Monte Golf Course, where some of the top sellers at the auction included pre and post-war classics, NASCAR icons, early supercars, and modern masterpieces. Some incredibly rare and desirable cars crossed the block at Mecum’s Monterey 2025 auction, making for an exciting result of millions of dollars of vehicles sold. A cherished and timeless classic, the highest seller at the auction was a 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, which, boasting a concours restoration, sold for an incredible $1.98 million. Following it were a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing which sold for $1.65 million, a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster selling for $1.485 million, a $1.32 million 1932 Duesenberg Model J Sweep Panel Dual Cowl Phaeton, which tied with a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona NASCAR, a $1.045 million 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight, one of just 200 produced, a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition with a special Gulf-inspired livery and only 377 miles on the odometer, which sold for $891,000, and a 2025 Ferrari SF90 Spider that sold for $715,000. In addition, One of just 24 examples of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition with just 475 miles on the odometer sold for $682,000, while a 2024 Porsche 911 S/T completed the list of the top ten sellers at the auction with its impressive price of $676,500. This year’s Monterey Car Week was absolutely packed with automotive excellence of all kinds, and when it comes to auctions, Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2025 sale was one of the biggest contributors to Car Week’s splendor, with classics and modern vehicles selling that are amazingly valuable, rare, and desirable. View All Mecum Auctions Inventory Image Source: Mecum Auctions

A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is auctioned at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auction, with a winning bid of $23,000,000 proudly displayed on screen.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 20, 2025

Gooding Christie’s $128M Pebble Beach Auction Leads With ...

Pebble Beach once again proves why its the premier location for collector car auctions. Pebble Beach has long been the setting where collector car legends are made, and this year Gooding Christie’s delivered one for the history books. The 21st annual Pebble Beach Auctions wrapped with more than $128 million in sales, a leap from last year and proof that demand for rare classics is only getting stronger. The moment that had everyone talking was the sale of a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione, which sold for a whopping $25.3 million. That figure not only made it the most expensive Ferrari 250 GT California Spider ever sold at auction but also the most valuable car ever handled by Gooding Christie’s. For anyone following the market, it was one of those sales that set a new benchmark for how high blue-chip Ferraris can soar in value. New World Auction Records Lot 26 - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione, sold for $25,305,000 (a world record for the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider model, the most valuable car to ever be auctioned by Gooding Christie’s) Lot 38 - 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione Series III, sold for $8,145,000 (a world record for the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 model) Lot 17 - 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary, sold for $3,140,000 (the first RUF CTR Anniversary to sell at auction) Lot 154 - 1898 Panhard-Levassor M4E 'Course'/Racing Type Paris-Amsterdam 'Americaine' Four-Seater, sold for $1,380,000 (a world record for the Panhard-Levassor marque) Lot 77 - 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, sold for $1,028,000 (a world record for the Ferrari Dino model) Ferrari naturally dominated the weekend, with six out of the top ten results bearing the Prancing Horse badge. Beyond the record-setting California Spider Competizione, another 1961 250 GT SWB California Spider sold for $7.55 million, and the very first California Spider ever built, a 1957 Prototipo, went for $7.26 million. A 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione with Le Mans history hit $8.14 million, a new record for the model, while even the Dino joined the million-dollar club thanks to a rare “Chairs and Flares” 246 GTS that sold for just over $1 million. The sale also saw modern icons like a Ferrari F40 that brought $3.8 million and a Bugatti EB110 Super Sport that achieved $2.75 million. Porsche also had strong showings, with a 2017 911 RSR-17 race car at $2.26 million and a Carrera GT selling for $1.65 million. Adding personality to the mix were cars from well-known collections, including Francis Ford Coppola’s 1948 Tucker 48, which sold for $1.54 million and came with a magnum of Inglenook Rubicon plus an invite to his Napa estate. With 153 lots sold and an 85% sell-through rate, the weekend felt like a celebration of both record-breaking sales and the diversity of automotive history. And with more auctions on the horizon, including the Stan Lucas Collection in September and Paris during Rétromobile in early 2026, this year’s results will likely be the starting point for even more headlines to come. Photos copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company, LLC

A classic dark blue convertible car with chrome accents and a beige interior, photographed in a studio setting against a plain gray background, ready to shine at the Auburn Auction by Worldwide Auctioneers.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 20, 2025

Worldwide Auctioneers' 55th Annual Auburn Auction Returns...

