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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 – November 04, 2026

What to Watch at Gooding Christie’s Inaugural Retromobile New York Auction

We’re about two weeks out from Retromobile making its New York debut. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, the historic Parisian show has established itself as one of the world’s most prestigious collector car events. Now, it’s crossing the Atlantic to Manhattan’s Javits Center for a four-day celebration featuring more than 100 exhibitors, with Gooding Christie’s serving as its official auction house. The inaugural American edition also marks an important new chapter for the event, with Retromobile USA formed as a joint venture between Comexposium and duPont REGISTRY Group. That connection makes New York particularly significant for us, as we’ve followed the event’s development from its initial announcement through its partnership with Gooding Christie’s, the arrival of Richard Mille as presenting partner, and the recent wave of announcements of its exhibitor lineup. Gooding Christie’s has assembled a catalog of 170 lots for its two-day auction on November 20 and 21, and there’s quite a bit to unpack. The docket spans a century, from vintage prewar-era automobiles and historic competition cars to modern performance exotics and one-off creations that rarely see the light of day. Then there’s the celebrity connection, with some truly exceptional cars and motorcycles tied to some prominent names from Hollywood, music, and professional sports. We spent some time digging through the catalog and came away with 10 cars and collections that caught our attention. Some are exceptionally rare, others have fascinating histories, and a few have stories that go well beyond what their specifications or estimates suggest. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider Lot 33 | Estimate: $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 There is really only one place to begin this list, and that is with the most valuable car in the entire catalogue. 1-of-10 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spiders ever built, this 1967 example has an extraordinary history that goes well beyond its already exceptional rarity. Chassis 10453 was delivered new to Hollywood actor and racing enthusiast Steve McQueen, a.k.a. ‘The King of Cool’, making it one of the most recognizable examples of an already legendary and rare Ferrari. As we previously reported, this is the 6th NART Spider produced and the first of only 2 originally finished in Blu Sera. McQueen subsequently had it refinished in a darker metallic blue, and several details associated with his ownership remain intact. The car has been with its current owner since 1986 and is making its public auction debut after four decades in the same collection. With its matching numbers, naturally aspirated V12, exquisite Scaglietti bodywork, and unmistakable provenance, this 1967 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider is among the most compelling consignments to watch. 1998 RUF Project Dragon Lot 43 | Estimate: $6,000,000 to $8,000,000 | Without Reserve On to one of the more unusual and distinctive cars on the list, this is the 1998 RUF Project Dragon. Although officially identified as a 1998 model, this extraordinary one-off was completed much more recently, combining the character of the legendary CTR2 Sport with modern RUF engineering and craftsmanship. The project was developed in collaboration with Tony Hatter, the designer of the original Porsche 993, and uses the final unused W09 body-in-white retained by RUF. Its twin-turbocharged air-cooled 3.6-liter flat-six produces 621 horsepower, giving it considerably more performance than the original CTR2 while retaining the visual character that made the earlier car so distinctive. Finished in a striking shade of Blutorange, Project Dragon was completed and delivered in 2024. Carrying 759 miles at the time of cataloguing, it is now being offered publicly for the first time. 1956 Jaguar D-Type Lot 52 | Estimate: $6,000,000 to $7,000,000 The Jaguar D-Type was engineered to win at Le Mans, and win it did, securing three consecutive victories between 1955 and 1957. Its post-war aviation-inspired aluminium aerodynamic bodywork, lightweight monocoque construction and race-developed straight-six made it one of the most technically advanced sports racing cars of its era. This particular example, chassis XKD 552, has an extensive international competition history. Originally finished in Battleship Grey, it was delivered to Kenya in 1957 and was acquired by racer John Manussis, who competed with it in East Africa, before travelling through the Caribbean and Canada, before eventually returning to the historic racing scene. Restored by respected Jaguar specialist Terry Larson, this D-Type has made appearances at several prestigious motoring events including 1000 Miglia Storica (2001 and 2006), The Quail (2004), Monterey Historic Automobile Races (2010), Monaco Historic Grand Prix and Goodwood Revival (both 2014), and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance (2017). Coming to market for the first time in more than 2 decades, the single-seater retains its original monocoque and front subframe, while its original matching-numbers engine accompanies the sale. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing Lot 45 | Estimate: $4,000,000 to $6,000,000 Staying with the great competition-derived machines of the 1950s brings us to another exceptional offering, although this one could also be driven comfortably on public roads. Now those in collector car circles are well aware that not all 300 SL Gullwings were created equal. Mercedes-Benz produced approximately 1,400 Gullwing coupes, but only 29 received lightweight aluminum bodywork. This example is the 3rd built, and its competition history includes appearances at several American circuits during the 1950s. The Alloy Gullwing incorporated more than lighter body panels, with revised suspension and engine components developed for competition use. This particular car was raced by Lance Reventlow, who later founded Scarab, and Bruce Kessler. Its period appearances include Torrey Pines, Salinas, and Palm Springs, with Kessler securing an overall victory at Torrey Pines in 1955. The car also retains its original Rudge wheels, concave-star grille and luggage set, adding another layer of desirability to an already rare Mercedes-Benz. 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Cabriolet Lot 47 | Estimate: $3,500,000 to $4,000,000 Moving further back in automotive history, the Bugatti Type 55 comes from a period when racing technology and elegant coachwork were coming together in some truly remarkable ways. Introduced in 1932, the Type 55 combines a supercharged straight-eight derived from Bugatti’s competition cars with a chassis intended for high-performance road use. The engine was closely related to the unit found in the Type 51 race car, while the model's compact proportions distinguished it from the larger luxury Bugattis of the period. Only 38 Bugatti Type 55s were built between 1932 and 1935, making this example one of the rarer prewar automobiles in the catalog. This particular Cabriolet features its original Gangloff coachwork and matching-numbers engine, with a documented history that includes former owners Otto Zipper and Bob Estes. It remained in American ownership from 1955 until 2014 and has since undergone a mechanical restoration by British Bugatti specialist Ivan Dutton Ltd. Its provenance is further supported by reports from Bugatti historians Pierre-Yves Laugier, Mark Morris, and David Sewell. 1953 Siata 208 CS Berlinetta Lot 38 | Estimate: $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 The second Italian car on our list is considerably less familiar than the Ferrari that we opened with. Built around Fiat’s sophisticated 2.0-liter V8, the Siata 208 CS Berlinetta belongs to a small group of Italian sports cars that combined advanced engineering with individually crafted coachwork during the early 1950s. This particular example is 1-of-9 Berlinettas bodied by Carrozzeria Balbo, with just six believed to survive. Its rarity is impressive enough, but the car also comes with significant recent concours recognition following a restoration by RX Autoworks. At the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, it earned First in Class along with the Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car Trophy. Subsequent appearances at Villa d’Este and Hampton Court Palace add to its long list of high-profile concours appearances. Carrying European and American provenance, the car is easily one of the most distinctive Italian automobiles in the sale. 1957 Porsche 356 A 1500 GS/GT Carrera Speedster Lot 36 | Estimate: $650,000 to $750,000 From Italian coachbuilding, we turn to an early Porsche with an equally compelling competition history. The 356 A Carrera Speedster combined a lightweight open-top body with Porsche’s sophisticated four-cam engine, while the GS/GT specification made it an even more focused competition machine. This Aquamarine Blue example was delivered new to California racer and Hollywood film editor Jimmy Moore, who campaigned it nearly 30 times between 1957 and 1959, recording two overall victories, eight class wins, and 11 additional podium finishes at venues including Riverside, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara. Its later history is just as fascinating. Acquired by its current owner more than 40 years ago, the Speedster was eventually reunited with its original GT-specification, matching-numbers four-cam engine, as confirmed by its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Accompanied by a rare Carrera tool kit, jack, 356 A manual, and extensive documentation. With fewer than 90 Carrera GT Speedsters produced, it offers a very different kind of Porsche collectibility from the modern limited-production models that frequently dominate auction headlines. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E Lot 18 | Estimate: $120,000 to $150,000 | Without Reserve Not every car worth following needs a seven-figure estimate, and this next Mercedes-Benz makes that point rather well. The 500E was developed with considerable input from Porsche, which also handled significant portions of the car’s assembly. Underneath its relatively understated W124 boxy bodywork from the Bruno Sacco era, sits a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter M119 V8 which produces 322 horsepower, making it one of the definitive performance sedans of the early 1990s. This particular example comes from the collection of Jerry Seinfeld, adding recognizable ownership provenance to a car already enjoying growing collector interest today. Showing just over 17,000 miles, it presents an appealing combination of low mileage and celebrity ownership. There is also something fitting about a Porsche-developed Mercedes-Benz appearing at an event where Seinfeld’s own Porsches will be displayed. 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Lot 59 | Estimate: $425,000 to $550,000 | Without Reserve Celebrity provenance takes on a rather different meaning with this next offering. Unlike the Seinfeld Benz, this 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 was personalized from the outset for one of the biggest names in professional basketball, LeBron James. 1-of-2 closely related cars created through Mercedes-Benz’s MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program, this Maybach features a bespoke Light Ivory exterior and Stormy Weather Blue Nappa leather interior. Personal details include James’ signature crown logo and the geographic coordinates of his hometown of Akron, Ohio, incorporated into the center console. The four-seat luxury sedan is powered by a 621-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12, although its mechanical specification is only part of the story. James is retaining the sister car, while this example was donated by Mercedes-Benz to the LeBron James Family Foundation. Offered without reserve, the auction proceeds will benefit the foundation’s community initiatives. The Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection More Than 70 Lots | Offered Without Reserve And finally, we arrive at a collection that feels especially appropriate for an auction taking place in New York. Gooding Christie’s will offer more than 70 motorcycles from Billy Joel’s personal collection, bringing together decades of the musician’s enthusiasm for two wheels. The collection covers an extraordinary range of manufacturers and styles, including Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Norton and several custom-built machines. Among the most significant offerings is a 1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport, but perhaps the most personal lot is a 1978 Triumph Bonneville T140 custom, presented to Joel by Madison Square Garden to commemorate his 150th sold-out performance at the venue. Its piano-themed paintwork and matching helmet, decorated with concert dates, make it a particularly meaningful piece of New York music history. Every motorcycle will be offered without reserve, with proceeds going to The Joel Foundation. The catalog ofcourse extends well beyond these 10 selections, with other highlights including a Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, BMW 507 Series I, Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, and two prewar Rolls-Royce Phantom IIIs from Lord Bamford’s collection also scheduled to cross the block. American racing cars, rare Italian sports cars, and more recent performance models like the XJ220 and Acura NSX round out the lineup. Gooding Christie’s will begin both auction sessions at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on November 20 and 21, with public viewing starting November 19. View the full Retromobile New York auction catalog here. Planning to experience Retromobile New York in person? Get your tickets through duPont REGISTRY’s exclusive promotional offer and join us at the Javits Center from November 19 to 22. Images: Gooding Christie's

