Top 30 cars for sale at Monterey 2023

Big-money motors at Monterey

The annual Monterey Car Week in California is always a big event in the automotive calendar – and the 2023 edition is fast approaching, on 11-20 August.

It is a period where the world’s best car auction houses hold some of their most important sales of the year, so here we are counting down those cars expected to achieve the highest prices – after all, Monterey attracts some of the most sought-after classic cars and many super-wealthy buyers.

So here are the top 30 cars due for sale at auction in Monterey Car Week 2023, listed in ascending price order, by pre-sale estimate.

Prices quoted in US$ and GBP; conversion from US$ was correct at the time of writing

=29. 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Cabriolet (est: $3-3.5m/£2.35-2.75m)

This handsome Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Cabriolet, with bodywork by Figoni, can be entered in many of the best tours and rallies around the world.

It was first registered in September 1933 with this bodywork for its original owner Roger Goldet. In the 1980s, it was owned by US enthusiast Robert Rubin, who commissioned a full restoration with Chris Leydon.

Now, the car is in gently mellowed condition having covered more than 20,000 miles since the restoration.

=29. 1966 Ferrari 275GTB/6C (est: $3-3.5m/£2.35-2.75m)

This Ferrari 275GTB is unusual for more than one reason.

For starters, it’s the rare six-carburettor model and is one of only 80 cars made with the aluminium long-nose bodywork. It is also a matching-numbers car.

However, what sets this 275GTB apart from all others is it was bought new by Pirelli for tyre testing in Italy.

It had unique rear wings added to help with this work and it was photographed at the tyre firm’s proving ground in period. It comes to sale with Mecum following a restoration in the late 1980s.

28. 1914 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout (est: $3-4m/£2.35-3.14m)

Proving that there is still plenty of interest in Brass Era cars in the US is this 1914 Mercer 35-J Raceabout.

This particular example has a history that can be traced back to the 1930s when it was used to compete in the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Old-Timer Race, driven by Ralph De Palma.

The Mercer was part of The Jerry S Foley Collection for more than 50 years and is a rare late-model version.

It has the desirable four-speed gearbox and was restored in the 1960s before being carefully used and maintained by Foley, who is now selling the car though Gooding & Company at its Pebble Beach sale on 18 August 2023.

27. 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato Berlinetta (est: $3.25-3.75m/£2.55-2.95m)

A competition past that includes the 1956 Mille Miglia makes this Maserati A6G/54 a very tempting offer at Broad Arrow’s Monterey sale.

Even though the car did not finish that race, it went on to have a long career as a hillclimb and circuit race car in many events in the ownership of Roberto Federici.

The car spent its life in Europe up to 2000, when it was acquired by John Bookout of Houston, Texas, USA, and it was during his ownership the car was restored to its present fine condition.

It is thought to be the only A6/G with a ‘double-bubble’ Zagato roof and is one of just 20 Zagato-bodied cars of this model.

26. 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 SEFAC (est: $3.5-3.8m/£2.75-2.99m)

The SEFAC designation for this 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 tells buyers at the Mecum sale it was originally bought with competition use in mind.

Its first owner, Dr Luigi Ravizza, used it in hillclimbs in 1967 to 1968, and the car was maintained at the factory during his ownership.

It’s one of only six 275GTB/4s painted Nero black when new, while the Pella orange-leather interior makes this car stand out even further. It has spent most of its life in the US and was restored in 1990.

=24. 1933 Packard Twelve Individual Custom Convertible Victoria (est: $3.5-4m/£2.75-3.15m)

Being sold on Sunday 19 August, this car is unique among Packard Twelves, because it is the only one built on the 1006 chassis and comes with factory photographs to back up its impressive history file.

There’s more, too, because the car is a full matching-numbers Twelve with its chassis, engine and body all the ones that left the factory together.

Plus, the ‘vee windshield’ Dietrich Individual Custom body on this Packard Twelve was only offered in 1933.

It was owned by Armin ‘Mitty’ Mittermaier from 1953 to 1993. During his four decade-long custodianship, the car was fully restored and used extensively.

=24. 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Centre Seat (est: $3.5-4m/£2.75-3.15m)

Porsche only built six cars out of a total of 34 718 RSKs with the option of moving the steering wheel to the centre of the body, and this is one of them.

This car was delivered new to Christian Goethals of Belgium, who used it in competition for a year. In that time, it won the 1959 Leopoldville Grand Prix in the Belgian Congo and then took third in class at the 1960 Buenos Aires 1000km Grand Prix.

The 1587cc flat-four engine is original to the car, along with the five-speed transaxle transmission. It also has the Wendler bodywork that it left the Porsche factory with to make it a very original example.

=22. 1952 Jaguar C-type (est: $3.5-4.25m/£2.75-3.35m)

There’s always excitement around the sale of a Jaguar C-type, because only 53 cars were built in period.

