The focal point of the world’s collector car world is less than a month away – and the Monterey auction market will be as hotly contested as ever.
This year Bonhams, Broad Arrow, Gooding & Co, Mecum and RM Sotheby’s will be doing battle. Last year’s results were, on paper, a disappointment – look beyond the figures, however, and you’ll have seen continual growth, with 2022 a bit of an anomaly.
Will the same happen this year? The world has changed dramatically in in the past 12 months – it’s a year of big elections, though the US market appears to be doing well, in stark contrast to Europe, especially in regard to the highest parts of the auction market. However, it was noted that there were simply too many auctions and too many cars to take in, during such a short space of time. With five auction houses going at it, will this be a factor in 2024?
We’ve picked out five lots from each auction house worth keeping an eye out for over what’s likely to be a rollercoaster week.
Bonhams
Bonhams is holding its cards close to its chest for its 72-lot-strong Quail auction – in stark contrast to the other auction houses, estimates are being kept hush-hush and several cars are lacking much history. Currently leading the sale is this 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L. Chassis 4497, the 54th built out of a production total of 350, was originally sold through Luigi Chinetti, finished in Grigio Argento over Nero. Although information about the Ferrari’s first owner is scarce, by 1967 it was in the hands of John Carmack of Carmel. In 1971 it was sold to Richard Pendleton Hall of Maryland, then again in 1977 to Charles Girand of Dallas, Texas. it would later be owned by influential car dealers Chic and Chris Vandagriff in 1989, who then sold it to the current owner. It’s in unrestored condition, other than a repaint in its original colour.
This 1962 Maserati 5000GT is one of 32 ever built and is a Series II-specification car with a five-speed gearbox, Lucas mechanical fuel injection and four-wheel disc brakes. Originally delivered to Monte Carlo for Italian nobleman Ricardo di Portanova sporting an Allemano body, it would later pass to another Italian, M Sirotta of Vignola. By 1964 it was being advertised by a Dusseldorf dealer. The history trail goes cold until 1985, when it was owned by James Brackley of Houston, Texas, in need of restoration. It would later pass to Rocky Piscazzi in Ohio, and then to Jerry Wood. During this time it was restored to its original black paint from bare metal. Between 2004 and 2023 it was put on static display with another unnamed owner; its next owner and the current vendor has refurbished the car.
Happily, there’s more to tell you about this 1957 BMW 507 Series II Roadster, which has had just two owners from new. First delivered to Venezuela for a Gustavo Quintero in January 1958 in Silver Grey, it was soon repainted in white. It is believed the car was raced until 1960 in local sprints, before being sold to the current owner in 1961 – making this the longest-owned 507. It had been optioned with the aluminium hardtop, Rudge centre-lock wheels, Becker Le Mans radio with Rhiems Short Wave, underbody protection, asymmetric low-beam headlamps and back-up lights beneath the rear bumper. In 1966 it was refreshed by BMW of Caracas with 72,750km on the clock; it was reconditioned again 30 years later and then passed through the family in 2014. It was then imported to the US, and has had its gearbox and clutch rebuilt by ZF Friedrichshafen AG. It has covered little more than 2400km since its 1960s refurbishment; no estimate had been released at the time of writing.
This 1993 Porsche 959 Komfort ‘Series II’ is one of last of the breed built. Six 959s were built between 1992 and 1993 at the behest of a customer from Macau and a friend from Hong Kong, each costing nearly twice as much as the original cars, which ceased production in 1988. Originally sold to either Macau or Hong Kong, in 1998 it was brought to the UK by Anglo-Swiss collector Anthony McLean. Three years later it was acquired by Peter Livanos, who then passed it to Juan Barazi. A UK-based collector then bought the car in 2005, and allowed Porsche GB to use it for promotional activities. It was then sold to Dutch collector Floris Dullaart, who entrusted it to Porsche Classic for servicing and refreshment. It’s believed to have a Stage II turbo upgrade, yielding 542bhp. Again, no estimate has been revealed.
We’ve highlighted this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet because over the past few months Bonhams has achieved above-estimate results for grand Mercedes-Benz convertibles in Europe, which has gone under the radar with AMGs and Gullwings hogging the headlines. This particular example is a US-market example whose early life is unknown. Prior to the vendor’s stewardship, it was owned by John and Barbara Graham, who spent their winters in Palm Desert, California, with the car living in a garage at the Eldorado Country Club. The Grahams are believed to have purchased the car from the owner of a car dealership, Mr Meyer of Meyers Motors in May of 1987. The vendor acquired the Mercedes-Benz from the Grahams in 2006, who’d had the car cosmetically restored by Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido, California in the 2000s. The vendor then had the car prepared to concours level, eventually winning best in class at the 2008 Newport Beach Concours d’Elegance. It’s covered 2500 miles since 2008.