By Khris Bharath – September 11, 2026

Gooding Christie’s to Auction Steve McQueen’s Ferrari 275 NART Spider at Inaugural Rétromobile New York

Following Gooding Christie’s record-breaking Pebble Beach sale at Monterey Car Week, attention now turns to the next major chapter: the inaugural Rétromobile New York Auctions this November, where the auction house will offer a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider first owned by Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, with a pre-sale estimate of $15 million to $20 million. Chassis 10453 is one of the headline lots among early consignments of the upcoming auction, set to take place at the Javits Center in New York on November 20 and 21 alongside the first North American edition of Rétromobile. Completed in September 1967 and invoiced to Luigi Chinetti Motors, chassis 10453 was sold to McQueen through Hollywood Sport Cars. It left Maranello in Blu Sera, or Evening Blue, making it the first of only two NART Spiders originally finished in that color. McQueen’s ownership was relatively brief, but he left the Ferrari unmistakably his own. He had it repainted in a darker metallic blue, retrimmed the seats with a distinctive stitching pattern, and made several other cosmetic changes. Following an accident on Pacific Coast Highway, he sent the car to Junior Conway, the Los Angeles bodyman associated with the Barris shop and Hollywood’s custom-car scene, for repairs. Conway’s connection to the car would become part of NART Spider history in its own right. Decades later, he was commissioned to restore another example, chassis 10749, specifically because of his earlier work on McQueen’s 10453. By 1971, the Ferrari had passed to J. David Kopf of Tujunga, California. It joined its current owner’s collection in 1986 through Long Island Ferrari dealer Grand Prix SSR and has remained there for the past four decades. Rather than being returned to factory specification, 10453 retains its matching-numbers engine and transaxle, original Scaglietti body, metallic blue finish, and the custom details commissioned during McQueen’s ownership. “Of all the high-profile cars owned by the iconic Steve McQueen, this NART Spider remains the most elusive and mythical.” - David Gooding, President, Gooding Christie’s That preservation is central to what makes this particular NART Spider so compelling. Many important collector cars have undergone restoration, a process that can erase precisely the personal touches that distinguish one example from another. A concours-correct 10453 would still be a beautiful NART Spider, but this one is McQueen’s. The ‘King of Cool’ rarely left his cars exactly as they came. His 1956 Jaguar XKSS, one of just 16 built and now part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection, was also repainted and retrimmed to his taste. His 250 GT Lusso became another Ferrari closely associated with him, while the 275 GTB/4 that followed the damaged NART Spider was refinished in Chianti Red. The NART Spider emerged from the broader Ferrari 275 family, but owes its existence largely to Luigi Chinetti, one of the most consequential figures in Ferrari’s early history. Chinetti won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times as a driver, including Ferrari’s first outright victory there in 1949, before becoming the marque’s first U.S. importer. He founded the North American Racing Team (NART) in 1958, and NART would go on to field the Ferrari 250 LM that won Le Mans outright in 1965. Chinetti believed there was an American market for an open version of the four-cam 275 GTB/4 and persuaded Ferrari to build one. The original plan called for 25 cars, but the NART Spider’s $14,400 price was substantially higher than the $9,200 asked for a 275 GTB at the time. Demand proved limited, production stopped at just 10 examples, and chassis 10453 was the sixth. Their rarity has since placed the NART Spiders among the most valuable road-going Ferraris. Its place in popular culture extends beyond McQueen. Chassis 09437, the first example built, raced at Sebring before appearing alongside McQueen and Faye Dunaway in The Thomas Crown Affair, a history explored in greater detail by both Petrolicious and Cavallino. “Forever linked to its previous owner, Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, this brilliant Ferrari 275 NART Spider is the ultimate icon, uniting two global legends in a single machine.” - Ferrari historian and author Marcel Massini Chassis 10453 itself appeared at the 1996 Louis Vuitton Classic at the Rockefeller Center and at La Bella Macchina: The Art of Ferrari at the Chrysler Museum of Art in 2003. Beyond those appearances, its public record has remained sufficiently limited that enthusiasts have spent years piecing together its history on FerrariChat. Now, nearly 30 years after it last appeared in Manhattan, chassis 10453 returns to the city, and this time, it will cross a public auction block for the first time. Also among the early Ferrari consignments for Rétromobile New York are a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, estimated at $2.25 million to $2.5 million, and a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, estimated at $1.4 million to $1.6 million, both featuring Scaglietti coachwork. View Listing See Steve McQueen’s NART Spider in person at Rétromobile New York, which runs November 19 through 22 at the Javits Center. Get your tickets here. Images: Gooding Christie's

