Supercars and unique classics race to auction in Miami

Action on-track and off for the Miami Grand Prix

The 2024 Miami Grand Prix will see plenty of racing action at the Miami International Autodrome. Along with the motorsport, however, there will also be a host of collector cars up for grabs.

Taking place on Saturday 4 May 2024, the Bonhams Miami Auction features motorsport memorabilia, along with more than 20 classic and performance cars.

Ahead of the auction, we have previewed the most impressive vehicles ready to cross the block. Which one would you give garage space to?

2022 Ford Mustang Next Gen Cup Car

We kick off our preview with a Ford Mustang Next Gen Cup car – driven by 1997 Formula 1 World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve.

Having won the Indy 500 in 1995, Villeneuve is no stranger to racing on ovals. This particular car, with its Roush-Yates Racing V-8 engine, was entered into the 2022 Daytona 500. Following an overnight deal, based upon Villenueve’s raw speed, the Canadian driver finished in 22nd position.

Bonhams notes this is possibly the first Next Gen Cup race car offered for private auction. Having been raced by a motorsport hero, the Mustang could sell for between $300,000 and $500,000.

2020 Ford GT MkII

It wouldn’t be a collector car auction without a Ford GT, but this is the rather special track-only MkII version. Only 45 examples were produced, and this was the 18th car to leave the Multimatic Motorsports facility in Ontario, Canada.

Ford enhanced the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine to 700 horsepower, and used race-spec parts to cut curb weight by 200 lb. This was despite adding a huge rear wing, front dive planes and a new front splitter – all of which resulted in 400 percent more downforce than the GT road car.

Finished in a bespoke Gulf Oil-inspired livery, this MkII has never been used fully on track. It comes with a pre-auction estimate of $1.2 million to $1.5 million.

2019 Bugatti Chiron

The numbers achieved by the Bugatti Chiron remain astonishing, even in the world of extreme hypercars. Its mid-mounted, quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine generates 1,479 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque

Accelerating from 0-62 mph takes just 2.4 seconds, aided by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, along with standard all-wheel drive. A top speed of 261 mph is another attention-grabbing headline for the Chiron.

Finished in Glacier White with Turquoise and Carbon Blue accents, more than $350,000 was spent in options for this Chiron. Just 1,300 miles are recorded on its odometer, leading to a guide price of $3.1 million to $3.6 million.

2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

If a Chiron is stretching your Bugatti budget a little too far, this Veyron Grand Sport may be (slightly) more affordable.

One of only 11 Grand Sport roadsters delivered to the USA, this Veyron is finished in Black Uni Carbon with red exterior accents. With more than 12,000 miles on the clock, its 987 horsepower output has certainly been enjoyed.

Whether the top speed of more than 252 mph has been reached is not noted, but the Veyron has recently been serviced. For this cheaper Bugatti option, you will still need a budget of between $1.6 million and $2 million.

2004 Porsche Carrera GT

Can the Porsche Carrera GT really be this old? Yes indeed, the ‘last analogue supercar’ entered production some two decades ago, but still somehow looks fresh today.

Its mid-mounted and naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-10 produces 612 horsepower, and is connected to a six-speed manual transmission. The 0-60 mph sprint takes just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph.

One of 644 examples delivered to the USA, this GT Silver Metallic car has covered around 4,700 miles from new. Accordingly, it comes with a pre-auction estimate of $1.4 million to $1.5 million.

1995 Porsche Type 993 400R by Gunther Werks

Porsche restmod specialists Gunther Werks has developed a cult following amongst sports car enthusiasts. Using the 993-generation of the Porsche 911 as a base, the company has created a ‘Remastered’ version of the German classic.

Carbon fiber body panels and a bespoke interior are combined with a new 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six engine. More than 430 horsepower is on offer, along with a manual transmission and Brembo brakes.

One of only 25 Remastered cars made by Gunther Werks, this Voodoo Blue example is known as the Brooklyn Commission. Used sparingly, it could sell for between $1.075 million and $1.275 million.

1989 Porsche 959 Komfort

Given the Bonhams sale is taking place at a Grand Prix weekend, it seems appropriate to feature a car owned by an ex-Formula One racing driver. Eddie Irvine, who drove for teams including Ferrari, was once the owner of this particular Porsche 959.

Arguably the first all-wheel-drive supercar, the Porsche 959 features a twin-turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-six engine. An output of 450 horsepower, with a top speed of 197 mph, made the 959 the world’s fastest street-legal car when new.

Restored by Porsche Classic at a cost of more than $266,000, this 959 is finished in Graphite Metallic with a Dark Grey leather interior. Given the amount of work undertaken, a guide price of $1.75 million to $2 million seems almost reasonable.

