Serious car lovers the world over are known to keep an eye on not just the next new-age Porsche 911 and ultra-luxe 7 Series, but also on the models that are doing the rounds on the auction block. Vintage car auctions are the holy grail for every auto enthusiast. Digging up retro vehicles and restoring them to their former glory is an art many men obsess over, and these restored cars often find their way to auctions, where they vie for the attention of serious collectors. This August, the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, which takes place from Aug 15-17, will present some incredible vintage cars, and from among those, these are our favourite.
Porsche Type 64, 1939
With only three built between 1939-1940 for the Berlin-Rome endurance race, this extra rare Porsche Type 64 will soon be up for grabs. This version had a short life because of the economic and geographic ramifications caused by World War II. This Porsche Type 64 has its original air-cooled 32 bhp flat-four engine, and comes with a list of spare parts and collectibles from its era. Simply put, there is no other car like this today, and with such a historic significance.
Know more about the car here
McLaren F1, 1993
Back in ’93, things didn’t really get faster than the McLaren F1. Being an icon of speed and designed to perfection by Sir Gordon Murray, one of its most rare version is a McLaren F1 in an LM-Specification — just one of two in existence. For those who aren’t familiar with the model, McLaren upgraded the standard F1 road car to this specification that boasted an unrestricted 680-horsepower GTR spec. In addition, a high downforce kit was implemented alongside a wider rear wing, a different nose, and front fender vents. If you’re someone who has a soft spot for vintage racing cars, this is the piece you need to check out.
Know more about the car here
BMW E9 3.0 ‘Batmobile’ CSL, 1972
BMW‘s E9 coupe range is undoubtedly one of the brand’s most prolific track-bred vintage cars. Built between 1968 and 1975, millennials might still be familiar with the E9 3.0 CSL – it’s the poster-car for ‘The Gymkhana Files’, the popular Prime Video show. With only 1,265 models built, the 3.0 CSL was introduced in May 1972. Performance-wise the vehicle’s output is rated at 203 brake horsepower, geared with an extensive 286 Nm at 4200 RPM of torque. The model was discontinued after its 1973 edition, which featured an aerodynamic package as showcased in the model above.
Ferrari FXX, 2006
This car comes with an exclusive watermark, the ‘XX’ passed to the car’s elite member’s club. While it’s not street-legal, only dedicated Ferrari collectors are invited to bring out their special rides at private events held at reserved racetracks for XX Programme members. Only 30 iterations of the initial FXX were ever produced in various colours, and this one is a striking red offset by white stripes. It comes with an ultra-powerful 6.3-liter v12 engine, capable of reaching 789 hp at 8,500 rpm. Though it hasn’t been confirmed by the previous owner or Sotheby’s, it can be assumed that the car’s new owner will now be granted entry into the XX Programme.
How more about the car here.
1965 Shelby 427 Cobra
If we delve back into post-war motor racing, this breed of Cobra was the apex. After being the track-bred variant of the Selby 427, it won the 1969 Northeast SCCA Division Championship alongside other multiple other titles in late 60s, this legend finally hung its boots in 1971. Fast forward to nearly half a century later, the Cobra was restored to its former glory and yet retains its original racing engine. With a power surge of 4865-bhp, it was expected to reach speeds of 185-mph, it’s no wonder this Cobra was a champ. Currently, Sotheby’s isn’t hosting an online bid for this car, but if you’d like to place your bets, we’d suggest pre-booking a flight to Montery for August 15th.
Know more about this car here.
The RM Sotheby’s auction is on August 15 – 17. Only credentialed bidders are allowed to bid. Learn more here.
All images: Courtesy RM Sotheby’s
Mikhail Gomes
Features Editor, Lifestyle Asia India & Contributor - Augustman
A watch aficionado, Mikhail also enjoys learning about fine whiskies, and one day hopes to establish his own menswear label. At Lifestyle Asia India, he writes on watches, menswear, auto and tech.
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