Where History Changes Hands: The World of Matthews Auctions

Review: 2026 Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider

As forced induction and electrification continue democratize horsepower throughout the automotive industry, luxury automakers have faced a growing challenge: how do you make an exotic machine feel special at a point in time when even mainstream vehicles offer jaw-dropping performance? Ferrari, to its notable credit, has answered this question in part by staying at the forefront of the latest technologies, as evidenced by cutting-edge entries like the SF90 and F80 – both of which utilize performance-tuned hybrid systems in conjunction with turbocharged engines and sophisticated all-wheel-drive setups. While those two mid-engine monsters offer truly stunning capability, there’s also a growing contingent of performance enthusiasts who yearn for the simpler days of long, curvaceous hoods, rear-wheel drive propulsion, and the banshee wail of a high-winding 12-cylinder engine at full chat. And that’s precisely where the 12Cilindri Spider stakes its claim. As the successor to the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri leverages clever active aerodynamics, advanced traction and stability control systems, and a trick four-wheel-steering system that manages the movement of each wheel independently to enhance cornering response, but it’s ultimately an homage to Ferrari’s storied V12 heritage. Aside from the no-nonsense name (which literally translates to “12 Cylinders”), the 12Cilindri’s exterior styling clearly takes some inspiration from the 365 GTB Daytona of the late 1960s. And rather than saddling its latest GT flagship with the complexities of bulky batteries, electric motors, turbochargers, and AWD, Ferrari has instead chosen to focus on the fundamentals that have made GT cars like the Daytona such enduring icons: elegant design, a finely honed chassis, and a truly spectacular naturally aspirated powerplant. It’s a 6.5-liter dry-sump V12 that produces 819 horsepower and revs to a searing 9,500 rpm. Ferrari only cites a deliberately ambiguous dry weight of 3,571 pounds for the Spider, which carries about 130 pounds of extra mass as compared to its coupe counterpart. But at a time when an alarming number of new performance cars are saddled with curb weights that start with a five, the potentially sub-4,000-pound 12Cilindri Spider feels lithe and unencumbered by countermeasures expressly designed to combat the laws of physics. Although its primary mission is to enable drivers to carve their way through picturesque locales at a lively pace without compromising comfort, the 12Cilindri has a notably more sports-car-like persona than the Aston Martin Vanquish – its closest rival – thanks in part to the Ferrari’s incredibly rigid chassis, dual-clutch gearbox, and earnestly performance-tuned suspension. While the eight-speed DCT occasionally takes a beat to get things going from a dead stop, and the hunkered-down stance makes the nose-lift feature a necessity when negotiating steep driveway aprons, the 12Cilindri Spider still manages to retain an admirable level of civility around town and out on the highway. Outfitted with a killer Burmester audio system, a retractable hard top that opens in just 14 seconds at speeds up to 28 mph, and sport seats that feature heating, ventilation, and adjustable bolstering as well as multiple massage routines, the 12Cilindri Spider can be a posh, effortless cruiser when called upon to do so. The only glaring deficiency in this regard comes from Ferrari’s HMI implementation, which utilizes frustratingly difficult-to-use capacitive surfaces on the steering wheel and the instrument panel to control features like adaptive cruise control and mirror adjustments, along with the various functions that are accessed via the 15.6-inch digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment system looks sharp and is quick to respond to inputs, Apple CarPlay conked out on more than one occasion during the few days I spent with the car. Nitpicks aside, one feature that definitely works as intended is the steering-wheel-mounted Manettino switch, which allows you to toggle between the available drive modes. Sport is the default, a naming decision which helps set ride quality expectations, but you can also press this switch like a button to enable Bumpy Road mode, which relaxes the adaptive dampers beyond their standard tuning for more compliance on rough pavement. Out in the canyons, I found myself more interested in the additional drama provided by Race mode. In contrast to convention, Ferrari chose to leave the steering, throttle mapping, and brake-by-wire settings the same in the Sport and Race modes for the sake of predictable response, instead heightening the driving experience when set to the latter by easing the electronic assists, ramping up the programming for the gearbox and the electronically-controlled rear differential, and – importantly – opening up the exhaust valves. While it’s still a little bit quieter than I’d prefer, even with the top down, the noise that this V12 makes while working its way past 9k is a soundtrack to your sweetest dreams. It took some conscious effort to stop myself from short-shifting the first few times I laid into the throttle with the gearbox in manual mode. The revs just seem to build endlessly. It’s also a decidedly different experience than what’s offered in the latest Vanquish. The Aston also features a 12-cylinder atomic bomb under its hood, but the crucial difference here is that the Vanquish’s lofty power figures are owed in part to turbocharging. This gives the Aston a substantial advantage in peak torque (738 lb-ft versus the 12Cilindri’s 500 pound-feet), but it also relegates its redline to a relatively pedestrian 7,000 rpm. The upshot is that not only does the 12Cilindri deliver a much more emotive soundtrack when you drop the hammer, it also feels significantly more buttoned down when called upon to hustle through a technical section of road. Its quick steering rack takes a moment to acclimate to, but it soon becomes apparent that the chassis, brakes, and powertrain have no problem keeping pace. <- Gallery -> The Manettino switch also has dedicated settings for partially or completely disabling the traction and stability control systems if you’re feeling brave (or prefer to do your grand touring sideways), but the intervention is so seamless when these systems are enabled that they rarely distract from the proceedings. While the Vanquish twists and shimmies as the powertrain and the electronics have a debate over the fastest way forward, the 12Cilindri just feels more planted and easier to trust when really hauling the mail. In an era when quadruple-digit horsepower has somehow become readily achievable for production cars, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider is a reminder that character and emotion aren’t attributes that can be easily quantified on a spec sheet. There will be a time – probably in the foreseeable future – where folks will gaze into the open clamshell hood of a 12Cilindri and say, "Man, they don’t make ’em like this anymore." Like it or not, the days of the unassisted Ferrari V12 are almost certainly coming to a close. With that in mind, well-heeled traditionalists would be wise to savor the moment. View All Ferrari 12Cilindris For Sale Images: Bradley Iger

Where History Changes Hands: The World of Matthews Auctions

Discover One of the Midwest’s Premier Destinations for Antique Advertising, Petroliana, and Americana.

