Horsepower heroes up for auction in Monterey THIS WEEKEND

California dreaming of star collector cars

With Monterey Car Week now underway, the collector car action continues with the renowned RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale.

Being held at the Monterey Conference Center on Friday 15 August and Saturday 16 August 2025, the RM Sotheby’s auction includes a host of exquisite Ferraris, super-rare muscle cars and much more besides.

Before the auction begins, we have taken a look at 21 highlights from the extensive sale catalogue.

1992 Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40 remains one of the Italian marque’s most famous creations, taking the poignant title of being the final car signed off by Enzo Ferrari himself.

With a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 producing 471 horsepower, plus a lightweight body made of carbon fiber and Kevlar, it could reach a top speed of almost 200 mph.

Enthusiasts will note that this F40 is not wearing the standard Rosso Corsa hue, having been repainted in stunning Azzurro Hyperion blue. Now known as the “Blue Chip F40”, the Ferrari also has an enhanced LM-specification gearbox, larger turbochargers, and a Tubi exhaust.

These enhancements, and the unique color scheme, have given the F40 a pre-auction guide price of $2,500,000 to $2,800,000.

1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto

Developed primarily as a road car, the F40 later transformed into a sports car racer, with specialists Michelotto given Ferrari’s blessing to complete the transformation. Given the F40’s low curb weight, focus was placed upon extracting even more power from the twin-turbo V-8 engine.

Just 19 F40 LM models were made, with this the 14th car completed. Made in the more powerful European GTC specification, it means the V-8 offers up an incredible 760 horsepower.

Originally delivered to a Swiss collector, the F40 LM was displayed throughout Europe, later coming to the United States. With Ferrari Classiche certification, it could sell for between $8,500,000 and $9,500,000.

1995 Ferrari F50

A follow-up to the F40, Ferrari revealed the F1-inspired F50 to coincide with its 50th anniversary. Power came from a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V-12, which originally began life in Ferrari’s Formula One cars. With 513 horsepower, it allowed the F50 to reach a top speed of 202 mph.

Only 349 examples of the F50 were made, with just 55 coming to the USA. This Giallo Modena car is perhaps the most famous of them all, having first been purchased by fashion magnate, Ralph Lauren.

Owned by Lauren until 2003, it has remained with the current vendor ever since. Only lightly used, its illustrious provenance leads to a guide price of $6,500,000 to $7,500,000.

2011 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype M4

Here is a chance to own a genuine piece of Ferrari history: one of the prototype test cars used in the development of the LaFerrari.

The first phase of testing saw the LaFerrari’s hybrid-assisted V-12 engine mounted in a modified version of a Ferrari 458 Italia sports car. Bespoke bodywork finished in matte black was added to accommodate the one-off engine.

Offered to Ferrari’s most important customers, Prototype M4 cannot be used on the road, or at public race tracks. However, as such an important curio, it could still sell for between $900,000 and $1,200,000.

2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

The RM Sotheby’s sale also includes two examples of the finished LaFerrari, including the rarer open-top Aperta version. Just 210 cars were completed, all sold in advance to existing LaFerrari coupe owners before a public debut.

Ferrari made detailed aerodynamic changes to the Aperta, ensuring its occupants could enjoy the full power and soundtrack of the 949 horsepower V-12 engine and KERS hybrid system.

Finished in Nero Daytona metallic paint with Rosso racing stripes, this LaFerrari has spent its life in California. Sold with both carbon fiber hard-top and canvas soft-top roofs, a guide price of $6,000,000 to $7,000,000 has been set.

2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made

The Daytona SP3 is the latest in Ferrari’s limited-run “Icona” series, paying homage to the classic 330 P4 race car. Production of the SP3 was capped at 599 units, but Ferrari made this extra example to be auctioned for charity.

Developed and assembled by Ferrari’s Tailor Made customization team, the SP3 wears a unique livery of yellow paint and exposed carbon fiber. Ferrari script runs the full length of the exterior. The cabin is upholstered in Q-Cycle fabric, made from recycled tires.

With all other Daytona SP3s now sold, this is an opportunity to own a unique example, and also to raise money for good causes. Expect the winning bid to be in excess of $3,500,000 for this special car.

1989 RUF CTR1 Redbird Lightweight

German sports car company RUF made global headlines in 1987 with its CTR “Yellowbird”, capable of achieving a top speed of more than 210 mph. Only 29 cars were made and just six, including this example, were in Lightweight specification.

This saw the use of aluminum body panels and a stripped-out interior, matched with the 469 horsepower turbocharged flat-six engine. The original owner of this car picked the paint-to-sample Bordeaux Red color, resulting in the “Redbird” nickname.

