All’aria aperta means “in the open air” in Italian, and with RM Sotheby’s upcoming Villa Erba set at the scenic coastline of Lake Como, there may be no better way to take in the panoramic mountain views and experience the winding alpine roads than in an open-top vintage touring car. Since ancient Roman times, Lake Como has been a popular haven for wealthy aristocrats and tourists alike for its serene views and artistic and cultural gems.

RM Sotheby’s is proud to offer over 50 distinctive automobiles at their biennial collector car auction.

Scroll down to explore 10 brilliant open-air automobiles fit for touring the pleasant Italian villas, visiting the nearby farms for local cheese, olive oil and honey, or cruising the magnificent waterfront.

1931 Bugatti Type 50 Roadster

Estimate: €1,400,000 - €1,800,000 EUR

This Type 50 is the sole remaining example of its kind with roadster coachwork designed by Jean Bugatti. It was ordered new in 1931 by Andre Derain, one of France’s most celebrated painters of the 20th century and accredited with being the co-founder of the Fauvism movement alongside Henry Matisse.

1965 Shelby 427 Cobra

Estimate: €700,000 - €1,100,000 EUR

By shoehorning a massively powerful 427 cu. in. V-8 into a completely redesigned Cobra chassis and producing a mere 300 examples, Carroll Shelby cemented the 427 Cobra’s place in automobile history as being one of the most revered sports cars of all time. This example is one of the earliest road-going models to leave the factory, being just the 10th chassis produced.

1957 Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster by Reutter

Estimate: €325,000 - €375,000 EUR

Austrian–born automobile importer Max Hoffman convinced Ferdinand Porsche to create an affordable, lightweight sporting iteration of the Porsche 356 to target the American market on the sunny West Coast. Ferry obliged; hence, the Speedster was born. This example was sold new through Hoffman’s New York City dealership and retains its original engine and gearbox.

1933 Horch 750 Offener Tourenwagen

Estimate: €300,000 - €400,000 EUR

Production numbers for the 4.5 litre Type 750 were a mere 173 in total, constructed with touring, pullman, sedan, and cabriolet bodies. The Tourenwagen was reserved for use by only the highest-ranking German officers, and most were used through the Second World War and did not survive the conflict. Over the course of 20 years, this chassis was meticulously restored and is believed to be the only surviving 750 Offener Tourenwagen in existence today.

1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

Estimate: €1,400,000 - €1,600,000 EUR

When Mercedes-Benz built its 300 SL, it was an instant hit with the public, and Mercedes sought to build a roadster version. Removing the roof and gullwing doors meant Mercedes-Benz would have to redesign the 300 SL’s chassis, and despite adding nearly 250 lbs, performance remained unchanged. This example was ordered new in Fire Red over black leather. It has been meticulously maintained by its four previous owners and appears to be in highly original condition.

1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spyder by Ghia

Estimate: €500,000 - €600,000 EUR

This example is one of only 125 Maserati Ghibli Spyders produced, 79 of which were produced at the Maserati factory with the mid-mounted 4.7 litre V-8 engine with dry sump lubrication. Originally equipped with an automatic transmission, the previous owner has had a five-speed manual transmission fitted in favor of a more engaging driving experience, and the engine was completely rebuilt by Cremonini in Modena, Italy.

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Estimate: €300,000 - €350,000 EUR

The SLR Roadster’s 617 horsepower, 5.4 litre supercharged V-8 engine is mounted as far back as possible on the chassis, earning it the rare distinction of having a front-mid-mounted powertrain layout. The lightweight full carbon fiber bodywork retained the dramatic swing doors—which are hinged at the A-pillar as opposed to the roof—and has not lost an ounce of rigidity over its closed-top counterpart.

1961 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Vignale

Estimate: €625,000 - €700,000 EUR

Only 242 elegant Vignale Spyders were produced between 1957 and 1964. This example was completed in September of 1961, originally finished in unique Metallic Gold over beige leather and well optioned with ZF five-speed manual transmission, Borrani wire wheels, front disc brakes, and Weber carburetors, among other highly desirable period options. In the early 2000s, it was restored by Officina Tralli in Bomporto, Italy, where it was mechanically overhauled and refinished in attractive Verde Bosco over beige leather.