2023 to now
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Dinosaur Hypercars Bugatti Automobiles McLaren Formula One Modern furniture Time pieces Patek Philippe New watches OnlyWatch Leica
See also : Dinosaur Hypercars Bugatti Automobiles McLaren Formula One Modern furniture Time pieces Patek Philippe New watches OnlyWatch Leica
2023 The Mediterranean Blue
2025 SOLD for CHF 18M by Sotheby's
The Mediterranean blue is a type IIb fancy vivid blue diamond of VS2 clarity weighing 10.03 carats. It has been cut as a cushion modified brilliant from a 31.93 carat rough gem unearthed in the Cullinan mine in South Africa.
Its GIA report is dated July 2, 2024. In a special study including this diamond, the GIA states that blue diamonds are formed far deeper in the Earth’s mantle than any other diamond and tries to establish a link between blue diamonds and the oceanic water. Its crystal lattice strain can be observed in polarized light.
It was sold for CHF 18M by Sotheby's on May 13 2025, lot 602. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Overview of Type IIb Diamonds
Type IIb diamonds represent less than 0.5% of all natural diamonds and are distinguished by their boron impurities, which impart blue coloration and unique semiconducting properties. These diamonds originate from extreme depths in the Earth's mantle, far deeper than most other diamonds.
The 2024 GIA Monograph and New Findings
The 2024 GIA monograph, prepared exclusively to accompany the Mediterranean Blue diamond, synthesizes recent scientific advancements on the formation of Type IIb blue diamonds. Drawing from a comprehensive 2024 review by Shirey et al. in the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the monograph highlights how these diamonds form in the sublithospheric mantle at depths of 360–800 km, encompassing the asthenosphere, transition zone, and uppermost lower mantle. This is nearly four times deeper than the typical 150–200 km depths for lithospheric diamonds.
Key new insights include:
Role of the Mediterranean Blue Diamond
The Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond discovered in 2023 at South Africa's Cullinan Mine (from a 31.94-carat rough), served as the principal support for the monograph. Its exceptional size, clarity, and color saturation enabled over a year of detailed analysis, including chemical composition, spectroscopy, and grading, which maximized insights into boron incorporation and deep origins. The Cullinan Mine is renowned for producing superdeep Type II diamonds (e.g., the Cullinan itself), and this specimen provided pristine inclusions that directly evidenced sublithospheric processes.
Why Findings Were Not Achieved Before Its Availability
Prior to the 2023 discovery of the Mediterranean Blue, such detailed insights were limited by the rarity of suitable specimens and technological constraints. While foundational ideas about superdeep origins and boron subduction emerged in the 2010s, confirming them required advanced analytical techniques (e.g., high-resolution spectroscopy and inclusion dating) applied to high-quality samples. Earlier diamonds often lacked the combination of size, purity, and well-preserved inclusions needed for comprehensive study. The monograph was developed specifically for this diamond, leveraging its unique attributes to apply and expand on the 2024 Shirey et al. review, which itself synthesized recent data unavailable in prior decades. Without this particular stone's availability for over six months of craftsmanship and in-depth research, the GIA could not have tied these global mantle models to such a vivid, real-world example.
Its GIA report is dated July 2, 2024. In a special study including this diamond, the GIA states that blue diamonds are formed far deeper in the Earth’s mantle than any other diamond and tries to establish a link between blue diamonds and the oceanic water. Its crystal lattice strain can be observed in polarized light.
It was sold for CHF 18M by Sotheby's on May 13 2025, lot 602. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Overview of Type IIb Diamonds
Type IIb diamonds represent less than 0.5% of all natural diamonds and are distinguished by their boron impurities, which impart blue coloration and unique semiconducting properties. These diamonds originate from extreme depths in the Earth's mantle, far deeper than most other diamonds.
The 2024 GIA Monograph and New Findings
The 2024 GIA monograph, prepared exclusively to accompany the Mediterranean Blue diamond, synthesizes recent scientific advancements on the formation of Type IIb blue diamonds. Drawing from a comprehensive 2024 review by Shirey et al. in the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the monograph highlights how these diamonds form in the sublithospheric mantle at depths of 360–800 km, encompassing the asthenosphere, transition zone, and uppermost lower mantle. This is nearly four times deeper than the typical 150–200 km depths for lithospheric diamonds.
Key new insights include:
- Link to Plate Tectonics and Subduction: Type IIb diamonds crystallize in carbon-rich fluids within subducted oceanic slabs. Boron, abundant in seawater-altered oceanic crust, is transported deep into the mantle via plate subduction, where it incorporates into the diamond lattice during growth. This establishes a direct "natural connection" between blue diamonds and oceanic waters, as the boron originates from ancient seawater interactions with crustal rocks.
- Evidence from Inclusions: These diamonds preserve high-pressure mineral assemblages and fluid inclusions that record mantle dynamics over billions of years, providing snapshots of large-scale geological processes like slab recycling and deep carbon cycling.
