Events

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

Miami Concours 2026 Brings the Red Carpet Back to the Design District

By duPont REGISTRY – February 04, 2026

Miami Concours 2026: Auto, Art and Fashion

Miami Concours returns starting February 13th with a format that feels tailor-made for the city it calls home: an automotive showcase staged like a cultural moment. Set across Miami Design District, the ninth annual event puts hypercars and rare vintage supercars on a literal red carpet, surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, architecture, and art. It is presented alongside duPont REGISTRY, Prestige Imports, and CURATED, with the weekend designed to feel equal parts concours, gallery opening, and Miami street scene. What makes 2026 especially compelling is how curated the experience is becoming. Sunday’s Red Carpet Access ticket is built around a more immersive, structured day that brings collectors, automotive icons, luxury brands, and tastemakers together in a walkable “neighborhood-wide” showcase. This year’s programming also leans into true bucket-list moments, including the 20th anniversary of the Ferrari P4/5, a spotlight on Jim Glickenhaus’s prototype collection, the worldwide unveiling of a one-off Porsche Carrera GT coachbuilt by Jason Castriota, and the U.S. debut of the Koenigsegg CC850. Event schedule The ScreeningFriday, February 13, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.Jungle PlazaPrivate VIP drive-in cinema experience (ticketed). 9th Annual Miami ConcoursSunday, February 15, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Neighborhood-wide, with the red carpet spanning NE 39th, 40th, and 41st StreetsCurated hypercars and rare vintage supercars showcased throughout the district. <- Gallery -> Ticket Information Ticketing is live across three main options: Red Carpet Access (Sunday), VIP Experience (Sunday), and The Screening (Friday). At the time of posting, pricing is listed at $83 for Red Carpet Access/General Admission, $982 for VIP Experience, and $272 for The Screening (pricing and availability can change). For guests who want the full, elevated version of Sunday, the VIP Experience is positioned as an all-day upgrade with access to a private club lounge and members-only spaces at The Moore Miami, plus elevated culinary programming curated by Torno Subito, complimentary VIP valet parking, and a front-row view to curated moments and unveilings. Purchase Tickets We'll See You There Miami Concours has always worked because it does not try to fight Miami’s energy. It leans into it. The cars are the anchor, but the setting is the multiplier, with a red-carpet format that makes every street corner feel like a photo op and every stop feel intentional. Tickets are limited, and the simplest play is to secure Sunday access early, then decide if the weekend deserves the full VIP treatment. And if this is the kind of calendar you want more of, check out other events from duPont REGISTRY Group like Cars on 5th, Rétromobile NY, and Cavallino.

A blue Ferrari convertible and a red Ferrari coupe are parked side by side at an outdoor Cars on 5th event, surrounded by greenery and people enjoying the luxury automotive experience.

By duPont REGISTRY – January 29, 2026

Cars on 5th is Back For 2026

Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Cars on 5th Concours, a signature event of the duPont REGISTRY Group — the definitive name in luxury automotive experiences worldwide. Since 2004, Cars on 5th has captivated enthusiasts with its stunning display of over 750 exotic, vintage, and muscle cars, transforming downtown Naples into one of America’s premier automotive showcases. Each February, collectors, connoisseurs, and industry leaders from across the country gather beneath the Florida sun to celebrate craftsmanship, design, and the thrill of motoring excellence. Now, as part of the duPont REGISTRY Group’s prestigious portfolio of global events — alongside icons like Cavallino, Canossa, Supercar Owners Circle, and the upcoming Rétromobile USA — Cars on 5th enters an exciting new era. The event will benefit from duPont REGISTRY’s expansive network, world-class ticketing, and global media reach, elevating its experience for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees alike. Beyond its breathtaking display of supercars and classics, the event remains deeply rooted in philanthropy. Proceeds from Cars on 5th continue to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, reinforcing Naples Automotive Experience’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community. Event Details Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Naples, Florida Secure your spot at Cars on 5th, a once-a-year celebration of luxury, rarity, and performance — now bigger and better than ever as part of the duPont REGISTRY Group. Buy Tickets Now

Supercar Owners Circle x Rétromobile Announce Ultimate Supercar Garage Collaboration

