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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 Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2025

Richmond Auctions Presents The Tony Townley Collection, F...

Spanning decades of automotive history, the Tony Townley Collection brings together over 100 cars and 400 pieces of vintage advertising. Tony Townley, celebrated among collectors for his keen eye and deep appreciation of automotive heritage, has assembled a collection that captures the evolution of American motoring. From elegant pre-war classics to 1950s icons and high-performance muscle cars, each piece reflects its era’s style, innovation, and cultural significance. Richmond Auctions will host the onsite sale in Bogart, Georgia, on October 24 and 25, offering enthusiasts an unmissable opportunity to experience some of the most prized vehicles in private collections. Pre-war offerings highlight the craftsmanship and luxury of early motoring, with standout cars including a 1929 Duesenberg and a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton. These vehicles showcase sweeping lines, meticulously crafted interiors, and engineering that defined an era. The collection then moves into the 1950s, a decade of bold colors and chrome, with models like the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Fuel Injected convertible and the 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Fuel Injected convertible. These cars capture the optimism and flair of postwar America, combining style with innovative engineering that still resonates with collectors today. The muscle car selection is nothing short of legendary. From a 1965 Shelby GT350 and 1969 Yenko Camaro to a low-mileage 1969 Charger Daytona and a 1970 GT500, the collection includes some of the most sought-after performance cars ever built. Rare pieces such as the 1970 Boss 429 and 1971 Hemi 4-Speed Cuda demonstrate the raw power and engineering excellence that defined the muscle car era. Beyond the vehicles, 400 pieces of advertising history—from vintage dealership brochures to promotional materials—offer context, showing how these cars were marketed and celebrated in their day. Viewing is available by appointment in the days leading up to the auction, with extended hours on October 23 through 25. The Tony Townley Collection is a chance to connect with automotive history on a personal level, to see the design, performance, and storytelling that have made these vehicles icons. For collectors and enthusiasts, few opportunities offer such a rich and varied glimpse into America’s automotive past. All Richmond Auction Inventory Auction Highlights 1929 Duesenberg Model J View Listing 1970 Plymouth Superbird View Listing 1970 Ford Mustang Boss View Listing 1930 Cadillac V16 View Listing 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 View Listing 1957 Pontiac Bonneville View Listing 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R View Listing 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko View Listing 1970 Plymouth Cuda View Listing 1971 Dodge Challenger View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2025

Fall Carlisle Auction Wraps 2025 with $5.5 Million in Sales

Carlisle Auctions ends its 2025 season strong as Fall Carlisle records $5.5 million in sales, top consignments, and major charity wins. The collector car world turned its attention to Pennsylvania at the start of this October as Carlisle Auctions wrapped up its 2025 season with a record-setting Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction. Held over the weekend at the Carlisle Expo Center, the event welcomed enthusiasts, collectors, and sellers for two days of intense bidding and fuel-driven energy. With more than 450 consignments crossing the block, spanning everything from a 1906 classic to modern muscle, the fall finale was the year’s standout, generating over $5.5 million in total sales and selling more than half of all vehicles offered. Auctioneers Michael Adcock and Jeffrey Knosp kept the pace electric, guiding bidders through an eclectic mix of American icons, European exotics, and rare collectibles. This year also marked the debut of the “All-Import Hour,” spotlighting a curated lineup of foreign favorites, including the top-selling 1965 Porsche 356, which brought $66,000. In addition to the cars, the event highlighted Carlisle’s dedication to charitable giving. Two major causes, Fund the Firehouse and Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, took center stage, collectively raising over $26,000. A 2002 Lexus sold for $5,500 to benefit Enola Fire Company #3, while a 1952 GMC 1-Ton Pickup brought in $16,750 for Harley’s Haven, reminding everyone that the auction floor can be about more than horsepower and price tags. Rounding out the excitement were the auction’s top overall sellers, led by a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette fetching $145,800. A 1963 Corvette followed at $127,500, alongside a 1958 Chevrolet Impala at $98,280 and a 1969 Camaro that sold for $87,480, all prices including applicable fees. “We’re thrilled to end 2025 on such a high note,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations. “Our consignors, bidders, and dedicated staff made this season one to remember.” Carlisle Auctions looks ahead to 2026, beginning with Spring Carlisle, returning April 23–24 to the Carlisle Expo Center. Source: Carlisle Auctions

A factory white Ferrari 250 GTO with the number 10 on the door is parked on a rural road, surrounded by grass and trees under a clear sky—a stunning sight reminiscent of a Mecum Kissimmee Auction classic.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 06, 2025

The ONLY Factory White Ferrari 250 GTO Set to Headline Me...

This one-of-a-Kind 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is set to make history. Few Ferraris carry the weight of legend like the 250 GTO, and none are as even remotely memorable as Chassis 3729GT, affectionately celebrated as Bianco Speciale. Built between 1962 and 1964, this is one of only 36 ever made, but it's the only example finished in a factory-optioned Bianco Speciale livery. That single shade alone glorifies it as a standout in Ferrari history. Rather than undergo a nut-and-bolt restoration, the car has been meticulously maintained, repaired, and refinished over the decades, preserving as much original fabric as possible. Collectors consider it the most desirable Ferrari of all time, and this GTO's status cements its place at the absolute top of its league. Chassis 3729GT's racing résumé reads like a who's who of 1960s motorsport. In its debut at Brands Hatch during the Peco Trophy on August 6, 1962, Roy Salvadori drove it to a second-place finish. Two weeks later, at Goodwood's RAC Tourist Trophy, Graham Hill jumped in and also landed second, helping Ferrari secure the GT Manufacturers' crown for 1962. In 1963, Mike MacDowel took the wheel twice, including at the Whitsun Trophy and British Grand Prix GT race, and Jack Sears delivered the car's first GT class victory in August. Driven by racing heroes like Salvadori, Hill, MacDowel, Salmon, and Sears, Bianco Speciale made its mark without a single class win, which was its only flaw. Despite its aggressive debut in racing circles, the GTO also holds a softer side, retaining every unpolished characteristic that defines its original Italian spirit. John Coombs, the owner who commissioned it in 1962, sent the car to Scaglietti and requested the unthinkable: a pearly white paint finish. At the time, Ferrari insisted on reds, but Coombs pulled strings, working through Alfredo Reali to deliver a genuine exception. That rare stroke of influence turned Bianco Speciale into an automotive anomaly, with its livery forever separating it from its ruby-red siblings. Even its influence went beyond Ferrari. Coombs eventually loaned Bianco Speciale to Jaguar engineers for reverse engineering, helping inspire the Lightweight E-type. In racing seasons that followed, Coombs raced both cars at key events, almost like a head-to-head test in public. While E-Types scored wins locally, the GTO's raw performance and sharp handling proved harder to beat on the biggest stages. Even after changing hands, the car stayed in race-ready condition, earning its Ferrari Classiche Red Book in 2008 and maintaining many original Coombs-era pieces. Now ready for its next chapter at Mecum Kissimmee 2026, this Ferrari 250 GTO is living history. The car even comes with a spare GTO-spec engine for vintage racing use, and keeps its original shoestring build quality where possible. When someone takes ownership of Bianco Speciale, they join the most elite car club on earth. This is a one-of-one masterpiece that never demanded restoration, because it was already perfect. View All Mecum Auction Inventory " width="680"> Source: Mecum Auctions

A black Ferrari 458 Speciale with gold wheels and racing stripes drives on a paved road surrounded by green trees, reminiscent of the sleek models seen at the Saratoga Motorcar Auction.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 26, 2025

Saratoga Motorcar Auction Sets TWO Records for the Ferrar...

The Saratoga Automobile Museum's 9th Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction proved that collector car values continue to rise in all categories, achieving more than $8 million in total sales and reaching a 70 percent sell-through rate across more than 250 cars and 120 memorabilia lots. The weekend was a success for the museum and the city of Saratoga Springs, NY, but for the collector market as a whole, it also marked key data for those tracking the trajectory of modern Ferraris and blue-chip classics. The headline result came on Day 2, when a 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale hammered at $808,500, setting a new auction world record for the model. For Ferrari collectors, the Speciale has and continues to steadily climb in desirability, thanks to its title as the last naturally aspirated V8 supercar produced in Maranello. While values of standard 458 Italias have risen, the Speciale continues to add to the trend, with showroom-grade examples bringing huge premiums. The Saratoga result supports that low-mileage, well-kept Speciales belong in the same investment conversation as any future classics with strong upside potential. 2015 Ferrari458 Speciale The auction also highlighted how well-chosen classics still find new heights. A beautifully restored 1974 Jaguar XKE sold for $156,750, another world record, proving that timeless design continues to attract attention in the auction room. The XKE's condition and provenance pushed this example into a new tier of value and collectability, showcased on Saratoga's stage for all to witness. Each sale fuels the mission of the Saratoga Automobile Museum, funding educational programs and exhibitions that preserve and share automotive history. But it's also becoming an event for collectors tracking market trends, offering insight into what's hot, what's down, and which cars might be ready for their breakout moment. With nine successful years completed and national recognition growing, the auction is a proving ground where record-setting exotics and restored classics can make their mark. 1974 Jaguar XKE Source: Saratoga Motorcar Auction

A red Ferrari F40, one of the ultimate '90s Icons, is parked indoors on a light floor with a black background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 19, 2025

Broad Arrow Brings ’90s Icons and Modern Hypercars to Its...

