Presented by Mecum Auctions.
There are quite a few absolutely marvelous and rare vehicles set to headline the Monterey Car Week Daytime Auction: Mecum Monterey 2022, which marks the return of the world’s largest collector car auction company to the Del Monte Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa in Monterey, California, this Aug. 18-20. An estimated 600 classic and collector vehicles are expected to cross the auction block in total, along with approximately 100 vintage and antique motorcycles, and live coverage of the event will be broadcast by MotorTrendTV. Below is just a taste of some of the remarkable vehicles that will be crossing the block.
2022 McLaren Elva Roadster
This 2022 McLaren Elva may be the purest expression of McLaren’s design language yet to greet the open road, a thoroughbred machine whose roots can be found in the original Bruce McLaren-designed, Elva-built M1A, M1B and M1C, cars that redefined the very concept of open-cockpit sports racers by combining the simplicity of design with revolutionary aerodynamics and abundant horsepower. Like those first cars to bear the McLaren name, the lightweight, open-roofed, midengined 2022 McLaren Elva delivers an intoxicating driving experience of exceptional purity.
1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary
One of only 657 produced, this 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition may be the most well-preserved of them all, having been driven just 157 kilometers, according to its metric odometer. That translates into a mere 98 miles, a number that suggests monumental restraint on the part of its original owner. The successor to the ground-breaking Miura, the Countach was also arguably its antithesis, even though both cars were designed by Bertone’s styling genius, Marcello Gandini. In fact, it was the Countach’s startling appearance as it came together in Bertone’s facility that so aroused an employee seeing it for the first time to exclaim the Piedmontese slang expression of astonishment, and the name stuck.
2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Legend Edition
Showing just 1,185 miles, this stunning example is one of only three Jean-Pierre Wimille Edition cars produced, replete with numerous enhancements emulating the iconic presence of the champion driver’s 1937 Le Mans-winning Bugatti Type 57G “Tank.” Beginning with its Bleu Wimille paint finish and Dark Blue visible carbon fiber accents, exterior highlights include a Le Mans circuit motif in silver to the lower surface of the Veyron’s power-adjustable rear spoiler, Dark Blue visible carbon fiber for the rear storage-compartment lid and Jean-Pierre Wimille’s signature laser-engraved onto the Dark Blue fuel and oil filler caps. Interior enhancements include Wimille’s signature embroidered on the seat headrests, the “Les Légendes de Bugatti” series interior door logo and a Le Mans circuit logo etched on the central “waterfall” between the seats.
2022 McLaren Speedtail
A thrilling offering with 728 actual miles, this 2020 McLaren Speedtail is Car No. 91 of the total worldwide production of 106 examples. Finished in MSO-defined Heritage Graphite complemented by exterior brightwork in Galvanic Grey, this Speedtail features a visually stunning semi-aniline leather interior trimmed in McLaren Orange and black. Accents are many, including carbon fiber trim, bespoke stitching including the headrests, bespoke painted edges, a titanium vehicle-dedication plate, McLaren sill plate decals and enameled aluminum badging. Fine details include the McLaren Orange-finished brake calipers, Stealth titanium-finish exhaust tips, MSO finish lightweight wheels, carbon fiber front wheel covers and Pirelli P-Zero extreme-performance tires. Benefiting from factory-authorized McLaren service completed in February 2022, Speedtail No. 91 even comes with a serialized 3D-printed Snap-On titanium tool kit.
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Owned By Paul Walker
While he owned many collector cars, there seemed to be a special place in both Paul Walker’s heart and his collection for Germany’s finest machines, and this 911 Carrera RS 2.7—Chassis No. 9113600901—is emblematic of the type of car that stirred Walker to his very core. In fact, Walker recounted the story of purchasing the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 to Jay Leno during an airing of “The Tonight Show” in 2011. In that interview, Leno referred to Walker as a “car guy.” The excitement in Walker’s voice was palpable throughout their discussion, and there is no doubt that he was particularly enthused by this very special Porsche.