Every Labor Day weekend, Auburn, Indiana, transforms into a celebration of car culture, and 2025 is set to continue that tradition in style. The 55th Annual Auburn Auction and Show, hosted by Worldwide Auctioneers, takes place from August 28 to 30 at the company’s new global headquarters. Auburn has long been known as the “Classic Car Capital of the World” and the birthplace of the collector car auction industry, welcoming fans and collectors from around the globe. This year’s event will feature 300 collector cars along with special events and experiences, cementing Auburn’s role as a pivotal piece of the classic car hobby. The roster of 300 cars crossing the block this year spans everything from timeless pre-war classics to sought-after supercars and legendary American muscle. Among the consignments are a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, a track-ready 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback, a rare 2003 BMW Z8 Alpina Roadster, and a 1985 Lamborghini Countach 5000S. With a number of lots offered at no reserve, anticipation will run high for both seasoned bidders and first-timers. Aside from the cars themselves, visitors can check out automobilia and memorabilia centered around history of motoring. Festivities begin with a preview day on August 27, where guests can see consignments, explore the car corral, and sift through treasures at the swap meet. The auction floor will be live from Thursday afternoon through Saturday night, with collector cars taking center stage and a Thursday evening concert and reception adding to the festivities. The whole weekend overlaps with other celebrations, including the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival and visits to the famed ACD Museum. For collectors, enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to experience automotive history, the 55th Annual Auburn Auction gathers enthusiasts and cars that keep Auburn’s legacy alive. View All Worldwide Auctioneers Inventory Auction Highlights 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE View Listing 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS View Listing 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL View Listing 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP 5000S View Listing 1967 Shelby GT500 View Listing 1999 Vector M12 View Listing 2003 BMW Z8 View Listing 1969 Ferrari 365 GT View Listing 1931 Cadillac 452 View Listing 1999 Shelby Series 1 View Listing

A white and blue sports car is displayed on stage at the Broad Arrow Jet Center Auction: Top 10 Results And Highlights event, surrounded by a seated audience and large automotive banners.