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 27, 2026

Supercar Owners Circle x Rétrobmobile Unveil Ultimate Supercar Garage

An international community that brings together some of the world’s most incredible supercar collections, Supercar Owners Circle – part of the duPont REGISTRY Group – takes some of the world’s rarest and most precious exotic cars, supercars, and hypercars, and brings them on stunning automotive journeys across the globe, including gatherings, rallies, and activations surrounding the world’s most prestigious automotive events. <- Gallery -> However, something new is coming from Supercar Owners Circle, and it’s the result of a close collaboration with Comexposium, the organizer of the iconic Rétromobile car show. The project, a new car show concept that will focus on contemporary hypercars and exist alongside Rétromobile, is called Ultimate Supercar Garage, and as the show approaches in Paris, the anticipation for the new show is about to give way to its amazing fruition. Ultimate Supercar Garage, or USG, will have a pavilion at Rétromobile, where Supercar Owners Circle will showcase two of its most incredible member vehicles, the Pagani Zonda LM Coupe, capricorn 01 Zagato, which will be showcased in a configuration never previously seen by the public. The partnership with Capricorn Group will continue with a collaborative presence at Supercar Owners Circle’s SOC x Classic Driver Andermatt. A VIP experience from both SOC and Rétromobile will be hosted for SOC members in the heart of Paris, including a curated dinner on January 29. Bringing a collaboration from one of the world’s most exclusive circles in the automotive world to what is already an iconic and highly anticipated show, the creation of Ultimate Supercar Garage is dialing up the anticipation for Rétromobile even higher for 2026. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: Capricorn, Supercar Owners Circle

By Charles Bradley – January 26, 2026

Ultimate Supercar Garage Redefines Paris’ Luxury Automotive Week At Rétromobile

Paris is preparing for a landmark moment in the global luxury automotive calendar. To mark the 50th anniversary of Rétromobile, its organizer, the Comexposium Group, has announced the launch of Ultimate Supercar Garage, a new, future-focused event that will debut January 29 to February 1, 2026, inside Pavilion 4 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles – just steps from Rétromobile’s historic home in Hall 7. The world-first concept will place the industry’s most coveted modern supercars and hypercars directly alongside the world’s most important collector automobiles, creating a single week in Paris dedicated to every era of automotive excellence. Among the first confirmed participants are Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Ferrari represented by the Charles Pozzi group, and the Supercar Owners Circle of Switzerland – part of the duPont REGISTRY Group – whose membership includes 150 owners of the world’s most spectacular vehicles. The move reflects a clear shift in the collector market. Contemporary supercars have become increasingly visible at Rétromobile and in Parisian auctions, as today’s most advanced performance machines take their place alongside blue-chip classics. With Rétromobile anchoring automotive history, and Ultimate Supercar Garage spotlighting cutting-edge design and engineering, Paris will host what organizers describe as the “finest showcase for automotive innovation, design and performance in the present day.” A Luxury Showcase for the World’s Most Desirable Supercars Designed as a deep dive into the global supercar phenomenon, Ultimate Supercar Garage will bring together manufacturers, dealers, preparers, and elite owner clubs under one roof. The event will be staged with museum-quality scenography and an immersive, high-design environment, matching the visual drama of the cars on display. Organizers have structured the format to mirror the rhythm of the luxury market: · Wednesday, Jan. 28: A private preview evening. · Thursday, Jan. 29: Access for collectors, media, and VIPs only. · Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1: The show opens to the general public, allowing enthusiasts rare, up-close access to machines usually seen only in magazines or on social media. By pairing modern supercars with one of the world’s most prestigious collector car exhibitions, the event aims to create a bridge between heritage, present-day innovation, and the future of high-performance design. Industry Leaders Embrace the Vision Rétromobile Exhibition Director Romain Grabowski framed the launch as a natural evolution of the collector market. “We are delighted with the creation of this new show, Ultimate Supercar Garage,” Grabowski said. “In addition to collectors who quite often acquire both types of vehicles, and traders who are increasingly offering their customers both collector vehicles and modern supercars, these two categories have many other aspects in common. For example, modern supercars are always hand-crafted in small-scale workshops, which was previously the case with cars in the pre-war years. We sense that Rétromobile has become the epicentre of automotive passion, and we fully intend to reinforce this status with the arrival of Ultimate Supercar Garage.” For Koenigsegg, the Paris debut carries special resonance: “At the Paris Motor Show in 2000, Koenigsegg unveiled its first car that was set for production – the Koenigsegg CC8S,” said Halldora von Koenigsegg, chief operating officer of Koenigsegg. “It feels great to be back where it all started 26 years ago in beautiful Paris.” Ferrari’s historic Parisian partner, the Charles Pozzi Group, also sees the new show as a natural fit: “Ferrari Charles Pozzi is delighted to be associated with the Ultimate Supercar Garage, co-located with Rétromobile, where automotive passion and excellence can be fully showcased,” said Eric Neubauer, chairman of Charles Pozzi Ferrari. For Bugatti, whose legacy is woven into the history of French motoring, the pairing of past and future is particularly meaningful. “Just as Rétromobile celebrates the legendary machines that shaped automotive history – undoubtedly with many Bugatti models among them – Ultimate Supercar Garage will showcase our hyper sports cars that are writing the next chapter of that story,” said Hendrik Malinowski, managing director of Bugatti. “For Bugatti, this represents an ideal platform to demonstrate exactly how we continue Ettore Bugatti's vision of creating ‘the most beautiful, the fastest cars in the world’, inspired by our past but firmly innovating for the future.” With Rétromobile’s 50th anniversary as its anchor, Ultimate Supercar Garage positions Paris as the only global city where vintage Ferraris, pre-war classics, and modern hypercars will coexist in a single, curated marketplace. For collectors who now move fluidly between historic race cars and seven-figure supercars, the event reflects how the luxury automotive world itself has evolved. Tickets for the Ultimate Supercar Garage are available here.

