We are heading towards August. And that means one thing in the vintage car world. Pebble beach.

Pebble beach is the most serious and important concours in the world. Plain and simple. All the major auction houses put on an auction and some very important cars get sold there. This year is no exception. Although it is clear by now that the vintage car market is weakening – some incredible cars will be sold. Out of all the great cars that RM  Sotheby’s Auctions is offering we choose the most interesting five cars to be sold. Happy summer reading.

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1956 Ferrari 250 TDF First series

Readers of my blog will know that I love the 250 TDF. It is one of my favourite Ferrari and I do prefer it over the 250 SWB. It for the connoisseur and aficionado. It is a Ferrari for the educated and refined collector.

This 250 TDF is special as it is one of the very first produced with the round behind and open long headlights something that would change later on. This TDF, chassis Nr 0507 GT also has quite good racing history. The 250 TDF after all was a race car and was named so after winning the Tour de France several times. This Ferrari took part in the Mille Miglia (1956) as well as Tour de France in 1959. This car has everything a vintage Ferrari should have. Racing history. Model importance. Good looks. Correct colors.

Furthermore the car comes from long term ownership and a restoration back to original colors. If you want a 250 TDF that ticks all the boxes – this car does that. RM does not mention that it is matching numbers but we assume so given that the engine number is noted as the same as the chassis number.

The estimate of the car is $7-9m. If a buyer can secure the car at the lower end of the estimate (or even below that) it would represent a fantastic buy. More information on this car can be found here. 

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1958 Ferrari 250 LWB California Spyder

While most people dream of the 250 SWB California spyder, I have always preferred the LWB version. I think it is more elegant.

This 250 LWB California is a closed headlight car and one of only 50 Californias LWB ever built. Yes, we are talking about a very very rare car. For many collectors, the 250 California spyder (in either LWB or SWB form) is the most beautiful convertible car ever built. Made for the US market (hence the name ‘California’) the California was a luxury car but with a strong racing engine. Powered by the V12 colombo engine that served so many Ferrari’s well – the California was a dual purpose car of its era- it could be raced on hillclimbs and on the track and then driven home. 

Although the car was restored a long time in 1992, the engine was rebuilt in 2014 by noted expert Patrick Ottis. The car does not carry its original colors (which for once is a good thing as I think the current color suits the car better). The car is confirmed matching numbers and Ferrari certified.

The estimate of this dream car is $12-14m. I think that at $12m including commission or better even below that price, the car would represent fair value for the buyer. At $14m I think a buyer will overpay in this weakening market. More info on the car can be found here.

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1972 Lamborghini Miura SV

I think it is quite obvious. There are sports cars from the 1960s that belong to the must haves. The super cars that are icons of automotive history. Legendary cars that will be legends in another 100 years from now.

The Lamborghini Miura SV is such a car. Considered by many to be the worlds first super sports car, the Miura put Lamborghini on the map as a serious rival to Ferrari. While there are three basic Miura models, the Miura SV is the most ‘badass’ of all (SV for superveloce or superfast). Only 150 of the Miura’s SV were ever built. The car is a monster with 385 hp, 4 dual weber carburettors, independent front and rear suspension and of course a 5 speed gearbox and disc brakes (this was the beginning of the 1970s after all). The car according to RM remains largely original and it was thus preserved but never really restored. 

The estimate of this SV is $1.9 -2.2m. I think it is really only a matter of time before Miura SV’s become completely unaffordable (above $5m).  Get them now while they are still undervalued (unlike Ferrari 1960s sports cars). More information on this car can be found here.

1954 Pegaso Z 102 Berlinetta by Saoutchik

Pegaso’s are rare and very desirable cars. But they become even more rare and sought after when they are bodied by Saoutchik.

Pegaso’s are known for their technical excellence and brilliant engineering. Even thought this is a mid 1950’s car Pegaso offered a five speed gearbox and dry sump lubrication along with a 4 cam engine (something that Ferrari would only offer 10 years later with the 275 GTB). 

If Pegaso’s were known for their superb technical engines, then Saoutchik was known for their dramatic styling. With a low roofline and curved body and large grille this cars styling is dramatic. This Pegaso offered is one of 18 series II cars and the car carries its attractive original colors. In a world where everybody has the same cars – this Pegaso stands out for it uniqueness and rarity. A good chance for a collector to own something rare, unusual and beautiful. The estimate of this car is $800’ooo to $1m. 

More info on this car can be found here.

1939 Alfa Romeo 8c 2900 Lunga Spider by Touring

There are Alfa Romeo cars. And then there is this Alfa Romeo.

It might not be an exaggeration to say this is might be among the most attractive pre-war cars ever built, by any brand. This Alfa Romeo has it all. Good looks, elegance, sportiness, rarity (only 12 known) and brand name (Alfa Romeo was the king of sports cars in the 1930s – see post here).

The estimate of this car is high at $20-25m but for that you are getting a pre-war car that is unlike any other. Powered by a 8 cylinder in-line engine and already putting out 180 hp – this Alfa Romeo was a fast car for its time. 

The only potential negative flaw w can find is that there is some discussion whether this car retains its original chassis having been in South America for a number of years. Not something you want some uncertainty with – especially if the buyer is paying north of $20m. However the car is well researched, has a Pebble Beach winning restoration behind it.

I personally am not a fan of pre-war cars. They are often massive, heavy and not always elegant. This Alfa is an exception and it may well be among the most beautiful, elegant pre-war car I have ever seen in pictures. 

All the big car collectors in the world will be eying this car closely. I fully understand why. (More info o this car can be found here).

(NB: All picture credits go to RM Sotheby’s. Main picture credit goes to: Darin Schnabel c-2016-courtesy-RM-Sotheby).