There is something undeniably thrilling about the moment a gavel falls, that split second when a piece of history finds a new home, when a collector’s patience is rewarded, and when the story of an object takes an unexpected turn. For enthusiasts of antique advertising, petroliana, and vintage Americana, few places in the country capture that excitement quite like Matthews Auctions, LLC.

Based in Nokomis, Illinois, Matthews Auctions has been a trusted name in the collectibles world since its founding in 2007. What started as a mission-driven operation with two simple goals: to maximize value for consigners and to honestly represent every item for buyers, has grown into a nationally recognized auction house with a devoted following of collectors, dealers, and history lovers alike.

A Philosophy Built on Integrity

In an industry where provenance and authenticity are everything, Matthews Auctions stands apart through its unwavering commitment to transparency. From day one, the team has operated on a straightforward principle: sellers deserve the best possible return, and buyers deserve the complete truth about what they are bidding on.

That philosophy resonates deeply in the world of antique advertising and petroliana, where reproductions and misrepresentations are all too common. Matthews Auctions takes the guesswork out of collecting. Every lot is carefully described and represented, giving bidders the confidence to participate with clarity, whether they are seasoned veterans or first-time buyers just catching the collecting bug.

A Specialty That Sets Them Apart

Matthews Auctions has carved out a remarkable niche in the auction world. Rather than offering a little of everything, the house has focused its expertise on the categories it knows best: antique advertising signs, petroliana, and vintage memorabilia. This focused approach means that every auction is a curated event that is truly a gathering of some of the finest pieces in a genre that celebrates the golden age of American commerce and road culture.

From rare porcelain oil company signs to vintage gas pump globes, from early automotive ephemera to hand-painted tin advertisements, the lots that pass through Matthews Auctions represent a vivid cross-section of 20th-century Americana. These are objects that once filled roadside gas stations, corner stores, and Main Street shop windows. And today, they fill the walls and display cases of passionate collectors across the country.

GALLERY-EMBED

Upcoming Auctions: Don’t Miss Out

Right now, Matthews Auctions has a spectacular lineup of events that no collector should overlook.

The Absolute March 23rd Advertising Auction & More is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar, featuring over 500 lots drawn from the celebrated Rick Bonenberger Estate and numerous other distinguished collections. With on-site, online, phone, and absentee bidding all available, there has never been an easier time to participate, regardless of where you live.

For those with an appetite for more, the Rick Bonenberger Estate Auction #2 & Absolute Sign Collection runs March 24–26 over three full days, offering an extraordinary single-owner sign collection alongside additional estate highlights. And later this summer, Estate Auction #3 arrives July 31 through August 1, ensuring the Bonenberger legacy gets the thorough treatment it deserves.

These are not everyday auction events. The Bonenberger Estate represents a lifetime of dedicated collecting, the kind of assemblage that surfaces only rarely and disappears quickly. For serious collectors, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Bid From Anywhere in the World

Matthews Auctions understands that the best collections attract interest from far beyond the Midwest. That is why the house has invested in a robust online bidding platform that makes participation seamless for buyers across the globe. Whether you prefer to bid live on-site, watch and place bids remotely through their dedicated online portal at bid.matthewsauctions.com, or use their convenient mobile app available for both iOS and Android, Matthews Auctions brings the auction room to you.

The mobile app, in particular, is a game-changer for busy collectors as it allows you to browse upcoming catalogs, track your favorite lots, and place bids from the palm of your hand. No more worrying about missing a critical auction because of a travel conflict or a scheduling clash.

Thinking About Selling? Matthews Has You Covered

Matthews Auctions is not just a place to buy. For collectors looking to part with pieces from their own holdings, whether a single prized sign or an entire estate, the team offers free evaluations and a proven track record of achieving strong results for consigners.

The consignment process is straightforward and personal. The Matthews team works closely with sellers to understand what they have, determine the appropriate market value, and ensure pieces are presented to the right audience in the most compelling way possible. Decades of expertise in this niche market mean consigners are in capable, knowledgeable hands.

If you have antique advertising, petroliana, or vintage memorabilia that you are considering selling, Matthews Auctions is the logical first call.

The Authority on Petroliana Collecting

Beyond the auction block, Matthews Auctions has distinguished itself as an educational resource for the collecting community. The house offers two authoritative reference books, “The Fine Art of Collecting & Displaying Petroliana, Volume I and Volume II,” which have become essential guides for collectors at every level. From novices just beginning to explore the genre to seasoned veterans deepening their expertise, these volumes provide photos, pricing context, and the kind of insider knowledge that only comes from years of hands-on experience in the market.

Additionally, Matthews Auctions is affiliated with TAC (The Authentication Company), which provides authentication services and security holograms guaranteeing that marked items are original, not reproductions. In a field where fakes are a persistent concern, this partnership offers buyers genuine peace of mind.

Ready to explore? Visit www.matthewsauctions.com to browse upcoming auction catalogs, register to bid online, or submit an item for a free evaluation. You can also reach the team directly by calling Dan Matthews at 217-259-7059 or Cyrus Wilke at 920-350-5533.

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