An overview of the Monterey Car Week 2021 sales results of the Monterey (RM Sotheby’s, Mecum), Pebble Beach (Gooding), and Quail Lodge (Bonhams) classic car auctions.
The good times return to the Monterey Car Week 2021 classic car auctions with sales up 37% on 2019 results and around 87 cars selling for over a million dollars each. RM Sotheby’s earned the most and sold 44 million-dollar cars at Monterey 2021. Gooding had the top result at Pebble Beach with a McLaren F1 selling for over $20 million. Bonhams had the strongest Mercedes-Benz result in years at Quail Lodge. Mecum sold more cars at Monterey 2021 than anyone else including an Acura NSX for over a million dollar as a charity lot. At least 25 million dollar bids failed to buy the car at Monterey 2021.
Monterey Car Week 2021 Auction Results
According to Hagerty, the total combined earnings of all the auctions during Monterey Car Week 2021 calculated immediately after the completion of sales amounted to $343 million — an increase of 37% on the results of 2019. Post-hammer deals increased the numbers further. The average sell-through rate improved from 59% to 80% and the average lot price from $334,114 to $428,000.
Fees included, 82 cars sold for over a million dollars during the various Monterey Car Week 2021 auctions, including post-hammer deals announced during the sales. At least five cars were added soon after, although the auction houses have varying policies in publishing post-sale deals and results.
The annual Monterey Car Week sales in mid-August are the most important classic car auctions of the year but this was doubly the case in 2021. Before Monterey, 83 cars were sold at major car auctions worldwide for a combined total of $186 million. At Monterey 2021, that number increased by 87 cars and over $237 million including the five most expensive cars sold thus far in 2021.
Top Monterey 2021 Auction House Results
In the Monterey Car Week 2021 classic car sales, the battle of the auctioneers produced the following (using the action houses’ own numbers):
- Gooding Pebble Beach 2021: $107,045,410 earned with a sell-through rate of 87% — selling 115 of 132 lots and an average price of $930,829 per lot, 24 million dollar cars, including the two most expensive cars.
- Bonhams Quail Lodge 2021: $36,877,800 earned with a sell-through rate of 89% — 124 lots sold, 15 unsold, 7 million dollar cars.
- Mecum Monterey 2021: $57.4 million earned with a sell-trhough rate of 80% — 411 of 519 cars sold, 12 million dollar cars.
- RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2021: $148.5 million earned with a sell-through rate of 90%, 44 million dollar cars.
Top 10 Car Results at Monterey Car Week Auctions 2021
- See 2021 Monterey Car Week Sales — Top 10 Car Auction Results for the ten most expensive cars sold at the Monterey classic car auctions in 2021. The minimum result to qualify for admission to the top ten list was over $4 million but the more interesting auction results were probably amongst cars lower down the list.
Outstanding Results at the Monterey 2021 Classic Car Auctions
Around 87 cars sold for over a million dollar at the Monterey Car Week classic car auctions — see a list of the 85 published million-dollar results.
Some of the outstanding results at Monterey 2021 included:
1995 McLaren F1
The 1995 McLaren F1 achieved $20,465,000 as the top result in the Gooding Pebble Beach 2021 classic car auction and the most expensive car sold at all the Monterey Car Week sales in 2021. This F1 increased the marque record and became the 13th most expensive car ever sold at public auction and only the 13th car to achieve over $20 million.
Although it raised the previous marque auction record by only $660,000 from the $19,805,000 achieved by the 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2019 sale, the increase over a non-LM spec car was almost $5 million. The previously most expensive not-LM-Spec F1 car was $15,620,000 achieved at the Bonhams Quail Lodge 2017 for the 1995 McLaren F1, number 044.
The new record McLaren F1 was the 25th of 68 road-going cars built with a further 38 race track versions. It was the only F1 delivered in Creighton Brown and was preserved in a time capsule state by its original Japanese owner with its later period in the USA not adding to the delivery mileage of only 390 km (242 miles) on the clock.
Top Ferarri Results at Monterey 2021
No fewer than 27 Ferraris sold for over a million dollar at the various Monterey Car Week auctions in 2021 — at all auctions in 2021 prior to Monterey, only 18 Ferraris achieved a million dollar and none were in the top ten list.