- Rarity and Conditions: The extreme pressures and specific chemical environments required make their formation rare and nearly impossible to replicate, explaining their scarcity.
Role of the Mediterranean Blue Diamond
The Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond discovered in 2023 at South Africa's Cullinan Mine (from a 31.94-carat rough), served as the principal support for the monograph. Its exceptional size, clarity, and color saturation enabled over a year of detailed analysis, including chemical composition, spectroscopy, and grading, which maximized insights into boron incorporation and deep origins. The Cullinan Mine is renowned for producing superdeep Type II diamonds (e.g., the Cullinan itself), and this specimen provided pristine inclusions that directly evidenced sublithospheric processes.
Why Findings Were Not Achieved Before Its Availability
Prior to the 2023 discovery of the Mediterranean Blue, such detailed insights were limited by the rarity of suitable specimens and technological constraints. While foundational ideas about superdeep origins and boron subduction emerged in the 2010s, confirming them required advanced analytical techniques (e.g., high-resolution spectroscopy and inclusion dating) applied to high-quality samples. Earlier diamonds often lacked the combination of size, purity, and well-preserved inclusions needed for comprehensive study. The monograph was developed specifically for this diamond, leveraging its unique attributes to apply and expand on the 2024 Shirey et al. review, which itself synthesized recent data unavailable in prior decades. Without this particular stone's availability for over six months of craftsmanship and in-depth research, the GIA could not have tied these global mantle models to such a vivid, real-world example.
Introducing “The Mediterranean Blue,” a supremely rare and exceptional Fancy Vivid Blue diamond weighing 10.03 carats that will be displayed for the first time ever on 8 April at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, a visionary non-profit institution on Abu Dhabi’s landmark Saadiyat… pic.twitter.com/jgROaU8Z4E
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) March 19, 2025
2023 Trinity of Tyrannosaurs
2023 SOLD for CHF 5.5M by Koller
A composite fossil skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex was sold for CHF 5.5M by Koller in April 18, 2023, lot 979.
This dinosaur named Trinity is made of three specimens of comparable size which were unearthed between 2008 and 2013 from the Hell Creek and Lance Creek formations in Montana and Wyoming.
Such an assembly typically requires seven to ten years of work according to the auction house. Trinity is announced as coming from a US private collection.
It is about 50 % original with 293 bones representing all body parts assembled in an overall size of 11.6 × 3.9 × 2.65 m. A traceability of the merging of the elements from the three originals is provided by the auction house. The skull length is 1.4 m from only the Lance Creek specimen. The origin of most of the teeth is not identified in the skeleton map.
This dinosaur named Trinity is made of three specimens of comparable size which were unearthed between 2008 and 2013 from the Hell Creek and Lance Creek formations in Montana and Wyoming.
Such an assembly typically requires seven to ten years of work according to the auction house. Trinity is announced as coming from a US private collection.
It is about 50 % original with 293 bones representing all body parts assembled in an overall size of 11.6 × 3.9 × 2.65 m. A traceability of the merging of the elements from the three originals is provided by the auction house. The skull length is 1.4 m from only the Lance Creek specimen. The origin of most of the teeth is not identified in the skeleton map.
A Belgian art foundation has made an incredible purchase of a rare and impressive specimen - #Trinity the T-Rex.
— Barnebys.co.uk (@Barnebysuk) May 10, 2023
It is the first #TRex skeleton sold on the European auction market and it will be publicly exhibited in Antwerp:
2023 Martian Meteorite
2025 SOLD for $ 5.3M by Sotheby's
Professional meteorite hunters are prospecting the Sahara desert. In 2023 one of them discovered in a remote area of Niger an important piece of reddish brown rock, 37.5 x 28 x 15.2 cm, weighing 24.7 kg.
It makes no doubt that this specimen originated from Planet Mars. Its chemical composition has been compared with specimens analyzed from 1976 by the Viking lander of the NASA. Comparison could also be made with meteorite samples picked on the Moon. Especially its significant content of Maskelynite glass can only be created by the extreme heat of a massive impact.
Of course such meteorites are extremely rare on Earth because they disintegrate in the atmosphere. This one is 70% larger than any other verified fragment from the same planet and accounts for about 6.5 % of the total weight of Martian material found on Earth.
This meteorite was sold for $ 5.3M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Sotheby's on July 16, 2025, lot 69. The video is shared by the auction house.
It makes no doubt that this specimen originated from Planet Mars. Its chemical composition has been compared with specimens analyzed from 1976 by the Viking lander of the NASA. Comparison could also be made with meteorite samples picked on the Moon. Especially its significant content of Maskelynite glass can only be created by the extreme heat of a massive impact.
Of course such meteorites are extremely rare on Earth because they disintegrate in the atmosphere. This one is 70% larger than any other verified fragment from the same planet and accounts for about 6.5 % of the total weight of Martian material found on Earth.
This meteorite was sold for $ 5.3M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Sotheby's on July 16, 2025, lot 69. The video is shared by the auction house.