By Khris Bharath – February 01, 2026

Rétromobile 2026 Auctions: Top 10 Results and Highlights

With Salon Rétromobile 2026 week firmly behind us, the results across four major auction houses and their respective Paris Sales provide insights into the collector car market and where interest lies at the moment. While there is a growing appetite for more modern metal, as highlighted in our 2025 market report, classic and vintage cars continue to dominate the top sales, with several model-specific records that were broken last week. While Artcurial and Bonhams continued to lean on older models, both RM Sotheby’s and Gooding Christie’s had some top-tier modern cars in their dockets. We touched on the top auction cars to watch through the week, and the results are in. Held at The Peninsula hotel on Jan 27th, Artcurial’s showstopper car at its Automobile Legends sale, was the 1992 Ferrari F92A Formula 1 car (Lot 25), driven by Jean Alesi, that sold for €2.94 million ($3.45 million) but the strongest result came from an unrestored 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Lot 33), sourced from a long-dormant Paris collection, that sold for more than €4.4 million ($5.4 million). The sale reinforced the value placed on originality at a time when restoration costs continue to rise. The headline sale of the week came from RM Sotheby’s flagship European auction the following day on January 28th, where a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (Lot 140) sold for just over €14 million ($16.7 million), with a 2004 Ferrari Enzo (Lot 193) going for €8.1 ($9.63 million), continuing the momentum that we saw at Mecum, just a few weeks ago. Another record sale was a 1997 Ferrari F50 that achieved €7.6 million ($9.04 million), the second-highest sale ever recorded for the model. A 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta (Lot 166), sold post-auction at €12 million ($14.27 million). RM Sotheby's achieved its highest-ever grossing European sale at €81 million ($96.31 million). On 29th January, Gooding Christie’s held its first auction in the EU, and results highlighted a growing interest in cars designed to be used, not just displayed. Competition and track-only Ferraris featured prominently, led by a 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (Lot 67) that sold at €9.1 million ($11.1 million), a new high for the model, and a 2018 FXX K Evo (Lot 40) close to €7 million ($8.5 million), a record sale for this track-only variant. Total sales at Gooding & Christie's totaled €50.4 million ($59.9 million). Bonhams Cars’ Sale on 30th January, held at the Polo de Paris, operated at a lower price ceiling but showed steady liquidity. Its top lot, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gull Wing (Lot 136), sold for just under €1.3 million ($1.6 million), reflecting continued confidence in the market below the headline tier. The runner-up sale was the 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K (Lot 129) that crossed the block for €862,500 ($1.02 million). Total sales at Bonhams add up to €88 million, $21.4 million. Looking at the top 10 results, Ferrari accounts for seven of the ten highest-value transactions across the four major auction houses, with models ranging from mid-century classics to modern halo models, track-only cars (Ferrari Evo FXX K, Evo FXX), highlighting the prancing horse’s continued dominance across multiple eras. We had the Ferrari 288 GTO appear not once, but twice. The remaining three in the top 10 were a 2024 Bugatti Bolide, €3,998,750 ($4,754,756), which is also a track-only model, a pre-war 1938 Talbot-La T150-C-SS that went for €6,755,000 ($8,032,104), and a 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV at €3,380,000 ($4,019,024), rounding out the top 10. Looking across the top 10 leading cars sold during the week across each of the four auction houses, broader patterns emerge. Ferrari made nearly 40 percent of the group by volume. In fact, just at RM Sotheby’s, you had eight cars from Maranello in the top 10. Mercedes-Benz serves as the second most dominant marque, with the 300 SL being the most popular. We recently also did a deep dive on how the Gullwing became a blue-chip Benz. Taken together, Rétromobile 2026 served up a spectacular showing, opening up the European auction circuit in style, and we’ll have to wait to see if this momentum and these trends continue across other major auction events as the year unfolds. 10. 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV - Gooding Christie's €3,380,000 ($4,019,024) 9. 2024 Bugatti Bolide - RM Sotheby’s €3,998,750 ($4,754,756) 8. 2008 Ferrari Evo - Gooding Christie's €4,448,750 ($5,289,833) 7. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO - RM Sotheby’s €5,855,000 ($6,961,950) 6. 1938 Talbot-La T150-C-SS - Gooding Christie's €6,755,000 ($8,032,104) 5. 2018 Ferrari FXX K Evo - Gooding Christie's €6,980,000 ($8,299,643) 4. 1997 Ferrari F50 - RM Sotheby’s €7,598,750 ($9,035,374) 3. 2004 Ferrari Enzo - RM Sotheby’s €8,105,000 ($9,637,336) 2. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO - Gooding Christie's €9,117,500 ($10,841,260) 1. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California - RM Sotheby’s €14,067,500 ($16,727,110) View Cars For Sale On duPont REGISTRY Images: RM Sotheby's, Gooding Christie's