This one has the extra cachet of being driven by Phil Hill when new at the Lone Star 200 in Texas, where he finished second, and then by Pearson ‘Pete’ Woods in the 1955 Torrey Pines endurance race with a race win to add to the car’s impressive credits.

This C-type was restored in the UK in the late 1980s and finished in its original British Racing Green.

It’s the first time this car has been offered for sale in almost 30 years, further adding to anticipation when it is auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at the Monterey Conference Center this August.

=22. 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV (est: $3.5-4.25m/£2.75-3.35m)

Reckoned to be the ultimate Miura, this 1972 Lamborghini in P400 SV specification will draw in keen collectors, because it is one of only 150 made.

Here we have a late-production model with a split sump and air conditioning, which makes it more usable for whoever places the winning bid at Gooding & Company’s Monterey sale.

The car remained with its first owner up to 2010, who ordered the Tahitian Blue paint with gold accents that is believed to be unique to this car, and it’s set off by white-leather upholstery.

It has been the subject of a concours-standard restoration by Cremonini Carrozzeria and has all matching numbers, plus it is said to be one of the finest Miuras in existence.

=20. 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupé Aerodynamico (est: $3.5-4.5m/£2.75-3.53m)

The dramatic looks of this 1962 400 Superamerica Series I Coupé Aerodynamico will make it stand out at Monterey Car Week, even among the great many Ferraris for sale.

Finished in white with a grey-leather interior, its swooping looks are complemented by it being one of only seven short-wheelbase examples made with covered headlights.

This car was delivered new to Paris to its first owner Hubert Charpentier. It spent four years in his care and only arrived in the US 15 years ago.

It has had a full restoration and comes with Ferrari Classiche certificate to prove it still as the original chassis, body, suspension, brakes, engine, gearbox and differential.

=20. 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster (est: $3.5-4.5m/£2.75-3.53m)

The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special being sold by Mecum at Monterey has been in the US for most of its life.

However, the car was bodied by Mayfair Carriage Works of London when new and its sweeping one-off body will be sure to attract plenty of interest.

This car is one of 419 540Ks made and has a supercharged straight-eight engine. It comes with matching chassis and engine numbers, and it’s been in two important US car collections in its time, plus it was displayed at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

19. 2003 Ferrari Enzo (est: $3.75-4.25m/£2.95-3.35m)

With only three owners from new and just 2687 miles under its wheels, this 2003 Ferrari Enzo is in the same condition it left the factory 20 years ago.

It was given Ferrari Classiche certification in 2020 and comes with its original manuals, warranty book, tools, tyre-inflation pump, battery chargers and full service records.

The Enzo being offered by RM Sotheby’s was sold new in Dubai before making its way to the US in 2004. The current owner has had the car for 14 years, adding around 1500 miles to the total during that time.

18. 1995 Ferrari F50 (est: $4-4.5m/£3.14-3.53m)

The Ferrari F50 has finally come into its own, and emerged from the shadow of the F40 and Enzo that bookend it in rare-breed Ferrari history.

Broad Arrow’s 1995 example is a full matching-numbers car that comes with all of its original tools, luggage, tonneau, hardtop and flight case.

This European-spec F50 has had two long-term owners in Japan between 1996 and 2023, and has covered fewer than 11,500km (7150 miles) from new.

It’s being sold with an aftermarket Tubi exhaust fitted, but also has the factory original included in the sale.

=16. 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Cabriolet (est: $4-5m/£3.14-3.93m)

A very well-documented car, this 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Cabriolet is one of the more developed third-series models and comes with its matching-numbers engine.

Further adding to its appeal to bidders at Gooding & Company’s sale will be that this car has had only four owners since 1942.

A full restoration by Paul Russell and Company helped the car to a class win at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – and it still appears to present immaculately.

The open coachwork is by Castagna of Milan, and this car has been featured in Simon Moore’s book on the 8C. It is also being sold with acceptance to the 2024 Mille Miglia for its new owner.

=16. 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 ‘Del Rio’ (est: $4-5m/£3.14-3.93m)

The ‘Del Rio’ in this 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4’s description refers to its exterior paint colour.

This was the only 275GTB/4 finished in this shade and it’s bound to have buyers lining up when it’s sold by RM Sotheby’s.

Aside from its unique paint, this 275 will also attract plenty of interest because it’s a certified matching-numbers example with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book to prove it.

It also has several original competition-style features ordered from the factory such as an outside fuel-filler cap, Borrani wire wheels, a painted door-mounted mirror and the grille moved forward.

=14. 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta (est: $4.25-4.75m/£3.34-3.73m)

This may be the only entry from Bonhams to make it into the top 30 pre-sale estimates list for the 2023 Monterey Car Week sales, but the Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta is a stunning-looking machine.