2023 Ferrari SF90 Spider Assetto Fiorano

The idea of a hybrid-powered Ferrari supercar may still shock the purists, but the SF90 proves it can make for very effective performance. A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 is combined with three electric motors, resulting in a mighty 986 horsepower.

This bespoke SF90 Spider was built through Ferrari’s Tailor Made program. It features Verde Masoni Metallizzato paint, combined with a black Ultrasuede and green Canvas upholstery. There is also bare carbon fiber trim, plus the addition of the Assetto Fiorano pack, bringing the options spend to almost $300,000.

With a drivetrain that has Formula One-inspired roots, this Ferrari comes with a pre-auction estimate of between $800,000 and $1 million.

2011 Ferrari SP30 Berlinetta

For a truly unique car, look no further than this Ferrari. Created by the Italian brand’s Special Projects Department, the SP30 was based upon the already impressive 599 GTO supercar for an Indian industrialist based in the United Arab Emirates.

Its completely bespoke bodywork includes headlamps from a Ferrari 458 and a host of special aerodynamic features. There are also unique alloy wheels, Rosso Fuoco paintwork and plenty of carbon fiber interior trim for good measure.

Seized by the Abu Dhabi authorities, the SP30 was later imported to the United States. Recently serviced, it has been driven for just 121 miles.

Being a Ferrari one-off means an auction estimate of $2.25 million to $2.75 million.

2010 Ferrari 599 GTO

If you would rather have the car the Ferrari SP30 was based upon, the Bonhams sale also includes a 599 GTO. It represents one of 599 examples produced, with 125 made for the United States.

With 661 horsepower from its 6.0-liter V-12 engine, the 599 GTO is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds and reaching 208 mph. Other features include semi-active suspension dampers, a six-speed automated manual ‘F1’ transmission, and carbon ceramic brakes.

Finished in classic Rosso Corsa paint with black Alcantara upholstery, this 599 GTO has had two owners from new. It was previously awarded a Ferrari Club of America Platinum Award, earned at the 2023 Cavallino Classic.

Budget on needing between $800,000 and $1.1 million for this rare supercar.

1985 Ferrari Testarossa Targa

Another bespoke Ferrari, this is said to be the only Testarossa converted to open-top Targa specification by Belgian firm, EBS. Made for a wealthy American customer, EBS removed the roof panel and added extra strengthening to the Testarossa.

A desirable single wing mirror ‘Monospecchio’ model, the Giallo yellow Testarossa also comes with Monodado center-lock wheels. When first completed, it was said to be the most expensive new car in the world, and was featured on European automotive magazine covers.

Around $100,000 was spent on a recent restoration, making it ready to hit the road again. It comes with a guide price of $350,000 to $500,000.

2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe

It took Aston Martin four years to release a full production version of the second-generation Vantage with a V-12 engine. Arguably, it was worth the wait, with a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder powerhouse that delivers 690 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque.

Built through Aston Martin’s Q bespoke service, this particular V12 Vantage is finished in special Caribbean Blue Pearl paint, which added $12,000 to the price tag. Exposed carbon fiber trim, custom-fitted luggage and carbon fiber bucket seats took the total cost to more than $400,000.

With only 35 miles recorded, this V12 Vantage is essentially like new. If you are a fan of the custom finish, the Aston Martin could be yours for between $335,000 and $385,000.

2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato Coupe

For a modern classic Aston Martin, the Bonhams Miami sale also includes an exclusive DB7 Zagato Coupe. Just 99 cars were produced, with this example originally starting life as a right-hand-drive model. It was subsequently converted to left-hand-drive specification before reaching the United States in 2005.

With a shortened wheelbase, wide front grille and classic Zagato ‘double bubble’ roof, the bespoke bodywork was undertaken in Turin. The 6.0-liter V-12 engine gained an extra 20 horsepower, giving it a maximum output of 440 hp.

Only a handful of DB7 Zagato Coupes are known to exist in North America, meaning you are unlikely to encounter another at a car meet. A pre-auction estimate of $275,000 to $325,000 seems sensible.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe

Gullwing doors always make for a dramatic statement, with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG one of the boldest ways to display them. With extra body parts fitted from the Black Series model, this car certainly makes a scene.

Underneath the aero addenda, the standard SLS AMG 6.2-liter V-8 remains. This is still good for 563 horsepower, however, with the potential to reach a top speed of 196 mph.

With Iridium Silver paintwork and red leather upholstery, this SLS AMG has covered around 4,000 miles. Options fitted when new include a B&O audio system, carbon ceramic brakes and upgraded suspension.

It could sell for between $220,000 and $250,000 in Miami.

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

If you prefer the original Gullwing Mercedes-Benz, the Bonhams Miami sale has you covered. You will need deeper pockets, though, with this 300SL expected to sell for in the region of $1.5 million to $1.75 million.

