Just a few months after unveiling its new DB12 “super tourer” coupe, Aston Martin has introduced the convertible version, called Volante. The British automaker first used the Volante name on a special run of 37 DB5 convertibles in 1965 and has used it on its convertibles since. The name is Italian for ‘flying’ or ‘moving lightly and quickly.’ The 671-horsepower DB12 Volante can certainly do that. The newest Aston Martin would seem to have just two direct rivals, the Ferrari Roma Spider and Bentley Continental GTC. Which would you choose?
What does $400 million buy today? It was enough to take home about 1,200 of the world’s finest collector cars offered at the 2023 Monterey auctions held from August 17-19. That was down from $475M in 2022, and the sell-through rate was lower, too. Just the same, some stellar automobiles traded hands in Monterey at auctions held by Bonhams, Broad Arrow, Gooding & Company, Mecum, and RM Sotheby’s. The top sale was a 1967 Ferrari 412P racecar for $30.2M at Bonhams, while a 1957 Jaguar XKSS, one of just 16 made, was #2 at just over $13M.
What better prelude to the 72nd Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance® than to buy a car (or few cars) from the auctions held in conjunction with this pinnacle event? If you’re bidding or selling, the action is at the auctions, of course. We’ve assembled the auction itinerary here and selected some highlights from the Bonhams, Broad Arrow, Gooding & Company, Mecum, and RM Sotheby’s sales.
Auction season is running at full speed going into Monterey Car Week this August 11-20. (Yes, a 10-day week!) Five major auctions will take place there, drawing buyers and sellers from around the world. Plan to be there? Whether you’re looking for your next dream car or planning to sell one from your collection, it pays to be prepared. Premier Financial Services has put together a quick refresher course with insights from auction and sales pros offering advice on finding the car you want and bringing it home.
This year, the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction 2021 will feature vintage, classic, modern, and new cars. Marques and cars featured include Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lancia, plus a classic AC Fastback.
This summer, RM Sotheby’s, Bonham’s, and Gooding & Company hosted online auctions in place of their usually scheduled Monterey events. Topping the list of cars sold at these auctions are a 2001 Ferrari V12 berlinetta that sold for $4.29 million at RM and a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB “long nose,” which sold for $3.08m at Gooding & Co.
California’s Monterey Peninsula is famous for its natural beauty. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful locations is the Quail Lodge & Golf Club. There, the 17th annual The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, will once again draw legions of motorsports and classic-car enthusiasts from around the globe to this exclusive event.
Now in its 14th year, the Quail is the most exclusive of the slew of automotive events that comprise Monterey Car Week. Even the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, though prohibitively priced for casual spectators, is open to the public. The Quail, however, thrives on its invitation-only policy, creating a relaxed environment with the right cars and the right products for the right people.
Bonhams’ Monterey auction is partnered with The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, and upholds the latter’s reputation for the displaying some of the finest vehicles extant. Out of their docket of over 100 vintage and exotic automobiles, at least 12 have a low estimate exceeding one million dollars.
