Fall 2025 Newsletter Volume 80
Fall 2025 Newsletter Volume 80
ABOUT MONTEREY CAR WEEK
Monterey Car Week is a tradition that’s been firing on all cylinders for many generations, only improving with time. Event organizers work hard to avoid overlap between gatherings that appeal to the same crowd, and for good reason, as there’s too much automotive brilliance to miss! As for the auctions themselves, entry fees can be quite reasonable, though free admission is rare. But even if you’re not planning to drop millions on a car, there’s plenty to appreciate. You’ll find a range of vehicles, not just the multimillion-dollar showstoppers. So whether you’re bidding or just browsing, Monterey Car Week offers plenty of automotive beauty to feast your eyes on without emptying your wallet.
The Automobilia Collectors Expo returned August 11-13, 2025, at Embassy Suites Monterey Bay with more scale and energy than ever before. What stood out this year was the debut of a Live Automobilia Auction more than 425 rare lots crossed the block on August 12, with previews available in the days leading up. Collectors found everything from vintage petroliana and original signage to motorsport literature, scale models, badges, rally plates, and other historic automobilia.
One of the memorable exhibits was the “No Reserve Porsche Collection,” which drew attention for letting bidders compete freely without minimum bids. Donald Osborne’s Tin Toy Collection was a crowd favorite, as well as Memorabilia from Laguna Seca that included original programs, photos, and signage. Vendors from both the U.S. and Europe increased in number, bringing quite a bit of variety across all price points; from affordable curiosities to museum-worthy rarities, there was truly something for everyone at this year's Automobilia Expo.
RM Sotheby’s returned to the Portola Hotel and Monterey Conference Center for its 28th Monterey sale. The auction brought together some of the world’s finest collector cars and generated a high level of interest from bidders around the globe. The total sales exceeded $165 million, with an 87 percent sell-through rate and participants from 46 countries.
Ferrari models dominated much of the spotlight. Leading the pack was the 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made” which sold for about $26,000,000 as a charity lot benefiting The Ferrari Foundation. That one car alone set a high bar and helped RM Sotheby’s post not only one of its most successful Monterey auctions ever, but also multiple world model records for cars like the F40, F50, and the LaFerrari. A 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto sold for over $11 million, an ex-Ralph Lauren owned 1995 Ferrari F50 received 9,245,000, which was well above its pre-sale estimate.
RM/Sotheby's auction displayed unusual and high profile cars, but also showed what collectors currently like. Newer Ferraris got a lot of attention, however older Pre-War cars, as well as those built for long road trips performed well. This indicates that collectors still value automotive history and authenticity.
Ferrari continued to dominate top sales, with a 1955 410 Sport Spider claiming the second spot with a $12.985 million sale. This legendary race car was driven by notable figures like Argentine racing driver Juan Manuel Fangiois who raced in Formula One competition and winner of 5 Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles and other accolades. The third highest sale was another Ferrari, this time a 1959 250 GT LWB California Spider, which sold for an impressive for $5.615 million.
Many other highly sought-after vehicles crossed the auction block, including notable Pre-war classics such as a 1934 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe that sold for $3.75 million. Modern hypercars were also impressive, with a 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport selling for $3.5 million!
Top 10 Sales at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2025:
2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made” – $26,000,000
1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto – $11,005,000
1995 Ferrari F50 (ex-Ralph Lauren) – $9,245,000
2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta – $6,715,000
1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster – $5,340,000
2015 Ferrari LaFerrari – $5,230,000
1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande – $4,405,000
1989 RUF CTR1 “Yellowbird” Lightweight – $4,295,000
1990 Ferrari F40 – $3,855,000
1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder by Sutton – $5,200,000
The 2025 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction continued to show its importance to car collectors. The auction performed very well, selling cars from many different years, makers, achieving high prices, drawing interest from people worldwide. This showed how much people love classic cars, and just how strong the market remains. This year’s sale featured everything from old, valuable models to today’s fastest sports cars.
Mecum’s Monterey 2025 auction took place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Del Monte Golf Course. The sale brought in a wide variety of collector and vintage automobiles as well as vintage motorcycles that attracted bidders from not only the United States, but abroad. The auction generated about $45 million in sales, with 6 cars hammering for over a million dollars each, with many more exceeding their estimates. Several German and British cars among the lots drew attention not only for their past pedigree, but for how well preserved or restored they were.
Some of the more significant models included a fully restored 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S (which topped the sale), 2 Mercedes-Benz 300SLs - a Gullwing and a Roadster, and several standout Porsches that were among the million dollar+ sales. Even in a crowded auction schedule, Mecum’s offerings delivered many moments of excitement.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO on display; it will be featured at Mecum's upcoming Kissimmee, FL Sale January 6-18, 2026.
Mecum's Top 10 Sales:
1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S – $1,980,000
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – $1,650,000
1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster – $1,485,000
1932 Duesenberg Model J Sweep Panel Dual Cowl Phaeton – $1,320,000
1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona NASCAR – $1,320,000
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight – $1,045,000
2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition – $891,000
2025 Ferrari SF90 Spider – $715,000
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series P One Edition – $682,000
2024 Porsche 911 S/T – $676,500
As with past sales, Mecum’s Monterey 2025 auction featured an eclectic mix of vehicles and great results! From rare European classics to iconic American muscle cars, the diversity of the offerings reflected a healthy and dynamic collector car market, reinforcing the Auction House's reputation for bringing together cars that appeal to not only seasoned collectors, but new collectors alike.