Built in 1951, it’s an early Ferrari that finished seventh in class and 16th overall in that year’s Le Mans 24 Hours with owner Charles Moran sharing the driving with Franco Cornacchia.

It was later bought by well-known car collector Jon Shakespeare, and it was also owned by a number of other respected Ferrari enthusiasts.

The current owner had this car refreshed and was careful to preserve its original body and the factory body stamps that can still be seen throughout.

It will cross the block with Bonhams at its Quail Auction on 18 August.

=14. 1985 Ferrari 288GTO (est: $4.25-4.75m/£3.34-3.73m)

Ferrari only made 272 288GTOs between 1984 and 1986, and this example being sold by Broad Arrow has seemingly been meticulously cared for since the day it left the factory.

It has all matching numbers, as proven by the Ferrari Classiche certificate it comes with, and there is a huge file of service and maintenance records that also accompanies it.

Fitted with the desirable red-fabric seats, this 288GTO also comes with air conditioning and electric windows from new.

It was supplied to its first owner in Switzerland and has been passed through a small number of marque enthusiasts since.

Used sparingly, it has covered around 9000km (6600 miles) since it rolled off the production line.

13. 1955 Jaguar D-type (est: $4.5-5.5m/£3.53-4.32m)

This short-nose Jaguar D-type with fin comes from 1955 and was campaigned extensively in the US when it was new.

Noted drivers to have piloted the car include Jack Ensley and the Thompson family of Alabama. It has also been owned by actors Tim Considine and Nicholas Cage at different points in its life.

The car comes to auction with RM Sotheby’s from a 21-year ownership by its most recent owner. Before this, it was restored by John and Gary Pearson in the UK, when it was returned to its original British Racing Green colour and the tail fin was replaced.

It also has its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate and FIA HTP papers, so is ready to be used in motorsport.

12. 2007 Porsche RS Spyder Evo (est: $5-6m/£3.93-4.71m)

The most expensive car by estimated value in Broad Arrow’s Monterey sale is one of the newest cars to go under the hammer over the week of auctions.

It’s this 2007 Porsche RS Spyder Evo that finished third in the 2007 Petit Le Mans series. It also scored a podium finish in the 2008 Sebring 12 Hours LMP2 race.

One of only 17 RS Spyders made between 2005 and 2008, chassis number 9R6-705 was completed in January 2007 and is one of the updated cars with more power and better aerodynamics.

Guy Smith and Chris Dyson were its regular drivers in 2007 for the Atlantic Dyson Racing team.

It has been completely rebuilt and is now ready for use in historic racing – and will be sold with an entry to the next Porsche Rennsport Reunion event.

11. 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 (est: $5-7m/£3.93-5.5m)

The big draw for this Ferrari 274GTB/4 is the original owner: none other than Steve McQueen.

It should generate huge interest, because it’s the car that McQueen reputedly bought to use when his 275GTS/4 NART Spider was damaged in an accident and he wasn’t prepared to wait for it to be repaired.

McQueen had the 275GTB/4 repainted in a darker shade of red when the car was new. He also had the car fitted with Borrani wire wheels and an aerodynamic driver’s-side mirror, and he is said to have commuted to the set of Bullitt in this car.

It was converted into a NART Spider replica by a subsequent owner before being restored to original condition by then owner and former Le Mans winner Vern Schuppan.

10. 1960 Porsche RS60 (est: $5.5-6.5m/£4.32-5.1m)

Rated as one of the most original survivors of this type of Porsche, the 1960 RS60 being sold by Gooding & Company is ready to use in historic motorsport.

It has a long competitive career, having taken part in many US races in period and claiming 12 class wins between 1960 and 1963.

The RS60 has its original engine and the aluminium bodywork by Wendler is also the same it was fitted with when new.

It was bought new by William Wuesthoff from Wisconsin and he maintained the car to a very high standard and avoided any damage to the car while also competing in it.

9. 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC (est: $5.5-7m/£4.32-5.5m)

This 1937 Bugatti Type 57 is one of only two built when new with four-seat tourer bodywork by Corsica.

It was constructed on a 57S chassis and then upgraded with a supercharger to SC specification in 1946. However, the car still retains its original engine, chassis, gearbox, differential and bodywork.

It was bought new by Maurice Fox-Pitt Lubbock, who was a close friend of Jean Bugatti and future vice-president of Rolls-Royce.

Latterly, it was part of the Blackhawk Collection, during which time the car was restored, and the current seller carried out a second restoration, totalling nearly 6000 hours, in 2021.

8. 1956 Porsche 550A Prototype Le Mans Werks Coupé (est: $5.5-7.5m/£4.32-5.89m)

There can be few more keenly anticipated sales than the 1956 Porsche 550A Prototype Le Mans Werks Coupé being sold by RM Sotheby’s.

The name alone tells you what is so special about this car, with its factory coupé body and Le Mans history, and that it’s the only-surviving example of the streamlined fastback roof design for this racing Porsche.

As well as this, the car has a superb motorsport history. It won its class and finished fifth overall at Le Mans in 1956, driven by Richard von Frankenberg and Wolfgang von Trips.

It is now for sale after a complete restoration by former owner Julio Palmaz.

7. 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupé Series III (est: $5.75-6.75m/£4.5-5.5m)

Only 12 Series III versions of the Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupé were built, and a mere seven were produced with the factory covered headlights of this car.

This is the fourth such car that was built. It was delivered new in 1959 finished in its Nero Tropicale IVI black paint with tan-leather interior to an American buyer living in Geneva, Switzerland.

This Ferrari was restored between 2017 and 2020 by RM Auto Restoration – and has won several concours awards since.

It is being sold as a matching-numbers car with Ferrari Classiche certification.

6. 2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello Prodrive (est: $8-9.5m/£6.5-7.5m)

A V12-powered Ferrari with Le Mans history will appeal to many buyers, but this 550 has the added provenance of being driven by Colin McRae to a class podium at the 2004 24-hour event.

It was bought new by Frédéric Dor and is the third of only 10 550 Maranellos prepared by Prodrive for Care Racing Development.

This car contested 34 events between 2002 and 2006, and it now comes with full certification from Ferrari Classiche.

Its competition career also included competing at the 2002 Le Mans race with Touring Car drivers Alain Menu and Rickard Rydell, and Tomáš Enge sharing duties that year.

5. 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster (est: $8-10m/£6.29-7.86m)

Formerly part of the Ralph Lauren collection, this stylish 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster is an extremely fine-looking car.

It’s one of three Type 55s fitted with this bodywork finished in 1933 and it was sold new to the Bugatti agent Henri M Sagnier in Algeria, who then sold it to Juvénal Emile Jarron as the first private owner.

The car was used in period for some hillclimb competition, but was mostly driven as a touring car on the road.

It joined Ralph Lauren’s collection in 1986 and stayed there until 2003, during which time it was restored from the ground up by Crosthwaite & Gardiner.

It has since been owned by a number of other Bugatti enthusiasts and is being sold with an entry to the 2024 Mille Miglia.

4. 1962 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta (est: $9-11m/£7.07-8.64m)

Certainly one of the most closely watched sales at Monterey Car Week in 2023 will be this 1962 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta, that will cross the block with Gooding & Company.

Always a barometer for the top end of the market, this model is a must-have for most serious collectors, and Gooding’s car is an unrestored and very original, matching-numbers example.

Painted in the grey metallic it left the factory with, it has a tan-leather interior.

It has had just four owners from new and was ordered originally by Italian industrialist Giovanni Scalabrin. He specified the car with lightweight pistons and a tuned exhaust, and he used the car regularly on the road up to 1967, before selling it.

3. 1960 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider (est: $9.5-11.5m/£7.5-9m)

Any Ferrari 250GT Short Wheelbase California Spider will set an auction room buzzing, and this 1960 example comes with the added frisson of period competition history in the Targa Florio.

It was in action in the 1962 edition, coming home third in class and 19th overall, and it’s thought to be the only 250GT California Spider to ever compete in this event.

The Spider was used for more motorsport outings early in its career, before passing through a number of keen owners.

A full restoration was commissioned by the current owner between 2013 and 2016, and it then gained Ferrari Classiche certification. It comes to auction with RM Sotheby’s wearing its racing numbers and roll bar.

2. 1957 Jaguar XKSS (est: $12-14m/£9.5-11m)

This 1957 XKSS is the most expensive Jaguar being sold at the Monterey auctions in 2023.

It was made into XKSS 707 from XKD 504 and then sold to Lou Brero painted in cream with a red-leather interior.

However, Brero died in a racing accident before taking delivery of his XKSS, so it then went to car dealer Sammy Weiss.

Later in its life, the car was owned by Scottish enthusiast IG Campbell McLaren, who had the car carefully refinished and painted in its present Ecurie Ecosse colour scheme.

Despite its change in colour, this car is regarded as one of the best-preserved XKSS examples and has covered only 25,535 miles from new.

1. 1964 Ferrari 250LM (est: $18-20m/£14-15.5m)

The car expected to achieve the highest price at the Monterey Car Week 2023 auctions is this Ferrari 250LM being sold by RM Sotheby’s – considering the margin over the previous car, it is the week’s undoubted star.

Quite apart from the huge amount of money involved in its sale, this Ferrari has massive appeal because it competed in the 1968 Le Mans 24 Hours.

It was also driven in period by the likes of Mike Hailwood, Innes Ireland and Mike Parkes.

It comes with the engine and gearbox that were used at Le Mans and has Ferrari Classiche certification, plus it was extensively restored in 2021.