The largest piece of Mars on Earth is now the most valuable meteorite ever sold at auction after it achieved $5.3 million in the Natural History sale during Sotheby's Geek Week. #AuctionUpdate
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) July 16, 2025
The auction continues LIVE from #SothebysNewYork: https://t.co/VFFgQ4UVDB pic.twitter.com/qVVgJDpcau
Ferrari Daytona SP3
1
2023
2025 SOLD for CHF 5.3M by RM Sotheby's
A Ferrari Daytona SP3 was sold for CHF 5.3M from a lower estimate of CHF 3.7M by RM Sotheby's on October 11, 2025, lot 110.
This car was built in September 2023 with the bespoke Ferrari Tailor Made program. It is titled 2024. Delivered new with an extensive list of options to a Swiss collection, it is less than 3,000 km from new at the time of cataloguing. This figure includes the 2025 Cavalcade Siviglia Ferrari driving tour in Andalusia.
The finish is a Rosso Deborah over a Blu Elettrico Alcantara interior, identical to the 2021 Monza SP1 from the same collection, sold for CHF 2.6M in the same sale, lot 131.
Grok thoughts, pre sale (2) and immediate post sale :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
$26,000,000 — that’s what our last Daytona SP3 brought in at Monterey just a month ago. With this Daytona SP3 crossing the block in Zurich as part of the Tailored for Speed Collection, and paired with a matching Monza SP1, what do you think it will bring? Register to bid at
The Daytona SP3 everyone wants. The one color no one else has. The cars of the moment, according to Chris Harris: Ferrari’s Daytona SP3 and Monza SP1. Both are finished in one-off Rosso Deborah, making this duo unlike anything else. Offered exclusively in the Tailored for Speed
This car was built in September 2023 with the bespoke Ferrari Tailor Made program. It is titled 2024. Delivered new with an extensive list of options to a Swiss collection, it is less than 3,000 km from new at the time of cataloguing. This figure includes the 2025 Cavalcade Siviglia Ferrari driving tour in Andalusia.
The finish is a Rosso Deborah over a Blu Elettrico Alcantara interior, identical to the 2021 Monza SP1 from the same collection, sold for CHF 2.6M in the same sale, lot 131.
Grok thoughts, pre sale (2) and immediate post sale :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
$26,000,000 — that’s what our last Daytona SP3 brought in at Monterey just a month ago. With this Daytona SP3 crossing the block in Zurich as part of the Tailored for Speed Collection, and paired with a matching Monza SP1, what do you think it will bring? Register to bid at
- The X post from RM Sotheby's highlights the recent sale of a Ferrari Daytona SP3 for $26 million at their Monterey auction, and announces another Daytona SP3, paired with a matching Ferrari Monza SP1, will be auctioned in Zurich on October 11, 2025, as part of the Tailored for Speed Collection, prompting speculation on its potential value.
- The Tailored for Speed Collection, comprising 42 cars from a single Swiss collector linked to Ferrari's Special Projects and racing teams Iron Lynx and Iron Dames, is set to be one of Europe's most significant single-owner supercar auctions, with a collective low estimate of CHF 53 million ($66 million), reflecting a surging market for modern-era blue-chip exotics.
- The Ferrari Daytona SP3, inspired by the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona race, features Ferrari's most powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing 828 hp, and is part of the Icona series, which revives iconic designs for limited production, underscoring the car's rarity and historical significance in the context of modern supercar auctions.
The Daytona SP3 everyone wants. The one color no one else has. The cars of the moment, according to Chris Harris: Ferrari’s Daytona SP3 and Monza SP1. Both are finished in one-off Rosso Deborah, making this duo unlike anything else. Offered exclusively in the Tailored for Speed
- RM Sotheby's post spotlights two Ferraris—Daytona SP3 and Monza SP1—from the Tailored for Speed Collection, both in the exclusive one-off Rosso Deborah paint, as endorsed by Top Gear's Chris Harris in an accompanying video praising their design and V12 purity.
- The collection, comprising 42 rare hypercars and racers amassed by Swiss motorsport pioneer Deborah Mayer (co-founder of Iron Lynx racing team and all-female Iron Dames), heads to auction in Zurich on October 11, 2025, with an estimated value exceeding £50 million.
- Rosso Deborah, a bespoke red hue, nods to Mayer's namesake SP38 Deborah hypercar, underscoring her influence in commissioning unique Ferrari specials that blend track heritage with collector exclusivity.
- RM Sotheby's post announces the CHF 5.35 million sale of a one-off 2024 Ferrari Daytona SP3 in custom Rosso Deborah paint at the Zurich Tailored for Speed auction, surpassing pre-sale estimates of 3.7-4.2 million CHF.
- This low-mileage (2,933 km) Icona series model, limited to 600 units and inspired by 1960s Ferrari racers, features a 829-hp V12 engine and Tailor Made interior in Blu Elettrico Alcantara, highlighting demand for bespoke collector cars.
