Between August 9 and 18, high-end auctions are among the events to look forward to on Pebble Beach and Monterey’s glittering annual automotive calendar.
Monterey Car Week, from August 9 to 18 this year, is a car lover’s paradise. Think of it like Coachella, but for cars. The highlight is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the star attraction, but there are plenty of other cool events like vintage racing at the Rolex Motorsports Reunion and luxury car fun at The Quail.
Traffic can be a nightmare, so driving around isn’t ideal. However, for those in the know, it’s the perfect time to spot rare and desirable cars. Big auctions are a major draw, with last year’s top sale being a 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta that went for a jaw-dropping $30,255,000. This year’s lineup promises even more exciting cars ready to break records.
1. 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra
This narrow-body Cobra is not just special; it’s almost priceless. It was originally bought by Henry “Hank” Williams—a jazz drummer who played with legends like B.B. King and Ray Charles. Hank drove this Cobra for 140,000 miles and raced it in nearly 400 events. He was also the first Black person to drive a sports car around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The car, which has been a part of many Shelby gatherings and owned by Hank for nearly 60 years, is now up for sale by his family trust. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history with a remarkable story.
2. 1976 Porsche 935
This year, Porsche is marking 50 years of its 911 Turbo, and there’s a standout car that’s likely to fetch a high price: the Porsche 935. This racing legend, with a 2.9-liter flat-six engine pushing nearly 600 horsepower, was so fast it could outpace F1 cars of its time. What makes it even more special? It’s the very first 935 ever built—chassis 001. While its twin is in the Porsche Museum, this one is the only ex-works 935 privately owned, making it a true gem of Porsche’s turbocharging history.
3. 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 NART Alloy
Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team (NART) played a huge role in making Ferrari famous in the U.S. This 275GTB/4 was a key player in that success, winning its class at the tough 1969 24 Hours of Daytona with Ricardo Rodriguez and racing journalist Sam Posey driving. It’s a rare alloy-bodied model that was originally a luxury road car but was modified for racing. Now, it’s been restored to its Daytona-winning specs and comes with Ferrari certification of its authenticity.
4. 1995 Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione
In the mid-1990s, Ferrari returned to sports-car racing with the 333 SP, a beast with a Formula 1 engine wrapped in sleek carbon-fiber bodywork. One of only nine built by Dallara, this 333 SP raced successfully with Scandia and Moretti teams (known for their Momo steering wheels). It features a roaring 4.0-liter V-12 engine that hits an 11,500-rpm redline and has a winning track record from Pikes Peak to Le Mans. Now, it’s eligible for vintage racing events, including Ferrari’s exclusive F1 Clienti program.
5. 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante
Built in September 1937 at Bugatti’s factory in France, this Type 57SC Atalante was shipped to London just before World War II. Only 17 of these stunning cars were made, and while they’re similar to the famous 57SC Atlantic, they lack the rear fin and have a single-piece windshield. This Atalante has been recently restored to its original specs and has its original chassis, engine, and bodywork. It even won its class at Pebble Beach last year, making it a top contender for a big sale as a prime example of prewar Bugatti luxury.
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