By Khris Bharath – January 22, 2026

Alfa Romeo and Maserati to Showcase BOTTEGAFUORISERIE at 50th Edition of Rétromobile, Paris

We touched upon BOTTEGAFUORISERIE back in early November last year, a joint creative and customization program that brings Alfa Romeo and Maserati under a single strategic vision. Paris is where the initiative makes its first public appearance, debuting at Ultimate Supercar Garage, a new dedicated space to supercars at the 50th edition of Rétromobile, one of the world's more prestigious classic car shows, being held from January 28 through February 1, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Four made-in-Italy cars will define the presentation, each tied to a specific pillar of the BOTTEGAFUORISERIE project. The Alfa Romeo Nuova 33 Stradale will take center stage. It revives a name tied directly to the glorious Tipo 33 race cars of the 1960s and signals Alfa Romeo’s willingness to invest in a few off-hand-finished modern icons. Next to it, the Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa. This is the first product of Alfa Romeo’s partnership with Luna Rossa ahead of the 38th America’s Cup. Maserati will also showcase some serious hardware. The MCXtrema is one of 62 track-only cars built without road homologation compromises, sitting alongside a GT2 Stradale, a street-legal evolution that traces its lineage to the Trident badge’s glorious GT racing lineage that goes back decades. <- Gallery -> Physically linking the four cars will be a dedicated lounge, highlighting Bottega’s few off creations, Fuoriserie customization, History grounded in heritage, and Racing driven by innovation. Alongside the modern performance showcase, Alfa Romeo will also use Rétromobile to underline the depth of its historic portfolio through the Alfa Romeo Classiche program. Displayed in Hall 7.2, three landmark historic models, the 1966 Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider “Duetto,” the 1955 Alfa Romeo 750 Competizione, and the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33/2 Periscopica, will appear alongside the current Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV. Shown together in traditional red livery, the cars trace a clear line from the brand’s mid-century racing and design achievements to its current production strategy. Visitors will also be able to engage directly with the Alfa Romeo Classiche Program, part of the Stellantis Heritage initiative, which provides services including Certificates of Origin, Certificates of Authenticity, and restoration and maintenance work carried out in accordance with original factory specifications. For legacy brands such as Alfa Romeo and Maserati with storied histories and motorsport pedigree going back over a century, BOTTEGAFUORISERIE’s showcase at a historic exhibition like Rétromobile is significant. But the action this year extends beyond Paris, because in November 2026, duPont REGISTRY Group will host the inaugural North American edition of Rétromobile in New York at the Javits Center in November 2026. View All Exotics and Supercars For Sale Images: Stellantis

Ferrari Dominates Mecum Kissimmee 2026: $38.5 Million 250 GTO and the Bachman Collection Steal the Show

By Khris Bharath – January 18, 2026

Ferrari Dominates Mecum Kissimmee 2026 With A $38.5 Million 250 GTO and Bachman Collection

