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Lots of beauty under the hammer during RM Sotheby’s at Monterey Car Week

August 14, 2025

At least, if you have the money for it. If not, you can still enjoy yourself by checking out the items below.

Permanent fixture on the calendar

Every year during Monterey Car Week, the RM Sotheby’s auction is held. It is always a special moment, when suddenly millions fly through the hall and rare cars and classics go under the hammer and for a moment the most exotic cars seem within reach.

Ferrari in all colors

That not every Ferrari has to be red proves this 1995 Ferrari F50. It comes in the bright Giallo Modena, a color you rarely see on the street. That is more than true with this car; it is one of only two F50s in Giallo Modena in the United States.

Those who think Ferrari is all about shiny showpieces for the street are mistaken. Take the 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder by Sutton. As it is described, this is a one-off race car built for the American racing team Scuderia Parravano. Into it was shoved Ferrari’s most generous engine available at the time, the Tipo 113 4.9-liter 375 Plus engine.

Then there is the Ferrari F40 LM. The standard F40 is already raw, but the LM throws in a big punch. We would want this car for these iconic five-spoke rims alone.

Elegance the German way

Yet Monterey is more than just Ferrari violence. Take the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster. A rolling work of art from the Art Deco era with graceful lines almost unheard of today.

Then there is the 1989 RUF CTR1 Yellowbird Lightweight. Slightly less elegant, but very fat. Technically, it started out as a Porsche, but RUF took it in hand in such a way that it became its own icon. This one, affectionately called “Redbird,” is one of six Lightweight versions and belonged to Alois Ruf himself. More exclusive than a Porsche, then, and faster, too.

American grandeur

Famous classics were also made in the United States. See here an example of American luxury: the Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande, also from 1935. There are only five examples of this car.

For ordinary citizens

Not everyone comes to Monterey to spend millions. At the bottom of the list are also cars that are a lot more affordable, though that remains relative. Like the 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT 1300 Junior. Light, agile and with beautiful Italian design. This particular example even has a bit of racing history, having participated in the 1980s.

Then there is the “too nice not to mention” category: junior cars. Like the Porsche 936 Junior, a half-size Le Mans racer for kids or adults who have stayed kids. It has working lights, suspension and even a small engine. Ideal for the little one, or as an art object in the middle of the living room.

So the RM Sotheby’s auction during Monterey Car Week will once again be a motley spectacle of million-dollar classics, brutal racers, elegant cruisers and miniature fun. In Monterey, it’s all for sale. Well, as long as you dare to bid. You view all the cars here.