2017 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction

RM Sotheby’s holds a variety of high-end auctions around the world, with venues including London, Maranello, and Paris. Now that August is in full swing, RM Sotheby’s heads to California for Monterey Car Week, setting some of the world’s finest collectible automobiles up on the block, complemented by the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. This year, the highly celebrated auction house is ramping up the excitement with yet another impressive lineup. The big headliners for 2017 include 13 highly desirable Ferraris, from a 1961 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, to a 2011 599 GTO. However, a variety of other popular makes are obviously included as well, with oddities, antiques, classics, and supercars all up for grabs. This is the cream of the crop, all the good stuff and no filler. The only question is – can your bank account bring one home?

We’ll be on the scene to check out the action, but before we arrive, we’ve picked through the lots and found some of the more interesting vehicles on offer, compiling them all right here for your reading enjoyment. Check them out, and let us know which cars you wanna see more of in the comments below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction.

The Lots

1956 Aston Martin DBR1 (Lot #148)

Estimated Value – In Excess of $20,000,000

Out of all the lots slated to show at the RM auction in Monterey this year, this gorgeous green Aston is sure to be the one to get the most attention. That estimated value isn’t a typo – this Aston offers that highly desirable combination of race-winning history, historical significance, legendary driver roster, flawless condition, and originality that’s nearly impossible to beat.

This vehicle is equipped with a reproduction engine that’s used for racing purposes, but it also includes the original engine for whoever may be lucky enough to bring it home. Based on the preceding DB3 and DB3S models, the DBR1 rear received a new longitudinal suspension set-up and a much lower center of gravity, plus a new five-speed transmission. The body is made from lightweight 20/22 alloy and gets a stunning hand-formed look that just begs for your attention. This car is more or less perfect, from the lovely exterior lines, to the period-correct interior, complete with tweed cloth.

This is the machine that brought Aston Martin the glory of victory at Le Mans. RM Sotheby’s is calling this “the most important model in Aston Martin history.” This particular example is the first of the DBR1s, with only five produced in total. It won the 1959 Nurburgring 1000 KM race, and has seen the likes of Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, Roy Salvadori, and Jack Brabham in the cockpit. And next week, it could very well find a new home.

Read our full review on the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti (Lot #220)

Estimated Value – $8,500,000 to $10,000,000

The Ferrari 250 is without a doubt one of the most desirable models of the collectible car world, with highly original, well-preserved examples often raking in huge sums of money. Case in point – this 1961 short-wheelbase by Scaglietti. As the flagship in RM Sotheby’s 13 Ferrari lineup for Monterey, this exquisite Prancing Horse is believed to have the potential to eclipse eight figures.

This truly remarkable Ferrari is the 110th of 167 built, and one of only 90 Lusso variants. The gorgeous exterior panels are finished in an eye-catching Grigio Conchiglia paint color, while the interior is decked out in Nero leather upholstery. The car boasts matching numbers throughout (2985), as well as care and upkeep by famed collectors Charles Betz and Fred Peters. It’s also been recognized as an award winner at the Cavallino Classic, and was on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2013.

Read our full review on the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti.

1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spider by Scaglietti (Lot #140)

Estimated Value – $6,500,000 to $7,500,000

The purposeful Ferrari 121 evolved from the preceding Type 114, coming equipped with a 4.4-liter straight-six engine and triple side-draft Weber carburetors. Put it all together, and total output equals roughly 360 horsepower, besting the Jaguar D-Type by more than 100 ponies.

This particular example, chassis number 0546, started life as a 118 LM model before it was converted at the factory to its current 121 LM spec, and it represents the third of just four 121 LMs constructed. In 1955, it competed at the Mille Miglia road race against Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson, but a blew tire at high speed, thus taking it out of contention. Moss and Jenkinson would go on to win the event. Afterwards, 0546 was sent back to the factory for a refit to 121 LM spec. After that, this car was also one of three 121 LMs to take part in the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans. With Maurice Trintignant and Harry Shell at the wheel, the 121 would reach speeds of 181 mph down the straight. Unfortunately, all that power came at the cost of reliability, and 0546 was forced to retire just 10 hours into the race.

The car then went to California, where it continued its on-track career with a number of victories across the state. Tragedy would follow in 1956 when Ernie McAfee lost control of this car and hit a tree, resulting in his death and the end of the Pebble Beach road races.

The car was then restored, but it maintaining its matching numbers and Le Mans scrutineering stamp. It has since remained in the hands of noted collectors for decades, and now goes to the block in Monterey.

