While there’s certainly no shortage of options when it comes to finding some auction action during Monterey Car Week, Russo & Steele is the one for you if you’re looking for high excitement and loads of accessibility. Held at the water’s edge near downtown Monterey, Russo & Steele incorporates a ground-level “auction-in-the-round” format wherein attendees can walk right up to the machine up for bidding. However, if you’re looking to add it to your garage, you’ll have to be quick, as each lot only enjoys a few minutes under the spotlight before the next car in line replaces it. This year, Russo & Steele is once again bringing the goods, offering up a large collection of exotics, antiques, classics, and muscle cars, with a nice assortment of tastes and price ranges represented. Whether you’ve got a budget of thousands or hundreds of thousands, Russo & Steele has something for you.

The Russo & Steele auction will take place over the course of three evenings, with literally hundreds of cars slated to head under the hammer. We’ll be on the scene to cover all the good stuff next week, but before heading to the coast, we thought we’d give you a preview of what to expect. Read on for a breakdown of some of the more interesting lots scheduled to show.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Russo & Steele Monterey Auction.

The Lots

1953 Ferrari 250 Europa (Lot #1143)

The 250 Europa was the first of the 250 Ferraris slated for street duty, offering sumptuous Italian Grand Touring style and impressive old school performance. Taking responsibility for the gorgeous looks is legendary design house Pininfarina, which blessed the Ferrari with a long hoodline, cab-back profile, and oval central intake. Inside is a 2+2 cabin arrangement. Originally, the 250 Europa was equipped with the iconic Lampredi V-12, a race-derived powerplant producing 200 horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph time below the 8-second mark, not to mention a 135-mph top speed. This particular example is the ninth of 16 Europa Coupes, and enjoys a full restoration by Brian Hoyt of Perfect Reflections. The exterior is finished in its original shade of Blu Montagna, while the cabin gets a beige interior with blue piping. Period correct Borani wheels are in the corners. The engine was also updated to a 4.0-liter V-12 from a Ferrari 330 GT, with a recent rebuild performed by Patrick Ottis. A five-speed Tremec manual transmission swaps cogs, but the original 250 transmission is included with the sale.

Read our full review on the 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa.

1965 Cobra Shelby 289 Mk II Roadster (Lot #1021)

When it comes to American performance cars, the name Carroll Shelby holds a lot of weight. As the story goes, Shelby approached the U.K.-based AC with the intention of fitting a V-8 into the nose of one of their cars, rather than the Bristol straight-six used before. AC agreed, so Shelby approached Chevrolet looking for a suitable engine. Fearing a cannibalization of sales from the Corvette, the Bow Tie declined, but Ford had no qualms with competing with Chevy’s iconic sports car. As such, the Windsor small block was fitted to the AC in Shelby’s workshop in Los Angeles. The second-generationmodel started production in 1963, utilizing a new steering system compiled from components from the MGB and Volkswagen Beetle.

This particular example was used as a factory demonstration model, and recently underwent a complete body-off restoration at the hands of McCluskey Ltd. between 2012 and 2014. It uses a five-speed Borg Warner T-10 transmission, and has seen regular driving, even making appearances at a variety of SCCA shows.

Read our full review on the 1965 Cobra Shelby 289 Mk II Roadster.

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 (Lot #1145)

Good things happen when automakers launch high-performance street cars to meet homologation standards for racing. Case in point – the Boss 429 V-8. Starting with the 385 big block V-8, Ford tweaked and tuned with an eye for the NASCAR Grand National Division, creating one badass pony car in the process.

The example you see here is a stunning, nearly flawless restoration, representing one of 859 Ford Mustang Boss 429s built in 1969. Finished in Royal Maroon, this ‘Stang boasts matching numbers, including for the transmission and rear end housing, with no rust and an almost entirely original interior and suspension. It’s also got the original carburetor and fuel pump, as well as the original window sticker, posted with a price of $4,964.51. Included are the original owner’s card, owner’s manual, warranty book, and several pics documenting the restoration process. This Mustang has seen only a single owner since 1976, and was put into storage for 33 years before undergoing restoration. Under the hood is the venerated 429 CID 4V Cobra Jet HO engine producing 375 horsepower, although upwards of 600 horsepower is possible with the right equipment. Power steering and power front disc brakes keep it under control.

Read our full review on the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.

1972 BMW 3.0 Adam Corolla “Batmobile Spec Race Car” (Lot #1138)

The BMW 3.0 CSL is one of those classic Bavarian machines that’s instantly recognizable to fans and enthusiasts. With small dimensions, a broad flat nose, and long straight lines, the 3.0 CSL was the go-faster iteration of the 3.0 CS. Developed by a group that would later become BMW Motorsport GmbH, the CSL got a reduced curb weight and more power, as well as the prominent aerodynamic kit that earned it the “Batmobile” nickname.

This particular example has seen several prestigious owners and a good deal of racing as well. It was originally bought by Dahmen-Tuning and converted to race spec by Heinz-Jorgen Dahmen, a well-known German racer. The car then went to Cullen Cuffy Crabbe, son of Buster Crabbe, the Olympic gold medalist and actor. Crabbe changed the car to Group 2 spec and upgraded the engine, after which the car was sold to the comedian Adam Corolla in 2011.

1967 Lancia Fulvia 1.3 HF Series 1 Rally Car (Lot #1019)

Anyone that’s into rally racing has no doubt heard the name “Lancia,” and for those that are unaware, the Fulvia is the car that brought the brand back to competition after it left Formula 1 in 1955. First rolling out in 1963, Lancia produced the Fulvia until 1976, offering a four-door Berlina sedan, a two-door coupe, and the Sport fastback coupe designed by Zagato. In 1965, the Fulvia made its competition debut at the Tour de Corse with the Rallye HF, eventually going on to collect numerous race wins and championship victories. The Fulvia is also the car that preceded the rise of the such icons as the Stratos and Rally 037.

This particular example comes equipped for competition in the 1300 cc class in vintage rally racing. With less than 2,000 pounds to fling around and about 120 horsepower under the hood, you can be sure this is one entertaining ride. The suspension, engine, body, and subframe are all rebuilt and in great condition. What’s more, this little speed demon is going up for sale without reserve.

1989 Toyota Crown (Lot #1147)

If you’re looking for unique JDM-style luxury, say hello to the Toyota Crown. Brought stateside under the 25-year import exemption law, this right-hand drive luxury cruiser has less than 68,000 miles on the odometer and comes with oodles of extras, such as new wheels, new tires, and a Junction Produce body kit finished in the factory white. Making it go is a well-maintained 3.0-liter engine and automatic transmission. This is apparently the first Junction Produce Toyota Crown with right-hand drive in the states, and promises to draw tons of stares at any number of import events.

1972 Fiat 500 L (Lot #1040)

Brought stateside just last year, this particular Fiat 500 was used as a taxi cab in its native Italy, where it was restored to pristine condition before making the journey over to the U.S. Making it go is the original twin-cylinder 500 cc engine, which runs through a four-speed transmission. Up top is a foldable black canvas roof to let in extra fresh air, complemented by black upholstery for the interior. Known as one of the first “city cars” in production, the 500 is a true Italian icon, and this particular example is a truly unique offering.

The Details

Where: 290 Figueroa Street, Monterey, California, 93940

When: Wednesday, August 16th, through Saturday, August 19th

How: General admission tickets cost $30. You can find more information on available services, amenities, parking, and more, by clicking this link.