Monterey’s Holy Grail of Auction Knockouts Bring in Over $52 Million
A McLaren, an Aston Martin, and a Porsche were the superstars of this year’s Monterey car week, where eye-watering price tags were met with ease.
This time of year is always an important one for the uber-rich. Pebble Beach, the Concours d’Elegance, Monterey Car Week, and companies like Bonhams, Gooding & Co. and others throw their biggest parties and sales events of the year. If you’re a multi-millionaire itching for the latest vintage racer or supercar to hit the used car market, these are the places to go.
Of course, 2017 didn’t disappoint. Several headlines were made over the weekend, but when it comes to budget-busting sales, the Aston Martin DBR1, McLaren F1 and Porsche 917 truly stole the show.
1995 McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 needs as much introduction as a bottle of ketchup. People know it, people love it, and people desire it. Some more than others, of course, but all that matters is for the right person to want it. Someone did, because during last week’s Bonhams’ auction this 1995 American-tuned sample brought a whopping $15.6 million after fees. Not bad for a 22-year-old Brit, huh?
1970 Porsche 917 from Le Mans
Like the McLaren, this Porsche doesn’t need an introduction. This specific sample was used during the filming of the Le Mans movie, which starred “king of cool” Steve McQueen. Furthermore, this particular vehicle was owned by F1 and endurance racer Jo Siffert, and has had its entire existence documented by top-notch historians. Hammer price: $14 million.
1956 Aston Martin DBR1
Diving even deeper into niche cars, the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 is the kind of vehicle only the purest of the vintage racing purists would desire. Having competed at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1956, 1957, and 1958 with drivers like Salvadori, Shelby, Moss and Brabham, this sleek racing machine boasts a pedigree that’s hard to match. It’s finally heading into retirement to the tune of $22.5 million.
Which one is your favorite?