By Khris Bharath – August 19, 2025

2025 Broad Arrow Jet Center Auction: Top 10 Results And H...

This year’s Monterey Car Week auctions have been throwing big numbers and record-breaking results since this past weekend. We already reported on RM Sotheby’s shaking the car world with a surprise one-off Ferrari Daytona SP3 that crossed the block for $26 million. Bonhams leaned on modern Bugattis, with a 1-of-40 Divo landing at $8.55 million as its top sale. By the time Broad Arrow wrapped its Jet Center event, it had pulled in $57.4 million across two days and set eight new world records, securing its place among the top auctions of the year. Broad Arrow’s auction, held alongside Motorlux, the auction drew more than 16,000 LIVE viewers on YouTube and millions more on Hagerty’s FAST channel lineup, while in-room bidder registrations jumped more than 20 percent over 2024. A packed preview earlier in the week and Motorlux’s sold-out festivities gave the sale the energy of a headline event. Leading Broad Arrow’s top 10 results was the Frank Stephenson-designed 2005 Maserati MC12 Stradale, which went under the hammer at $5.2 million. That figure beats its old record of $3.8 million and makes it the most valuable modern Maserati ever sold. The MC12’s Ferrari Enzo-based platform and 50-unit production run have long made it a blue-chip collectible, but crossing the $5 million line changes this Italian exotic's narrative entirely. The rest of the leaderboard confirmed where momentum sits today. A 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR sold for $3.22 million, quadrupling its 2015 result. A 1991 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer DLS cracked $2.65 million. Even the 2011 Hennessey Venom GT, a car usually only discussed in niche circles, set a record at $588,000. A BMW M1 Procar also set a new high-water mark at $1.6 million, noteworthy for its virtually as-new, unraced condition. Traditional heavyweights still made waves. A 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 achieved $2.56 million, while a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, once owned by David Letterman, sold for $1.62 million. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing brought $1.9 million, and a rare 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra prototype reached $1.54 million, rounding up the top 10. Broad Arrow also leaned into themed offerings. The American Performance Collection, six carefully optioned Dodge and Chevrolet models, drew serious attention, with both Vipers setting records over $350,000 each. On the Japanese side, a factory-restored Nissan Skyline CRS GT-R V-Spec by NISMO hammered at $692,500, a Subaru 22B STi reached $235,200, and even a Supra RZ doubled its estimate at $80,640. Barney Ruprecht, Broad Arrow’s VP of Auctions, called it part of the “generational rotation of the collector car market.” The numbers back him up. The cars that defined the 1990s and 2000s are now commanding the same kind of respect and money that once belonged almost exclusively to post-war Ferraris and Lamborghinis. If you’re a collector, here’s the question to ask yourself: Does your garage reflect where demand is headed, or where it used to be? View All Broad Arrow Inventory 10. 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra $1,545,000 9. 1980 BMW M1 Procar $1,600,000 8. 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso $1,622,000 7. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing $1,902,500 6. DBZ Centenary Collection SOLD AFTER AUCTION 5. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 $2,562,500 4. 1991 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer DLS $2,645,000 3. 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR $3,222,500 2.1991 Ferrari F40 SOLD AFTER AUCTION 1.2005 Maserati MC12 Stradale $5,202,500 Source: Broad Arrow Auctions

A yellow sports car with a price of $26,000,000 displayed in large white numbers above it, featured among the 2025 RM Sotheby's Monterey Auction: Top 10 Results And Highlights.

By Khris Bharath – August 17, 2025

2025 RM Sotheby's Monterey Auction: Top 10 Results And Hi...

As one of the top 10 auctions of the year, we expected plenty of action from the 2025 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Sale, and the event certainly delivered big as it wrapped up at $165.3 million with an impressive 87 percent sell-through rate, capping off two remarkable evenings of bidding with 1,411 bidders representing 46 countries. Thirty-seven cars sold for over $1 million, six exceeded $5 million, and two crossed the $10 million threshold. But one thing becomes clear when you look at the auction results: Ferrari still rules the collector car market. The headline lot, a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made,” went under the hammer for $26 million (all proceeds going towards charity) and instantly set the tone for the weekend, and established the highest price of Monterey Car Week. Why does that number matter? Part of the Icona Series, Ferrari only built 599 examples of the Daytona SP3, but this particular one, customized through the factory’s Tailor Made program, features a two-tone carbon-fiber and Giallo Modena livery, and is a “599+1” entry beyond the original run. That level of personalization, coupled with delivery mileage, explains why a two-year-old car commanded more than most seven-figure classics and vintage beauties. In the weeks leading up to this year’s Monterey Car Week, we’ve already broken down this one-off Daytona SP3 in more detail, alongside two other standouts: the 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto and the 1-of-2 1995 Ferrari F50 finished in Giallo Modena and once owned by Ralph Lauren. These three alone accounted for nearly half of the auction’s total top ten value, bringing more than $46 million. Modern-era Ferraris held strong alongside vintage models. A 2017 LaFerrari Aperta hammered at $6.7 million, while another 2015 example reached $5.2 million. The 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I and the 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder each sold for $5.2 million, confirming that classic Ferraris remain as relevant as ever. However, RM’s sale wasn’t all about Maranello, as a few Pre-war legends also made their mark. A 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster achieved $5.34 million where whereas a 1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande reached $4.4 million, and a 1989 RUF CTR1 'Yellowbird' Lightweight rounded up the top 10, with seven of them wearing a prancing horse badge. To sum it all up, it appears that even Modern-era Ferraris are now becoming blue-chip assets, part of a growing Alternative Investment class. Rarity combined with documented provenance drives bidding wars. So if you’re watching the market, sales like this show you don’t need pre-war status alone to command record numbers. For context, Bonhams also posted strong results at Monterey, also leaning into hypercar territory with cars like the Bugatti Divo, Apollo Intensa Emozione, and Pagani Huayra. While Bonhams sold the future, RM Sotheby’s celebrated Ferrari’s heritage, and the results highlight exactly where collectors' focus and capital are flowing this year. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory 10. 1989 RUF CTR1 'Yellowbird' Lightweight $4,295,000 9. 1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande $4,405,000 8. 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder by Sutton $5,200,000 7. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I $5,200,000 6. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari – $5,230,000 $5,230,000 5. 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special $5,340,000 4. 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta $6,715,000 3. 1995 Ferrari F50 $9,245,000 2. 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto $11,005,000 1. 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ $26,000,000 Source: RM Sotheby's