We expected plenty of action from Mecum’s Kissimmee 2026 auction, and even with one full day of bidding still to come, the sale has already delivered historic results. Between January 6 and January 17, multiple eight-figure sales were firmly on the board, led by a $38.5 million Ferrari 250 GTO, a result that places it among the most expensive cars sold at auction and positions Kissimmee 2026 as one of the most consequential auctions in Mecum history. Ferrari’s dominance at the top of the leaderboard has been unmistakable. The undisputed headline lot, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO finished in Bianco Speciale, crossed the block at $38.5 million, with the top bid placed by noted Ferrari collector David Lee. We highlighted Chassis 3729GT in October last year, as the only 250 GTO finished in white by Ferrari. With a period competition history that includes drivers such as Graham Hill, Mike Parkes, and Roy Salvadori, the result reinforced the premium placed on originality, provenance, and preservation at the highest level. Beyond the GTO, the Bachman Collection emerged as the dominant force across the remainder of the top ten so far. We highlighted the breadth of this collection in late December, followed by a deep dive into its ultra-low-mileage Ferrari F40s ahead of Kissimmee. The strongest Bachman result came from a 2003 Ferrari Enzo showing just 649 miles, ordered new by the family and customized through the factory, saw fierce bidding, eventually selling for $17.875 million. That was followed closely by a 1995 Ferrari F50 with only 252 miles at $12.21 million, reinforcing demand for Ferrari’s flagship V12 era cars when mileage and provenance align. Modern halo Ferraris continued to post blue-chip numbers. The only Ferrari Enzo finished in Rosso Dino brought $11.11 million, while a 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta with just 96 miles sold for $11 million. The Bachman Collection also accounted for an $8.525 million Rosso Corsa 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, a 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari with 157 miles on the clock, as well as the final U.S.-spec LaFerrari produced at $6.71 million, a 458-mile 1992 Ferrari F40 at $6.6 million, and a Giallo-finished 2006 Ferrari FXX at $6.325 million. Ford’s GT40 lineage provided the lone non-Ferrari interruption at the top. A 1966 Ford GT40 MkII factory lightweight, chassis XGT-3 and one of just three produced, sold for $12.375 million, representing one of the most original MkII examples in existence. Another record sale on Friday was a 1-of-1 PTS Porsche 918 Spyder that crossed the block at $6.05 million. As previously mentioned, with one full day of bidding still ahead, Mecum Kissimmee 2026 is not finished writing its story. But even before the final gavel falls, Ferrari’s dominance, led overwhelmingly by the 48-strong Bachman Collection, has already defined this auction. Here are the top 10 results so far: 1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (Bianco Speciale)- $38,500,000 2. 2003 Ferrari Enzo (Bachman Collection) - $17,875,000 3. 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight - $12,375,000 4.1995 Ferrari F50 (Bachman Collection) - $12,210,000 5. 2003 Ferrari Enzo - $11,110,000 6. 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta (Bachman Collection) - $11,000,000 7. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO (Bachman Collection) - $8,525,000 8. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari (Bachman Collection) - $6,710,000 9. 1992 Ferrari F40 (Bachman Collection) - $6,600,000 10. 2006 Ferrari FXX (Bachman Collection) - $6,325,000 View Mecum 2026 Info Images: Mecum Auctions

