Home25 stunning cars to buy at Monterey 2024

25 stunning cars to buy at Monterey 2024

The 2024 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction includes some of the most sought-after classics and amazing supercars ever created.

August 16, 2024

Priceless exotica heading to auction
© RM Sothebys
Monterey Car Week is here, and that means a host of collector car auctions taking place in the Californian city. One of the most prestigious is the RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, which this year features more than 200 lots.

The auction takes place at the Monterey Conference Center, with the first cars up for grabs on Thursday 15 August, continuing through to Saturday 17 August 2024.

Before the auction begins, join us for a look at some of the incredible cars waiting to cross the block.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
© RM Sothebys – Remi Dargegen
We begin with the car that has the largest pre-auction estimate at the RM Sotheby’s sale, and one of the highest at Monterey Car Week in 2024.

This is the very first 250 GT SWB California Spyder built by Ferrari, chosen to be displayed at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show. Its 3.0-liter V-12 engine was upgraded to competition specification, with a hardtop roof and covered headlights also included.

Still wearing its original colors, and with Ferrari Classiche certification, this is a hugely desirable classic car. As such, the guide price is between $16 million and $18 million.
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider
© RM Sothebys – Theodore Pieper
How about a unique Ferrari competition car, with bodywork designed by Sergio Scaglietti, and raced by Carroll Shelby? If that takes your fancy, then say ‘ciao’ to this 410 Sport Spider prototype.

Only four examples of the 410 S were made by Ferrari, with chassis 0592 essentially the development model. Its 5.0-liter V-12 helped propel Carroll Shelby to overall victory in the 1956 Palm Springs Road Races.

Restored in 2017, this car subsequently made an appearance at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. To acquire such a special piece of Ferrari history, RM Sotheby’s suggests a price in excess of $15 million.
1991 Ferrari F40
© RM Sothebys – Stephan Bauer
For a different take on a unique Ferrari, meet the ‘Minty Forty’. Although this Ferrari F40 started life wearing traditional Rosso Corsa red paint, a chain of events led to an eye-catching switch to mint green.

Following an accident in the 1990s, the F40 passed through several collectors until it was bought by the vendor in 2021. The original plan was to respray the F40 in red, but a decision was made to pay homage to the Verde Pallido Ferrari 250 GTO famously built for Stirling Moss.

Such has been the impression made by the Minty Forty, Ferrari has even licensed scale models of it to be made by Amalgam. To own this one-off 478 horsepower supercar, be prepared to pay between $1.9 million and $2.5 million.
1995 Ferrari F50
© RM Sothebys – Nathan Deremer
Ferrari’s successor to the F40 has taken longer to develop a similar level of acclaim, but the F50 is now recognized for the contemporary Formula One spirit it channeled.

Its 4.7-liter V-12 was related to the one used in Ferrari’s 1990 F1 car, developing 513 horsepower here. With the engine mounted directly to the carbon fiber monocoque chassis, plus a six-speed manual transmission, the F50 is a raw and visceral way to reach 202 mph.

The 47th of 349 examples made, this is also one of just 55 cars originally delivered to the United States. With Ferrari Classiche certification, the F50 comes with a pre-sale estimate of between $4.5 million and $5 million.
2015 Ferrari LaFerrari
© RM Sothebys – Josh Sweeney
Ferrari’s most recent flagship hypercar was also the first to use a Formula One-inspired hybrid powertrain. The LaFerrari combines a 6.3-liter V-12 with an electric motor, resulting in a total of 950 horsepower.

This allows the Ferrari to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 mph. This particular example was bought by its Californian owner with a custom specification, choosing Nero paintwork with matching alloy wheels.

For another alternative to the traditional red Ferrari, this LaFerrari has a guide price of between $3.6 million and $4 million.
2002 Ferrari F2001b
© RM Sothebys – Trevor Thompson
Opportunities to own a genuine race-winning Formula One car are rare, especially a Ferrari driven to victory by Michael Schumacher. This example was used in the 2002 F1 season, being used by the seven-time World Drivers’ Champion to win the Australian Grand Prix.