By Khris Bharath – August 17, 2025

2025 Bonhams Cars Quail Auction: Top 10 Results And Highl...

This year’s Bonhams|Cars Quail Auction at the 2025 Monterey Car Week set the tone for the weekend with a truly incredible lineup of some of the world’s most sought-after automobiles being offered for sale. As one of the top auctions to watch this year, over 700 enthusiastic bidders were in attendance at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California, where 109 cars crossed the block and racked up $44.7 million in total sales. With a 96% sell-through rate, this was one of Bonhams’ strongest Monterey showings in years. The headline came from a 2020 Bugatti Divo that we featured last week with a pre-auction estimate of between $7.0-$9.0 million. The gavel finally dropped on this 1-of-40 Divo at $8.6 million, a new auction world record. That figure comfortably eclipses previous Divo results, showing how demand for modern Bugattis has surged. With fewer than 800 miles on the odometer and provenance that also included a display at the Petersen Museum’s “Hypercars: The Allure of the Extreme,” this particular example checked every box for collectors. Other modern Bugattis followed closely. A 2021 Chiron Pur Sport achieved $3.96 million, while a 2023 Chiron Super Sport brought in $3.4 million. These results raise an interesting question for potential buyers: Is now the time to get into modern Pïech-era W16 Bugattis, as the French marque brings its century-long gas-powered lineage to a close, with the upcoming Hybridized V16 Tourbillon? Beyond the Molsheim greats, the ‘Future Classics Collection’ of 24 Hypercars, offered entirely without reserve, proved to be a magnet for in-room bidders. The 2022 Apollo Intensa Emozione “Ocean Dragon” brought $3.5 million, setting a world auction record for the model. A 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster, still showing only 800 miles, went for $3.3 million. But not every top result came from hypercars. A 1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2, which we also featured in our 10 Must-See Cars at the Bonhams|Cars Quail Auction. Long considered one of the ultimate expressions of Group B rallying, it achieved $1.76 million. Meanwhile, a 1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT sold for $1.51 million, and a 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Mille Miglia Berlinetta fetched $687,000. The auction also featured cars from Vic Edelbrock Jr.’s collection and a spread of pre-war classics. While those did well, it was clear that the appetite this year leaned heavily toward low-mileage, high-performance modern machines. So, where does this leave you as a collector or enthusiast? If you’re in the market, auctions like Quail are setting the benchmark. Pay attention to which hypercars consistently exceed estimates, and think about whether you want to chase that same trajectory. On the flip side, if you already own something like a Huayra or Chiron, these results should give you confidence in where values are headed. They also confirm something you may already suspect: limited-run hypercars with minimal use remain one of the safest bets in today’s collector-car market. Equally important, Bonhams emphasized that most of the competitive action happened in the room, not online. At a time when digital platforms dominate collector-car sales, Monterey proved there’s still no substitute for being there in person, paddle in hand. Catch the entire auction " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> View All Bonhams’ Inventory 10. 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Mille Miglia Berlinetta $687,000 9. 1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT $1,512,000 8. 1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 $1,765,000 7. 2021 Koenigsegg Regera $2,700,000 6. 2022 Pagani Huayra R $3,030,000 5. 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster $3,305,000 4. 2022 Apollo Intensa Emozione “Ocean Dragon” $3,442,500 3. 2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport $3,965,000 2. 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport $4,460,000 1. 2020 Bugatti Divo $8,557,500 Source: Bonhams | Cars

