Monaco is synonymous with glamour, thrill, and winning. This time of year, the atmosphere in the Principality is especially electric as the world converges for Formula One, the highest class of international racing. The buzz begins weeks before the F1 Grand Prix, notably with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, a biennial race of iconic old cars held from 10 to 12 May. This year, the weekend was made even more special for automobile connoisseurs with the RM Sotheby’s Auction.
RM Sotheby’s needs no introduction. With over forty years of experience in business, it is the world’s leading auction house for collector cars, with a track record of proven results and numerous auction records. This year’s Monaco RM Sotheby’s Auction — the first-ever two-day car auction — not only lived up to its prestigious reputation but also surpassed all expectations, setting a new standard for car auctions.
Held at the grandiose Grimaldi Forum, the auction showcased a vast variety of automobiles. From race cars and rally cars to pre- and post-war vehicles, modern supercars, and hypercars, a total of 118 lots were presented, catering to every taste. The highlight was the Jody Scheckter Collection, featuring 12 stunning pieces that chronicled the driver’s impressive career, from lower-cylinder cars to his Formula 1 winning car. The auction was a resounding success, with 83% of all lots sold. Let’s delve into some of the highest bids and the cars that made history.
The top three highest sales were claimed by Ferrari, and for good reason: all three models are exceptional. The crown jewel of the auction was the 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 from The Jody Scheckter Collection, which sold for €7,655,000. With this very car, Jody Scheckter won three Grand Prix races (Belgian, Monaco and Italian), securing the title of 1979 Formula 1 World Champion. Since then, the car has not been driven by anyone other than Scheckter himself. It is entirely original, featuring authentic, heavily worn seatbelts. Acquiring this legendary Ferrari 312 T4 was truly a unique, unprecedented, and unrepeatable opportunity: obtaining a World Championship-winning Ferrari from its very champion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The second and third highest sales were the rare 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti (immortalised in the “Miami Vice” series) and the 1954 Ferrari 625 F1 with its iconic silhouette of a 1950s racing car, respectively.
Perhaps the most significant supercar among the racing cars presented was the 1981 Porsche 917 K-81. One of the most celebrated sports cars of its generation, this Le Mans legend is not merely a car but a piece of art. It was constructed by Kremer as an updated Group 6 version of the 917 with a strengthened aero package and engines, resembling a Group C automobile. It was, therefore, quite spectacular to see the car’s performance at the 1981 Brands Hatch, where, at one point, the Porsche 917 K-81 took the lead. The car was driven by greats such as Bob Wollek, Xavier Lapeyre, and Henri Pescarolo. After years of careful ownership, the car’s engine was re-built in 2019. This Porsche 917 sold for €2,648,750 as a unique and important piece of motorsport history, which we would love to see in action today.
The cross-section of modern cars was equally impressive, with some very special pieces. An illustrative example is the 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, one of five finished in Luci del Bosco, a unique dark taupe metallic shade, with matte bronze wheels, and the only one with a Bianco Leda interior — an absolutely chic combination (as always, Italian design is unbeatable!). The car, essentially brand new with only 110 kilometres on the odometer, is part of a limited series of hybrid supercars produced by Lamborghini, paying homage to the iconic Countach with a fascinating design by Bertone and top-notch performance. “Inspired by the past, made for the future,” the 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 sold for €2,001,875, joining the collection of a discerning supercar enthusiast.
The few unclaimed pieces from the Monaco auction are still available to acquire, including the gorgeous custom-built 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina, one of only 40 in existence. The RM Sotheby’s lot retains the original matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox, and rear axle and is finished in a beautiful Bianco colour paired with a stunning Pelle Turchese (turquoise) leather interior. This convertible is perfect for driving along the glamourous Côte d’Azur or boasting at Concours events.
The next RM Sotheby’s auction will take place in Toronto from 31 May to 1 June. It will present a collection aptly named “Dare to Dream.”
Article edited by Anastasia Fedosova