We pick 22 highlights from the Arizona 2025 sale

Get ready for the start of the 2025 auction season

The Arizona auctions mark the start of the annual collector car season, with the RM Sotheby’s sale taking place this weekend.

Crossing the block at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix will be a wealth of iconic American classics and modern supercars, plus almost everything in-between.

Ahead of the auction on Friday 24 January, we have chosen some of the highlights up for sale.

1957 Buick Century Caballero Estate

Could there be a more stylish station wagon from the 1950s than the Buick Century Caballero? Produced for just two model years between 1957 and 1958, with its pillarless doors and muscular lines, the Caballero is a truly stunning estate.

This car has received custom touches such as a two-tone paint scheme and shaved door handles, along with a lowered stance. Air conditioning has been added, with the engine upgraded to a 401-cubic inch Nailhead V-8.

Restored in 2012, the Caballero comes with a guide price of between $125,000 and $175,000. It certainly makes for a cooler way to transport six people than a new SUV.

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

To truly get into the spirit of Arizona auction season, the RM Sotheby’s sale has an example of the most expensive American automobile of its time. Just 304 Cadillac Eldorado Broughams were made for the 1958 model year, making this a genuinely rare version of the flagship Caddy.

Costing more than $13,000 when new, this Brougham is powered by the 335 hp Tri-Power version of the 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine. Said to have been well preserved, this Brougham has received a fresh paint job in its original shade of Lake Placid Blue. The air suspension has also been swapped for a more reliable coil spring setup.

The Cadillac even comes with a full Brougham vanity kit, which includes magnetized cocktail tumblers and a notepad with a Cross silver pencil. As such, it could sell for $125,000 to $175,000.

1951 Mercury Eight Coupe

Made between 1949 and 1951, the third-generation Mercury Eight Coupe has cemented itself into custom car culture. There is a good reason that a modified version holds a place on the National Historic Vehicle Register.

This Mercury has its door handles shaved, along with the fuel filler moved inside the trunk. Adjustable shocks have made the Mercury lower tothe ground, and there are Cadillac hub caps with whitewall tires.

Offenhauser heads have been added to the V-8 engine, with new electric fans to provide extra cooling. Such attention to detail results in a guide price of $200,000 to $250,000.

1964 Chevrolet C2 Corvette Sting Ray Convertible

For the second year of C2 Corvette production, Chevrolet made only minor changes to a successful recipe. Simulated air intakes were eliminated from the hood, with the color-coded steering wheel swapped for a walnut item.

Subject to a detailed restoration, this Corvette wears a fresh coat of Riverside Red paintwork, matched with a red vinyl interior. Highlights for this car include an NCRS Top Flight Award and Performance Verification Award in 2013, followed by Bloomington Gold certification in 2014.

With such an impressive color combination, combined with its restored condition, the Corvette could sell for between $150,000 and $200,000.

1968 Chevrolet C3 Corvette Stingray L88 Convertible

Even in the long history of the Corvette, there are certain models that stand out as more special than others. These include the L88-powered version of the C3 Corvette, produced between 1967 and 1969.

Essentially a homologation experiment for motorsport use, the L88 427-cubic-inch big-block V-8 required 103-octane race fuel, and was rumored to produce 550 hp. Heavy-duty brakes, upgraded suspension, and a Positraction differential were part of the package.

Only 20 L88-powered Corvette Convertibles were made for 1968, with this car finished in British Green over a Saddle Tan interior. With extensive provenance, this hugely important Corvette comes with a big guide price of $300,000 to $375,000.

1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA 50th Anniversary

When it comes to Shelby Cobra history, 1964 was a standout year, seeing victories at the Targa Florio, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy.

To commemorate an important year, 50 models were produced as part of the Shelby Continuation series, including this particular car. Painted in Viking Blue – as offered in 1964 – power comes from a 363-cubic inch V-8 with more than 500 hp.

With just 29 miles recorded on its odometer, this reborn classic is expected to achieve between $200,000 and $250,000.

2007 Saleen S7 LM

A key part of American sports car history, the Saleen S7 is one of the most extreme supercars ever created. With a bespoke carbon fiber chassis and a mid-mounted V-8 engine, the Saleen S7 also proved to be a dominant race car.

Announced in 2017, the LM version celebrated the S7’s extensive motorsport success. Existing owners were selected to submit their S7 for conversion to LM spec, seeing the 7.0-liter V-8 receive twin turbochargers for an incredible output of more than 1,000 hp.

Refined aerodynamics allowed for a potential top speed of 240 mph, too.