Aerial view of a golf course with scattered trees, parked cars, tents, and nearby buildings; coastline and ocean visible in the background during Mecum Auctions at Monterey Car Week.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 12, 2025

Mecum Auctions Returns to Monterey Car Week with 600+ Cars

Mecum Monterey 2025 is set to feature over 600 rare cars, including Ferraris, muscle cars, and motorcycles, running August 14th to 16th during Monterey Car Week. Mecum Auctions will return to the Monterey Peninsula this August for its annual auction during Monterey Car Week, taking over the peninsula from August 14th to 16th, 2025, at the Del Monte Golf Course. Around 600 vehicle lots, including six private collections, are expected to be featured throughout the week. The lineup features a mix of vintage, modern, and custom builds, with the headliner being the Bianco Speciale, the only factory-white 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, set to lead Mecum’s 2026 Kissimmee sale. The auction will be available to watch live on ESPN+ and streamed in full on Mecum.com and YouTube. Saturday’s schedule includes three notable red cars: a one-of-122 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, a Pebble Beach-winning 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Touring Barchetta, and a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona NASCAR previously driven by Bobby Allen. Six private collections are also part of the event. The Destin Car Collection offers modern supercars like a 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS and a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GT Black Series. The Hertz Collection highlights six decades of Shelby-Hertz collaborations, while the J&L Collection includes prewar classics and muscle cars, including a 1932 Duesenberg Model J and a 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. Other notable appearances include a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS6 Convertible, a 1987 DeTomaso Pantera, and a 1932 Packard 905 Twin Six Coupe Roadster. The auction will also feature several Ferrari Dinos, including the 1973 Dino 246 GTS that won the 1975 Cannonball Run and a 1972 Dino 246 GT, with proceeds going to Homes For Our Troops. Early Porsche examples, like a 1955 356 Pre-A Speedster, and one-off customs, like a 1959 Cadillac Kad-A-Mino built by Gene Winfield, diversify the mix. More details, including updated consignments and the event schedule, are available on Mecum’s website. View All Mecum Auctions Inventory " width="680"> Source: Mecum Auctions

A white 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 with blue racing stripes is displayed indoors at the GAA Classic Cars Greensboro NC Auction, surrounded by people and illuminated by event lighting.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 07, 2025

GAA Classic Cars Recaps July Greensboro, NC Auction

GAA Classic Cars celebrates another successful sale. Late July saw GAA Classic Cars putting together an exciting auction of classic cars, exotic cars, and more in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the auction house is celebrating the successful sale, with 82 percent of the lots sold, and some highly valuable collector cars changing hands when they crossed the block. These included supercars, muscle classics, and more. Some of the most important highlights from the auction included the top seller, which was a 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350, which sold for $702,000, as well as the auction’s Bidder’s Choice lot, where the top bidder could choose between three Ford GT supercars. The top bidder took the 2006 white car with just 13 miles on the odometer for $523,800. Meanwhile, the runner-up took home a 2005 Midnight Blue Ford GT for $513,800, while another 2005 Ford GT sold for $442,800. Other top-selling cars included a $205,200 1956 Buick Riviera, a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 which sold for $190,080, a ‘57 Chevy Bel Air for $189,000, a 2019 Porsche 911 Turbo selling for $181,500, a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro which sold for $180,360, and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS which sold for $172,800. With an impressive auction and some expensive collector vehicle, classic car, and supercar sales, GAA Classic Cars looks forward to its next sale, which is set to take place in November. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: GAA Classic Cars