A selection of interesting Ferrari results at Monterey 2021 includes:
| Year | Car | Price ($) | Estimate | Auction House | |
| 1 | 1959 | Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione | 10,840,000 | 10,000,000 – 12,000,000 | Gooding |
| 2 | 1962 | Ferrari 268 SP | 7,705,000 | 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 3 | 1966 | Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione | 7,705,000 | 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 4 | 1958 | Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ | 6,000,000 | 5,750,000 – 6,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 5 | 1958 | Ferrari 250 GT Series I Cabriolet | 4,405,000 | 4,500,000 – 5,500,000 | Gooding |
| 6 | 1995 | Ferrari F50 | 3,965,000 | 3,600,000 – 4,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 9 | 2016 | Ferrari F60 America | 3,635,000 | 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 10 | 2014 | Ferrari LaFerrari | 3,410,000 | 3,000,000 – 3,500,000 | Mecum |
| 12 | 2015 | Ferrari LaFerrari | 3,250,000 | 2,750,000 – 3,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 13 | 1992 | Ferrari F40 | 2,892,000 | 1,700,000 – 2,200,000 | Gooding |
| 16 | 1991 | Ferrari F40 | 2,425,000 | 1,800,000 – 2,100,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 25 | 1992 | Ferrari F40 | 1,600,000 | 1,500,000 – 1,800,000 | Bonhams |
Note: Left Column is the price rank of all Ferraris sold at Monterey 2021.
The five most expensive Ferraris at Monterey 2021 are described in the Top Ten List but these were probably among the least interesting results. Similar models have sold for more, and in the case of the 275 GTB Competizione the very car sold for several million more a few years ago.
Three new Ferrari model records were set for the F50, F60 America (as the first one ever sold at auction), and the F40, as the most expensive non-LM specification car. The LaFerraris sold at prices last regularly seen in 2017 (but not the $5 million model record set in 2016). Even the cheaper F40, which was sold in a post-hammer deal, was far more expensive than many recent auction results.
Aston Martin DB4GT Results at Monterey 2021
An unusually large number of top Aston Martin cars were on offer at the Monterey 2021 sales but the most interesting aspect was a rare opportunity to compare the valuations of the variety of DB4GT versions on offer in the same week.
| Year | Car | Price ($) | Estimate | Auction House |
| 1962 | Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato | 9,520,000 | 11,000,000 – 14,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1959 | Aston Martin DB4GT Lightweight | 3,855,000 | 4,000,000 – 5,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1961 | Aston Martin DB4GT | 3,305,000 | 3,400,000 – 3,800,000 | Gooding |
| 1961 | Aston Martin DB4GT Sanction II | 2,755,000 | 3,000,000 – 3,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 2018 | Aston Martin DB4GT Continuation | Sold | 1,200,000 – 1,600,000 | Bonhams |
| 1965 | Aston Martin DB5 Convertible | 3,195,000 | 1,850,000 – 2,250,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
The result below $10 million for the DB4 GT was slightly disappointing and the reserve was reportedly lowered in the room to ensure the sale. The Lightweight sold for nearly $700,000 more than a similar car achieved in 2019.
Four standard DB4 GTs sold thus far in 2021 with prices ranging from a cheap $1.6 million at Artcurial Paris to a model-record $3,777,280 at Gooding London. The Sanction II car sold for more than many original versions while the 2018 Continuation struggled with the unpublished post-hammer price probably well below a million.
The most surprising Aston Martin result was for the DB5 Convertible — selling for nearly a million over top estimate and a new model record.