Broad Arrow’s Monterey auction returned to the Monterey Jet Center on August 13-14, 2025,
carrying with it high expectations and delivered some truly outstanding moments. The
two-day event was held at the Jet Center, where the sale offered an
impressive roster of collector cars ranging from modern supercars to
rare classics. The Auction house achieved approximately $57.4 million sales with an 80 percent sell-through rate in addition to world
record prices and a host of vehicles that exceeded sales estimates.
One of the most noteworthy results was a 2005 Maserati MC12 Stradale, which sold for $5,202,500, which set a new model record, becoming one of the select offerings of the sale. Also drawing attention were rare several hypercars as well as limited‐production supercars such as a 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR, which sold well above its expectations, along with numerous Porsches and other modern classics showing just how diverse the collector car market appetite is right now.
While top dollar results made the biggest headlines, there was diversity throughout Broad Arrow's catalog. Several mid estate cars as well as numbers-matching classics found new homes, with many selling within or just above pre-sale estimates. The overall competitive bidding and variety of cars was appreciated by spectators and collectors alike who admired not just the specific marque lots but the volume of of entries from vintage roadsters to European sports cars, hypercars resonated with attendees.
Broad Arrow’s Monterey Jet Center 2025 auction stood out as one of the more dynamic and record‐setting sales of Car Week. With a strong mix of marquee lots, world record prices, and vehicles with deep provenance, the event demonstrated that collector interest remains robust and diverse. For buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts, the sale delivered both thrilling headline numbers and a rich variety of vehicles that spoke to passion as much as investment.
Broad Arrow Auctions Top 10 Sales:
2005 Maserati MC12 Stradale – $5,202,500
1991 Ferrari F40 – (Price not disclosed publicly)
2008 Koenigsegg CCXR Targa – $3,222,500
1991 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer DLS – $2,645,000
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Coupe – $2,562,500
DBZ Centenary Collection – (Price not disclosed publicly)
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe – $1,902,500
1963 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso (former David Letterman ownership) – $1,622,000
1980 BMW M1 Procar Coupe – $1,600,000
1962 Shelby 260 Cobra Roadster – $1,545,000
This year marked one of the first major auction events since Gooding & Company officially merged with Christie’s. The deal, announced in late 2024, brought together Gooding’s strong collector-car auction brand with Christie’s global reach. At the 2025 Pebble Beach auctions held August 15-16, under the Gooding Christie’s name, the sale catalog included 153 lots and achieved an 85% sell-through rate. Total realized was about $128 million, making it one of the most significant results for the newly rebranded house.
Among the highlights of the sale: a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione for $25,305,000; a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione Series III; A 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Prototipo, and a rare 1952 Jaguar C-Type. While Ferrari sales seemed to dominate headlines, there was plenty of diversity to be found in the catalog. Sports and racing heritage models, limited edition Porsches, and classic Jaguars also made a splash. The overall sale was viewed as strong, especially when considering economic and classic car market headwinds. However the merger with Christie’s seems to have added a level of prestige to the newly merged brand without losing what collectors expect from Gooding’s detailed presentation of quality.
The 2025 Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach auction was a strong debut under the merged name, demonstrating that the combined strengths of Gooding & Co and Christie’s can deliver in both volume and headline-making sales. The record price for the Ferrari California Spider Competizione anchored a sale that appealed not only to longtime collectors but also to those seeking marquee cars with unmatched authenticity. While Ferraris dominated many of the top results, the standout sales of Jaguar, Aston Martin, and other blue-chip marques showed that the breadth of interest remains wide. For anyone watching collector car trends, this auction confirmed that rarity, history, presentation, and consistent quality remain the core drivers of demand.
Top 10 Sales at Gooding Christie's:
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione – $25,305,000
1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione Series III – $8,145,000
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $7,550,000
1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Prototipo – $7,265,000
1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta – $4,850,000
1990 Ferrari F40 – $3,800,000
1952 Jaguar C-Type – $3,635,000
1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT – $3,195,000
2021 RUF CTR Anniversary – $3,140,000
1994 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport Coupe – $2,755,000
Bonhams’ Cars Quail Auction at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel delivered strong results and high energy this year. It took place on August 15, 2025 during Monterey Car Week. The sale resulted in $44.7 million, with a 96% sell-through rate. Highlights of the sale included the Future Classics collection which included two dozen supercars offered without reserve. This group included headliners like a 2020 Bugatti Divo and other hypercars, proving to be a major bidder draw. Numerous top sales came from within this collection, which really underscored the appetite for modern performance machines in addition to many classic but older vehicles.
Spectators and bidders also showed strong interest in the mix of vintage, pre-war, and post-war classics outside the hypercar group. The older cars, rarer marques, and well-restored examples held their own, especially those with provenance and condition. While the big figures came from modern hypercars, many of the “everyday collector” lots saw competitive bidding, and most achieved or exceeded estimates.
(ALL BONHAMS PHOTOS COURTESY OF BONHAMS.COM)
The Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction was a powerful display of what the collector car market is embracing right now. Hypercars and modern supercars led the top sales, but classic machines still held their place and drew strong interest. This combination of new and old once again solidified that rare cars in great condition with provenance drive today's value in the market...and with an almost complete sell-through rate, Bonhams Quail Lodge Sale proved it remains one of the premier auctions of Monterey Car Week.
Top 10 Sales at Bonhams:
2020 Bugatti Divo – $8,557,500
2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport – $4,460,000
2021 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport – $3,965,000
2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster – $3,305,000
2022 Pagani Huayra R – $3,030,000
2022 Apollo Intensa Emozione “Ocean Dragon” – $3,442,500
2021 Koenigsegg Regera – $2,700,000
1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 – $1,765,000
1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT – $1,512,000
1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Mille Miglia Berlinetta – $687,000