By Charles Bradley – January 10, 2026

World’s Finest Classics Converge In Paris For Peninsula’s Best Of The Best

In the rarefied world of concours-level automobiles, few honors carry the gravitas of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. Reserved exclusively for the most exceptional winners from the world’s leading concours events, the annual accolade is less a competition than a coronation – one that will culminate on January 26, 2026, at The Peninsula Paris, where a single automobile will be named the most exquisite classic motorcar on the planet from 2025. This year’s seven finalists represent an extraordinary cross-section of automotive history, spanning seven decades of design, performance, and craftsmanship. Each has already earned Best of Show honors at globally revered events, from Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach-adjacent The Quail, to Goodwood, Amelia Island, and Hampton Court Palace. Only one, however, will ascend to the pinnacle. “This award is more than a celebration of engineering excellence – it is a tribute to the artistry, heritage, and cultural significance of the automobile,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, and co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. “Each finalist represents a chapter in the story of motoring history, crafted by visionary designers and preserved for future generations.” Appropriately, the ceremony unfolds at The Peninsula Paris, a century- old landmark whose Belle Époque elegance and proximity to the city’s most iconic monuments provide an atmospheric backdrop befitting such mechanical masterpieces. Following the announcement, the winning car will enjoy a public encore, displayed in partnership with Rétromobile from January 28 to February 1, 2026, placing it among the world’s most celebrated historic automobiles once more. A Roll Call of Automotive Royalty <- Gallery -> The 2025 finalists read like a greatest-hits compilation of coach-built excellence and motorsport pedigree. At one end of the spectrum stands the 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I “Phantom of Love,” clothed in romantic coachwork by Charles Clark & Son Ltd., fresh from its Best of Show victory at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. From pre-WWII Britain to prewar Italy, the 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B, factory-bodied and victorious at Villa d’Este, represents motorsport purity distilled into one of the most& influential Grand Prix cars ever built. Germany answers with the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen, a rolling sculpture crowned Best of Show at Salon Privé, and engineering elegance taken to its apex. Italy responds once more with the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B by Stabilimenti Farina, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and the top honor recipient at the Amelia Concours d’Élégance. Post-WWII optimism is embodied by the 1951 Bentley Mark VI Cresta II, styled by Facel Metallon, whose Best of Show win at Goodwood’s Cartier Style et Luxe underscores the era’s evolving luxury aesthetic. From Maranello’s golden age comes the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM, bodied by Ghia, and celebrated at the Cavallino Classic, a reminder of Ferrari’s early mastery of both competition and couture. Rounding out the field is the youngest – and perhaps most surprising – contender: the 1996 Ferrari F50 GT by Pininfarina, an uncompromisingly race-bred machine that captured Best of Show at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and signals the growing recognition of ultra-rare modern classics within elite concours circles. Judged by Icons Selecting a single winner from such a rarified company falls to one of the most distinguished judging panels in the automotive world. The 2025 jury includes Jay Leno, renowned collector and automotive raconteur; Gordon Murray, legendary engineer and designer of the McLaren F1; and Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz’s influential chief design officer. They are joined by automotive architects, former industry leaders, and international royalty – ensuring that the final decision balances historical importance, design purity, and cultural resonance. Launched in 2015 by Sir Michael Kadoorie alongside co-founders William E. “Chip” Connor, Bruce Meyer, and Christian Philippsen, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award has become the ultimate accolade in the collector-car world. Sponsored annually by The Peninsula Hotels, it celebrates not only immaculate restoration and provenance, but also the enduring legacy of the automobile as rolling art. As Paris prepares to host the final judgment, one truth is already clear: in a field this exceptional, the real triumph lies in preserving – and honoring – the finest chapters of motoring history. View Cars For Sale On duPont REGISTRY

Two futuristic white and red sports cars with sleek, aerodynamic designs are parked side by side against a solid red background, reminiscent of a public debut at Rétromobile Paris 2026 or the legendary Bertone Runabout.

By Khris Bharath – December 28, 2025

Bertone’s New Runabout To Make Its Public Debut at Rétrom...

Italian coachbuilding works best when you refuse to play it safe. Commit to the idea, get the proportions right, and let the design do the talking. That tradition sits at the heart of the new Bertone Runabout, which will make its world debut next month at Rétromobile 2026, in Paris, as the first model in the brand’s Classic Line. Now, if you’ve been following this project closely, we first saw the original concept back in October 2024, followed by more detailed renderings in March this year of what appeared to be a car that looked nearly production-ready. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bertone (@bertone_official) The original Runabout concept, traces back to 1969 and to Nuccio Bertone. This was of course, at the height of the wedge era of the 1960s and early ‘70s. The Runabout was a Gandini-era concept (widely considered the father of the wedge) based on modest mechanicals of the Autobianchi A112. While that car never entered production, it influenced an entire generation of mid-engine sports cars, including the likes of the original Lamborghini Countach, the Lancia Stratos HF, and several others, essentially laying the groundwork for modern-day supercar design for decades to come. The modern-day Runabout continues to follow Bertone’s Zero principle and uses just two defining lines. An L-shaped profile runs from the roll bar to the nose, forming a clear wedge, while a horizontal lower line adds a subtle nautical reference. Pop-up headlights are now integrated into the body rather than perched in rear nacelles like the 1969 concept. Other design highlights include a Coda Tronca tail, round taillights, an industrial-inspired engine cover, an aluminum fuel cap, and a front S duct, all of which are functional elements. Power comes from a mid-mounted, supercharged 3.5-liter V6 with 475 horsepower, paired to a close-ratio six-speed manual. Production will be capped at 25 units, across Riviera-friendly open-top Targa and Barchetta bodystyles. You can see the Bertone Runabout alongside the stunning mid-engine Bertone GB110 Arancio Zero at Rétromobile Paris in January. If you’re a classic and vintage car fan, get ready for the inaugural North American edition Rétromobile, as duPont REGISTRY Group will host the event in New York at the Javits Center in November, 2026. View All Supercars & Exotic Cars For Sale Images: Bertone

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 13, 2025

When One of America’s Best Car Collections Opens Its Door...