Schumacher also used this chassis to claim third in the Malaysian Grand Prix, having claimed Ferrari’s 150th pole position that same weekend. Later used for tire testing, the car subsequently passed into private ownership.

With fewer than 30 Michael Schumacher race-winning Ferraris in existence, this is a special opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history. It means a substantial pre-auction estimate of $8 million to $10 million.
2006 McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21
© RM Sothebys – Neil Fraser
The Monterey auction includes another piece of Formula One history: a McLaren-Mercedes that was one of the first tested by Lewis Hamilton.

It also happens to be the final McLaren designed by the legendary Adrian Newey – and the first to use the 750 horsepower Mercedes-Benz 2.4-liter V-8 engine.

Driven by Juan Pablo Montoya in the first three races of the 2006 Formula One season, it then became a test car. Recently restored by McLaren Racing Heritage, it could sell for between $2.8 million and $3.5 million.
2014 McLaren P1
© RM Sothebys – Darin Schnabel
This McLaren P1 is not for those who want to blend into the background. As chassis number 002, it represents the first production McLaren P1 of the 375 cars made that was offered to the public.

With a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing 717 horsepower, the P1 was equipped with a hybrid power system that added a further 176 horsepower. Sold with $109,000 of options added to its $1.15 million list price, the first owner of the P1 later returned the car to McLaren for an exterior makeover.

This included green-tinted exposed carbon fiber bodywork, matching the green alloy wheels and green interior detailing. For the greenest way to reach more than 217 mph, expect to pay between $1.95 million and $2.35 million.
1993 Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype
© RM Sothebys – Remi Dargegen
The reemergence of the Bugatti brand began in 1991, with the launch of the EB110. With a mid-mounted quad-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-12 engine and all-wheel drive, the EB110 GT was capable of reaching a top speed of 212 mph.

Bugatti then upped the ante with the EB110 SS, which pushed the engine’s output to 603 horsepower. Weight saving measures were also implemented for the Super Sport, which increased its top speed to 221 mph.

This is one of seven prototype versions of the EB110 Super Sport created for testing, and a publicity tour of Japan. Ahead of the auction, a guide price of $2.4 million to $2.8 million has been given.
2021 Bugatti Chiron Sport Noire
© RM Sothebys – Darin Schnabel
Bugatti may have announced the Tourbillon as its replacement for the Chiron hypercar, but that is unlikely to temper demand for this extreme machine. The Sport was Bugatti’s first Chiron variant, aimed at those who wanted to take 1,500 horsepower on-track.

Around 40 lb was shaved from the 4,400 lb curb weight, thanks to lightweight glass and even a carbon fiber windshield wiper. Performance remained unchanged, but a top speed of 261 mph was hardly an issue to begin with.

This car is one of 20 Sport Noire models, with matte carbon fiber bodywork and gloss black lightweight alloy wheels. Driven only 418 miles from new, this Bugatti could sell for $3.3 million to $3.8 million.
2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport
© RM Sothebys
A specially modified version of the Bugatti Chiron was used to set a world speed record, hitting a top speed of almost 305 mph in 2019.

Following a limited run of replica cars, Bugatti revealed the Chiron Super Sport in 2021, boasting the same elongated bodywork as the record-setting machine. However, top speed was limited to ‘only’ 273 mph for the 80 examples produced.

With a paltry 243 miles on its odometer, this Super Sport comes with a guide price of between $3.75 million and $4.25 million.
1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition
© RM Sothebys – Andrew Link
Already one of the most instantly recognizable supercars of the 1980s, the 25th Anniversary Edition of the Lamborghini Countach gave the car an even more extravagant look. It also improved the Countach’s overall driveability, making the V-12 supercar easier to live with.

This example comes in the desirable combination of white exterior paintwork with a red leather interior, and has been subject to a comprehensive mechanical restoration. The odometer shows just 1,481 miles.

