RM Sotheby’s Tops $165 Million at Monterey Car Week, Led by $26 Million Ferrari Daytona SP3 and Multiple World Records

RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction totaled over $165 million, achieving an 87% sell-through rate and drawing international bidders from 46 countries. The $26 million Ferrari Daytona SP3 set a new benchmark as the most valuable new car ever sold, while a diverse offering from Ferraris and pre-war Duesenbergs to RUF and Porsche established 14 world records.

  • RM Sotheby’s achieved over $165 million in total sales, with an 87% sell-through rate and bidders from 46 countries.

  • The $26 million Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made” became the most valuable new car ever sold at auction, with proceeds to The Ferrari Foundation. Ferrari dominated overall, taking the top three sales and multiple world records.

  • Modern limited-production supercars and classics both excelled, with record prices for Ferrari 599 GTO, 599XX Evo, and 812 Competizione alongside standout pre-war results for a Duesenberg Model J and Mercedes-Benz 500K.

  • German performance cars gained momentum (RUF Yellowbird, Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0, Mercedes-Benz) while fresh-to-market, low-mileage examples like the Ferrari F40 and Ralph Lauren’s Ferrari F50 commanded strong premiums.

  • In total, 14 world records were set, reaffirming Monterey as the stage for market-defining results.

  • To see all results, click here.

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 18, 2025 - RM Sotheby’s concluded its 28th annual Monterey auction with record-breaking results, headlined by the $26 million sale of a one-of-one 2025 Tailor Made Ferrari Daytona SP3. The result established a new world record as the most valuable new car ever sold at auction. Across the two-day sale, RM Sotheby’s achieved a total of over $165 USD in sales, with bidders from 46 countries and 87 percent of all lots sold, including 37 lots surpassing $1 million and six exceeding $5 million.

“Monterey has always been a stage for historic results, and this year will be remembered as one of the finest,” said Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby’s. “We brought cars the market truly wanted, and the results speak for themselves. From setting a world record with the Daytona SP3 to remarkable results for the LaFerrari Aperta, the Duesenberg Model J, and the F40, I’m incredibly proud of our team for delivering another auction that raised the standard for what’s possible at Monterey Car Week.”

Friday night saw record-breaking performances across a spectrum of automotive eras. Highlighting the evening was a 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, one of just 210 built and believed to be among the final examples constructed, finished in rare Nero Daytona with Rosso racing stripes and showing fewer than 2,300 miles, and sold for $6,715,000 USD. The standout pre-war entry was a 1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande, one of just 5 built in this body style and a multiple award winner including First in Class at Pebble Beach, which achieved $4,405,000 USD. Another top lot sold during the Friday auction was a 1990 Ferrari F40, a single-owner, “non-cat, non-adjust” example with just 360 kilometers from new and never before seen publicly, which sold for $3,855,000 USD. 

Saturday evening was led by the record-breaking sale of a one-of-one 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made,’ which sold for $26 million, becoming the highest-priced new car ever sold at auction. Commissioned as an additional example beyond the original 599-unit production run, the car features a striking exposed carbon fiber and Giallo Modena livery with a full-length Ferrari logotype across the body for the first time. The interior is finished in Q-Cycle, a sustainable fabric made from recycled tire material, and includes yellow seatbelts and embroidered Prancing Horse motifs. 

All proceeds from the record-breaking sale will benefit The Ferrari Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to advancing educational programs and community projects worldwide. 

Other cars leading the auction Saturday night included a 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto, the 14th of only 19 examples built and specified to GTC configuration with 760 horsepower, sold for $11,005,000 USD. Ferrari Classiche Certified and extensively documented, it stands as one of the most powerful and celebrated evolutions of the F40. Following closely was the 1995 Ferrari F50, one of only two US-specification examples finished in Giallo Modena and originally ordered new by Ralph Lauren. Offered from single enthusiast ownership of 22 years and displaying fewer than 5,400 miles, it achieved $9,245,000 USD.

Top 10 Lots

1. 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 'Tailor Made' sold for $26,000,000 USD

2. 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto sold for $11,005,000 USD

3. 1995 Ferrari F50 sold for $9,245,000 USD

4. 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta sold for $6,715,000 USD

5. 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen sold for $5,340,000 USD

6. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari sold for $5,230,000 USD

7. 1935 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton by Walker-LaGrande sold for $4,405,000 USD

8. 1989 RUF CTR1 'Yellowbird' Lightweight sold for $4,295,000 USD

9. 1990 Ferrari F40 sold for $3,855,000 USD

10. 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder by Wendler sold for $3,525,000 USD

Records Broken for prices at Auction:

  • 1969 Volkswagen Beetle Limousine by Troutman-Barnes – $335,000 USD (prev. $128,700)

  • 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro 450 – $709,000 USD (prev. $445,000)

  • 1938 Alvis Speed Twenty-Five SB ‘Concealed Hood’ Drophead Coupe by Lancefield – $379,000 USD (prev. $140,631)

  • 1992 Ferrari 512 TR – $775,000 USD (prev. $582,500)

  • 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO – $2,040,000 USD (prev. $1,039,000)

  • 1995 Ferrari F512 M – $912,500 USD (prev. $780,500)

  • 1934 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe – $318,500 USD (prev. $240,800)

  • 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary – $3,360,000 USD (prev. $3,140,000)

  • 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 – $1,077,500 USD (prev. $885,000)

  • 1988 Porsche 911 TAG Turbo by Lanzante – $1,930,000 USD (no prior record)

  • 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ – $26,000,000 USD (no prior record; most expensive new car ever sold)

  • 2024 Ferrari 812 Competizione – $2,040,000 USD (prev. $1,765,000)

  • 1995 Ferrari F50 - $9,245,000 USD (prev. $5,532,500) ​

  • 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto - $11,005,000 USD (prev. $5,530,232)