A McLaren F1 GTR, Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, prewar cars, and top Ferraris are headlining the RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week 2026 classic car auction.
The most expensive cars on sale at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 auction include modern hypercars, racing cars, and important prewar cars. The top car is the 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, which is expected to sell for over $35 million. Further cars expected to sell for more than $10 million include the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, a 2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3, and a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO.
RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 Classic Car Auction
RM Sotheby’s Monterey classic car auction: 13, 14, & 15 August 2026 at the Portola Hotel and Monterey Conference Center in California, USA.
Recent RM Sotheby’s Monterey Earnings:
| Year | Earnings ($ million) | Million $ Cars | Sell-Through Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 165 | 37 | 87% |
| 2024 | 161 | 33 | 87% |
| 2023 | 164 | 45 | 86% |
| 2022 | 239 | 52 | 95% |
| 2021 | 148.5 | 43 | 90% |
The Monterey Car Week auction record is $48,405,000 paid for a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO at the RM Sotheby’s 2018 sale.
Most Expensive Cars on Offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026
The most expensive cars on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 classic car auction, based on presale estimates, are:
| R | Year | Car | Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996 | McLaren F1 GTR | In Excess of $35,000,000 |
| 2 | 1962 | Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato | $12,000,000 – $15,000,000 |
| 3 | 1963 | Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport | $11,000,000 – $13,000,000 |
| 4 | 2023 | Ferrari Daytona SP3 | $10,000,000 – $12,000,000 |
| 5 | 1985 | Ferrari 288 GTO | $9,000,000 – $11,000,000 |
| 6 | 2025 | Bugatti Mistral | $7,500,000 – $9,500,000 |
| 7 | 1995 | Ferrari F50 | $7,000,000 – $9,000,000 |
| 8 | 1938 | Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi | $7,000,000 – $8,000,000 |
| 9 | 2003 | Ferrari Enzo | $6,750,000 – $7,500,000 |
| 10 | 1935 | Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Coupe by Rollston and Bohman & Schwartz | $5,750,000 – $8,000,000 |
| 11 | 2024 | Pagani Huayra Roadster ‘Executor’ | $5,000,000 – $7,000,000 |
| 12 | 1928 | Mercedes-Benz 680 S Torpedo-Sport “Cannes” by Saoutchik | $5,000,000 – $6,500,000 |
| 13 | 1937 | Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupe by Pourtout | $5,000,000 – $6,000,000 |
| 14 | 2015 | Ferrari LaFerrari | $5,000,000 – $6,000,000 |
| 15 | 1904 | Mercedes Simplex 40 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau | $5,000,000 – $6,000,000 |
| 16 | 1989 | Porsche 959 Sport | $5,000,000 – $6,000,000 |
| 17 | 1937 | Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante | $4,500,000 – $6,000,000 |
| 18 | 1937 | Delahaye 145 Cabriolet by Franay | $4,500,000 – $6,000,000 |
| 19 | 1958 | Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina | $4,000,000 – $5,000,000 |
| 20 | 1991 | Ferrari F40 | $4,000,000 – $5,000,000 |
| 21 | 1934 | Packard 1108 Twelve Individual Custom Sport Phaeton by LeBaron | $4,000,000 – $5,000,000 |
Note. Include all cars with upper presale estimates of $5 million or more.
Most Expensive Cars on Sale at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026
The most expensive cars on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 are a diverse group. These 21 cars with upper presale estimates of at least $5 million cover a period of over 120 years. The oldest is a 1904 Mercedes Simplex 40 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau; the newest a 2025 Bugatti Mistral.
Eight of the cars are pre-war models — traditionally the best period for owners aiming for glory at Pebble Beach. Five cars are from the 21st century. The only brands with multiple cars in this group are Ferrari (7) and Bugatti (2).
Top Five Cars on Sale at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026
The top five cars at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026, with upper presale estimates of more than $10 million, are led by two British and an American car:
1996 McLaren F1 GTR
Nick Mason’s 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, known as “The Pop Art F1,” is the most expensive car on offer at any Monterey Car Week 2026 collector-car auction.