This 1976 Lamborghini Jarama S was originally delivered to Rubin Diamond of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. One of 150 S models built, it wears 4123 miles and is equipped with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic gearbox. It’s being offered with no supporting documentation, and at no reserve – described as being in good overall condition and unrestored, it has light corrosion on the bonnet. It’s in need of reconditioning after a long period of storage. The last time Bonhams sold a Jarama S (Zoute 2023) it reached €178,250, a return to the type of pricing not seen since 2017 and 2018 (though some way off the record €208,600 Artcurial achieved in 2017). While unlikely to get near those lofty heights, it’ll provide some interesting food for thought for a possible restoration.
Broad Arrow
Broad Arrow is bringing a varied 152-strong lot list to the Monterey Jet Center over two days. The leading lot by pre-sale estimate is a 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 driven by Roock Racing Team in the 1997 FIA GT Championship, and at Le Mans (est: $8.5m-$10.5m). However, the above 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi is unique – it’s the only Teardrop Coupé to be built on the T150 C Lago Spéciale chassis.
Originally ordered by gentleman racer Jacques Schumann via Luigi Chinetti, it was hidden away during World War Two. It passed to Frédéric Damman, owner of the Magasins Butch clothing stores, in 1947 and used by him in the 1948 Belgian Grand Prix, Les 24 Heures de Spa. Alongside co-driver and mechanic Constant Debelder, Damman and the Talbot-Lago would finish first. He would go on to keep the car until 1979. Ex-Hispano-Suiza worker Gaston Garino owned the car for a year before selling it film producer Michel Seydoux. A year later it passed to Yves Rossignol, who would keep it for 23 years, taking it to Columbia and back. After a spell in a car museum close to Geneva airport, it was sold to Marc Caveng of Switzerland via Toby Ross. In 2005 it was sold via auction in Monterey to John O’Quinn, who handed it to RM Auto Restorations for a complete restoration. After John O’Quinn passed away in 2009, it was sold to its current owner in 2010. It’s estimated at between $6.5m and $8.5m.
Other pre-war highlights include a 1913 Mercer 35-J Raceabout ($2.5m-$3m), a 1937 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria ($275k-$325k, NR), a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental by HJ Mulliner ($250k-$350k), a 1937 Lincoln Model K Lebaron ($225k-$275k) and a 1901 Panhard et Lavassor Twin-Cylinder 7HP ($225k-$275k).
Leading the 1950s cars up for auction is this Fantuzzi-bodied 1957 Maserati 200SI. Originally ordered by SARC, the Italian oil company owned by Fernando Pagliarini, it was pressed into action on the Bologna-San Luca Hillclimb, with a fifth-place finish the result. That was the warm-up for the Mille Miglia, where he would finish sixth in class and 23rd overall. He would compete with the car until 1958, and it was sold via Maserati itself to American Tommy Meehan a year later.
After bringing the car to the US, he would compete with it until 1963, when it was sold to fellow racer Steve Skidmore, who’d sell the car on in 1967, firstly to Samuel A Wood and then to Frank McBee of Austin, Texas. Following owners include Ed Niles and Lawrence Stevens (both California, both 1972), Homer Tsakis, who had the car restored (New York, 1978), Anthony Podell (California, 1985) and then Norberto Ferretti (Rimini, Italy, early 2000s). It would pass to Wolf-Dieter Baumann of Germany, before joining its current US collection in 2012. The original engine is kept in a crate that comes with the car, as a new engine was built by specialist Steve Hart. It’s estimated at between $3.3m and £3.6m.
Other 1950s/’60s cars of note in the auction are three Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs. There’s one Gullwing, one of 98 sold to Germany, and is estimated at $1.5m-$1.8m, while the two Roadsters carry estimates between $1.1m and $1.3m. Other highlights include a 1953 Cunningham C3 Vignale ($750k-$950k), and 1954 Porsche 356 Knickschiebe 1500 ($200k-$250k) and three Fuelie Chevrolet Corvettes.
The 48th of 121 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyders built, this 1972 car is one of 18 European-market examples. Originally sold into Lebanon, chassis 15369 is believed to have been used by a member of the royal family. It came to the US in 1978 via Carl Corzan in Nevada. After a serious crash in 1994, it was restored by Mike Sheehan’s European Auto in California. In the mid-1990s the car came to the UK, before heading to the US again, where it had a comprehensive refreshment. It was awarded Ferrari Classiche certification in 2016; it’s estimated at between $2.4m and $2.7m.