This will be an auction to remember. In the collector car world, certain hotbed destinations draw auction houses, collectors, and enthusiasts together to witness history as the most significant and valuable cars cross the block. Whether it's the prestigious charm of Pebble Beach and a pre-war Bentley, or the bright lights of Las Vegas and a multi-million dollar Bugatti Veyron, these auction meccas have earned their reputations with years of success. This year, the auction specialists at Broad Arrow Auctions are expanding their global reach with the upcoming inaugural debut of the Zoute Concours Auction in October. 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort (Credit – Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions) The auction event aims to make a big statement as it will showcase seven coveted cars from The Aleggria Collection, featuring everything from hypercars owned by former F1 drivers to iconic 90s supercars you've seen on posters. Held on October 10, 2025, during the prestigious Zoute Grand Prix Car Week in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, the sale will bring together some of the rarest and most desirable cars ever created. With over 75 cars set to cross the block, including an impressive number offered without reserve, it's the kind of auction where buyers will be tuning in both in-person and virtually from around the world. 1992 Bugatti EB110 GT (Credit – Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions) At the center of the action is The Aleggria Collection, a carefully curated group of seven remarkable supercars. Highlights include a Classiche-certified 1990 Ferrari F40 in desirable "non-cat, non-adjust" spec, a rare Graphite Metallic Porsche 959 Komfort, and a Bugatti EB110 GT with barely 8,000 kilometers from new. Joining these 90s legends are a McLaren 675LT Spider, Porsche 911 Speedster Heritage Design Package, and Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 S Roadster. Daniel Ricciardo’s Aston Martin Valkyrie (Credit – Rich Pearce/Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions) Star lots include Daniel Ricciardo's personally commissioned Aston Martin Valkyrie, the futuristic Lamborghini Pregunta concept, and the one-off Transformers Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. Motorsport fans will also be treated to legends like the Spa-winning BMW 3.0 CSL and a factory-backed Lancia Stratos HF. On the more classic side, a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 in rare Verde Pino, a patina-rich Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, and a Porsche Carrera GT in Seal Grey round out the blue-chip offerings. Between rarity and the sheer spectacle of these cars crossing the block, the Zoute Concours Auction is already a must-watch event on the international collector car calendar. Broad Arrow Auctions Inventory Source: Broad Arrow Auctions

A yellow and black Ferrari Daytona SP3, worth $26 million, is displayed on an outdoor platform at a car show, drawing the attention of billionaire car enthusiasts amid people and lights in the background.

By Charles Bradley – August 25, 2025

Revealed: The Enigmatic Billionaire Who Bought One-Off Fe...

One of the most coveted modern Ferraris ever built, which sold for $26 million during RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week sale to make it the most expensive contemporary car ever auctioned, was bought by a self-made American billionaire renowned for making shrewd investments and his generous philanthropy. His record-breaking bid will go to the Ferrari Foundation, funding education and rebuilding projects. The man behind the purchase? Herbert ‘Herbie’ Wertheim, whose life story reads like an American epic. Known to friends as “Dr. Herbie,” Wertheim – who always wears a bright-red fedora – is an optometrist, inventor, philanthropist, and investing legend estimated to be worth up to $5 billion, depending on his charitable donations. Part of Ferrari’s exclusive Icona Series, the Daytona SP3 was limited to 599 examples worldwide, but this one-off ‘Tailor Made’ commission stunned the automotive world – chassis ‘599+1,’ finished in a striking two-tone carbon-fiber and Giallo Modena livery. With delivery mileage and an unprecedented level of personalization, the car commanded a price higher than many seven-figure classics. From Troubled Youth to Visionary Inventor Born in Philadelphia at the end of the Great Depression, Wertheim ran away from home as a teenager, working odd jobs like picking oranges in Florida and even living with Seminole Indians in the Everglades. At 16, he stood before a judge on truancy charges and was given a choice: State reformatory or military service. He chose the U.S. Navy at 17, a decision that reshaped his life. While serving in naval aviation during the Cold War, Wertheim began investing. His first stock purchase, Lear Jet, came from his Navy stipend, and he went on to meet aviation pioneer Bill Lear in person. That early exposure to technology and industry ignited a lifelong passion. After the Navy, Wertheim studied physics and chemistry, worked as a NASA engineer at Cape Canaveral, and eventually earned a scholarship to study optometry. In 1969, he invented an eyeglass tint for plastic lenses that filtered harmful UV rays, helping prevent cataracts. By 1970, he founded Brain Power Inc. (BPI), which went on to hold more than 100 patents and copyrights in optical technology. A Billionaire Who Played the Long Game " width="680"> Unlike Silicon Valley moguls or Wall Street icons, Wertheim’s fortune didn’t come from a single IPO windfall. Instead, he built it patiently through decades of disciplined investing. He bought and held shares of companies like Apple, Microsoft, GE, Google, BP, and Bank of America long before they became household names, according to Forbes. His single greatest investment remains Heico, an aerospace parts manufacturer. Wertheim purchased a stake in 1992, worth about $5 million at the time. Today, his position exceeds $800 million, making him Heico’s largest individual shareholder. A Life of Luxury, Purpose, and Giving Wertheim’s portfolio afforded him an enviable lifestyle, and he has been described as one of the most successful individual investors of his generation. Yet his wealth is balanced by philanthropy. Having donated more than $100 million to Florida’s public universities, Wertheim also signed Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s ‘Giving Pledge’, committing to donate at least half his fortune – most of it toward education. The Ferrari Collector’s Dream The purchase of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘599+1’ is more than just a collector’s trophy for Wertheim. It represents the same vision that defined his investments: spotting timeless innovation and believing in the value of rarity and craftsmanship, and donating his wealth to education and rebuilding projects. Like his stock portfolio, the Ferrari is built on the principle that some creations – whether a transformative technology or a bespoke supercar – transcend market cycles. For collectors, it is yet another reminder that at Monterey Car Week, history isn’t just celebrated – it’s bought and driven home. View All Ferraris For Sale on duPont REGISTRY Images Source: RM Sotheby's, Ferrari