This 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, chassis #10R, was the first of only two short-tail prototypes built as a development of the 1995 winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, chassis 01R. It was the first GTR chassis converted by McLaren for road use.
If the car sells near the presale estimate, it will increase the McLaren marque and British-made car record by around $10 million and be one of the ten most expensive cars ever sold at public auction.
→ See also 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, “The Pop Art F1,” for more on this remarkable car.
1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
The 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato was the 14th of only 19 DB4 GT Zagatos made for competing in the World Sportscar Championship. It had only a brief racing record in Australia, which contributed to its fine condition.
The DB4 was comprehensively restored between 2016 and 2020 and has since received various awards, including winner of the Zagato Centennial Postwar class and The Vitesse — Elegance Trophy at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; and one of four finalists for the coveted Best of Show award.
When the seller acquired this 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato at the RM Sotheby’s New York 2015 sale for $14,300,000, it set a marque and British-made car record.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, chassis #003, was one of only five ever built and the first of three coupes. A sale within the presale estimate will increase the marque record by more than $3 million.
The Corvette Grand Sport race car was developed despite opposition from GM’s management and had just a short but memorable racing history by privateers. It is presented in the blue number 2 livery used at the Sebring 12 Hours, where it finished second in class in 1964 (and 3rd in 1965).
→ See 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport for more on this important American race car.
2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3
A 2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3 from the exclusive Icona Series is the most expensive Ferrari on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 classic car auction.
Named in tribute to Ferrari’s legendary 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, the Daytona SP3 pairs dramatic 1960s-inspired styling with an 829-horsepower naturally aspirated V-12. This two-owner example is finished in Giallo Triplo Strato with Nero racing stripes and shows only 227 miles.
1985 Ferrari 288 GTO
The European-specification 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO was the 99th of fewer than 300 produced. It is finished in the standard Rosso Corsa and shows only 1,541 km (~958 mi.). Only 45 miles were added since it was imported into the USA in 2021.
It will be possible to buy a full set of the Big Five Ferraris at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 — see Top Ferraris at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 for details.
Top Prewar Cars at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026
Eight of the $5-million-plus cars on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 were produced before the Second World War. Owners keen on exhibiting at Pebble Beach should focus on this category — only two post-war cars have won Best of Show in the past seven decades.
1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe
The 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi, chassis 90117, is one of only 11 New York-style teardrop coupes built and the only one commissioned specifically for competition. It retired from 9th place on the 88th lap of the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It was previously part of the Oscar Davis Collection and sold for $7,265,000 at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2022 auction.
1935 Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Coupe by Rollston and Bohman & Schwartz
The 1935 Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Coupe by Rollston and Bohman & Schwartz was one of just four Rollston-bodied convertible coupes built on the final JN-series. Chassis J-560 was ordered new by Clark Gable and extensively customized to his personal specifications.
Duesenberg, American Car, and Prewar Auction Record
The Duesenberg marque, American car, and prewar auction record is $22,000,000 paid for Gary Cooper’s 1935 Duesenberg SSJ at Gooding Pebble Beach 2018.
As a publicity stunt, the only two SSJ cars produced were presented to Gary Cooper and Clark Gable for use for half a year.
1928 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Torpedo-Sport “Cannes” by Saoutchik
The 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Torpedo-Sport wears a unique open “Cannes” coachwork by Saoutchik. It was built for aristocratic sportsman and art collector Oliver de Rivaud, the Comte de la Raffinièr, and remained for 55 years in the collection of H. Dieter Holterbosch. The meticulously restored car was a class award-winner at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupe by Pourtout
The 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupe by Pourtout, chassis 51620, was commissioned as Louis Delage’s personal automobile. The advanced aerodynamic design debuted outside the 1937 Paris Salon and was praised in period French press for its avant-garde design. It was awarded Best of Show at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
1904 Mercedes Simplex 40 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau
The 1904 Mercedes Simplex 40 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau is the oldest car in this group. It is offered from the collection of the Owls Head Transportation Museum, where it has been since 1977. The Mercedes Simplex carried a massive 6.7-liter T-head four but, more importantly, an industry-first H-pattern gearshift that allowed easy gear selection.