Other Enzo-era highlights include a 1965 275 GTB in Azzurro Metallizzato ($2.25m-$2.75m), William F Harrah of Modern Classic Motors’ personal 1968 330 GTS ($1.9m-$2.2m) and a 1963 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso ($1.7m-$2m). More modern Ferraris include a US-market 2003 Enzo ($4.5m-$5m), a US-market 1990 F40 ($2.6m-$2.8m) and a unique Extra Campionario Grass Green 2020 488 Pista ($650k-$700k).
A lot sure to provide plenty of discussion is this 1969 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder Revival by GTO Engineering. Based on chassis 11943, which began life as a 365 GT 2+2, it features a 4.0-litre Colombo V12 matched to a five-speed manual gearbox. Among the GTO engineering refinements are air-conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity. Other welcome improvements include a high-pressure mechanical fuel pump, lighter and more heat-efficient aluminium brake calipers, lightweight aluminium ribbed transmission centre section, and a quicker 17:1 steering ratio. Built over 18 months and 1500 man hours, it is offered for sale just as GTO has paused new orders due to demand. It’s offered with an estimate of between $2.5m and $3.5m.
Broad Arrow is majoring on Porsches – of the 150 cars for sale, 30 are Porsches, and there are three Rufs, including the above 1998 CTR 2. Coming from single-owner stewardship, it’s one of 30 built and features options such as carbon-kevlar body panels, the Sport-specification 580bhp engine, four-wheel drive and carbon brakes. It also has a bespoke short-ratio six-speed gearbox. It’s estimated at between $2.2m and $2.5m.
Other Porsche highlights include a 1964 904 Carrera GTS ($2.2m-$2.5m), a 1988 959 Komfort ($1.8m-$2.2m), a 1996 993 GT2 ($1.3m-$1.6m), a 1973 91 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight ($1.25m-$1.5m) and a 2005 Carrera GT ($1.1m-$1.3m).
We’ve included this Honda NSX-R as the state of the Japanese supercar market is interesting. It wasn’t so long ago that the potential for the $1m modern Japanese car was around the corner. It hasn’t happened, and in the case of the Lexus LFA prices have retreated slightly, in Europe at least. The focus has moved to pre-merger AMG Mercedes-Benzes for auction heat. Broad Arrow has just two AMGs and although they are W124s, they’re unlikely to be quite as in-demand as last year’s brace of Hammers that broke auction records – and the internet – in quick succession. So, can Broad Arrow’s Japanese selection kick-start that market again? The 1993 NSX-R Broad Arrow has consigned was a one-owner car until it was imported to the USA in 2023, and is fitted with optional air-conditioning and a stereo. It’s estimated at between $400k and $450k.
Another Japanese icon worth keeping tabs on is a 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec, one of 282 in Midnight Purple II, estimated at between $200k and $250k. The AMG to keep an eye out for is a 1995 Mercedes-Benz E60 W124, one of 45 Limited examples built. It’s estimated at between $250k and $300k.
Gooding & Co
Gooding & Co has 165 lots up for grabs, 26 of them Ferraris. The above 333 SP is one of nine Evoluzione models constructed by Dallara. Chassis 010 was campaigned by the Scandia Motorsport team for 1995, and between then and 1997 it won 13 times in the IMSA WSC, and saw the likes of Mauro Baldi, Fermín Vélez, Andrea Montermini and Antônio Hermann get behind the wheel. The car scored top-ten finishes at Sebring and Daytona, and at the 1997 Le Mans 24 Hours it took sixth overall and second in class with Gianpiero Moretti, Didier Theys and Max Papis behind the wheel. After one race in 1998 it was sold to a Venezuelan collector, before joining the collection of James McCormick. In 2010 the car passed to François Perrodo, who used it on private track events, before selling the car to its current owner. It’s estimated at between $6m and $8m.
Other post-Enzo-era Ferrari highlights include one of three 2001 550 GTZ Barchettas ($600k-800k) and a 2008 430 Scuderia.
This Ferrari 857 Sport Spyder is the last of the four 857 Sport Spyders to be built, and one of three used for the model’s debut at the RAC Tourist Trophy in 1955. Chassis 0588 was crashed by Olivier Gendebien during practice and repaired by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, which is where it was fitted with a tail fin behind the headrest – making this car unique. It was then shipped to John Edgar of California via Luigi Chinetti, who sought out Jack McAfee to race the car during the 1956 SCCA season. Carroll Shelby got behind the wheel for a SCCA Regional race at Montgomery, New York.