Red Ferrari race car with the number 44 and an American flag sticker on the rear, parked on concrete under a clear sky—just the kind of expensive car you'd find at an RM Sotheby's Monterey auction.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 29, 2025

The 25 Most Expensive Cars Headed To RM Sotheby's 2025 Mo...

You'll find everything from Ralph Lauren's 1-of-1 Giallo Modena Ferrari F50 to Ferrari's very own 'Tailor Made' Daytona SP3. Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into a playground for car collectors, industry insiders, and motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe. Monterey Car Week has earned its reputation as one of the most prestigious events in the automotive world, with car shows, vintage racing, and high-stakes auctions happening across the coastal towns of Northern California. At the heart of it all is RM Sotheby's, a staple of the week and a longtime auction house known for bringing the rarest and most collectible cars to the block. Past highlights include the $48.4M Ferrari 250 GTO, a $22M Aston Martin DBR1, and the iconic $13.7M McLaren F1 LM-Specification. These headline-making sales set the tone for what continues to be one of the most highly anticipated events on the collector car calendar. For 2025, RM Sotheby's is back to set the bar for collector car auctions, with over 50 lots already predicting estimates of $1 million or more. The lineup reads like every car lover's dream wishlist, featuring ultra-exclusive Ferrari halo cars, hand-built RUF supercars, vintage racing legends, and modern hypercars that rarely surface for sale. It's more of a curated experience that celebrates the finest in automotive engineering. The RM Sotheby's Monterey 2025 auction is scheduled to take place from Thursday, August 14, through Saturday, August 16, at the Portola Hotel & Spa in downtown Monterey, with preview days beginning earlier in the week. Whether you're a bidder, a window shopper, or just someone who appreciates top-tier car culture, it's the kind of event that makes history. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto $8,500,000 - $9,500,000 View Listing 1995 Ferrari F50 $6,500,000 - $7,500,000 View Listing 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta $6,000,000 - $7,000,000 View Listing 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina $5,750,000 - $6,500,000 View Listing 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder by Sutton $5,500,000 - $7,500,000 View Listing 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen $5,500,000 - $7,000,000 View Listing 1989 RUF CTR1 'Yellowbird' Lightweight $4,500,000 - $5,000,000 View Listing 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari $4,300,000 - $4,800,000 View Listing 1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande $4,000,000 - $5,000,000 View Listing 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder by Wendler $3,500,000 - $4,500,000 View Listing 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti $3,500,000 - $4,000,000 View Listing 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 'Tailor Made' Value In Excess Of $3,500,000 View Listing 1951 Ferrari 340 America Touring Berlinetta $3,000,000 - $4,000,000 View Listing 2010 Ferrari 599XX Evo $3,000,000 - $3,500,000 View Listing 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary $2,800,000 - $3,400,000 View Listing 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupe Aerodinamico by Pininfarina $2,800,000 - $3,200,000 View Listing 1957 Maserati 200SI by Fantuzzi $2,800,000 - $3,200,000 View Listing 1968 Porsche 911 R $2,500,000 - $3,000,000 View Listing 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder $2,500,000 - $3,000,000 View Listing 1992 Ferrari F40 $2,500,000 - $2,800,000 View Listing 2021 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 $2,400,000 - $2,800,000 View Listing 1990 Ferrari F40 $2,400,000 - $2,600,000 View Listing 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by Murphy $2,300,000 - $2,750,000 View Listing 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Sports Coupe Cabriolet by Barker $2,200,000 - $2,800,000 View Listing 2024 Ferrari 812 Competizione A $2,200,000 - $2,400,000 View Listing

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