Classic Rides

Excitement is building for RM Sotheby’s 2023 Monterey Car Week auction after an incredible edition last year that grossed more than $230 million in sales. The annual event—which sees some of the rarest and most-coveted cars go under the hammer—is a global highlight that attracts collectors and fans worldwide.

Last year’s sale is a tough act to follow, having seen a 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC Spider, a 1998 Ferrari F300 F1 car, and a one-of-a-kind 2022 Porsche 911 “Sally Special”—that went on to be the most expensive factory Porsche ever sold—but this year includes some equally spectacular vehicles.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 once owned by Hollywood star Steve McQueen. The car was delivered new to the Hollywood star on the set of his 1968 film, Bullitt, and went on to be owned by actor Guy Williams, then Formula 1, Indy 500 and Le Mans racer Vern Schuppan. It was last sold for $10.1 million, by RM Sotheby’s in 2014, with a range of international bidders attempting to get their hands on it. This year will very likely see the same level of interest.

1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Villa d’Este Coupe.

McQueen’s car will be joined by a 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Villa d’Este Coupé formerly owned by Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman. One of only 36 built, it underwent a full restoration in 2021 by Rizza Classic in Italy to ensure it is in the best condition—this is backed up by its class win and Best of Show runner-up recognition in the 2021 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance.

A 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupé, meanwhile, is being offered from a private collection. Only 35 were built, and this is one of just 27 that feature Pinin Farina’s body design. It has undergone some mechanical and cosmetic changes: rather than its original Grigio exterior and Arancio leather interior, it’s a striking blue and tan combination, and its original V12 has been replaced by a Maranello-built Type 112 motor. This was the 25th car of its kind to roll off the production line in Maranello, Italy, where all Ferraris are made. It was later exhibited at the Paris Motor Show, before heading to the US. Introduced in 1953, and powered by a 3.0-litre V12 engine, it was an important step for Ferrari as the direct predecessor to the 250 GT series—the iconic lineup went on to win numerous races, including Le Mans, Tour de France Automobile, and the World Championship for Sports Cars.

The Monterey Car Week auction takes place on August 18 and 19

A RACE TO ST MORITZ

Bernina Gran Turismo 2022, part of International St Moritz Automobile Week

This year Sotheby’s is sponsoring International St Moritz Automobile Week (ISAW)—a spectacular event featuring displays, talks, races, meets and more at St Moritz, Switzerland. As part of the week, Sotheby’s—working in partnership with RM Sotheby’s—will auction some of the finest luxury goods on and off four wheels.

Peter Haynes, communications director of RM Sotheby’s, says: “Our sale during the St Moritz Automobile Week is unquestionably a highlight of our European sales calendar. There’s an amazing series of events throughout, which will bring many of the world’s collectors and enthusiasts to St Moritz. This is an event not to be missed.”

St Moritz is mostly associated with winter sports, but ISAW is a superb way to see the resort without a coating of snow. The surrounding roads are some of the best in the world, and the scenery is stunning.
International St Moritz Automobile Week takes place September 8–17

Photos: John Heseltine/Alamy Stock Photo