Join the fueled festivities to support a good cause! If you’ve spent any time around car people in Florida, you’ve probably heard whispers about the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne. It’s one of those places that sounds almost too good to be true, a massive private collection tucked away behind closed doors, only opened a handful of times each year. The museum spans more than 120,000 square feet and houses over 400 vehicles from the personal collection of Mark Pieloch, whose love for all things automotive back more than 40 years. Inside, you’ll find everything from classic American muscle of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s to modern marvels like a Ford GT, along with plenty of automotive memorabilia that helps tell the bigger story. Neon signs, antique gas pumps, motorcycles, pedal cars, and even vintage bicycles fill out the space and make it feel less like a warehouse and more like a living archive. The museum isn’t open to the public day to day, which is what makes its upcoming Space Coast Toy Drive and Car Show worth making the trip for. For the event, the team is working alongside Vetted Ventures, a company that focuses on private sales and acquisitions across a range of industries. The goal this holiday season is pretty simple: bring people together around cars and do some good for the local community in the process. And there’s no shortage of things to see while you’re there. The collection includes more than 50 Indianapolis 500 pace cars, over 50 Shelby models, and one of the most extensive Yenko collections in the world, with 29 cars representing every make and model ever produced. Add in more than 50 Porsches, including a handful of Porsche-Diesel tractors, and you get an idea of just how diverse the collection really is. The event itself runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to the public. Entry is straightforward: bring an unwrapped toy or pay $30 per person, and you’ll receive a wristband for access to the museum. All donations go directly to Candlelighters of Brevard, Space Coast Discovery, and Toys for Tots, helping local families during the holiday season. The car show is open to all makes and models, with gates opening at 9:30 a.m., and the rest of the day is meant to be easygoing. Expect food trucks, a DJ, local vendors, and plenty of time to walk the collection at your own pace. It’s a relaxed way to spend a few hours, surrounded by great cars, while supporting a cause. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coastal Auto Rally And Show (@coastalautorallyandshow) Sources: American Muscle Car Museum/Vetted Ventures

A large, colorful bird sculpture and Toys for Tots donations in boxes and piles are displayed outside a modern apartment building with palm trees.

By duPont REGISTRY – December 12, 2025

Driving Holiday Joy: Dimmitt Automotive Group’s Toys for ...

This holiday season, the automotive community comes together once again for a cause that goes far beyond the road. On Sunday, December 14, Dimmitt Automotive Group will host its annual Toys for Tots Exotic Car Rally, uniting exotic vehicles, charitable giving, and community spirit across the Tampa Bay area. Now celebrating its 101st year serving Florida’s Gulf Coast, Dimmitt remains a family-owned and operated business spanning four generations, with a long-standing commitment to giving back. This year, that commitment includes the donation of more than 100 bicycles and the collection of thousands of toys that will ultimately benefit children through the Salvation Army. All of Dimmitt’s business units are involved in the effort, bringing together both its Automotive and Powersports divisions in support of the mission. The rally also follows a milestone moment for the group, as Dimmitt was recently awarded a new Bentley Sarasota point, with the Sarasota location completing its Drive Event just one week prior. For those wishing to spectate, as the rally has reached maximum capacity for participants, the event begins at 9:00 a.m. at 3333 Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas Park. A curated procession of high-performance and exotic vehicles will depart for Marine Corps Headquarters in Midtown Tampa, the rally’s final destination. At its core, the event is about helping bring holiday joy to children in need. If you would like to donate directly to Toys for Tots, please click the button below. Visit ToysforTots.org Dimmitt Automotive Group Locations Clearwater25191 US Highway 19 NClearwater, FL St. Petersburg (Pinellas Park)3333 Gandy BoulevardPinellas Park, FL St. Petersburg3255 Gandy BoulevardPinellas Park, FL Wesley Chapel2500 Lajuana BoulevardWesley Chapel, FL Homosassa2431 S. Suncoast BoulevardHomosassa, FL Cycle Springs29703 US Highway 19 NClearwater, FL Sarasota Village Powersports1518 State StreetSarasota, FL

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