Shelby, Masten Gregory, McAfee and Richie Ginther would continue to compete with the car over the next few years, before it was acquired by Andy Warhol. Luigi P Rezzonico Castelbarco brought the car back to Italy in the early 1970s; it was later sold to Jean-Claude Bajol. An extensive restoration by DK Engineering was completed in 2011, returning it to John Edgar specification, and it was raced at the Goodwood Revival. It joined the current custodian’s collection in 2012. It’s estimated at between $6m and $8m.
Another Enzo-era Ferrari highlight is a 1956 500 TR that competed at Le Mans in 1956 and won its class at the Reims 12 Hours that year; chassis 0654 MDTR is the last of 17 such cars built and hasn’t been seen in public since the mid-1990s. It’s estimated at between $4m and $5m.
This 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring, chassis 412027, is believed to have been originally shipped to Egypt in the 1940s, with its first owner believed to have been a European diplomat. The first known owner was a Major Raymond Flower of the Cairo Motor Company, between January 1945 and October 1945, in silver-blue. Its next owner was Zurich-based Swissair pilot Hans Ernst, imported it into Switzerland in June 1948 and enjoyed a spot of hillclimbing with it. It was then sold to Bern resident Dr Max Mühlethaler in 1953, who in turn sold it to the US via Walter Schweitzer.
Its next owner was an American called Jack Albert, who is reputed to have “woke up one morning after an incredibly wild party with the registration papers in his pocket!” – he didn’t keep it for long, passing it to Jack Brennar of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and then on to Volta Mashek. Mashek used a spare crankcase (422031) as the basis for an engine rebuild performed by Wilhelm Spoerle of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s Hall of Fame. He sold the original crankcase to Paul Schrieber; Mashek would then sell the Lungo to Walter Weimer of Minneapolis in disassembled state. He never got around to finishing it, selling it to a Ben Paul Moser of Santa Barbara, California.
In 1977 Moser also found he didn’t have the time to finish the project, moving it on to Dr Fred Simeone, who had the car restored in the early 1980s. He would eventually sell the Lungo to Lukas Hüni of Zurich, Switzerland in 1994; he then had Tony Merrick of Berkshire, England, perform a complete restoration. It subsequently won Best of Show at the 1996 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It moved to the Oscar Davis collection in 1998, winning Best in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2000. It subsequently entered the collection of the vendor.
In 2022 it was on the way to a restoration facility in Maine when it was stolen from a hotel car park in South Carolina. The owner’s insurer paid the claim, becoming the owner of 412027. In 2023, the insurer – AIG – was informed the car had been found. After work from Mike Regalia to repair damage incurred during its theft, it is now being offered for auction. It is estimated at between $16m and $20m.
This 1975/6 Porsche 935 is the first example built. With Rolf Stommelen and Manfred Schurti at the wheel, chassis 935-001 scored fastest lap and the overall win at the Watkins Glen Six Hours in 1976, its racing debut. It then finished third at Dijon, before being sold to Vasek Polak in California. It would remain in his workshop for 20 years, before having two further owners. It was then bought by Matthew Drendel in 2008, before being sold to the current owner in 2012. Since then it has been extensively restored by Cavaglieri Restoration, with an engine rebuild by Ed Pink Racing Engines. It is the only complete ex-works 935 in private ownership, and hasn’t been seen in public since 2018. It’s estimated at between $4.5m and $5.5m.
Other Porsche highlights among the 30 cars entered include a 2015 918 Spyder, a 1993 964 Carrera RSR, two 964 Turbo 3.6s, a 906 Carrera 6 ($1.8m-$2.2m), a 550 Spyder ($3.5m-$4.25m) and a 356 Carrera Zagato Sanction Lost.
The 1959 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage is the third of 17 built and first sold to Loyal Katskee, a British car dealer in Nebraska. Chassis 2454 made its debut at the Bahamas Speed Week in Nassau, the start of a USAC career across North America. It was then sold to Donald Skogmo of Minneapolis, who raced it throughout the 1960s. An Englishman acquired the car in 1970, and had it restored. It was then bought by Italian collector Giulio Dubbini. It would remain in Europe for several decades via Karl Blöchle and later Hein Gericke. In 2000 it was bought by Historic racer Carlo Vögele, who entrusted it to Capricorn Group in Germany for a full restoration. During Vögele’s ownership the car was certified by Maserati Classiche. It’s been in the hands of the current owner since 2012, and has been prepared for motor sport by Canepa Motorsport. It’s estimated at $5m-$6m.