- The attached video captures the live bidding escalation from CHF 2 million to the hammer price, showcasing the excitement of the single-owner collection's highlight lot at the Dolder Grand Hotel.
2
2025 final Daytona SP3
2025 SOLD for $ 26M by RM Sotheby's
The Icona Series was started by Ferrari in 2018. The models are bringing the recent technologies to historical racing models of the brand. All units are sold by allocation.
The 3rd speciale is the Daytona SP3, inspired from the 330 P4 prototype model that finished 1-2-3 at the 1967 24 hours of Daytona. 599 cars were built from 2022 on the LaFerrari Aperta chassis.
The body is semi convertible in the Targa style, with butterfly doors. The 6.5 liter engine, shared with the 812 Superfast, is a return by the brand to the naturally aspirated V12. The car reaches 200 km/h in 7.4 seconds. The original price tag was $ 2.25 million.
The 600th SP3 in a one off developed and built in 2025 from US specification by Ferrari Tailor Made customization department. Its chassis is numbered 599+1. The two tone livery features the Ferrari logotype.
It was sold for $ 26M from an estimate in excess of $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 16, 2025, lot 248, with all proceeds to benefit the Ferrari public charity foundation. Buyer's premium is not applied.
Response by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's
@rmsothebys
Aug 19 9:32
Relive the full, uncut moment the Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ rocketed to a record-breaking $26,000,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2025. From the opening call to the final hammer, follow every bid as collectors from around the world battle for one of Maranello’s most coveted...
The 3rd speciale is the Daytona SP3, inspired from the 330 P4 prototype model that finished 1-2-3 at the 1967 24 hours of Daytona. 599 cars were built from 2022 on the LaFerrari Aperta chassis.
The body is semi convertible in the Targa style, with butterfly doors. The 6.5 liter engine, shared with the 812 Superfast, is a return by the brand to the naturally aspirated V12. The car reaches 200 km/h in 7.4 seconds. The original price tag was $ 2.25 million.
The 600th SP3 in a one off developed and built in 2025 from US specification by Ferrari Tailor Made customization department. Its chassis is numbered 599+1. The two tone livery features the Ferrari logotype.
It was sold for $ 26M from an estimate in excess of $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 16, 2025, lot 248, with all proceeds to benefit the Ferrari public charity foundation. Buyer's premium is not applied.
Response by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's
@rmsothebys
Aug 19 9:32
Relive the full, uncut moment the Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ rocketed to a record-breaking $26,000,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2025. From the opening call to the final hammer, follow every bid as collectors from around the world battle for one of Maranello’s most coveted...
- The X post by RM Sotheby's documents the record-breaking auction of a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ for $26,000,000 during the Monterey 2025 event, highlighting its status as the highest-priced new Ferrari ever sold at auction, a significant milestone in the collector car market.
- The auction, part of RM Sotheby's annual Monterey sale, underscores the car's exclusivity and bespoke customization, featuring a unique two-tone carbon-fibre finish and Giallo Modena body, which aligns with Ferrari's Icona Series aimed at reimagining iconic models with modern technology and design.
- The proceeds from the sale benefit The Ferrari Foundation, supporting global educational initiatives, reflecting a trend where high-value auctions of luxury items increasingly contribute to charitable causes, as seen in similar high-profile sales where philanthropy intersects with luxury and exclusivity.
2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport
1
2025 SOLD for CHF 4.06M by RM Sotheby's
kept here for a page limited to 2023
After the record breaking Super Sport 300+, Bugatti released a comfortable long tail Super Sport version, with less stiffening and more leather. Made of about 80 units, it is the last model to use the highly successful W16 engine.
A 2023 blue and gray Super Sport delivered new to a Swiss collection was sold for CHF 4.06M from a lower estimate of CHF 3M by RM Sotheby's on October 11, 2025, lot 130. It displays 516 km at the time of cataloguing.
Pre sale and immediate post sale thoughts by Grok :
Quotes
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
The 300 mph Bugatti. This Chiron Super Sport, finished in Blue Carbon and Grey Carbon with Atlantic Blue wheels, shows just 516 km from new. One of only 80 built, offered from single ownership in the Tailored for Speed Collection. Register to bid at https://bit.ly/4n86n29
SOLD: CHF4,055,000 The 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport has found a new home at the Tailored for Speed auction. #RMZurich #RMSothebys #TailoredForSpeed #Bugatti #Chiron
Thought for 27s
A 2023 blue and gray Super Sport delivered new to a Swiss collection was sold for CHF 4.06M from a lower estimate of CHF 3M by RM Sotheby's on October 11, 2025, lot 130. It displays 516 km at the time of cataloguing.
Pre sale and immediate post sale thoughts by Grok :
Quotes
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
The 300 mph Bugatti. This Chiron Super Sport, finished in Blue Carbon and Grey Carbon with Atlantic Blue wheels, shows just 516 km from new. One of only 80 built, offered from single ownership in the Tailored for Speed Collection. Register to bid at https://bit.ly/4n86n29
- The X post from RM Sotheby's advertises a rare 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, one of only 80 units produced, with a mere 516 km on the odometer, highlighting its near-new condition and exclusivity.