1950 Ferrari 166 MM/212 Export “Uovo” by Fontana (Lot #152)

Estimated Value - $5,000,000 to $7,000,000

This rather unusual looking Ferrari is the product of a one-off design by Fontana. It was penned by Franco Reggiani for Count Giannino Marzotto, one of the four famous Marzotto brothers. Considered one of Ferrari’s foremost customers, the Marzottos campaigned the Prancing Horse on the racetrack, building a name for the automaker during its early days with a string of wins. This particular Ferrari is considered one of the most significant of the Marzotto’s vehicles, having competed at such high-profile events as the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia.

After a big crash at the Mille, Marzotto sourced new bodywork that focused on aero and weight reduction, and thus, the “egg” was born. The car was then raced at the Giro di Sicilia in an unpainted bare aluminum finish, and although it was again sidelined, this time by a broken differential, the car’s unique style made it an instant hit amongst fans.

Rarely shown to the public, this is a truly unique offering that will complement any collection.

1970 Porsche 908/03 (Lot #256)

Estimated Value – $3,500,000 to $4,500,000

Back in the late ‘60s, Porsche developed the 908/03 for competition duty, paying special consideration to the Targa Floria and Nurburgring 1000 km events. To that end, Porsche was obviously quite successful, taking first and second place finishes in both events.

This particular 908/03, bearing the chassis number 003, is one of only 13 examples built. Clearly, this thing is focused on speed, and was engineered for winning races above all else. Chassis 003 helped refine the details of what made the 908/03 so successful, with a career that includes testing and development of the platform. And although it saw extensive time at Porsche’s Weissach test track, 003 also saw action at the ‘Ring competing against the Ferrari 512, eventually taking a second-place finish at the Nurburgring 100 KM. Although the venerable Porsche 917 would follow in the 908/03’s footsteps, chassis 003 would continue testing, specifically refning details on the suspension system. Sometime in the early ‘70s, 003 was involved in a collision, but was eventually rebuilt. Later in its life, 003 went to Porsche factory driver Siggi Brunn and was rebuilt using new aluminum tubes for the chassis, sourced from the factory. The car was later raced at various historic events across Europe, such as the One Hour historic race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2004.

2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta (Lot #229)

Estimated Value – $2,200,000 to $2,800,000

From old school cool to cutting-edge beauty, we have this gorgeous Pagani Huayra, which comes finished in a matte Grigio Scuro Opaco exterior color, plus the requisite bare carbon fiber. Inside is a beige leather interior, once again bearing that trademark Pagani artistry. This particular example is also fitted with the Tempesta Package, which includes new aero and weight savings measures, new four-way Ohlins shocks, a titanium exhaust system, and new wheels. This example also comes with the $20,000 seven-piece luggage set. Making it go is a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter AMG V-12 powerplant, which produces as much as 720 horsepower.

With just a single owner and only 640 miles on the clock, this Pagani is practically new, and as one of just 100 Huayra coupes built, it’s a rather rare example as well.

Read our full review on the 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta.

2006 Lamborghini Concept S (Lot #233)

Estimated Value – $1,800,000 to $2,500,000

Few automakers create as much excitement with their designs as Lamborghini, and this concept vehicle is no different. Preceded by a non-running concept at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2005, Luc Donckerwolke dreamed up a drop-top iteration of the hugely popular Gallardo. A year later, Lambo built this Concept S based on the Gallardo platform, presenting the machine at the Concorso Italiano event. The look is a surefire head turner, with lowered windows, a divider that runs the length of the cabin, and refined aerodynamics. A V-10 powerplant producing 520 horsepower provides motivation. While originally slated for a limited production run of 100 units, Lambo ended production after just a single unit, making the Concept S a true one-off. Just 180 km is registered on the odometer.

Read our full review on the 2006 Lamborghini Concept S.

2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR (Lot #258)

Estimated Value – $580,000 to $780,000

Based on the absurdly quick Diablo SVR, the GTR is the Raging Bull’s track-oriented Diablo model. Only 30 were made, and this particular example is number 19. Outfitted with a business-like interior space, huge aerodynamics, and carbon fiber exterior body panels, this thing is pure racing excitement. The powerplant helps enormously in that regard, sending as much as 590 horsepower to the rear axle thanks to a 6.0-liter V-12, improving on the street machine specs thanks to individual throttle bodies, a dynamic intake, variable valve timing, and titanium connecting rods. Flat out, the GTR is capable of 210 mph.

Read our full review on the 2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR.