30 epic lots at the 2023 Scottsdale auctions

Scottsdale sensations

Each January since the mid-1970s, Scottsdale in Arizona has got the classic year off to a flying start with a series of big-ticket auctions.

Today, Scottsdale stands as both a market barometer and an unmissable event for car enthusiasts, who can watch live or online as the most prized cars change hands for seven-figure sums while numerous others ease their way into the sixes.

This year’s auction action starts from 21 January and rolls on to the end of the month, so there’s plenty to check out.

Listed by year of manufacture, here are 30 of our favourite lots going under the hammer at Scottsdale 2023 from big players Barrett-Jackson, RM Sothebys and Bonhams…

1. 1912 Simplex 50hp 5-passenger Torpedo Tourer, Bonhams (est: $2,500,000-3,500,000)

Described by Bonhams as the pinnacle of American pre-war sporting cars, the Simplex 50hp 5-passenger Torpedo Tourer was created by The Smith and Mabley Company, itself an importer of high-end European cars. This was its idea of a Mercedes-type automobile geared for the US market.

This Simplex features unique coachwork by JM Quinby and Company, and Simplex’s own design of four-cylinder T-head engine with, yep, 50 horsepower.

A matching-numbers car, it was owned for over 25 years by Eleanor Sears, one of America’s great pre-war sportswomen.

2. 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A-Body Conversion, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

Offered from the Bill Munday Collection, this Mercedes-Benz 540K has previously won Most Significant Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance and took European Class Pre-war honours at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours.

It started life as a four-seater ‘B-body’ Cabriolet, but has since been upgraded to ‘A’-body configuration, with two seats only and a shorter chassis.

The 5.4-litre supercharged straight-eight engine and four-speed manual gearbox should ensure sprightly performance, too.

3. 1953 Siata 208S Spider, Bonhams (est: $1,500,000-1,800,000)

When it was founded in Turin in 1926, SIATA – for Società Italiana Auto Trasformazione Accessori – specialised in go-faster equipment for Fiats, including high-compression cylinder heads, superchargers and even complete gearboxes. The company earned a strong following through competition success.

Soon, however, Siata moved beyond aftermarket accessories to produce entire cars, including this 208S Spider.

Bodied by coachbuilder Motto, this is one of only 33 Spiders produced and features a 2-litre, all-aluminium V8 (not the original, but period-correct) with 125bhp and independent suspension all round.

Fully restored by Epifani Restorations, it has won class awards at Pebble Beach in 2022 and Amelia Island in 2021.

4. 1954 Chrysler Ghia GS-1, Bonhams (est: $600,000-800,000)

With coachwork penned by Chrysler Corporation design boss Virgil Exner and produced by Ghia, chassis number 7253351 is one of only nine examples of the Chrysler Ghia GS-1, which – along with more than two dozen ‘ideas cars’ – was intended to shake up the US company’s dowdy post-war image (it gave Ghia some much-needed work post-war, too).

Fitted with a 200bhp Hemi V8 FirePower engine, it was subject to a nut-and-bolt restoration by Hyannis ahead of its appearance at Pebble Beach – albeit way back in 1995 – but still looks resplendent in period-correct turquoise paint over a tan interior.

5. 1956 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super Speedster, Bonhams (est: $350,000-400,000)

The Speedster was a stripped-back Porsche 356 designed for both track action and the Californian climate.

These handbuilt cars featured chopped windscreens, Minimalist interiors and fabric roofs designed for emergency use only. Crucially, there was also a 1.5-litre flat-four, quad-cam ‘Fuhrmann’ engine with 70bhp.

Produced in 1956, this red example is one of only 1234 'Pre-A' Speedsters and one of only 3676 Speedsters produced in total.

It has been treated to a factory-accurate restoration, right down to its 16in 10-hole wheels, and includes a Porsche certificate of authenticity, too.

6. 1957 Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400, Bonhams (est: $750,000-950,000)

Styled by Ghia for Chrysler and based on a Chrysler 300C chassis, this gorgeous one-off Super Dart 400 was shown at both the Turin and, later, New York motor shows, where it was bought off the stand at the latter by its first owner. There have been only two subsequent keepers since.

Unlike the vast majority of motor show concept cars, the Super Dart 400 is fully usable – as its 400bhp FirePower Hemi V8, TorqueFlite auto and 49,800 miles attest. This car was the winner of Pebble Beach’s Preservation Class in 2022.

7. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, RM Sotheby's (est: $1,700,000-1,900,000)

This Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was originally shipped to the USA finished in White Grey paint over a red leather interior, but returned to Europe in 1987, where it was eventually restored in 2011 by Alte Sterne Manufaktur in Stuttgart.

The renowned marque specialists treated it to a bare-metal respray and a colour change to Medium Blue – a period-correct hue – but retained red leather for the interior.

