For the 27th consecutive year, the scenic Monterey Peninsula in California will play host to one of the automotive world’s premier events. Monterey Car Week, in partnership with RM Sotheby’s, has long been renowned for presenting rare and exceptional vehicles at auction. Last year, the spotlight was on the Lost and Found Collection, which featured 20 Ferraris that had been stored away for decades. RM Sotheby’s dominated the sales, securing five of the top ten spots, more than any other auction house present.
This year’s offerings include a selection of classic roadsters and racing cars that have competed in prestigious events such as Formula 1 and Le Mans, along with a vehicle that blends racing spirit with street-car elegance.
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti
Originally crafted for the treacherous Carrera Panamericana rally across Mexico, the Ferrari 410 Sport Spider is one of just four models built to conquer this grueling race. With its low-profile frame, shortened wheelbase, and a 4,961 cc V-12 engine, the 410 Spider was designed to handle rugged terrain. Although the 1955 rally was cancelled, the 410 Spider made its mark with a victory at the Palm Springs Road Races in 1956 under the Scuderia Parravano banner. Following legal issues, Parravano took the 410 with him to Mexico.
1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider by Scaglietti
The 625 TRC showcases Enzo Ferrari’s innovative prowess in adapting to changes. After Le Mans restricted engine capacities, Ferrari ingeniously used the Tipo 625 Formula 1 engine in the 625 TRC, fitted to the 500 TRC chassis. Only two of these were created for the Southern California circuit, and this model became renowned for its success, achieving 21 top-three finishes and 10 wins in 40 races. It comes with its original Colombo V-12 engine as well as an additional engine.
2002 Ferrari F2001b Formula 1
The F2001b holds a significant place in racing lore due to its association with Michael Schumacher and his 2002 season. As one of just 30 chassis raced by Schumacher, this car served as a transitional model between the 2001 and 2002 designs. Despite initial concerns, Schumacher led the F2001b to victory in the season opener, eventually clinching the Driver’s Championship, solidifying its legendary status.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Alloy by Scaglietti
The North American Racing Team (NART), a major force in the 1960s, was supported by Ferrari. Luigi Chinetti, NART’s owner, aimed to enter the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 into the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but it was disqualified due to tire regulations. Instead, the car competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona, where it delivered a strong performance.
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider by Pinin Farina
One of only 13,500 Mondial Spiders built by Pinin Farina, this model debuted at the Mille Miglia just two months after its completion. It soon became a fixture in Nordic racing, participating in events such as Ljungsdalbacken and Hedemor, and setting a Swedish speed record at Varpenloppet. The car also returned to the Mille Miglia in the 1970s and 1980s and competed at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races.
1995 Ferrari F50
The F50, a tribute to Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, was meticulously developed over four years. Though not a race car itself, it was designed by Pininfarina to evoke Ferrari’s legendary racing models from the 1950s and 60s. Featuring a V-12 engine similar to those used in the 1992 Formula 1 cars, it is a road-legal supercar that closely resembles an F1 racer. Of the 349 units produced, this is the 47th and one of just 55 delivered to the US. Its former owner, Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage, adds to its illustrious history, and it boasts three Platinum awards, with the most recent awarded in 2023.
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler
Porsche’s first dedicated racing car, the 550 Spyder, featured an advanced design with a lightweight aluminium body and a 1,500 cc four-cam engine. This particular model, one of the final 550 Spyders built, was crafted for John von Neumann, a key figure in introducing Porsche and Ferrari to the US. Initially facing an early retirement after its 1956 debut, the 550 Spyder went on to compete in over 20 races between 1957 and 1958.
2006 McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 Formula 1
The MP4-21 is notable for being the first McLaren to use Mercedes-Benz’s new naturally aspirated V-8 engine following the end of the V-10 era. Designed by Adrian Newey during his last season with McLaren, it was driven by Juan Pablo Montoya and tested by a young Lewis Hamilton. The MP4-21 is one of the rare cars driven by Hamilton that is not part of a factory collection.
In Summary
These are just a few of the extraordinary vintage roadsters and supercars available at RM Sotheby’s auction during Monterey Car Week. The event remains a highlight of the summer, and the 2024 auction promises to be a must-see for any automotive enthusiast.