Built in 1989, Redbird resided with RUF until 2005, often used as personal transport by company chairman, Alois Ruf. Imported to the USA in 2021, the rare specification means a guide price of between $4,500,000 and $5,000,000.

2021 RUF CTR Anniversary

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original CTR, RUF announced a special-edition model at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show. The CTR Anniversary features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, an integrated roll cage and pushrod suspension with active adjustable dampers.

A 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine delivers 710 horsepower to the rear wheels, channeled through a seven-speed manual transmission. Accelerating from 0-60 mph takes less than 3.5 seconds, with a 224 mph top speed.

RUF capped production at 50 cars, with this being number 25. Painted paint-to-sample Riviera Blue, it comes with a black buffalo leather interior and alloy wheels in Matte Titanium.

Bids of between $2,800,000 and $3,400,000 should secure this celebratory sports car.

1988 Porsche 911 TAG Turbo by Lanzante

During the 1980s, TAG-Porsche engines were used by the McLaren Formula One team to claim multiple World Championships. Now, UK-based sports car specialist Lanzante has placed the 1.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine into a classic Porsche 911 Turbo.

Producing 510 horsepower, the TAG V-6 in this particular car was used by Alain Prost at the 1986 German Grand Prix and 1987 Hungarian and Japanese Grands Prix. Lanzante has replaced the exterior bodywork with carbon fiber panels, painted in distinctive Mintgrün.

With only 11 examples of the 911 TAG Turbo made by Lanzante, plus its incredible engine provenance, a guide price of $1,800,000 to $2,100,000 should come as no surprise.

1968 Porsche 911 R

Early in its production life, Porsche employee Rolf Wütherich outlined a way to turn the rear-engined sports car into an effective GT racer. Using the 911 S as a base, the resulting 911 R weighed less than 1,800 lb.

Combined with a 210 horsepower version of the engine used in 906 racer, the completed 911 R packed a serious punch. However, homologation rules required 500 cars to be made, but Porsche pulled the plug after building just 20 examples.

Raced and rallied throughout Europe, and restored during the 2010s, this 911 R is an important part of Porsche history. Being so rare, and so significant, it comes with a pre-auction estimate of $2,500,000 to $3,000,000.

1968 Alfa Romeo T33-2 Daytona

The RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale includes a host of classic Alfa Romeos: The Quadrifoglio Collection. A clear star from the selection of Alfas is one of the 10 surviving T33/2 Daytonas, equipped with a 2.5-liter V-8 engine.

Chassis 015 made its racing debut at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona, driven by Lucien Bianchi and the legendary Mario Andretti to a fifth-in-class finish. It also competed on the Targa Florio, and was entered into the 1969 Monza 1000 KM and Spa 1000 KM races.

Later shipped to Angola in Africa, it moved to the United States in the 2000s. With more than $115,000 spent on engine work in recent years, a guide price of $1,700,000 to $2,000,000 has been set for the rare Alfa.

1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone

Frequently regarded as the starting point for modern mid-engined supercars, the Lamborghini Miura combined performance with stunning beauty. It has remained at highlight at collector car auctions for decades, explaining the $2,000,000 to $2,500,000 guide price here.

This is the 39th Miura made, and one of the desirable first 125 cars made with thinner steel. Retaining its original engine means a 3.9-liter V-12 with 350 horsepower, and the ability to reach more than 170 mph.

More than $700,000 was spent restoring on this Miura between 2015 and 2017, and has gone on to win multiple Best of Show awards at the Concorso Italiano.

2000 Lamborghini Diablo GT

Unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Auto Show, the Lamborghini Diablo GT was inspired by the Italian marque’s GT2 racing model. Limited to 80 cars, the Diablo GT featured an aggressive new front bumper, large rear diffuser, and even a roof-mounted air intake.

Lightweight construction helped shed 156 lb compared to the Diablo SV, while a new 6.0-liter version of the famous V-12 delivered 575 horsepower. Depending on the gearing chosen, a top speed in excess of 210 mph was possible.

Painted in Arianco Atlas, this GT was originally sold to a Swiss enthusiast. Now in the United States, a winning bid in Monterey is likely to be between $1,300,000 to $1,600,000.

1995 BMW E36 M3 Lightweight

Built to satisfy homologation rules, and North American enthusiasts, BMW made 126 examples of the E36-generation M3 Lightweight in late 1995.

The M3’s air conditioning, sound deadening, sunroof and the radio were all junked, helping save 200 lb. An Alpine White III paint color, matched with BMW Motorsport graphics and a larger rear wing, ensured the Lightweight stood out from regular M3s.

