The 2024 ModaMiami classic car event at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, was a dazzling showcase that not only celebrated the timeless elegance of classic automobiles but also underscored the luxurious backdrop of one of the most historic hotels in the U.S. This event brought together an exquisite collection of vintage vehicles, ranging from pre-war marvels to mid-century masterpieces, each car telling its own unique story of automotive heritage and design excellence. The Biltmore Hotel, with its magnificent Mediterranean Revival architecture and sprawling, manicured grounds, provided the perfect setting for this prestigious gathering, blending the grandeur of the past with the passion of classic car enthusiasts.

ModaMiami unfolded from February 29 to March 3 at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. This extraordinary event showcased an impressive collection valued at over $80 million, featuring classic cars, hypercars, luxury watches, and more. Orchestrated by Moda Events and RM Sotheby's, ModaMiami has already established itself as a landmark event in Miami's vibrant social scene, offering not just various auctions but also world-class cuisine and entertainment to its attendees.

A highlight of ModaMiami was the two-day auction conducted by RM Sotheby’s on March 1 and 2, which presented a breathtaking assortment of vehicles covering over a century of automotive innovation, from 1911 to 2023. Star attractions included a 1967 Ferrari 365 California Spyder by Pininfarina and a 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe by Vignale, both celebrated for their significant return to the US public market after an absence of more than a decade. The event's prestige was further amplified by the auction of a rare 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe by Murphy.

In total, RM Sotheby’s brought to the fore an exceptional lineup of 119 vehicles for the auction, encompassing motorcycles from as far back as 1911 and cars spanning 96 years. This carefully curated selection emphasized RM Sotheby’s commitment to presenting a range of vehicles as diverse and remarkable as the event’s showfield itself. The auction featured everything from the evolution of BMW's M series to modern marvels like a 2018 Bugatti Chiron, valued between $3.2 and $3.8 million. Additionally, it showcased a variety of Porsche 911 restomods from acclaimed builders such as Singer, RUF, and Gunther Werks, with estimates for these vehicles ranging from $950,000 to $1,800,000, ensuring the event appealed to a broad spectrum of automotive enthusiasts.

The Inagural 2024 Event Recap:

The ModaMiami event at the iconic Biltmore Hotel showcased an impressive array of around 150 classic automobiles, with an additional selection of RM Sotheby’s auction cars on display. Sunday’s lineup expanded dramatically, welcoming an additional 100 supercars and hypercars to the mix, perfectly capturing the extravagant spirit of Miami. The quality on display was unparalleled, featuring several rarities seldom seen in the concours circuit. Highlights included Harry Yeaggy’s authentic Goldfinger movie Aston Martin DB5, complete with James Bond’s gadgets; Anne Brockinton Lee’s eye-catching Duesenberg Model SJ ‘Fishtail’ Speedster; Roberto Quiroz’s exclusive Ferrari 365 P ‘Tre Posti’ Berlinetta Speciale; the Triple F Collection’s McLaren Solus GT; and the Mercedes Heritage’s Juan Manuel Fangio W196 R grand prix car, specially transported from Germany for the event.

The vehicles were meticulously categorized into 20 classes, with the Shelby 101 class drawing particular attention, showcasing an array of Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, Sunbeam Tigers, and even a Shelby-modified Toyota 2000GT race car. Other notable classes celebrated 70 ye ars of the 300 SL Gullwing, 60 years each of Lamborghini and Porsche 911, Ferrari racing models, and more. The most prestigious category featured The Winner’s Circle, a collection of eight former Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show winners, initially dispersed across the field but later consolidated for better appreciation on Sunday.

The auction segment of the event, traditionally held at Amelia Island, took place on Friday and Saturday in a space that was snug yet bustling, hinting at the need for a larger venue in the future to accommodate the growing interest. The event also featured appearances by automotive luminaries like Magnus Walker and Ricardo Juncos, and was punctuated by a lavish Concours de Nuit party, highlighted by a performance from the Aqualillies synchronized swimming team.

The crescendo of the event was on Sunday, with the addition of 100 supercars and hypercars elevating the atmosphere. The day was dedicated to award presentations, with peer-based voting determining the winners. The People’s Choice Award was bestowed upon a revered 1998 McLaren F1 LM-Specification from a private collection, while the Participant’s Award for Best of Show Field, as voted by the entrants, honored Harry Yeaggy’s 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Mormon Meteor, wrapping up a weekend of automotive excellence and camaraderie.

TOP 10 Results from the ModaMiami auction:

1) 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe by Vignale – $4,295,000
2) 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe by Murphy – $3,855,000
3) 1990 Ferrari F40 – $3,360,000
4) 2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport ‘Sang Bleu’ – $3,085,000
5) 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – $2,260,000
6) 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen – $2,205,000
7) 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 – $2,205,000
8) 2005 Porsche Carrera GT – $1,721,000
9) 1998 RUF Turbo R – $1,517,500
10) 2017 Ferrari F12tdf – $1,242,500

About the Biltmore Hotel and Coral Gables, Florida

Tucked away in the lush, Mediterranean-inspired landscape of Coral Gables, Florida, the Biltmore Hotel stands as a grand testament to the opulence and vision of the 1920s, a period that also gave rise to some of the most iconic classic cars. This historic hotel, with its stunning architecture and rich heritage, offers a fascinating parallel to the world of classic automobiles, both epitomizing the pinnacle of design, luxury, and craftsmanship of their time. For enthusiasts of vintage vehicles, the Biltmore is not just a hotel—it's a monument to the golden age of automotive and architectural elegance.

Coral Gables, known as "The City Beautiful," was conceived by George Merrick during the Florida land boom of the 1920s as a meticulously planned community, boasting broad, tree-lined avenues, lush green spaces, and Mediterranean Revival style buildings. The city itself is a masterpiece of urban planning and beauty, mirroring the same commitment to aesthetic perfection and innovation found in the classic cars of the era. The Biltmore Hotel, a centerpiece of this vision, quickly became a symbol of luxury and sophistication, attracting celebrities, politicians, and socialites from around the world. Its history is a vivid snapshot of American optimism and grandeur, making it a fitting locale for gatherings of classic car aficionados who appreciate the stories and history behind their collections.

Today, the Biltmore Hotel continues to flourish as a premier luxury destination, offering guests a slice of historical opulence with modern amenities. It serves as a cultural and social hub in Coral Gables, hosting a variety of events from elegant weddings to prestigious golf tournaments on its Donald Ross-designed course. For classic car enthusiasts, the hotel and its surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for showcasing their prized possessions. The Biltmore's sprawling grounds and magnificent façade make it a popular choice for car shows, photo shoots, and rallies. Enthusiasts gather here to share their passion, showcasing vehicles that, much like the hotel itself, represent the zenith of design and engineering.

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables offers a rich narrative that intersects with the history and beauty of classic automobiles. The parallels between the architectural grandeur of the Biltmore and the aesthetic and mechanical excellence of vintage cars are undeniable. Both stand as enduring icons of their respective crafts, embodying a time when beauty and innovation were paramount. The Biltmore is not just a venue for car enthusiasts to gather; it's a symbol of the timeless appeal and craftsmanship that classic cars and historic landmarks share. As we admire the curves of a 1920s roadster or the intricate details of the Biltmore's façade, we're reminded of a bygone era of elegance and sophistication that continues to inspire and captivate the imagination.