Monterey Car Week is more than just a gathering of automotive enthusiasts—it’s where history, craftsmanship, and luxury collide. Imagine bidding on rare vehicles that combine timeless design with immense value. Curious about the cars that set records and captured the attention of collectors? Keep reading to explore the 20 highest-priced classic cars ever sold at Monterey Auctions.

1964 Shelby 289 Cobra: $2,287,500

Some cars are built for speed, but this Shelby 289 Cobra was made for legends. With 140,000 miles and nearly 400 race events under its belt, it’s not just a car—it’s a chronicle of endurance and passion. Owned by jazz drummer Henry “Hank” Williams, its story is as compelling as its engine roar.

1976 Porsche 935: $4,295,000

Talk about a turbocharged powerhouse! The 1976 Porsche 935 is the first of its kind and still packs the same powerhouse engine that made it a racing legend. A true piece of Porsche history, this car’s incredible racing pedigree makes it a prime candidate for some serious bids.

1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 NART Alloy: $5,285,000

Ferrari’s 1967 275GTB/4 NART Alloy is one for the racing books. It helped the Ferrari team win big at Daytona in 1969, and now it’s a rare alloy-bodied collectible with a rich racing history. This ride had the full restoration treatment, so it’s ready to go wherever you want.

1995 Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione: $5,120,000

The 1995 Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione is a thoroughbred racer. It’s powered by a Formula 1 engine but dressed as an endurance car. With a history that includes Pikes Peak and Le Mans, it’s a testament to Ferrari’s racing ingenuity. For collectors who value speed and history, this one’s a no-brainer.

1955 Ferrari 857 Sport Spider: $5,350,000

Race victories, a stint with a Corvette engine, and even an Andy Warhol paint job—this 1955 Ferrari 857 Sport Spider has seen it all. After returning to its original configuration, it became a crowd favorite. It’s a rare case of art, history, and horsepower colliding in a way only Ferrari can pull off.

2002 Ferrari F2001b Formula 1: $8 Million–$10 Million

Michael Schumacher’s 2002 Ferrari F2001b isn’t just another F1 car. It’s a piece of motorsport history, helping him clinch his 2002 World Championship. It’s one of the few Schumacher cars in private hands, so for any fan of F1 or Ferrari, this car is a big deal.

1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider: $9 Million–$11 Million

The 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider is a racing legend. With over 20 podium finishes, it’s proof of Ferrari’s engineering brilliance. Updated with a V12 engine but retaining its four-cylinder roots, it showcases the evolution of race car technology. Its rarity and racing pedigree drove its price sky-high.

1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante: $10,345,000

Want a car that’s as much art as it is automotive history? The 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante is the one. There are only a handful left, and this one has won its class at Pebble Beach. From the coachwork to its engine, everything about this vehicle screams rare.

1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider: $12,985,000

Carroll Shelby once called the Ferrari 410 Sport Spider “the best Ferrari I ever drove.” Built for the Carrera Panamericana but repurposed for American racetracks, its V12 engine was a force of nature. With a history as dynamic as its design, this car isn’t just iconic—it’s unforgettable. 

1969 Porsche 928 Coupe: Undisclosed

Overshadowed by the iconic 911, the 1969 Porsche 928 Coupe is finally getting its due. Its futuristic design and high-performance engine were ahead of its time. Rarity and nostalgia collided at Monterey, where collectors who once dismissed it are now paying a premium. It’s a comeback story in metallic paint.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: $1,545,000

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a classic for a reason. Those iconic gullwing doors aren’t just a design statement; they’ve made this car a favorite among collectors. Beloved for its groundbreaking engineering and beautiful lines, this roadster was a must-see at the 2024 Monterey auctions.

1936 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante: $1,380,000

Long before supercars were a thing, Bugatti was setting the standard for luxury and performance. The 1936 Type 57C Atalante is an exquisite example, blending aerodynamic curves with a powerful supercharged engine. It’s a snapshot of pre-war glamour, restored to perfection, keeping its legacy alive for another generation to admire.

1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona: $3,360,000

NASCAR fans know the 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona as the car that rewrote the rulebook. Its massive rear wing and aerodynamic shape were engineered for victory. With a limited production run and a racing history that made legends, this muscle car is more than a collector’s item.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster: $1,105,000

Mercedes-Benz’s 300SL Roadster is one of the most iconic cars ever made. Between 1957 and 1963, just 1,858 were produced, a notable number considering the car’s sky-high price back then. Known for its precision engineering, classic design, and stunning performance, this ride is a head-turner.

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider: $14,030,000

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider is as much about performance as it is about looks. With a Best in Class award at Pebble Beach and a rich history, including a daring heist recovery, this ride is as legendary as it gets. It’s one of only five left in existence, making it a true treasure for any collector.

1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT: $2,095,000

A true classic, the Aston Martin DB4 GT is one of Britain’s finest, with its elegant style and incredible performance setting the standard for luxury cars. On August 17, 2024, a 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT fetched $2,095,000 at the Gooding & Company auction in Monterey, California.

Lamborghini Miura: $2,700,000

Many consider the Lamborghini Miura to be the first true supercar. With its mid-engine layout and stunning design, it changed the automotive landscape forever. A true Italian classic, this car is perfect for anyone looking to own a piece of Lamborghini history, with both beauty and performance.

1960 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider: $17,055,000

The 1960 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider isn’t just any Ferrari; it’s the first of only 56 ever made. Pininfarina designed it, while Scaglietti handled the construction. Due to its racing-spec engine and storied past, this vehicle has more than a bit of history attached to it. 

1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible: $3,200,000

The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible is a true gem—one of only 20 made that year. Known for its racing pedigree, this rare beauty is a nod to America’s golden racing era. It even earned a spot in the Great Hall at Bloomington Gold back in 2010.

1966 Ford GT40 MkII: $13,205,000

When it comes to racing, the 1966 Ford GT40 MkII is a legend. This car dominated Le Mans and became a symbol of American racing power. With its history and performance capabilities, it’s a true collector’s dream. If you’re looking for a car that’s as legendary as it is fast, this is the one.