Pleasingly, this M3 Lightweight and its 243 horsepower straight-six engine have been used as BMW intended throughout its life. Now ready for a new owner, it comes with a guide price of between $150,000 and $200,000.

1996 Nissan R33 Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R

Players of the earliest Gran Turismo titles on the Sony PlayStation will be aware of the Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R, a hand-built model to celebrate Nissan’s outings at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Central to the 400R was a boost in power for the turbocharged 2.6-liter straight-six engine. Extra boost, and an increase in displacement, resulted in a substantial 400 horsepower, channeled through Nissan’s ATTESA all-wheel-drive system.

With only around 4,400 miles recorded on the odometer, this 400R has been driven sparingly, and was imported to the USA in 2024. Living out your digital dreams will not come cheap, though, with a pre-auction estimate of $900,000 to $1,100,000.

2024 Ford GT Mk IV

As a grand finale for the second-generation Ford GT, Multimatic was asked to create the ultimate version of the Blue Oval’s supercar. Being made solely for trackday use, the GT Mk IV didn’t have to comply with pesky issues like being street-legal.

The result was a larger 3.8-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with 800 horsepower, an Xtrac seven-speed sequential racing gearbox, and bespoke carbon fiber bodywork for additional downforce.

As the seventh of the planned 67 GT Mk IVs, this example is finished in the bespoke combination of Frozen White and Sonic Blue Pearl. Driven for just two miles by its owner, the GT has a pre-sale estimate of $1,200,000 to $1,500,000: considerably less than the $1,837,925 paid when new.

1965 Shelby 289 Cobra

A true American icon, a Shelby Cobra remains a huge draw at any collector car auction. Purchased by a college student, who drove the Cobra home from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania, this car has had only two other owners throughout its life.

Still with its original 289-cubic inch V-8 engine, the Cobra has been repainted at various times throughout its life, but is now finished in the desirable combination of a black exterior and black interior.

Included with the car is plenty of documentary history, along with the original tools and grease gun. Becoming the Cobra’s fourth owner should set you back between $1,000,000 and $1,300,000.

1965 Shelby GT350

The 1965 Shelby GT35 remains a highly sought-after American sports car, marking the starting point for the Shelby Mustang legacy. With only 562 examples made for 1965, scarcity aids the $500,000 to $600,000 pre-sale estimate.

Finished in iconic Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes, this GT350 is a “heater-delete” model, signifying that it was intended for racing use. Completed in April 1965, it was shipped to Wichita, Kansas, and later passed through multiple owners before being restored in the 2000s.

Documented in the SAAC Registry and, accompanied by early Shelby paperwork, highlights include special GT350 features such as the Shelby gauge pod, Cragar wheels, and a trunk-mounted battery.

1967 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro 450

Don Yenko’s Camaros remain legendary amongst Chevrolet fans, and this Super Camaro 450 is more special than most. One of the 54 Yenkos made in 1967, this car has passed through the hands of several renowned collectors.

Fitted with the Corvette’s 427-cubic inch big block V-8 engine and producing 450 horsepower, the Super Camaro conversion also included a Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed transmission, upgraded brakes, and custom suspension.

Aiding the $350,000 to $450,000 guide price is an award-winning restoration, completed by Yenko Camaro authority Dave Tinnell, of Dave’s Auto Service in Edmonton, Kentucky.

1987 Buick GNX

The Buick GNX remains a cult classic amongst automotive enthusiasts, aided by just 547 examples being made, along with a reputation for being quicker on a drag strip than contemporary supercars.

Made in partnership with McLaren Performance Technologies, the GNX’s 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 served with 300 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque – notably higher than the official 276 horsepower figure. Upgraded suspension, a stiffer bodyshell and a sinister all-black design contributed to the GNX’s performance status.

Noted as being unrestored, this example comes with a pre-sale estimate of between $140,000 and $180,000. Much less than the price of a Ferrari F40, then, which the GNX could reportedly beat across a quarter-mile.

1968 Volkswagen Beetle Limousine by Troutman-Barnes

We finish our list with a unique Volkswagen Beetle Limousine. Commissioned by noted Porsche/Volkswagen West Coast distributor John von Neumann in 1969, this lengthened Beetle cost $34,995. This was at a time when even a Lamborghini Miura only cost $20,000 to buy…

Displayed at the 1969 Los Angeles Auto Show, the long Beetle is said to have transported John Wayne to the 1970 Academy Awards, where he won his first and only Oscar for True Grit.

Featured in a VW of America advertising campaign, the affectionately named “Rollswagen” is one way to make a dramatic entrance. A guide price of $150,000 to $200,000 suggests John von Neumann’s investment was worth it in the end.