This 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante, one of 17 built, is chassis 57573. It started life as a 57C, and after making its debut on the Bugatti stand at the 1937 Paris Salon de l’Automobile it was displayed at the Earls Court Motor Show. It soon found its first owner, C Ian Craig, who entered it into the Lewes Speed Trials in 1939. Soon after, it passed into the stewardship of David L Griffith-Hughes, who upgraded the engine to SC specification; the supercharger came from Lord Rothschild’s Atlantic (chassis 57374).
In the late 1950s the Bugatti went to the US, owned by Charles Globe of Chicago, who had the car restored by the Bugatti works in Molsheim. It was later bought by collector Vojta Mashek, and then president of the American Bugatti Club, Dr Peter Williamson in 1965. The Bugatti was restored by Don Lefferts in the 1990s, before returning to the UK in 2006 via William Ainscough. Since 2013 the car has been in the US, and has been fully restored by Bugatti specialist Scott Sargent of Sargent Metal Works in Bradford, Vermont. In 2023 it made its post-restoration debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it took first in class. It’s estimated at $9m to $11m.
Other pre-war highlights included a 1914 Sunbeam Tourist Trophy originally bought by Matthew Wills, heir to the Wills tobacco fortune and offered for sale publicly for the first time in 74 years (est $1m-$1.4m) and one of 11 1938 Delahaye 135M Torpédo Roadsters (est $2m-$3m). The Dr Theodore Waugh Collection of Bugattis is also up for grabs, all offered at no reserve. There’s a 1930 Gangloff-bodied Type 46 Cabriolet (est: $450k-$650k), the ex-Leon/Filipinetti/Bardinon/Shelby Type 43 Grand Sport (est: $400k-$600k), 1937 Type 57 Stelvio ($250k-$350k), a 1928 Figoni-bodied Type 44 Torpédo ($250k-$350k), a 1914 Type 23 Tourer ($90k-$120k) and a Crosthwaite & Gardiner-bodied 1914 Type 13 Dog Cart Replica powered by a 16-valve Bugatti engine (est: $70k-$90k).
Mecum
By Mecum’s usual standards, its Monterey sale is somewhat light on cars – ‘only’ 600 cars over three days. The vibe of this auction is slightly different to normal – while there are still some homegrown heroes, the big auction lots have a distinctly worldwide flavour.
None more so than the above Schuppan 962CR, which you may recognise from Magneto issue 13 and, more recently, in Octane magazine. This 1992 car is the second and final production 962CR, which after the intended sale to ASC fell through, was sold to a neighbour of company founder Vern Schuppan. That neighbour would keep it in his collection for 30 years, though it was registered for the road in 2006. No estimate had been released at the time of writing.
Other hypercars of note in Mecum’s sale include a brace of Porsche Carrera GTs, a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, two Ford GTs (one a 2006 Heritage Edition), two Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Editions and a 1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster.
This Scarab Formula 1 is one of three produced for the 1960 Formula 1 season – the first US team to enter the championship. Chuck Daigh finished tenth in this car at the US Grand Prix at Riverside, California; it was also raced by the team’s founder, Lance Reventlow. Stirling Moss drove the car in practice for the Monaco Grand Prix, and it was later driven by Richie Ginther. In later life it was treated to a multi-year restoration from original Scarab engineer Dick Troutman and Chuck Daigh. Formerly displayed at the Riverside International Automotive Museum, it has also been shown at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and driven by Brian Redman at the 2001 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s estimated at between $800k and $1.25m.
This 1969 Ford GT40 is one of ten factory competition lightweights built, and was originally sold to Portuguese driver Ferreira Pires via JW Automotive Engineering. Despite financial backing from his home town, he’d compete with the car for just three races before the car was sold to fellow racer Emilio Marta. Marta would race the car in Angolan sports car racing, winning the championship in 1972. More recently the Ford has been subject to a complete restoration to as-delivered specification. No estimate had been released at the time of writing.
Other notable 1960s auction stalwarts include no less than four Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs – two Gullwings and two Roadsters; one of the Gullwings is notable for being the only known example delivered in Mittelgrun over green and grey leather. The 242nd out of 252 BMW 507 Roadsters ever made is also up for grabs, as is a 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S.
Three notable Shelby Cobras are up for grabs: CSX3283, one of 260 factory-built coil spring roadgoing 427 Cobras built; CSX4207, a one-owner car that’s believed to be the first unpainted aluminium-bodied CSX4000 Continuation series; and CSX2161, pictured above. This 1963 Shelby 289 Roadster was owned by Steve McQueen between 1965 and 1967 and, according to Mecum he “enjoyed CSX2161 so deeply that he advocated for the privilege of retaining it for several months after it was sold to its next owner”.