More recently, the SL has been treated to another repaint in Medium Blue by its current Arizona-based owner and is described as a concours, matching-numbers example.

8. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

This restomod Corvette convertible certainly looks the part with a custom leather interior and glassfibre body that’s been stripped back and refinished in Axalta Boyd Red clear-coat paint.

It’s got the go to match the show, too, with a new GM LS7 V8 that produces 570bhp, a four-speed auto transmission, plus a powder-coated Art Morrison GT chassis, coilover suspension and Wilwood big-brake conversion to tame the horses.

It's been driven only 200 miles since its completion in November 2022.

9. 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster, Bonhams (est: $2,100,00–2,400,000)

One of only 253 examples ever built and designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz, this Series II 507 is fitted with the usual 3.2-litre all-aluminium V8 and – more unusually – the optional factory hardtop.

This 1958 example was sold new to a German businessman in Venezuela, before returning to Germany in 1960.

It was restored to what Bonhams describes as 'a high standard' between 2006 and 2008, and comes with a BMW Classic Zertifikat which confirms that the 507 retains its original chassis, suspension, braking system and bodywork, while the engine and gearbox are period-correct replacements.

10. 1965 Ferrari 275GTS, Bonhams (est: $1,650,000-1,950,000)

Chassis number 07767 is the 137th of just 200 examples of the Ferrari 275GTS ever produced.

The gorgeous two-seater convertible features its original 3286cc all-aluminium V12 engine and five-speed manual gearbox, and was delivered new to the USA.

Originally silver metallic, at one point colour-changed to red, the 275's Pininfarina bodywork was subject to a full restoration by US-based specialist Motion Products, where it was repainted in the current dark blue and given an interior retrim in tobacco-coloured leather. North Coast Exotics took care of the mechanical refresh.

It's showing just 44,975 miles from new and still with its rare factory hardtop.

11. 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra, RM Sotheby's (est: $3,000,000-3,600,000)

When Shelby upgraded the 289 Cobra into the 500bhp 427, it did so intending to race in the FIA’s Group 3 GT class. However, it failed to make the cut with only 53 cars built of the 100 examples required for homologation – making it incredibly collectible today.

Adding to its rarity, this 427 has remarkable provenance – it took part in the Cobra Caravan publicity tour that celebrated Shelby winning the 1965 FIA international Championship for GT manufacturers, featured in the 1966 Elvis film Spinout and was first owned and raced in period by F1 driver Moises Solana Arciniega.

The seller owned it between 1980 and 1993, then reacquired it in 2006, subjecting it to a $300k restoration to original spec soon after.

12. 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast Series II by Pininfarina, RM Sotheby's (est: $2,200,000-2,800,000)

This Ferrari 500 Superfast is of only 36 examples ever produced, and one of just 12 second-series models. 

Restored in 2006 by Paul Russell & Co, it comes equipped with the Tipo 208 engine, a 400bhp 4.9-litre V12 that’s said to combine the best of the Lampredi and Colombo Ferrari V12s.

Finished in dark blue over Cognac leather, it’s spent most of the past 12 years in climate-controlled storage but is noted as having some lifting and crazing to its paintwork.

13. 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

Barrett-Jackson describes this Shelby Group II Mustang as ‘one of the rarest ever built’.

Originally produced for Shelby test driver Ken Miles to contest SCCA and Trans-Am Racing, it was sold to John McComb following Miles’ untimely death during testing at Riverside.

McComb went on to help Shelby claim the 1966 Trans-American Sedan Championship and the Mustang participated in 30 races overall, including the 24 Hours of Daytona.

It has received a full restoration over the past decade, and while the original 289cu in V8 engine is no longer fitted, the replacement is period-correct.

14. 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 by Scaglietti, RM Sotheby's (est: $3,000,000-3,500,000)

The 275GTB wasn’t new in 1967, but the ‘/4’ suffix was – it denoted a four-cam head for the V12 engine, a first for a Ferrari road car and something given away by the subtle bonnet bulge in this car’s shapely bodywork.

Number 203 of only 330 cars built, this matching-numbers 275GTB/4 has had only four owners from new, including 45 years with the same family, and retains the factory-original exterior and interior colour combination.

Its engine was rebuilt in 2017 by Restoration and Performance Motorcars of Vermont.

15. 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible, RM Sotheby's (est: $2,600,000-3,000,000)

Described as 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' and 'a keystone of the ultimate Corvette collection', this is the only Chevrolet Corvette convertible factory-built with the ZL-1 engine – a 560bhp, all-aluminium V8 derived from Chevy’s Can-Am race programme and that helped to double the Stingray’s original retail price.