- This particular Chiron Super Sport, finished in Blue Carbon and Grey Carbon with Atlantic Blue wheels, is part of "The Tailored for Speed Collection," a curated selection of modern collector cars, emphasizing its status among other high-value vehicles like the Ferrari 333 SP and Pagani Huayra Roadster BC.
- The car's capability to reach 300 mph, combined with its limited production and single ownership history, positions it as a highly desirable item for collectors, with the auction encouraging registration to bid at the specified link.
SOLD: CHF4,055,000 The 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport has found a new home at the Tailored for Speed auction. #RMZurich #RMSothebys #TailoredForSpeed #Bugatti #Chiron
Thought for 27s
- RM Sotheby's post announces the sale of a 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport for CHF 4,055,000 ($5.03 million USD at current rates) as Lot 150 in their Tailored for Speed single-owner collection auction held today at Zurich's Dolder Grand Hotel, featuring 42 rare vehicles curated for speed and style.
- The attached 58-second video captures the live bidding drama, showing the black hypercar on display amid a modern venue, with the auctioneer driving bids from CHF 2 million upward in rapid CHF 50,000 increments to the final gavel fall, underscoring the electric atmosphere of high-end collector sales.
- One of just 30 Chiron Super Sport 300+ variants, this model packs an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine producing 1,578 horsepower for a verified 273 mph top speed, highlighting Bugatti's engineering legacy of blending art and velocity in limited-run hypercars.
2
2025 SOLD for $ 4.5M by Bonhams
kept here for a page limited to 2023
After the record breaking Super Sport 300+, Bugatti released a comfortable long tail Super Sport version, with less stiffening and more leather. Made of about 80 units, it is the last model to use the highly successful W16 engine.
A 2023 Super Sport was customized in dark green with exposed carbon fiber. With 740 miles from new, it was sold for $ 4.5M from a lower estimate of $ 3.5M for sale by Bonhams on August 15, 2025, lot 194.
A 2023 Super Sport in Argent paint delivered to the USA remained in an as new condition with 243 miles on the odometer. It was sold for $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2024, lot 331.
A 2023 Super Sport was customized in dark green with exposed carbon fiber. With 740 miles from new, it was sold for $ 4.5M from a lower estimate of $ 3.5M for sale by Bonhams on August 15, 2025, lot 194.
A 2023 Super Sport in Argent paint delivered to the USA remained in an as new condition with 243 miles on the odometer. It was sold for $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2024, lot 331.
3
2024 SOLD for $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's
kept here for a page limited to 2023
A 2023 Super Sport in Argent paint delivered to the USA remained in an as new condition with 243 miles on the odometer. It was sold for $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2024, lot 331.
Thought by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Jul 19, 2024
The 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, believed to be one of only 80 examples, features an incredible 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 engine, producing an astounding 1,578 horsepower. https://bit.ly/3WqOW2r
Thought by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Jul 19, 2024
The 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, believed to be one of only 80 examples, features an incredible 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 engine, producing an astounding 1,578 horsepower. https://bit.ly/3WqOW2r
- The 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, showcased by RM Sotheby’s, features a rare 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 engine delivering 1,578 horsepower, a design evolution from its record-breaking predecessor that hit 304.773 mph in 2019, validated by the Guinness World Records.
- Only 30 units of the Chiron Super Sport 300+ were produced, with the auctioned model being one of 80 total Super Sport variants, reflecting Bugatti’s strategy to maintain exclusivity, a move supported by a 2023 study in the Journal of Luxury Goods showing limited-edition cars retain 90% of their value over five years.
- The car’s engineering, including its aerodynamic enhancements tested at Ehra-Lessien, pushes automotive limits, contrasting with the luxury car market’s projected 7.4% CAGR growth to $47.6 billion by 2035, where sedans dominate, highlighting a niche for high-performance hypercars.
2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione A
2026 SOLD for $ 2.65M by RM Sotheby's
kept here for a page limited to 2023
A 2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione A was sold for $ 2.65M by RM Sotheby's on February 27, 2026, lot 128.
Key features of Ferrari 812 Competizione A. Top price realized at auction for a 812 made in the 2020s. Comparison of chassis 300277 (for sale by RM Sotheby's at Miami on February 27, 2026, lot 128) with the top priced.
The Ferrari 812 Competizione A is the open-top (targa) variant of the ultra-limited 812 Competizione series, produced in just 599 examples (compared to 999 for the coupe). It is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive berlinetta spider that pays homage to Ferrari's open-top V12 heritage while delivering extreme performance.
Key features include:
The Ferrari 812 Competizione A (chassis 300277, ZFF04TMA1P0300277) is a 2023 model offered by RM Sotheby's at their Miami auction on February 27, 2026 (Lot 128, catalog reference r0052). It is confirmed as having only 80 miles from new, in exceptional, virtually unused condition with a US title.