To live the 1980s dream, expect to pay between $600,000 and $800,000.
1995 Lamborghini Diablo SE30
© RM Sothebys – Kevin Van Campenhout
Replacing the Countach was an obvious challenge for Lamborghini, but the Diablo proved a more usable and even faster supercar. Launched in 1990, it initially came with a 485 horsepower 5.7-liter V-12 engine.

The SE30 was revealed in 1993, acting as a 30th anniversary present to Lamborghini itself. All-wheel drive was ditched to send power solely to the rear axle, with the engine tuned to deliver 525 horsepower. Carbon fiber bodywork helped shave 300 lb from the total weight, too.

Only 150 examples were made, with this said to be the only one finished in Impact White paint with a dark gray Alcantara interior. Such rarity could help see a sale price of $650,000 to $850,000.
2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster
© RM Sothebys – Robin Adams
Continuing the theme of Lamborghini’s V-12-powered flagship models, the Murcielago was the brand’s first all-new supercar developed under Audi ownership. Revealed in 2001, this example is taken from the end of the Murcielago’s production run.

This means updated LP640 specification, with a 6.5-liter V-12 generating 640 horsepower. By this stage of Murcielago production, manual transmissions were becoming a rarity. In fact, this car is one of only eight Murcielago Roadsters delivered to North America with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Being the sole manual Murcielago Roadster painted in Oro Adonis also helps boost the desirability of this car, resulting in a guide price of between $1.25 million and $1.75 million.
1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.8
© RM Sothebys – Matthew Jones
When it comes to rarity, the 964 RSR 3.8 version of the Porsche 911 is one of the scarcest models ever. Only 51 examples were produced, intended to be used in global sports car competitions.

Porsche made use of a 911 Turbo bodyshell, but ditched the all-wheel drive system to ensure the RSR complied with motorsport regulations. A 3.8-liter air-cooled flat-six engine could produce up to 350 horsepower, with lightweight construction seeing the RSR weigh-in at 2,673 lb.

Sold to a Japanese collector from new, this RSR has never turned a wheel in competition. In fact, with only 25 miles on the odometer, it has barely turned a wheel at all. Accordingly, it comes with a pre-auction estimate of $1.25 million to $1.5 million.
1996 Porsche 911 GT2 Clubsport
© RM Sothebys – Simon Clay
Slightly more common than the previous Carrera RSR, but even more ferocious in its performance, the 993-generation GT2 was arguably the ultimate air-cooled Porsche 911.

With 424 horsepower from a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six, plus extensive weight saving, the 911 GT2 existed solely to homologate Porsche’s GT2 racing car. A total of 194 examples were made, with 33 of them in Clubsport specification.

Recently restored to concours standard, you can expect to pay between $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the peak of air-cooled performance.
2005 Porsche Carrera GT
© RM Sothebys – Darin Schnabel
Frequently described as the ‘final analog supercar’, the Porsche Carrera GT will forever be a legend. Fitting a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-10 engine and six-speed manual transmission into a lightweight monocoque chassis makes for an unforgettable driving experience.

Porsche produced 1,270 examples of the Carrera GT in total, with 644 delivered to the United States. This car is finished in trademark GT Silver Metallic, with an interior upholstered in Dark Grey and Cognac leather.

To enjoy one of the purest hypercar driving experiences, owning this Carrera GT will require somewhere between $1.25 million and $1.75 million.
2019 Porsche 935
© RM Sothebys – Jorge Guasso
The original Porsche 935 was created in the 1970s for use at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the 935/78 affectionately known as ‘Moby Dick’ due to its enormous whale tail spoiler.

In 2019, Porsche decided to pay tribute to the first 935, using the 992-generation 911 GT2 RS as a base. Bespoke bodywork was added, with a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six producing 700 horsepower. Inside, a wooden gear knob referenced multiple classic Porsches.