Officially this homologation experiment was never intended for sale, but was sold to first owner John Maher due to his extensive motorsport contacts.

Maher entered it in hillclimbs, autocross events and drag races until 1972, before finally selling in 2007. The original engine was replaced under warranty early in the car’s life, but is period-correct.

16. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

The first-generation Camaro was produced only from 1967 to 1969, but the 1969 examples are the most desirable due to their significantly more purposeful bodywork including deeper-set headlights.

This ’69 ZL-1, however, is the Holy Grail. Number 61 of 69 ZL-1s built in Bryan Adams’ favourite year, it features a 427cu in V8 derived from the Can-Am racing programme and was officially quoted – and allegedly greatly understated – at 430bhp.

This green-over-tan example is a matching-numbers car, and comes with a certificate of authenticity from marque expert Jerry MacNeish.

17. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, Bonhams (est: $375,000-475,000)

Showing only 62,473 miles since it was hand-finished in 1971, this 280SE features a 3.5-litre fuel-injected V8 good for 200bhp, a four-speed auto ’box and its original combination of Moss Green paint with a Parchment interior – though the original (and no longer available) dark-green fabric roof has made way for a smart-looking black replacement.

This 280SE was delivered new to California and has spent its five decades in San Francisco’s Bay Area. Described as 'well-preserved', it was subjected to a full respray at some point and has an original and nicely patinated interior.

18. 1971 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda Hard Top, Bonhams (est: $375,000-475,000)

The Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda was a homologation car built so that Plymouth could contest NASCAR races.

It features a 425bhp Hemi V8, accurately described by Bonhams as the ‘most awesome engine of a period when awesome engines were the rule’, paired with a four-speed ‘pistol-grip’ shifter.

Quite probably the only export model delivered to Europe new, this car's first owner was the official Plymouth importer in Denmark. He sold it after campaigning it in period Scandinavian motorsport events, then subsequently tracked it down in 2008 and commissioned a restoration by marque specialist Loyd Lind over a six-year period. It’s now being sold on behalf of his son.

19. 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV by Bertone, RM Sotheby's (est: $3,000,000-3,500,000)

The SV – for Sprinto Veloce – is the most powerful and desirable of Lamborghini’s three production Miura derivatives.

Only 150 were produced, and notable upgrades over its siblings include a 385bhp V12, a reinforced chassis and rear suspension with larger wishbones.

This car is chassis number 4926 and has a matching-numbers chassis, engine and body.

Previously wearing Giallo Sole paint over Nero leather, but now Blu Notte over light grey, it was treated to a four-year restoration in the early 2000s, including an engine rebuild by former Lamborghini test driver and engineer Bob Wallace.

20. 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort, RM Sotheby's (est: $1,600,000-2,000,000)

Built for Group B competition and effectively a rolling laboratory to extend the life of the by then seriously under-developed 911, the 959 featured Kevlar-reinforced bodywork and a 2.85-litre twin-turbo flat-six with air-cooled block, water-cooled heads and 444bhp.

This matching-numbers 959, one of only 292 standard production examples, is finished in Grand Prix White over dark-blue leather and is to Komfort specification, which includes leather and air conditioning.

It was first registered in Germany in 1987 but came to the UK in 1989, where it remained and was regularly looked after by Porsche Centre Reading before going to Canada in late 2021. It’s got fewer than 17,000 miles on the clock.

21. 1989 Ferrari F40, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

A Ferrari F40’s 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is feisty enough for most drivers, but this one was boosted from the original 471bhp to between 700 and 1000bhp – depending on set-up – back in the mid-’90s.

Still with its original engine and gearbox, this early car was first delivered to Holland and has period race history with David Hart and Michel Oprey in the Ferrari/Porsche Challenge Series.

It has been subjected to a cosmetic restoration in Nardo Grey by the Zanasi Group in Maranello – the same outfit that does the paint for many modern Ferraris, including its highly exclusive Icona models.

22. 1992 Ferrari F40, RM Sotheby's (est: $2,200,000-2,800,000)

Evolved from the 288GTO, Ferrari’s F40 features a tubular chassis covered in lightweight carbon and Kevlar bodywork and a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that helped propel it to 201mph – Ferrari’s last turbocharged engine before the California T introduced in the last decade.

This Euro-spec car is finished in Rosso Corsa with Vigogna cloth trim and shows just 19,697km.

It was sold new to Germany, exported to Japan in 2007 and comes with a fresh service and clean bill of health from Ferrari of Newport Beach, California.

23. 1994 Bugatti EB110GT, RM Sotheby's (est: $1,600,000-2,000,000)

The EB110 represents the start of the modern Bugatti story, although not with Volkswagen in Alsace.