Originally invoiced to Wolper Productions in Los Angeles and registered to film producer David L Wolper, it was acquired by Elmer Bernstein and allocated to McQueen. McQueen relinquished the car to new owner Richard Mathis in 1967-68; Mathis in turn sold the car two years later to Wayman McCoo, brother of singer Marilyn McCoo and road manager for her group Fifth Dimension. In later life the Cobra called Switzerland home from 2003, before living in the UK between 2006 and 2024. Originally delivered in silver, it was repainted red at some point prior to 1983, and painted black in Switzerland. No estimate has been released at the time of writing.
This 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupé is chassis 47242, one of an estimated 30 Competition Court models built between 1935 and 1937. It’s also the last of six short-wheelbase coupés built by Figoni et Falaschi in 1936 and one of three still believed to exist. Only available as a homologation special to a very select group of loyal Delahaye customers, the Competition Court chassis option did not appear in any Delahaye literature. It was only sold as a bare chassis to be sent to a coachbuilder for a custom-built lightweight body; this particular car was fitted with special competition components including a four-speed manual transmission, outside-mounted rear springs, a low-mounted engine, oil cooler mounted below the radiator and racing-style fuel tank with dual fillers. It was delivered new to the Delahaye factory and used as demonstrator; it differs from the other five cars as it has a different bonnet and a single row of louvres on it.
The car was hidden from occupying forces during World War Two, resurfacing in the early 1950s in the possession of Jean-Pierre Bernard, then sales manager for Delahaye, and eventual founder and president of Club Delahaye. After several French owners it moved to Italy in the late 1950s, leaving the country via another owner to Switzerland. It was then imported to the UK, and given a concours restoration. It’s taken Best of Show awards at the Concours d’Elegance of Texas (2003), Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2003) and Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Ontario (2014), and took a class victory at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Other pre-war highlights include one of 19 remaining Packard 734 Speedster Boat-tail Runabouts, a 1927 Bugatti Type 37, one of 334 1932 Ford Station Wagons built, a 1931 Packard 840 Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupé, a 1913 Waverly Electric Model 93 Brougham, a 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Custom Boat-tail Speedster, a 1936 Packard 120 Convertible and a 1919 American LaFrance La Bestioni Torpedo Roadster.
This 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS is one of 99 produced, and was originally part of a group of 30 Ferraris sold through Luigi Chinetti Motors to Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada. After a couple of owners, chassis 10561 was repainted red and, from 1974 onwards, owned by Australian tennis player and, later, politician John Alexander, who resided in Atlanta at the time. Fellow Atlanta resident FC Steinermann acquired the car in 1981. Between 1998 and 2007 the car was fully restored. It was returned to its original light gold and in March 2004, 10561 was displayed in Class F for Open Ferraris at the ninth Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Les Wexner acquired the Ferrari in 2011, before passing it to the current owner – it then received Ferrari Classiche certification. It was then refinished in black by Rod Stryker of Quality Automotive in Columbus, Ohio, while a a comprehensive mechanical, chassis and suspension restoration was performed by Exclusive Motorcars in Los Angeles. It’s since won several concours prizes, and achieved a 100-point judging score at the 2022 edition of the San Marino Motor Classic,
Other Enzo-era highlights include a 1967 275 GTB/4 (chassis 10583), the sixth of 200 275 GTS examples produced (06809), a 1971 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder (14403), a 1967 330 GTC and one of four Ghia-bodied 212 Inter 2+2 Berlinas.
RM Sotheby’s
RM Sotheby’s usually delivers its biggest guns for Monterey, and this year is no different – you have to scroll to halfway down the second page of its 205-lot listing to find a car with a top estimate lower than $1m. A significant proportion of these high-hitters are Enzo-era Ferraris from the 1960s. Given the somewhat disappointing results we’ve seen in Europe for Ferraris of this era compared to their estimates, it will be interesting to see if the North American market follows the same trend, or such a wealth of options acts as the defibrillator to this world.
If any car can, maybe it’s this 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, chassis 1795 GT, the first example of the breed built and the one chosen for the 1960 Geneva Motor Show. Specified with a competition-specification engine, covered headlights and factory removable hardtop, its first owner was John Gordon Bennett, a British-born racing driver, then residing in Geneva. Although not raced competitively, it was driven in the Scuderia Hanseat International Sports Car Driving School at the Nürburgring, by either Jivko Stoikovitch or Roland Marmoud, in late September 1960. It came to the US via dealer and racer Bob Grossman of Nyack, New York, who resold it to Chandler Kibbee, a senior executive at Phillip Morris, who kept it at his property in Sheridan, Wyoming.
