If there’s any event dedicatedly pinned on the calendar of car enthusiasts around the world, it is the Monterey Car Week. Unfolding over 10 days during the second week of August, this celebration honours the finest in the automotive world through an exciting lineup of events.
It is arguably the RM Sotheby's Monterey sale that forms the soul of this extravaganza – a longstanding partnership that marks its 28th year in 2025. This year's offerings shine a spotlight on automotive excellence across decades, from coveted classics to rare modern masterpieces. Below, we examine an intriguing collection of Ferraris, including true one-offs you won’t find anywhere else.
2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’
The Daytona SP3 '599+1' commands attention with its striking two-tone facade, where Ferrari's iconic Giallo Modena yellow contrasts dramatically against exposed black carbon fibre. This marks a historic first – it was the inaugural road car from the marque featuring the full-length 'Ferrari' livery spanning the entire chassis from nose to tail, ensuring that it impresses from the very outset. Yet, there is much more to this impressive model beyond its captivating exterior.
Launched in 2021, the Daytona SP3 was the crown jewel of Ferrari's Icona Series, an exclusive collection of bespoke automobiles crafted for the brand’s most devoted clients. Each model in this limited series reimagines Ferrari's most celebrated classic models, uplifting them with contemporary design finesse and cutting-edge technology. True to its namesake, the Daytona SP3 pays tribute to the racing models of the 1960s that swept Ferrari to victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.
Ferrari's production run was limited to just 599 examples, all of which were claimed by collectors before the first car entered production. An additional model was produced, with the fitting serial number ‘599+1’ and bespoke specifications developed by the Ferrari Tailor Made division. This marvel showcases its distinctive colour palette and striking full-length livery, complemented by innovative Q-cycle upholstery crafted from recycled tyres. A naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 delivers 829 horsepower, which, paired with the car's refined aerodynamic design, takes it from 0 to 200 km/h in a staggering 7.4 seconds.
'599+1' offers its buyer an incredibly rare opportunity: obtaining the only available example from the sold-out Icona Series while also supporting a worthy cause. All sale proceeds will be donated to the Ferrari Foundation to fund educational initiatives.
2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The LaFerrari Aperta is an innovative take on the iconic LaFerrari coupe, featuring an open top and the groundbreaking KERS hybrid system. It made its debut in 2013, casting a shadow over rivals like the Bugatti Veyron with its 6.3-litre V12 powerhouse that produced an incredible 949 horsepower.
A mere three years after its grand entry to the market, its production came to a halt at 499 units. Every single LaFerrari Aperta was snapped up and stowed away in the collection of a long-time Ferrari buyer. However, to commemorate its 70th anniversary, Ferrari announced a welcome surprise by recreating the cherished La Ferrari Aperta – more exclusive and even more impressive. Limited to just 210 models, this Aperta was re-engineered from its closed-top predecessor to maintain the rigidity of its chassis without a roof and was souped up to deliver 963 horsepower.
The consigned Aperta is apparently among the last units built, armed with over $113,000 worth of extras alongside its standard equipment. Clad in Nero Daytona paint and Nero interiors, Rosso accents uplift its elegant form. The car has been sparsely used and has been immaculately maintained, thanks to regular service by authorised Ferrari dealerships.
2011 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype M4
Behind closed doors in 2010, Ferrari was crafting what would become a hypercar game-changer. The project, bearing the intriguing internal codename 'F150', underwent rigorous virtual design work and prototype simulations. Years later, this secret development would be unveiled as the LaFerrari, stunning the automotive world upon its debut. However, sharp-eyed observers around Maranello might have caught fleeting glimpses of heavily disguised prototypes — machines strikingly similar to this extraordinary offering.
The Prototype M4, commonly known as the ‘F150 Muletto M4’, was built on the chassis popularised by the 458 Italia. It was modified to accommodate a hybrid V-12, but it was the naturally aspirated engine that shouldered the majority of the work in delivering a staggering 949 horsepower.
The interior remained largely faithful to the 458's layout, featuring only subtle additions that hinted at its future development. However, the exterior was unabashedly experimental, adorning exposed rivets, a gaping front air intake, a bold matte black finish, and distinctive patchwork details.
As the LaFerrari transitioned to production, Ferrari made these invaluable prototypes available only to loyal clients, stipulating they would remain track-only specimens. Though destined never to traverse public roads, this M4 represents something far more significant – standing as a museum-calibre artefact and an irreplaceable fragment of automotive history.
2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti ‘Bicolore Detroit’
This custom two-toned marvel was one of just five 612 cars commissioned by Ferrari in the United States as a statement of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti’s extraordinary capabilities. All five ‘bicolore’ models boasted distinctive palettes, evincing the spectrum of personalisation possibilities Ferrari offered its most valued customers.
The cosigned vehicle was the third unit in this exclusive cohort, first introduced at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. Sporting a Rubino Micalizzato and Nero Daytona exterior, the interiors featured Cioccolato and beige leather alongside myriad bespoke elements. The car was promoted with great fanfare, though things took an unexpected turn after the auto show.
The car's owner, a prominent Detroit businessman, became embroiled in a corruption investigation that resulted in the vehicle's seizure by federal authorities. It was subsequently sold at a government auction, where it was viewed as a mere confiscated vehicle rather than a true automotive treasure.
The Bicolore Detroit's true significance remained hidden until 2022, when an automotive historian recognised its rarity and acquired the vehicle. He undertook an extensive restoration and servicing project, which also included cosmetic refinement.
A stunning Cioccolato leather 612 suitcase and an original 2006 Detroit Auto Show press kit are also on offer along with this magnificent vehicle, completing the picture that speaks to Ferrari’s early customisation history.