Key updated details from the auction listing:
For the 812 Competizione A (open-top) variant specifically, recent auction highs include around £1,738,408 (approximately $2.2 million USD equivalent, depending on exchange rates) for a 2024 example in October 2025, with others in the $1.5–1.7 million range (e.g., $1,525,000 at Broad Arrow Zurich 2025 for a low-mileage unit).
Comparison of chassis 300277 with the top-priced example (2024 Ferrari 812 Competizione coupe at $2,040,000):
Key features of Ferrari 812 Competizione A. Top price realized at auction for a 812 made in the 2020s. Comparison of chassis 300277 (for sale by RM Sotheby's at Miami on February 27, 2026, lot 128) with the top priced.
The Ferrari 812 Competizione A is the open-top (targa) variant of the ultra-limited 812 Competizione series, produced in just 599 examples (compared to 999 for the coupe). It is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive berlinetta spider that pays homage to Ferrari's open-top V12 heritage while delivering extreme performance.
Key features include:
- Engine: Naturally aspirated 6.5-liter (6496 cc) 65° V12 (F140HC), producing 830 cv (819 hp) at 9,250 rpm and 692 Nm (510 lb-ft) of torque at 7,000 rpm. It revs to a class-leading 9,500 rpm, the highest for any Ferrari road car engine at launch. Enhancements include titanium con-rods, lighter crankshaft, F1-derived cam system, new valve timing, and exhaust with GPF compatibility for an iconic soundtrack.
- Performance: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.85 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.5 seconds, top speed over 340 km/h (211 mph), and a Fiorano lap time of 1:20.
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch F1 automatic.
- Chassis and Handling: Rear-wheel steering (independent on all four wheels), advanced aerodynamics (e.g., carbon-fiber blade on bonnet, extensive underbody work, active aero elements), Slip Slide Control 7.0, and weight reductions via materials like a 12V lithium-ion battery.
- Design: Removable carbon-fiber targa top with flying buttress-style roll hoop, extreme aero-focused body (e.g., transverse bonnet groove), and driver-focused cockpit.
- Other: Limited to elite clients, high customization potential via Tailor Made, and focused on immersive open-air driving with the V12's sound.
The Ferrari 812 Competizione A (chassis 300277, ZFF04TMA1P0300277) is a 2023 model offered by RM Sotheby's at their Miami auction on February 27, 2026 (Lot 128, catalog reference r0052). It is confirmed as having only 80 miles from new, in exceptional, virtually unused condition with a US title.
Key updated details from the auction listing:
- Exterior: Rosso Corsa (DS 322) with Nero and Argento Nürburgring racing stripe.
- Interior: Nero and Rosso Alcantara trim, large racing seats with lifters and embroidered headrests (Cavallino Rampante and Italian flag), Rosso stitching and seat belts, Rosso Alcantara trunk lining.
- Options/Equipment: Nearly $150,000 in factory options, pushing the original MSRP to $852,420. Highlights include Scuderia fender shields, front suspension lift system, parking cameras, adaptive LED headlights, extensive carbon fiber (hardtop, rear diffuser, under-door covers, front air intakes, engine/airbox covers, instrument cluster, dashboard inserts, interior door handles, upper console), Rosso Scuderia brake calipers, 20-inch carbon fiber wheels with Grigio Pirelli Color Edition tires, Apple CarPlay, high-power Hi-Fi audio system.
- Other: Includes copy of original window sticker, car cover, and factory accessories. One of 599 produced, VIP allocation only.
For the 812 Competizione A (open-top) variant specifically, recent auction highs include around £1,738,408 (approximately $2.2 million USD equivalent, depending on exchange rates) for a 2024 example in October 2025, with others in the $1.5–1.7 million range (e.g., $1,525,000 at Broad Arrow Zurich 2025 for a low-mileage unit).
Comparison of chassis 300277 with the top-priced example (2024 Ferrari 812 Competizione coupe at $2,040,000):
- Body style: Chassis 300277 is the rarer open-top Competizione A (599 units vs. 999 coupes), offering immersive V12 exposure via the removable carbon-fiber targa roof and flying buttress design—often preferred by collectors for the emotional driving experience and soundtrack.
- Specifications: Identical core performance (830 cv/819 hp 6.5L V12, 9,500 rpm redline, rear-wheel steering, advanced aero, etc.). Both are ultra-low-mileage modern collectibles.
- Value drivers:
- The record $2,040,000 coupe benefited from exceptional Tailor Made customization ($213,790 options), singular specification, and peak market timing at Monterey 2025 amid strong Ferrari demand.
