Monaco 2026 classic car auctions: record Ferraris, historic F1 cars and memorabilia sold by RM Sotheby’s and Bonhams

The Principality of Monaco once again confirms its status as one of the world’s leading hubs for classic car collecting with two major auction events organized by RM Sotheby’s and Bonhams. Across two days, collectors from around the globe competed for supercars, historic Formula 1 cars, prototypes and rare motorsport memorabilia.

The Monaco auctions showcased a unique journey through automotive history, where exceptional rarity and cultural significance translated into impressive market values.

Ferrari steals the show: record price for the 250 GT California

The highlight of the auction was the legendary Ferrari 250 GT SWB California, one of the most desirable cars ever produced by Ferrari. Designed by Scaglietti and unveiled at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show, the model achieved a record-breaking price of €16.655 million.

Widely regarded as a “blue-chip” collector asset, the California Spider remains one of the most stable and sought-after investments in the classic car market.

LaFerrari in green and historic Formula 1 machines

Another standout lot was a rare green LaFerrari, commissioned by musician and collector Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, sold for over €5 million. Its unique specification made it one of the most eye-catching modern hypercars in the sale.

Attention also focused on a Ferrari 642 Formula 1, used as a reserve car during the 1991 Formula 1 season, which sold for approximately €3.83 million, highlighting the strong demand for historic F1 machinery.

Ayrton Senna, Bugatti and motorsport rarities of the 80s and 90s

One of the most historically significant lots was the Toleman TG183B, associated with the Formula 1 debut of Ayrton Senna, which unfortunately remained unsold.

In contrast, the extremely rare Bugatti EB112, a 1990s prototype luxury sedan, sold for around €1.69 million, confirming strong interest in pre-modern Bugatti heritage.

Rally legends, DTM icons and racing history

The auctions also celebrated rally and touring car history. A factory Audi Quattro, winner of the 1983 Rally of Portugal, sold for around €862,500.

Another highlight was the Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti DTM in Martini livery, driven by Alessandro Nannini, sold for approximately €552,000.

Curiosities: from Lamborghini LM002 to Fangio’s trousers

Beyond supercars and racing machines, collectors also competed for unusual memorabilia, including a Lamborghini LM002, rare Ferrari Testarossa variants and limited-production Enzo Ferraris.

The most surprising lot was a pair of trousers worn by Juan Manuel Fangio during the 1956 Monaco Grand Prix, which sold for an astonishing €132,000—far exceeding expectations.

Other curiosities included a Ferrari 312T rear wing from Niki Lauda’s championship car, a Ferrari illuminated sign, and a model of the Lotus Esprit from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, which fetched over €850,000.

Monaco confirms its status as a global classic car capital

The auctions held by RM Sotheby’s and Bonhams once again reinforce Monaco’s position as a global epicenter for classic car collecting. Driven by passion, rarity and investment value, the market continues to grow at an international level.

The Principality remains not only a key stage for motorsport events, but also one of the most important global destinations for classic cars and motorsport memorabilia auctions.