With a heritage-inspired livery, this is number 70 of the 77 examples built. Supplied with a spare set of BBS alloy wheels, and a replacement front splitter, this 935 could sell for $1.6 million to $1.8 million.
2020 Koenigsegg Regera
© RM Sothebys – Patrick Ernzen
The Koenigsegg Regera is an extreme hybrid-powered hypercar, offering a combined total of more than 1,700 horsepower. Some 1,000 of these horses come from a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine, with the remainder from the electric motors.

Around $500,000 was spent on options for this particular Regera, including $62,000 to have part of the exterior carbon fiber bodywork tinted with genuine gold flake. More gold has been used for the side stripes and interior detailing, too.

It led to this Regera being known as the ‘Golden Knight’ – one of only 85 examples of this special Swede created. In Monterey, it could achieve an auction price of between $2.75 million and $3.25 million.
1966 Shelby 427 SC Cobra
© RM Sothebys – Robin Adams
Only 29 examples of the S/C Cobra were produced by the Shelby factory. Widely regarded as the ultimate Shelby Cobra, S/C cars featured the 427-cubic inch V-8 engine and were intended to homologate the car for racing use. However, FIA inspectors were unhappy with the number of cars built, denying it competition approval.

As a result, only 29 S/C Cobras were released onto the streets, still wearing the same upgrades intended for race use. These included flared fenders, side exhausts and an external filler for the race-spec fuel tank.

This example has not been offered for sale in 25 years, and comes with a comprehensive history file. Accordingly, the auction price could reach between $2.75 million and $3.25 million.
1966 Shelby GT350 H
© RM Sothebys – Courtney Frisk
By contrast, this other kind of Shelby from 1966 represents something of a bargain at the RM Sotheby’s sale. A genuine example of the infamous Hertz ‘rent-a-racer’ Mustang, this car first entered service in Tucson, Arizona.

Although it has been subject to a full rotisserie restoration, the GT350 H retains its original 289-cubic inch V-8 and factory body panels. During the restoration process, period-correct red primer and even alignment chalk marks on the body panels were recreated.

With a guide price of $175,000 to $225,000, this really could be the fastest, and best-preserved, former rental car you can buy.
1993 Vector Avtech WX-3R Roadster Prototype
© RM Sothebys – Zach Brehl
California’s very own Vector pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation from the 1970s through to the 2000s. Intended to be a fighter jet on four wheels, Gerald Wiegert’s ambitions for Vector were always sky-high.

Following the success of the Vector W8, the company continued to evolve its design, with the WX-3R seen here revealed in 1992. A year later, Vector announced this roadster model at the Geneva Motor Show.

A twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-8 engine offers at least 626 horsepower, giving a claimed top speed in excess of 200 mph. This sole prototype remained the property of Gerald Wiegert until recently, and has received more than $100,000 in restoration work. It could sell for between $1.3 million and $1.5 million.
1996 Vector M12
© RM Sothebys – Zach Brehl
The M12 was the first car to emerge from Vector after it was taken over by Megatech. As the Indonesian company was also the owner of Lamborghini at the time, this led to the M12 making use of a modified Diablo chassis and 7.0-liter V-12 from the Italian marque.

Only 14 production examples were built between 1995 and 1999, with this being the fifth car made. It happens to be the only M12 finished in this neat purple paint, and shows around 6,100 miles on its odometer.

For a slice of Italian-American automotive history, expect to pay between $400,000 and $600,000.
2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition
© RM Sothebys – Robin Adams
Would it really be a Monterey Car Week auction without the inclusion of a first-generation Ford GT? The RM Sotheby’s sale has this Heritage Edition model crossing the block, coming with a guide price of between $550,000 and $650,000.

Finished in Heritage Blue with Epic Orange stripes, the color scheme was a deliberate nod to the original Gulf Oil-sponsored Ford GT40s. The supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine was left unchanged, still producing 550 horsepower and allowing for a top speed of 205 mph.

This example left the factory with the optional BBS alloy wheels and McIntosh sound system, and shows just 548 miles on its odometer.