1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante
The 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante, chassis 57551, is one of just 42 Type 57S examples built and among only 17 bodied as an Atalante. Furthermore, it is one of only four fitted with lowered headlights on the competition-style chassis.
It achieved Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1976. RM Auto Restoration returned the Atalante to its original configuration to earn the J.B. Nethercutt Trophy at Pebble Beach in 2014.
1937 Delahaye 145 Cabriolet by Franay
The 1937 Delahaye 145 Cabriolet by Franay is one of five competition 12-cylinder 145 chassis produced. It is believed to be the car that won the Prix du Million in 1937 at Montlhéry for beating the Mercedes-Benz speed record. René Dreyfus raced to several Grand Prix victories.
As part of the Sam and Emily Mann Collection, the restored car was awarded First in Class and a Nomination for Best of Show at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Individual Custom Sport Phaeton by LeBaron
The 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Individual Custom Sport Phaeton by LeBaron is one of the four surviving Sport Phaetons built. The last time one sold at public auction was in 1981, and only two have traded privately since, including this Packard in 1995.
Other Top Cars at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 Auction
Big Five Ferraris
The RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026 sale is a rare opportunity for acquiring all five of Ferrari’s modern hypercars in a single auction. The auction will also include “Big Five” Ferraris, all in Rosso Corsa red, and most with low mileage:
A 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, 1991 Ferrari F40, 1995 Ferrari F50, 2003 Ferrari Enzo, and 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari will be available during the three-day auction. All five are finished in Rosso Corsa red and most have low mileage.
→ For more details, see 2026 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Sale (Top Ferraris Preview).
2025 Bugatti Mistral
The 2025 Bugatti Mistral is the newest of the top cars on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2026. It is one of the 99 final roadgoing Bugatti models powered by the quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine.
This Mistral is finished in Italian Red over Nocturne with an interior in Italian Red and Beluga Black leather. It was specified with around $325,000 worth of factory options. It is a single-owner car showing 321 miles.
A similar 2025 Bugatti Mistral, Estimate: $8,000,000 – $10,000,000, finished in Matt Argent/Black Carbon over a Beluga Black and Tangerine interior is on sale at the Broad Arrow Quail Auction 2026.
2024 Pagani Huayra Roadster ‘Executor’
The 2024 Pagani Huayra Roadster ‘Executor’ is the only one fitted with a factory manual gearbox. It is finished in blue-tinted exposed carbon fiber bodywork with unique aerodynamic elements, and a Black Mamba and Indaco Blu interior. The single-owner car shows only 53 miles.
1989 Porsche 959 Sport
The 1989 Porsche 959 Sport is one of only 29 Sport examples built. Furthermore, it is one of 11 finished in Grand Prix White over grey cloth and one of only two fitted with factory air conditioning.
The Porsche 959 was originally delivered to South Korea but later belonged to German racing driver Nick Heidfeld. The car shows only 4,788 km (~2,976 mi.).
Monterey Car Week Auctions 2026
2026 Pre-Sale Announcements
- Gooding Christie’s: Shelby Cobra Daytona, Top Porsches, Top Competition Ferraris
- RM Sotheby’s: Top Cars Preview, McLaren F1 GTR, Corvette Grand Sport, Top Modern Ferraris, Top Prewar Cars
- Mecum: Early Highlights
2026 Monterey Week Auctions
- Bonhams: Salinas (Laguna Seca), 13 August 2026
- Broad Arrow: Carmel (Quail Lodge), 13 – 14 August 2026
- Gooding Christie’s: Pebble Beach, 14 & 15 August 2026
- Mecum: Monterey, 13 – 15 August 2026
- RM Sotheby’s: Monterey, 13, 14 & 16 August 2026