Top Prewar Cars at Monterey 2021
Twelve pre-Second World War cars sold for over a million dollar at the Monterey 2021 sales. In order of age:
| Year | Car | Price ($) | Estimate | Auction House |
| 1910 | Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Pullman Limousine | 2,535,000 | 2,000,000 – 2,600,000 | Gooding |
| 1914 | Stutz 4E Bearcat | 2,920,000 | 2,750,000 – 3,500,000 | Gooding |
| 1927 | Delage 15-S-8 Grand Prix | 1,000,000 | 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1928 | Mercedes-Benz 26/120/180 S-Type Supercharged Sports Tourer | 5,395,000 | 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 | Bonhams |
| 1929 | Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix | 5,615,000 | 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 | Gooding |
| 1929 | Duesenberg Model J Butterfly Dual-Cowl Phaeton | 3,305,000 | 2,750,000 – 3,250,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1929 | Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan | 2,365,000 | 2,250,000 – 2,750,000 | Mecum |
| 1929 | Bentley 4 ½ Litre Open Four-Seater Sports | 1,105,000 | 1,100,000 – 1,300,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1930 | Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe | 3,965,000 | 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 | Gooding |
| 1932 | Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza | 1,160,000 | 2,500,000 – 3,200,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1932 | Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan | 1,050,000 | 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1935 | Duesenberg Model J Sweep Panel Dual-Cowl Phaeton | 3,125,000 | 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
Although only 12 prewar cars achieved over a million dollar at Monterey 2021, the list contained some stunning cars and results:
The 1910 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Pullman Limousine is the most expensive Rolls since at least 2015 and one of only three to have sold for over $2 million since then.
The 1914 Stutz 4E Bearcat set a new marque record.
The 1928 Mercedes-Benz 26/120/180 S-Type Supercharged Sports Tourer sold for over a million above upper estimate and is the most expensive Mercedes-Benz sold since 2017.
The 1929 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix set a new model record. This car was a works racer with a brief but brilliant racing career, winning the 1929 Grand Prix de l’ACF and Spanish Grand Prix, raced by the legendary Monegasque driver Louis Chiron and the notable English driver William Grover-Williams.
Four Duesenberg Model Js were sold at Monterey at strong prices — the $3,965,000 at Gooding the second-highest Model J result on record.
The Alfa Romeo and Delage sold for well below estimate — the latter in a post-sale deal below the highest bid during the auction. Several further similar racers failed to attract bids near the lower estimates.
Porsche Results at Monterey 2021
Porsches generally struggled at Monterey 2021. The highest bid at any auction was $15 million, which would have set a marque record, for the 1971 Porsche 917K at RM Sotheby’s, but many of the racing Porsches on offer attracted only limited interest.
However, there were some interesting results in the seven Porsches that did sell for over a million dollar:
| Year | Car | Price ($) | Estimate | Auction House |
| 1968 | Porsche 911 R | 3,360,000 | 4,500,000 – 5,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1980 | Porsche 935 K3 | 1,930,000 | 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 | Gooding |
| 2015 | Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach | 1,737,500 | 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 2015 | Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach | 1,682,500 | 1,100,000 – 1,300,000 | Gooding |
| 2015 | Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach | 1,595,000 | 1,400,000 – 1,600,000 | Mecum |
| 2004 | Porsche Carrera GT | 1,210,000 | 900,000 – 1,000,000 | Mecum |
| 1964 | Porsche 356 C Carrera 2 Cabriolet | 1,039,000 | 650,000 – 850,000 | Gooding |
Although the 1968 Porsche 911 R sold for over a million below estimate, it was still the third-highest 911 result ever. In contrast, the 356 at Gooding was a surprise million-dollar result.
Three Porsche 918 Spyder Weissachs were sold and at prices last seen regularly in 2017 — at recent auctions 918s were mostly no-sells with bidding occasionally struggling to breach a million.
Previously, only four Carrera GTs have ever sold for over a million with three of those sold at Mecum Monterey auctions. In 2021, Mecum added a fifth one at a new model record.
Further Interesting Results at Monterey 2021
A few further interesting results at the Monterey 2021 sales:
| Year | Car | Price ($) | Estimate | Auction House |
| 2012 | Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package | 1,600,000 | 900,000 – 1,100,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 2022 | Acura NSX Type S VIN001 | 1,100,000 | Charity Lot | Mecum |
| 1994 | Bugatti EB110 Super Sport | 2,755,000 | 2,750,000 – 3,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1963 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 3,085,000 | 2,000,000 – 2,500,000 | Gooding |
| 1963 | Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Continuation | 1,050,000 | 1,500,000 – 1,850,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
The 2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package sold for the highest price ever for a Japanese roadgoing car (charity auctions excluded). In the same RM Sotheby’s auction, a standard Lexus LFA sold for just over $800,000, which was a very good result too.
A 2022 Acura NSX Type S VIN001 sold for $1,100,000 for charity at the Mecum auction.
1990s Bugattis are in fashion lately with the EB110 Super Sport selling for a new model record.