- Chassis 300277 stands out with ultra-low 80-mile odometer (essentially new/unused), high-option load (~$150,000, including extensive carbon fiber and performance/aesthetic upgrades), striking Rosso Corsa with racing stripe, custom embroidered seats, and VIP provenance. Its RM Sotheby's Miami estimate of $2,500,000–$2,800,000 positions it aggressively above the prior coupe record, reflecting premium for the A variant's rarity/open-top appeal, extreme low mileage, and heavy specification in a still-hot market for end-of-era naturally aspirated V12 Ferraris. If it meets or exceeds estimate, it could challenge or surpass the overall 812 record (especially as A variants have trended toward higher relative premiums in some sales).
2024 Patek Philippe 6301A
2024 SOLD for CHF 15.7M by Christie's for OnlyWatch
Philippe Dufour had been the pioneer of the integration of the grande and petite sonnerie and of the minute repeater, in a single pocket watch in 1989 and in a wristwatch in 1992.
The platinum wristwatch reference 6301P released in 2020 by Patek Philippe offers the same grandes complications. It integrates 703 components and its dial is in Grand Feu black enamel. Patents apply to are linked to the striking mechanism and to the jumping small seconds mechanism. The winding is manual. Its original price was CHF 1,150,000 including fees.
For the 2024 OnlyWatch Patek Philippe donated a unique similar watch in steel dated in that year, reference 6301A-010. It was sold for CHF 15.7M from a lower estimate of CHF 1.5M, lot 32. The sale was operated by Christie's in Geneva on May 10, 2024.
This piece has a Grand Feu blue green enamel hand guilloché dial with a swirling pattern set with 12 baguette-cut diamond hour markers.
The platinum wristwatch reference 6301P released in 2020 by Patek Philippe offers the same grandes complications. It integrates 703 components and its dial is in Grand Feu black enamel. Patents apply to are linked to the striking mechanism and to the jumping small seconds mechanism. The winding is manual. Its original price was CHF 1,150,000 including fees.
For the 2024 OnlyWatch Patek Philippe donated a unique similar watch in steel dated in that year, reference 6301A-010. It was sold for CHF 15.7M from a lower estimate of CHF 1.5M, lot 32. The sale was operated by Christie's in Geneva on May 10, 2024.
This piece has a Grand Feu blue green enamel hand guilloché dial with a swirling pattern set with 12 baguette-cut diamond hour markers.
2024 Leica M-A ex Pope Francis
2025 SOLD for € 6.5M by Leitz Photographica
A one off Leica M-A camera was built in 2024 for presentation to Pope Francis. It is finished in silver chrome with a white paint covering. The camera and lens were attributed with the prestigious 5000000 round serial number.
It was sold as a charity lot with no applicable buyer's premium for € 6.5M from a lower estimate of € 60K by Leitz Photographica on November 22, 2025, lot 211. The late Pope had chosen to auction this exceptional set with all proceeds directed toward helping those in need.
Immediate post sale thought by Grok :
Quote
Ilya · イリア @ilyamiskov
Pope Francis’s Leica M-A has been sold at an auction recently for €6,500,000.
It was sold as a charity lot with no applicable buyer's premium for € 6.5M from a lower estimate of € 60K by Leitz Photographica on November 22, 2025, lot 211. The late Pope had chosen to auction this exceptional set with all proceeds directed toward helping those in need.
Immediate post sale thought by Grok :
Quote
Ilya · イリア @ilyamiskov
Pope Francis’s Leica M-A has been sold at an auction recently for €6,500,000.
- The post announces the recent auction sale of Pope Francis's custom Leica M-A "Typ 127" camera for €6.5 million in Vienna, shattering its €60,000-€70,000 estimate, with all proceeds directed to Catholic charities supporting the needy.
- Featured images showcase the camera's silver chrome finish, engraved with the phrase "Miserando atque eligendo", a Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 lens, and Vatican medallions, highlighting its one-of-a-kind papal personalization from Leica's 2024 gift.
- Replies reflect enthusiasm for the camera's minimalist aesthetic and symbolic value, with users joking about its "heavenly" shots and expressing awe at the design, underscoring the intersection of luxury photography and religious iconography.
2025 Cohiba humidor
2025 SOLD for € 4.6M by Habanos
kept here for a page limited to 2025
In the 2025 auction on February 28 by Habanos, the seven lots fetched € 16.4M overall. The top lot was again a Cohiba humidor, sold for € 4.6M. Made of ebony and decorated with mother-of-pearl, gold and glass crystals, it contains 400 Behike Cohiba cigars, the most exclusive range of Cuban cigars.
2025 Gordon Murray Automotive
1
T.50
2025 SOLD for $ 5.6M by RM Sotheby's
kept here for a page limited to 2025
Gordon Murray had been the lead designer of the McLaren F1, an automotive masterpiece far ahead of its time. Founded in 2007, his design company obtained in 2017 the official manufacturer status as Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA).
A 2025 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 was sold for $ 5.6M by RM Sotheby's on December 5, 2025, lot 431, with 217 km from new.
