For the 27th consecutive year, California's stunning Monterey Peninsula will host one of the most anticipated events in the automotive calendar. The renowned Monterey Car Week, in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s, has consistently unveiled extraordinary vehicles at auction. A standout from last year’s event was the Lost and Found Collection—a group of 20 Ferraris that had been stored away for decades before capturing the spotlight. RM Sotheby’s dominated the week’s sales, securing five of the top ten spots, more than any other auction house present.
This year's auction features an impressive array of classic roadsters and competition cars that have graced the most prestigious racing circuits, from Formula 1 to Le Mans. Highlights include a vehicle that channels the essence of a racer in a street car design.
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti
Designed with the Carrera Panamericana rally in mind, this Ferrari 410 Sport Spider is one of only four cars created for the notoriously perilous race across Mexico. With its low frame, short wheelbase, and a 4,961 cc V-12 engine, it was built to handle rough terrain. Although the 1955 race was cancelled, the 410 Spider made a triumphant debut at the Palm Springs Road Races in 1956, securing victory under Scuderia Parravano. When legal troubles forced Parravano to flee to Mexico, the 410 Spider was among his prized possessions.
1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider by Scaglietti
The 625 TRC is a testament to Enzo Ferrari's ability to adapt and innovate. Following a restriction on engine capacity at Le Mans, Ferrari repurposed the Tipo 625 Formula 1 engine into the 625 TRC, using the 500 TRC chassis. Only two of these racers were built for the Southern California circuit, and this particular model gained a reputation for excellence, securing 21 top-three finishes and 10 victories across 40 races. It retains the original Colombo V-12 engine, though a replacement engine is also included with the sale.
2002 Ferrari F2001b Formula 1
A notable piece of racing history, the F2001b was an interim car driven by Michael Schumacher during his 2002 season. One of just 30 chassis he raced, this car bridged the gap between the 2001 and 2002 models. Despite initial doubts, Schumacher demonstrated the F2001b's prowess by winning the season opener and went on to claim the Driver’s Championship, cementing the car’s legendary status.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Alloy by Scaglietti
The North American Racing Team (NART) was a dominant force in the 1960s, supported by Ferrari. Team owner Luigi Chinetti aimed to race the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 at Le Mans, but it was disqualified due to tire regulations. Instead, the car competed at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where it performed admirably.
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider by Pinin Farina
Of the 13,500 Mondial Spiders crafted by Pinin Farina, this model stands out. It raced in the Mille Miglia shortly after completion and continued to make waves in Nordic racing. The car not only competed in the Mille Miglia again in the 1970s and 1980s but also participated in the Monterey Historic Automobile Races.
1995 Ferrari F50
Celebrating Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, the F50 was meticulously developed over four years. While not a racing car per se, it pays homage to Ferrari’s racing heritage with a V-12 engine akin to those used in their 1992 Formula 1 cars. The F50, of which only 349 were made, is a road-legal supercar that closely resembles an F1 racer. This particular model, number 47 of 55 US deliveries, has an impressive pedigree, including ownership by Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage, and holds three Platinum awards.
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler
The 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first dedicated racing car, featuring a lightweight aluminium body and a 1,500 cc four-cam engine. As the penultimate 550 Spyder built, it was created for John von Neumann, a prominent figure in Southern California racing. Despite its debut in 1956, the car went on to compete in over 20 races between 1957 and 1958.
2006 McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 Formula 1
Significant in racing history, the MP4-21 was the first McLaren to feature Mercedes-Benz’s new naturally aspirated V-8 engine. Designed by Adrian Newey, it was driven by Juan Pablo Montoya and tested by a young Lewis Hamilton. This model is one of the few driven by Hamilton that remains outside a factory collection.
Conclusion
These examples represent just a fraction of the remarkable vintage roadsters and supercars that will be available at RM Sotheby’s auction during Monterey Car Week. This event continues to be a highlight of the summer, offering a must-attend opportunity for any car enthusiast.
