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