As just one of three S7 LM models completed by Saleen, a guide price of $900,000 to $1,100,000 is easy to comprehend.

2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

The Shelby GT500 name returned to the Ford lineup in 2007, following an absence of more than 35 years. With power supplied by a slightly detuned version of the supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 found in the Ford GT, the new GT500 became the most powerful street-legal Mustang thus far.

An output of 500 hp made for serious performance, and was matched by a new front splitter, larger rear spoiler, and machined alloy wheels. This car, taken from the 2008 model year, is finished in Ford Grabber Orange with a black soft-top roof.

A one-owner car until 2023, only 1,089 miles have been recorded from new. In such well-preserved condition, it could sell for between $45,000 and $65,000.

1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440

Being offered for sale for the first time since 1973, this is seemingly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this particular Plymouth Road Runner. Unlike many of the stripped-down muscle cars of the time, this fast bird comes with a host of options.

Along with the 440-cubic inch V-8 engine and four-speed manual transmission, this Road Runner has a black vinyl roof, premium vinyl seats, and an eight-track tape player. This is all topped by the stunning In-Violet High Impact paint color.

Owned by the same family since 1973, more than 100 pages of restoration invoices are included. Grab a slice of history for $80,000 to $100,000.

1970 Iso Grifo 7-Litri Series I

Intended to compete with Ferraris and Maseratis of the time, the Iso Grifo combined Italian styling with big-block all-American performance. This particular car is said to be the very last 7-Litri Series I version of the Iso Grifo made.

First sold to an owner in Sweden, the Grifo comes with air conditioning, Series II wheels, and a ZF five-speed manual transmission. Power is supplied by a 427-cubic inch Chevrolet V-8 with 435 hp, offering a claimed top speed of 186 mph.

Comprehensively restored in 2023, being such a rare car has added to the guide price of between $550,000 and $600,000.

1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Fuorilegge by Thornley Kelham

UK-based Thornley Kelham is renowned for its restomod vehicles, which range from Jaguars to Porsches. However, its take on the beautiful Lancia Aurelia is the most heart-stopping model.

Thornley Kelham took the regular Aurelia B20 body, then modified it to reflect how motorsport versions would have looked in-period. Other changes include having the engine bored to displace 2.8 liters, with further upgrades taking the output to 175 hp.

Painted in Metallic Teal, with a matching teal interior, this is the fourth Aurelia restomod completed by Thornley Kelham. To own this hot rod Lancia, budget on requiring $600,000 to $800,000.

1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta TdF

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this 1958 Ferrari 250 GT ‘Tour de France’ is the car with the largest guide price ahead of the RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction. With the potential to achieve between $3,500,000 and $4,500,000, this is a very special Ferrari.

It represents one of only 28 Tour de France models built with covered headlights. Powered by a 3.0-litre Colombo V-12 engine, this particular car was used in the first round of the 1960 World Sportscar Championship. Notably, it finished in third place in its class.

Wearing a unique combination of Oro Chiaro paintwork with Bordeaux leather, the Tour de France has been well preserved throughout its illustrious life.

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

The Ferrari Dino 246 GT has become a popular model for car collectors, thanks to its combination of delicate looks and an iconic badge. First delivered to Nevada, this particular Dino came with air conditioning, power windows, and the standard Cromodora wheels.

Originally painted in Blu Dino Metallizzato with a Beige Connolly leather interior, the Dino was changed to its current red color in the 1990s. The 2.4-liter V-6 engine is unaltered, though.

Regarded as one of the prettiest Ferraris ever made, this mid-engined marvel could sell for between $375,000 and $425,000.

1995 Ferrari 512 M

As the final incarnation of the Testarossa, the Ferrari F512 M is arguably the ultimate version of the flat-12 powered sports car. Only 501 examples were produced between 1994 and 1996.

Originally delivered to Florida, the surviving window sticker confirms this car’s specification of red paintwork with a tan leather interior. Climate control air-con, a five-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential were all included in the specification.

The star of the show is the 4.9-liter flat-12 engine, with its 434 hp output. Subject to a substantial overhaul in late 2024, the F512 M comes with a $425,000 to $500,000 guide price.

1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Atalante

When it comes to pre-war vintage grand tourers, the Bugatti Type 57 is one of the most significant. Between 1934 and 1940, some 701 examples were produced by the famous French marque.

The Atalante was a coachbuilt two-door coupe model – and this is the ultra-desirable supercharged Type 57 C. When ordered by its first owner, Bugatti had actually stopped building the Atalante. This meant coachbuilders Gangloff made this car to special order.