A bright yellow Lamborghini Miura is displayed indoors next to a silver sports car, with a red wall in the background—an iconic pairing reminiscent of the standout vehicles at the 2025 Monterey Mecum Auction: Top 10 Results And Highlights.

By Khris Bharath – August 23, 2025

2025 Monterey Mecum Auction: Top 10 Results And Highlights

If you caught our coverage on Thursday, you already know that Mecum’s Monterey 2025 auction brought some serious heat with six cars selling for over a million dollars, led by a Verde Miura that commanded $1.98 million. Since then, Mecum has now finalized more post-block deals, pushing the total to $45 million in overall sales across 500 classic vehicles, which also included 100 vintage motorcycles. Mecum also reported record attendance at its Monterey sale on the Peninsula this year, which is no small feat, given the week's packed schedule of competing auctions, whose results we have also compiled as part of our extensive coverage. There was plenty to see: alongside the aforementioned Verde Miura, Mercedes’ finest made their mark with a 1957 300SL Gullwing at $1.65 million and a 1959 300SL Roadster at $1.485 million. Stateside icons also broke the million-dollar barrier, including a 1932 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton with LaGrande-style coachwork and Bobby Allison’s 1969 Dodge Daytona NASCAR, each going for $1.32 million. A trend that we saw across most auction houses at Monterey, modern collectibles also broke into the top 10 sales at Mecum this year, with a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition with Gulf livery and only 377 miles, hitting $891,000. Ferrari’s hybrid flagship, the 2025 SF90 Spider, crossed the block for $715,000. Even track-bred specials like the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition and the 2024 Porsche 911 S/T brought in over $675,000, showing strong demand across eras and rounding up the top 10. Now, not every big Ferrari sale happened under the spotlight. Mecum closed three notable deals through its Bid Goes On department: 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Touring Barchetta, and 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4. As previously mentioned, two-wheels were also part of the action as a 1910 Harley-Davidson 6-A Single brought $115,500, and a 1974 Kawasaki Z1A 900 set a world record for the brand at $82,500. While Mecum has long sold motorcycles, these results confirm bidders are now also increasingly chasing vintage bikes alongside blue-chip cars. Mecum also used Monterey to tease what might become the company’s biggest sale yet: the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO “Bianco Speciale” (chassis 3729GT), which we touched upon in the weeks leading up to Car Week. This is the only 250 GTO ever built in white. It was not on the docket but was on display to promote Mecum’s 2026 Kissimmee auction and a reminder that Mecum is positioning itself as a serious player far beyond American muscle. Beyond the auctions, at Pebble Beach, on Sunday, Dana and Patti Mecum’s 1939 Maybach SW38 Spohn Sport Zweisitzer won 1st in Class and even earned a Best in Show nomination. That recognition underscores Mecum’s place in the collector community, not just as an auction house but as a family with skin in the game. Mecum now turns its attention to Larry’s Legacy Auction in Chicago, where the entire Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum more than 275 vehicles, plus thousands of pieces of Road Art, will cross the block in September. View All Mecum Inventory 10. 2024 Porsche 911 S/T $676,500 9. 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series P One Edition $682,000 8. 2025 Ferrari SF90 Spider $715,000 7. 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition $891,000 6. 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight $1,045,000 5. 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona NASCAR $1,320,000 4. 1932 Duesenberg Model J Sweep Panel Dual Cowl Phaeton $1,320,000 3. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster $1,485,000 2. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing $1,650,000 1. 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S $1,980,000 Images Source: Mecum Auctions

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

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