Rather, this was Romano Artioli’s rebirth of the brand, the Italian businessman and one-time owner of Lotus who acquired the Bugatti trademark in the late 1980s and built the EB110 – a reference to what would have been founder Ettore Bugatti’s 110th birthday – in Modena.

Featuring a carbonfibre chassis and a replacement (if correct) version of the 3.5-litre quad-turbo V12 engine, this is one of only 85 GT-spec EB110s, originally sold to a Czech buyer who specified the special-order two-tone grey leather interior.

Maintenance has been by Dauer Sportwagen and later B Engineering, both go-tos for EB110 owners since Artioli's Bugatti Automobili fell into receivership. It shows only 31,930km.

24. 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, Bonhams (est: $1,100,000-1,400,000)

With its carbonfibre monocoque, pushrod suspension and a 5.7-litre V10 engine from a stillborn Le Mans racer that produces 612bhp at 8000rpm, the Carrera GT was a Porsche to rival the most exotic of supercars.

This car is number 538 of the 1207-unit production run. First delivered to the USA, it has since spent time in both Europe and Japan – though presumably not driving much in between, with only 4900 miles covered from new.

Its Basalt Black exterior has been subjected to a complete repaint, too.

25. 2012 Lexus LFA, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

Lexus’ esoteric and excellent V10 supercar was created in hopeful anticipation of an F1 win that never materialised.

Unusually for the supercar genre, it features a front-mid-mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine, which was paired as standard with a six-speed automated manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.

Only 500 LFAs were produced in total, and this is the only example finished in Steel Grey with Orange interior.

It has lived in Dallas with its original owner since new, and the sale includes matching Lexus luggage with engraved VIN numbers, an LFA watch, hardbound LFA book and a desktop model.

26. 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari, RM Sotheby's (est: $4,000,000-4,500,000)

When it arrived in 2014, the LaFerrari was the latest in Maranello’s line of special-series hypercars.

Like its Enzo and F50 forebears it featured both a naturally aspirated V12 engine and a carbonfibre monocoque, yet it moved the game on with hybrid assistance – not so owners could coast emissions-free through town, mind, but to boost the 6.3-litre V12’s 789bhp with a further 161bhp, for a 949bhp total that’s still mind-bendingly epic today.

One of only 499 examples, this US car is the only LaFerrari finished in Blu Elettrico over Crema leather and has covered just 3186 miles from new.

Its pre-sale estimate of $4-4.5m is RM Sothebys’ highest at Scottsdale by a million dollars.

27. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS was built to monster the Nürburgring, but many are now unfortunately tucked away as investments – that’s the case with this pristine example, which has managed just 40 miles of action from new.

The most powerful production 911 of all, its 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six is good for almost 700bhp – helping it dispatch the 0-60mph dash in just 2.6 secs.

Desirable options on this car include a larger fuel tank, front-axle lift system and Bose surround sound.

Crucially, it also gets the Weissach pack, an option that cost more than £21k new and included magnesium wheels and a titanium rollcage.

28. 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

The Aventador SVJ is the most uncompromising version of Lamborghini’s just-retired halo supercar, sharing its carbonfibre monocoque and V12 engine with its siblings, but dialling up the intensity with less weight and more power – 760bhp at a thrilling 8400rpm and 1525kg without fluids to be precise.

This one has a better back-story than most, being owned by a serial Lamborghini buyer and former Miss Universe contestant, who sent a brand-new pair of Christian Louboutin high heels to the factory so the Italians could match the ‘Red Bottom’ colour of her favourite footwear to her favourite car.

Yes, you get the still-new shoes, too – just don’t drive in them. And the car is similarly pristine, with only 1090 miles from new.

29. 2019 Ford GT Lightweight Carbon Series, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

The reborn GT was Ford’s third (and largely well-received) attempt at capturing the magic of its 1960s GT40 Le Mans winner.

Based around a full carbonfibre monocoque and fitted with a 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 engine good for 647bhp, this one has a staggering $74,750-worth of factory options that include the Lightweight Package, with 20in carbonfibre wheels and a polycarbonate rear engine cover.

Another track special that’s been kept in a time capsule, this limited edition comes with full factory build photos and has covered just 10 miles from new.

30. 2022 Kindig CF1 Barrett-Jackson Edition Custom Roadster, Barrett-Jackson (no reserve)

The Kindig CF1 is billed as a homage to the 1953 Corvette and was created by hot-rodder Dave Kindig.

Based on a custom Roadster Shop Chassis with a carbonfibre body, it retains the original car’s wheelbase but tweaks its dimensions for a more muscular aesthetic.

This CF1 is certainly muscular under the skin, with a staggering 652bhp at the rear wheels courtesy of the appropriately named ‘Eliminator’ 427cu in LS V8.

Thankfully it’s got six-piston front and four-piston rear Wilwood brakes, too.