In recent years, this Bugatti has graced the halls of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. In well-preserved condition, a price tag of $1,750,000 to $2,500,000 reflects the importance of this car.

2019 McLaren Senna

Unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the McLaren Senna was a tribute to one of the world’s greatest racing drivers. The legend of Ayrton Senna inspired McLaren to build its most extreme, track-ready supercar.

The carbon fiber chassis had a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 mounted in the middle, with 789 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Capable of reaching a top speed of 208 mph, the Sennacan also generate 1,764 lb of downforce at 155 mph.

First delivered to Beverly Hills, this is the 64th of 500 Senna models made. Painted in Mira Orange with Burton Blue accents, more than $50,000 was spent on options. These included Gorilla Glass for the inset door windows, plus a Bowers & Wilkins seven-speaker audio system.

The Senna could make between $1,100,000 and $1,200,000 when offered for sale in Arizona.

2020 McLaren Senna GTR

For an even more extreme take on the McLaren Senna, the British manufacturer created the GTR version. Limited to 75 examples, and not legal for road use, the Senna GTR is radical even by modern supercar standards.

The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 was boosted to 814 hp, with downforce at 155 mph upped even further to 2,205 lb. With the rear wing acting as an air brake, the Senna GTR can generate 3.0 g of stopping power.

An 833 hp Senna GTR LM engine has been earmarked for this car, meaning it could become even more extreme. For this Senna, reckon on upping your budget to between $1,100,000 and $1,300,000.

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Arguably the first modern supercar, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a major attraction at any auction. Derived from the W194 endurance racer, the 300 SL Gullwing was a halo model for the Mercedes-Benz marque in the United States.

Originally owned by a member of the US military based in Germany, this Gullwing came equipped with sports suspension, an upgraded 3.0-liter engine, and the desirable Rudge wheels. Painted red from the factory, this car’s silver paint was applied later, when it reached the United States.

Restored by 300 SL specialist Rudi Koniczek, this 162 mph supercar has a guide price of between $1,600,000 and $2,000,000.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

The RM Sotheby’s auction also includes a modern take on the classic gullwing design: a Black Series version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Inspired by the GT3 racing version of the SLS AMG, the Black Series brought a huge carbon fiber rear wing to the party, along with other aerodynamic add-ons. However, the biggest change was for the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, with outputs increased to 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque.

Painted in black with a black interior, this SLS has covered less than 500 miles from new. A guide price of $750,000 to $850,000 seems almost a bargain for a car capable of 196 mph.

1995 Porsche 911 Remastered by Gunther Werks

California’s Gunther Werks has become one of the go-to companies for those who want a restored and modified Porsche 911. The Remastered by Gunther Werks series takes 993-generation examples of the classic sports car to create truly bespoke cars.

Known as the “Rennsport Aventura” commission, this is one of 25 examples based on the 993-generation 911 Carrera. Highlights include a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that produces 435 hp – and is connected to a six-speed manual transmission.

The bespoke carbon fiber bodywork is matched by an equally extravagant interior, which saw a final build price of $778,888. It seems to have been a worthwhile investment, however, with the Gunther Werks car expected to achieve between $900,000 and $1,100,000.

1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6

For those who prefer an unmodified version of a 1990s Porsche 911, the RM Sotheby’s auction includes this 964-generation Turbo model. Compared to the Gunther Werks car, it is also relatively affordable, with a pre-auction estimate of $415,000 to $500,000.

A unique special-order in Grand Prix White with a Porsche Exclusive gray leather interior, the Turbo also comes with 18-inch Speedline RS Cup alloy wheels, an Alpine radio, and an electric sunroof.

The 3.6-liter turbocharged flat-six engine is the major attraction, though, with its mighty 360 hp output. Accompanying this car will be a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

1984 Audi Sport Quattro

Affectionately known as “The F40 Killer”, the Audi Sport Quattro was a homologation special capable of taking on Ferrari’s finest. Built to allow Audi to push the limits of Group B rallying rules, only 164 road-going examples of the Sport Quattro were made.

Federalized for use in the United States, this Sport Quattro features a 2.1-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder enhanced by a host of upgrades. Dynamometer readings suggest an output of 435 hp and 342 lb-ft of torque.

Used extensively in motorsport throughout the USA, this car’s nickname comes from when it set a course record at the Ferrari Club of America’s famous 5.2-mile Virginia City Hill Climb.

Offered directly from single-family ownership, this infamous Audi could sell for between $375,000 and $475,000.