With provenance dating back to when it arrived in California back in 1956, this Gullwing has passed through several collectors. Hjeltness Restorations in Escondido, California, gave the car a comprehensive overhaul, including the fitment of a bespoke air conditioning system.

The original engine has been replaced at some point during the Gullwing’s life, but this should not detract too much from its value. It has been a regular on tours and rallies, meaning a new keeper should not be afraid to drive it, either.

2002 BMW Z8 Roadster

First teased as a concept car at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, BMW put the retro-styled Z8 into production in 1999. It shared a 4.9-liter V-8 engine with the BMW M5 sedan, but placed it inside a bespoke space-frame chassis.

A 400 horsepower output allowed for a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, although drivers had to shift gears themselves. Like the M5, the Z8 came solely with a six-speed manual transmission.

BMW produced more than 5,700 examples in total, but only 137 Z8s came in the red exterior and black interior combination of this car. Complete with its factory hard-top, you can expect a sale price of between $225,000 and $275,000.

1938 BMW 328 Special Competition Roadster

BMW built only three Special Competition versions of the 328 for the German national motorsport team, and this is one of them. Powered by a 2.0-liter straight-six engine, a total of 135 horsepower made it a serious racer when new.

This 328 was part of BMW’s inaugural entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1939. It claimed an impressive second place in class, and a seventh-place finish overall at its Le Mans debut. More recently, it placed third in the Early Le Mans class at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

With its history verified by BMW Classic, and restored to how it would have looked in the 1930s, the 328 will require some big bids to win. A pre-auction guide price of $1.5 million to $2 million has been set.

1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America

The Lancia Aurelia was a mainstay of the Italian marque’s range throughout the 1950s, but the Spider version is a far more special proposition. Produced only for 1954 and 1955, only 240 were made, compared to more than 18,000 regular Aurelias.

With a 2.5-liter 118 horsepower V-6, the Aurelia B24S was capable of reaching an impressive top speed of 115 mph. Found abandoned by an enthusiast, this particular car spent two decades being dry stored. A comprehensive restoration was completed in 2022, with $500,000 spent on the process.

With a 400-page file documenting the Lancia’s comeback, this supports a pre-sale estimate of $1 million to $1.3 million.

1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe

Even during the 1960s, Rolls-Royce continued to offer customers the choice of coachbuilt bodywork for its cars. H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward’s Design 2045 was intended to give the Silver Cloud III a more modern look.

Just 52 cars with this bodywork were delivered to the United States, with this example finding a home in New Jersey. It later moved west, passing through Colorado before ending up in California.

Subjected to a comprehensive restoration, the Silver Cloud III is finished in Masons Black with a black Connolly leather interior. A $300,000 to $400,000 estimate takes into account the recent $30,000 spent on mechanical maintenance.

1999 Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R N1 Mines Tribute

Thanks to the NHTSA ‘25-year rule’, the R34-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R is now eligible to be imported to the United States. As a result, even the ultra-rare N1 homologation models (such as this one) are up for grabs. Nissan made only 38 examples of the N1, with 12 of those used in motorsport.

Along with being a rare street racer, this particular Skyline has become a period-correct tribute to the famous Mine’s N1 demo car. All of the changes made to the car, including the addition of rare original Mine’s parts, are said to be removable.

Demonstrating just how good a job has been done, even the founder of the Mine’s tuning company was shocked by the attention to detail. There is the small matter of 650 horsepower to consider, too, along with the $400,000 to $500,000 guide price.

1996 Heuliez Intruder Convertible

Even among some of the unique vehicles up for auction in Miami, the Heuliez Intruder is perhaps the most incredible of all. Displayed by Heuliez at the 1996 Paris Auto Show, this is the only example in existence.

Using a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen chassis as a base, Heuliez added bespoke coachwork on top. There are obvious hints of Mercedes styling, along with a folding metal roof – as seen on the SLK roadster. A 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine provides the power, connected to a four-speed automatic transmission.

More than $300,000 has been spent on a recent restoration, with the Intruder said to be in full working order. A pre-sale estimate of $250,000 to $300,000 may seem expensive, but this is certainly not your ordinary SUV…

1968 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy Remastered

What could be better than cruising the Miami beach fronts in a genuine Meyers Manx dune buggy?  This is a modern ‘Remastered’ version, which combines a new fiberglass monocoque body with Volkswagen mechanicals.

CNC machining means the newer version has a far better finish than the original, plus added benefits like a lockable trunk. This car comes with Bilstein suspension and eye-catching metallic Rose Copper gelcoat paint, plus Serape blanket upholstery.

Given the long waiting list for a new Remastered Meyers Manx, the guide price is set at $70,000 to $90,000.