The 2026 auction calendar opens with two major sales on two different continents. First comes North America, where the iconic Arizona Car Week will conclude with the year’s first auction on 23 January. Less than a week later, the attention of automotive enthusiasts across the globe will shift to Paris as it hosts RM Sotheby’s for the 13th year at Les Salles du Carrousel. This distinguished venue, which sits alongside the Seine and boasts proximity to the Louvre and the luxury shopping district of Triangle d'Or, is the most ideal setting for consignors to showcase some of the world’s rarest vehicles.
The auction features a diverse range of items, from racing memorabilia and branded luggage collections to working miniature cars designed for children. However, the main attractions are the supercars, particularly several exceptional vintage Ferraris alongside select models from Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz.
The Ferrari vehicles span different periods in the Italian manufacturer's history. Each has received certification from Ferrari Classiche, the company's official authentication service. Below is a detailed look at the Ferrari models that will be offered in Paris this month.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti
The California Spider SWB combines road car comfort with racing car performance. Many consider it the most beautiful Ferrari ever created, with elegant lines that demonstrate the refinement of simple design. Building on the success of the 250 GT California Spider, which achieved notable results at Le Mans and Sebring, the SWB featured a shorter wheelbase introduced by Ferrari in 1960. It also incorporated a wider track and the latest version of the 'short-block' V12 engine.
This particular chassis is the third of only 56 short wheelbase examples produced. It is also one of just 39 cars fitted with the highly sought-after covered headlamps. The car was originally painted Bianco (white) with Nero (black) interiors. At some point, it was repainted in Ferrari's signature red. Later, it received its current finish of Nero exterior with Rossa (red) leather interior, both in period-correct colours.
The car's history began in October 1960 in Alsace, a region near the French-Swiss border. It passed through several owners during the 1960s and 1970s before remaining unchanged until 1996, when the current consignor purchased it. He commissioned a complete restoration, which included the current colour scheme. Ferrari Classiche first certified the car in 2008, issuing the prestigious 'Red Book' authentication document. A new certification was completed near the end of 2025, and the updated 'Red Book' will be provided to the buyer once printed. This rare car has been carefully maintained by a single owner for over 30 years, making it an outstanding acquisition for any collection.
1997 Ferrari F310 B
The Ferrari F310B was designed by several prominent figures in Formula 1. John Barnard began the project in the UK, making this car his final work before leaving the Scuderia after a decade. The design team then returned to Maranello, where Ross Brawn, who had previously worked at Benetton, took charge. He brought designer Rory Byrne with him.
Only nine F310B models were built, with two featuring a lighter construction. Chassis 179, which is being sold, is one of these two lightweight examples. Michael Schumacher drove it during qualifying at the 1997 Belgian Grand Prix. However, the car was used as a backup after Schumacher chose to race with an older chassis. Eddie Irvine then drove the car, qualifying in Italy before racing at the Austrian Grand Prix. The car's competition career ended after that third race, when it was involved in a minor accident.
Ferrari sold the car less than a year later. A group of collectors purchased it and displayed it at F1 Clienti Events, before it was acquired by a motor museum in Rhode Island. The new owner may contact F1 Clienti to arrange participation in future events.
The opportunity to own a Formula 1 car, particularly one driven by Michael Schumacher, is becoming increasingly uncommon and represents a significant opportunity for serious collectors.
1997 Ferrari F50
Whilst other vehicles in this sale have fascinating histories, few cars are as immediately recognisable as the F50. Ferrari created this model to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, combining lightweight construction with Formula 1-level performance. It represents an ideal balance of design and capability for dedicated Ferrari enthusiasts.
This example, Chassis 106610, is one of only 349 cars built. It features the classic Rosso Corsa (red) finish with Nero (black) seats and Rosso accents. The car has had only one owner and has covered just 1,680 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. It is considered exceptionally rare due to its complete set of accessories, including a hardtop roof panel, fitted luggage set, and owner's manuals.
For Ferrari enthusiasts seeking a nearly perfect example, this represents an outstanding opportunity.
1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S
This selection began with one of Ferrari's most beautiful designs, and appropriately concludes with another car celebrated for its elegant, flowing shape. The Dino 206 S was named in honour of Enzo Ferrari's son, who contributed to developing the first version of the V6 engine that powers the vehicle.
The car holds several distinctions. It is the last of only 18 examples built, one of 13 featuring Spyder bodywork by Carrozzeria Sports Cars, and one of just two equipped with the most powerful V6 variant: a Lucas fuel-injected Tipo 233 S producing 270 horsepower.
Soon after delivery to its first owner, the car competed in the 1000 Kilometres of Mugello race, where it carried the Number 28. It remained in Italy through several ownership changes before arriving in the UK in 2001. In the early 2010s, the current consignor purchased the Dino and returned it to Italy for a full restoration. Ferrari Classiche certified the car in 2015, awarding it the coveted 'Red Book'.
Now displaying its original Number 28 Rosso Corsa racing colours, the Dino 206 S is a genuine collector's treasure as the last of an iconic and truly beautiful series.