He kept the car until 1978, passing it to Michael Alessandro of Pasadena, California. It entered the stewardship of the current German owner in 2008, and has been displayed and driven at several European events. The Ferrari has been certified by Ferrari Classiche as having its original engine, gearbox, rear axle and bodywork, and is being offered for the time publicly. It’s estimated at between $16m and $18m.
Other Enzo-era road cars of note include the third of seven short-wheelbase 400 Superamerica Cabriolets (chassis 1945) which is unique in Verde Bottiglia over Rosso (est: $6m-$7m); the ex-Jo Siffert 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder (chassis 1217, est: $5m-$6.5m); the second of ten alloy body/six-carb/torque-tube 275 GTB/6Cs (chassis 08343, est: $3.25m-$3.75m); the sixth of 20 365 GTS models built (chassis 12253, est: $2.8m-$3.2m); the ninth of 14 365 Californias built, chassis 9935 (est: $2.75m-$3.25m); the 22nd 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder built and coming from its original owner, chassis 14557 (est: $2m-$2.5m); one of 12 second-series 500 Superfasts, chassis 8565 (est: $1.8m-$2.1m); a 1960 250 GT Cabriolet Series II, chassis 2115 (est: $1.2m-£1.5m); the ex-Paris Motor Show/1952 Road & Track cover car 212 Inter Vignale, chassis 0135 (est: $900k-$1.2m); and a 1957 250 GT Boano, chassis 0639, one of 68 low-roof examples built ($875k-$1m).
There are plenty of Enzo-era competition cars to tempt, led by this unique Ferrari 410 Sport Spyder, chassis 0592. The prototype for the 410 Sport Scuderia Ferrari Works cars, it is believed to be the initial development car, and features a shortened version of the Superamerica’s type 514 chassis (2410mm wheelbase) and a 12-plug type 126 engine. Originally sold to Tony Parravano, it was specified with a one-off body by Scaglietti and entered in the Palm Springs Road Races in February 1956 with Carroll Shelby behind the wheel.
It was then driven by Eric Hauser, Bart Spiegelman. After Parravano’s disappearance due to tax issues, the car was impounded in Mexico. It was sold off to local enthusiast Javier Velasquez of Mexico City, one of the organisers of the Mexican Grand Prix. In 1964 it took part in the Carrera de Costa a Costa Mexico (from Veracruz to Acapulco) with Juan Buchanon behind the wheel. In 1970 it was acquired by Robert Dusek of Pennsylvania, who’d keep the car until 2008. It joined the collection of a German enthusiast for six years, before passing to the current owner. He treated it to a full restoration, combining the efforts of Patrick Ottis (engine) and Brian Hoyt (chassis and body). It’s estimated at in excess of $15m.
Other Ferrari competition highlights include the ex-John van Neuman 1957 625 TRC Spyder (chassis 0680, est $9m-$11m), an ex-Michael Schumacher, 2002 Australian Grand Prix-winning F2001b (chassis 215 est: $8m-$10m), an ex-Mille Miglia/Swedish ice-racing 500 Mondial Spyder (chassis 0408; $2.75m-$3.25m) and the 1969 Daytona 24 Hours class-winning 275 GTB/4 NART Alloy (chassis 10311; est: $5m-$7m).
If you fancy an obscure supercar (or seven), RM Sotheby’s has four Vectors to choose from, hailing from the ‘Turbollection’. However, the above Gandini-designed 1993 Cizeta V16T from the same stable is even rarer. Originally ordered by Hong Seh Motors of Singapore on behalf of the Brunei Royal Family, chassis 101 would end up staying in Singapore for 25 years, before being returned to running condition in 2020, and was sold in 2021. It’s one of just nine cars completed, and carries an estimate of $700k-$900k.
Other 1980s and ’90s supercar highlights include a 1993 Bugatti EB110 SS prototype (est: $2.4m-$2.8m); a 1985 Porsche 959 Vorserie ($1.8m-$2.3m); a 1991 Isdera Imperator 108i Series 2 (est: $800k-$1m); a 1995 Ferrari F50 (est: $4.5m-$5m); a 1993 Ferrari 512 TR Spyder by Pininfarina (est: $2.7m-$3.5m); a mint-green 1991 Ferrari F40 ($1.9m-$2.5m); a 1991 Jaguar XJR-15 (est: $900k-$1.1m); a 1995 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 (est: $650k-$850k); and a 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary (est: $600k-$800k).
Given last year’s glut of Porsches it’s been a while since we’ve seen a large amount of truly rare 1980s and ’90s 911s in one auction, but RM has corralled a fascinating selection for Monterey. Though a 1955 550 Spyder leads the way in terms of pre-sale estimate ($3.75m-$4.25m), this sale is also notable for the amount of resto-mod 911s set to go up for grabs, with Singer, Gunther Werks and PS Automobile represented – for cars so defined by their first owner, will the market take to them?
Perhaps the most intriguing lot is the above 1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.8, one of two finished in Guards Red and one of just 51 built in total. It was equipped with a locking differential, 120-litre fuel tank, ADAC GT-type exhaust, Le Mans gear ratios, air jacks, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a passenger seat with six-point racing harness. Originally delivered to Germany, it spent 20 years in a Japanese collection before playing a starring role in Jürgen Barth’s 2017 book, Porsche 964 Carrera RS 3.8. In 2013 it came to the US via its vendor, and received a $40,000 service by Retrosport of San Rafael, California including new fluids and preparation for road use. These works included fitting a new OEM Premier FIA fuel cell identical to the original unit, as well as new dampers, road tyres and sport exhaust, while also raising the ride height to Porsche 964 Turbo levels. It’s never been raced, and it’s hardly been driven at all – it’s covered just 39km. It’s estimated at $1.25m-$1.5m.
That figure’s interesting, as, 911 GT1 Strassenwagen aside, the leading 1990s 911 recently has been the 993 GT2. One of those recently ran out of bids at around the £850k mark at Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed sale. There’s another 993 GT2 in this sale, a red 1996 Clubsport estimated at $1.1m-$1.4m – it’ll be fascinating to see who wins in the 993/964, turbo vs naturally aspirated battle. Other rare 1990s 911s up for grabs include a 1993 964 Turbo S Lightweight ($900k-$1.2m), a 1997 993 Turbo S ($500k-$600k) and a 1988 930 Turbo Flachbau ($250k-$300k).
This 1932 Delage D8 S Roadster is one of just 99 built and wears unique Pourtout bodywork. Chassis number 36009 was originally created for a French actor, before being acquired by engineer Gaston Forgues in 1936. After surviving the war it was returned to the road under the name of one of Fourges’ businesses, Compagnie des Etudes et Réalisations Industrielles. After a couple of years it was put into storage until 1980, when it was resurrected by Forgues’ son, and put through an extensive restoration. It was finally re-registered for the road in 1990 and then exhibited at the Centre National de l’Automobile à Pantin. The current owners took stewardship in 1995; the car is estimated at between $4m and $6m.
Other pre-war highlights include a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen (est: $1.8m-$2.2m), a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible by Murphy (est: $1.4m-$1.8m), a 1936 Hispano-Suiza J12 Berline by Fernandez et Darrin ($900k-$1.2m), a 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster (est: $850k-$950k) and a 1930 Cadillac V16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood ($800k-$1.1m).
This 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 belonged to Steve McQueen, and was used by him as daily transport until his passing in 1980. Said to be one of the actor’s favourite cars, it was later passed through several owners before being restored by Kienle Automobiltechnik of Germany in 2013 to the tune of €125,000. It is estimated as between $125k and $175k.
Other Mercedes-Benz highlights include a 1963 300 SL Roadster ($1.6m-$1.8m); a 1955 300 Sb ($375k-$425k); a 1957 300 SL Roadster ($1.2m-$1.6m); a 1955 300 SL Gullywing ($1.4m-$1.65m); a 2005 CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet ($575k-$750k); a CLK DTM AMG Coupé ($600k-$800k); a 1990 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II ($325k-$375k); a 1957 300 SL Roadster – one of two with hard-tops with Rudge wheels – ($2.6m-$3.2m); a 1953 300 S Roadster ($350k-$450k); and a 2009 SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster ($800k-$1m).
Further details
The Bonhams Quail auction takes place on Friday, August 16 and the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Carmel. More information is available here.
The Broad Arrow auction takes place during Hagerty’s Motorlux event between Wednesday, August 14 and Thursday, August 15 at the Monterey Jet Center. More information is available here.
The Gooding & Co auction takes place between Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17 at the Pebble Beach Parc du Concours. More details are available here.
The Mecum auction takes place between Thursday, August 15 and Saturday, August 17 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course. More details are available here.
The RM Sotheby’s auction takes place between Thursday, August 15 and Saturday, August 17 at the Monterey Conference Center. More details are available here.