By Khris Bharath –

Top Collector Cars to watch at Salon Rétromobile Paris 2026

The 2026 global collector car calendar is well underway. In the United States, the year effectively opened with Mecum’s landmark sale of the Ferrari 250 GTO Bianco Speciale at Mecum, Kissimmee, followed by a landmark Barrett-Jackson sale in Arizona that brought $195.2 million. A clear reminder that demand at the very top remains intact. Rétromobile now marks the beginning of the European auction circuit with four major auction houses. At its 50th anniversary, the Paris sales provide an early look at how that momentum translates across the Atlantic. With Artcurial’s on-site auction already concluded, where Jean Alesi’s 1992 Ferrari F92A F1 Grand Prix car (Lot 25) was the leading lot, attention turns to three houses shaping the week: RM Sotheby’s (January 28), Gooding Christie’s, and Bonhams Cars. By volume, the commitment is substantial with Gooding Christie’s offering 86 lots, Bonhams Cars follows with 95, and RM Sotheby’s leads slightly at 97. In total, nearly 280 automobiles are yet to cross the block in Paris. Here are the top 10 upcoming sales from each of the aforementioned auction houses by estimated values. RM Sotheby's January 28th RM Sotheby’s top three offerings alone span nearly fifty years of Ferrari history. A 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta Tour de France by Scaglietti (Lot 166) leads the group with a pre-auction estimate in excess of €13 million (~$14.2 million). Close behind sits a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (Lot 140) at €12 to €14 million ($13.1 to $15.3 million). Rounding out the trio is a 1997 Ferrari F310 B Formula One car (Lot 136), driven by seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher, estimated at €5.5 to €7.5 million ($6.0 to $8.2 million). 1. 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France' by Scaglietti (Lot 166) €13,000,000+ 2. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti (Lot 140) €12,000,000 - €14,000,000 3. 1997 Ferrari F310 B (Lot 136) €5,500,000 - €7,500,000 4. 1997 Ferrari F50 (Lot 194) €5,500,000 - €6,500,000 5. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO (Lot 192) €4,500,000 - €5,500,000 6. 2024 Bugatti Bolide (Lot 171) €4,000,000 - €6,000,000 7. 2004 Ferrari Enzo (Lot 193) €3,800,000 - €4,200,000 8. 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S (Lot 191) €3,800,000 - €4,200,000 9. 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV (Lot 150) €3,300,000 - €3,600,000 10. 2017 Ferrari 488 GTE (Lot 195) €2,800,000 - €4,000,000 View Catalog Gooding Christie's January 29th Gooding Christie’s leads with a Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta (Lot 61) at €8.0 to €9.0 million ($8.7 to $9.8 million), followed by a Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupé (Lot 35), estimated at €6.5 to €7.5 million ($7.1 to $8.2 million). Completing the top three is a Ferrari 288 GTO (Lot 67), offered without reserve and estimated at €6.0 to €7.0 million ($7.1 to $8.3 million). 1. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta (Lot 61) €8,000,000 - €9,000,000 2. 1938 Tablot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe (Lot 35) €6,500,000 - €7,500,000 3. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (Lot 67) €6,000,000 - €7,000,000 4. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider (Lot 31) €5,500,000 - €6,500,000 5. 2018 Ferrari FXX K EVO (Lot 40) €5,500,000 - €6,500,000 6. 2008 Ferrari FXX EVO (Lot 41) €4,500,000 - €5,500,000 7. 1920 Ballot 3/8 LC Grand Prix Two-Seater (Lot 65) €3,500,000 - €6,000,000 8. 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV (Lot 19) €3,250,000 - €3,750,000 9. 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupe Aerodinamico (Lot 52) €2,750,000 - €3,250,000 10. 2021 Ferrari Monza SP1 (Lot 73) €2,500,000 - €3,000,000 View Catalog Bonhams Cars January 30th Bonhams Cars top offerings include a 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Coupé (Lot 127) estimated at €1.5 to €2.5 million ($1.6 to $2.7 million), a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Lot 136) at €1.2 to €1.5 million ($1.3 to $1.6 million), and a 2022 Ford GT Carbon Series (Lot 117) at €580,000 to €7,00,000 ($6,94,000 -$837,821). 1. 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K (Type W29) Coupé (Lot 127) €1,500,000 - €2,500,000 2. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' Coupé (Lot 136) €1,200,000 - €1,500,000 3. 2022 Ford GT Carbon Series Coupé (Lot 117) €580,000 - €700,000 4. 1981 BMW M1 Coupé (Lot 142) €450,000 - €500,000 5. 1938 Mercedes-Benz 320N Cabriolet (Lot 145) €400,000 - €450,000 6. 1993 Porsche 911 Type 964 Turbo 3.6 (Lot 146) €400,000 - €450,000 7. 1952 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sports Sperimentale Series IV (Lot 133) €400,000 - €450,000 8. 2006 Spyker C8 Spyder (Lot 152) €350,000 - €400,000 9. 1962 Aston Martin DB4 'SS Engine' Series V Sports Saloon (Lot 140) €350,000 - €450,000 10. 1953 Chrysler 'Thomas Special' Coupé (Lot 150) €330,000 - €390,000 View Catalog Images: Artcurial, RM Sotheby's, Gooding Christie's, Bonhams Cars Taken together, the leading consignments at Rétromobile 2026 point to a market that is broadening, as Blue-chip pre-war classics, near-modern icons, and competition history now coexist comfortably at the top, something that we reinforced in our recent 2025 Collector Car Insights. It is clear that relevance, narrative, and long-term significance now share equal weight as the European circuit gets underway. View Cars For Sale On duPont REGISTRY Images: Artcurial, RM Sotheby's, Gooding Christie's, Bonhams Cars

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