The 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was one of six made in the final week of production — it sold for one of the highest Roadster prices ever.
The 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Continuation just managed a million — half a million below lower estimate and well below the $1,710,000 (over)paid for the same car at the Elkhart Collection sale less than a year ago.
Top Cars NOT Sold at Monterey 2021
At least 25 million dollar bids failed to buy the car at the Monterey 2021 sales. The top ten unsuccessful bids, which mostly stopped around a million short of lower estimate, were:
| Year | Car NOT Sold | Highest Bid | Estimate | Auction House |
| 1970 | Porsche 917 K | HB 15,000,000 | 16,000,000 – 18,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1998 | Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR Strassenversion | HB 7,000,000 | 8,500,000 – 10,000,000 | Gooding |
| 1966 | Ford GT40 Alan Mann Lightweight | HB 5,100,000 | 7,000,000 – 9,000,000 | Gooding |
| 1959 | Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe Series III | HB 5,000,000 | 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1955 | Jaguar D-Type | HB 4,200,000 | 5,500,000 – 7,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1936 | Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupe | HB 4,000,000 | 5,000,000 – 6,000,000 | Mecum |
| 1957 | Maserati 200 SI | HB 3,300,000 | 4,000,000 – 4,500,000 | Gooding |
| 1952 | Ferrari 340 America | HB 3,100,000 | 4,800,000 – 5,300,000 | Mecum |
| 1983 | Porsche 956 Group C | HB 2,900,000 | 4,500,000 – 6,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
| 1955 | Porsche 550 Spyder | HB 2,900,000 | 3,800,000 – 4,200,000 | RM Sotheby’s |
Note: Highest bid as observed during auction / reported by Hagerty.
2021 was not the year for Porsche at the Monterey sales — only seven sold for over a million dollars and eight with million-dollar estimates failed to sell, including three in the top ten failure list. The highest bid at any auction was $15 million for the 917K, which would have set a new marque record if successful. The other Porsche racing cars also attracted limited interest.
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR Strassenversion failing to sell within estimate was probably less surprising. The car was bought at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2018 sale for $4.5 million. The highest bid of $7 million showed the market had moved at least $3 million but still not enough to satisfy the vendor.
The 1966 Ford GT40 Alan Mann Lightweight, as with the 1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV that failed to sell at Bonhams Quail Lodge, lacked significant racing results and had major bodywork alterations done to return it to original specification.
The 1955 Jaguar D-Type failed to sell with a highest bid of $4.2 million — RM Sotheby’s sold the car twice in recent years for just under $4 million — at Amelia Island 2015 and Monterey 2013.
Monterey Motoring Week 2021
Most of the traditional Monterey Motoring Week events returned in mid-August 2021 after the cancellations in 2020. Top classic car auctioneers with sales during Monterey Week 2021 included Gooding (Pebble Beach), Bonhams (Quail Lodge), RM Sotheby’s, and Mecum.
Monterey 2021 Auction Results:
- Monterey 2021 All Auctions: Auction Results General Overview, Top Ten Results, List of Million-Dollar Cars
- Bonhams: Quail Lodge Sale Results
- Gooding: Pebble Beach Sale Results, McLaren F1
- RM Sotheby’s: Monterey Sale Results, Andrews Estate Collection Sale
- Mecum: Monterey Sale Results
Monterey 2021 Auction Announcements:
- Bonhams: Mercedes-Benz 26/100/180
- Bonhams: Talbot-Lago T26 Décapotable
- Gooding: Ferrari California Spider Competizione
- Gooding: Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR Strassenversion
- Gooding: Prewar British Cars
- Gooding: Prewar American Cars
- Gooding: Bugatti Type 35B
- Gooding: Ford GT40 Alan Mann Lightweight
- Gooding: Neil Peart’s Silver Surfers Collection
- Gooding: American Racing Cars
- Gooding: Porsche 934 & 935
- Gooding: McLaren F1
- Gooding: Italian Coachbuilt Cars
- RM Sotheby’s: Porsche 917K
- RM Sotheby’s: Le Mans Racing Cars
- RM Sotheby’s: Andrews Estate Collection (Aston Martin DB4GTs)
- RM Sotheby’s: Top Ferraris
Previous Monterey Week Auction Results