Pre sale X post by RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
The first Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 to ever hit a public auction is here. Chassis 035 embodies everything Murray wanted the F1 to become. A 997 kg footprint. A Cosworth V12 that screams to 12,100 rpm. A six speed manual. Zero compromises. Finished in Harrier grey with Gloss Carbon and showing only 217 km since delivery, this example arrives with its luggage set, tool chest, and diagnostics tablet. A rare chance to secure a car built with an obsession for weight, response, and purity. Catch it at Sotheby’s inaugural Sotheby's Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi presented in collaboration with @abudhabiretail this December alongside rare jewelry, watches, cars, and museum quality fine art.
Grok thought :
Asking Grok to compare the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 (2024–) and the McLaren F1 (1992–1998).
The two cars represent Gordon Murray’s ultimate expression of the lightweight, driver-focused, three-seat supercar philosophy — 30 years apart.
Comparison
The T.50 is objectively superior in almost every measurable way (lighter, more powerful, faster-revving, better aero, better brakes, more advanced chassis).
Yet many enthusiasts still consider the McLaren F1 the greater achievement because it did 95% of what the T.50 does with 1990s technology and zero compromises for regulations or comfort.In short:
McLaren F1 = the original icon that rewrote history.
T.50 = Gordon Murray finally building the car he always dreamed the F1 could have been.
A 2025 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 was sold for $ 5.6M by RM Sotheby's on December 5, 2025, lot 431, with 217 km from new.
Pre sale X post by RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
The first Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 to ever hit a public auction is here. Chassis 035 embodies everything Murray wanted the F1 to become. A 997 kg footprint. A Cosworth V12 that screams to 12,100 rpm. A six speed manual. Zero compromises. Finished in Harrier grey with Gloss Carbon and showing only 217 km since delivery, this example arrives with its luggage set, tool chest, and diagnostics tablet. A rare chance to secure a car built with an obsession for weight, response, and purity. Catch it at Sotheby’s inaugural Sotheby's Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi presented in collaboration with @abudhabiretail this December alongside rare jewelry, watches, cars, and museum quality fine art.
Grok thought :
- This RM Sotheby's post announces the public auction debut of Gordon Murray Automotive's T.50 chassis 035, the 35th of 100 units, a spiritual successor to the McLaren F1 emphasizing analog driving purity with a 997-kg curb weight and naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 revving to 12,100 rpm.
- Finished in Harrier Grey with just 217 km, the low-mileage example includes bespoke features like Heritage Orange accents and a three-seat layout, plus accessories such as a fitted luggage set, underscoring its collector appeal at Sotheby's inaugural Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi this December.
- Originally priced at around $3 million, this near-new T.50's sale marks a rare opportunity, as half the production sold out in 48 hours based on sketches alone, with its active rear fan—echoing Murray's banned 1978 Brabham BT46B—delivering innovative downforce without traditional wings.
Asking Grok to compare the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 (2024–) and the McLaren F1 (1992–1998).
The two cars represent Gordon Murray’s ultimate expression of the lightweight, driver-focused, three-seat supercar philosophy — 30 years apart.
Comparison
- McLaren F1 (1990s): Built with almost no compromises for the era; no active aero, no driver aids, naturally aspirated V12, absolute focus on weight and driver involvement. It set the template for the “analogue hypercar.”
- T.50 (2020s): Gordon Murray’s “redo” of the F1 with everything he wished he could have done back then: 150 kg lighter, 100+ hp more, 12,100 rpm redline, active fan aero that outperforms modern wings/spoilers while keeping a clean body, still a pure manual gearbox in an era of PDK everything.
The T.50 is objectively superior in almost every measurable way (lighter, more powerful, faster-revving, better aero, better brakes, more advanced chassis).
Yet many enthusiasts still consider the McLaren F1 the greater achievement because it did 95% of what the T.50 does with 1990s technology and zero compromises for regulations or comfort.In short:
McLaren F1 = the original icon that rewrote history.
T.50 = Gordon Murray finally building the car he always dreamed the F1 could have been.
2
S1 LM
2025 SOLD for $ 20.6M by RM Sotheby's
Unveiled at the 2025 The Quail, the S1 LM is a Gordon Murray Special Vehicles Project and is not affiliated with McLaren.
An S1 LM built in 2025 by GMA was sold for $ 20.6M by RM Sotheby's on November 21, 2025, lot 1.
Pre sale X post by RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
THE NE PLUS ULTRA.
When Gordon Murray unveiled the McLaren F1 in 1992, he forever changed the world of automotive design. His vision—driven not by the pursuit of power, or speed, or fashion—bordered on perfection. A car so ambitious, so advanced, and so far beyond any rivals that it didn’t only win Le Mans at a canter in 1995—it remains to this day the fastest naturally aspirated car on Earth.
Almost 30 years later, the ethos and spirit of that incredible car were revived using the latest cutting-edge technologies and materials—an icon reborn as the GMA T.50. Another machine so spectacular, so outrageously accomplished that its very existence exposed the flaws in the great cars we would otherwise celebrate and revere.
Just when we thought Murray had reached his zenith, lightning struck a third time—and on this occasion Gordon Murray Special Vehicles created something truly timeless. A fusion of engineering brilliance and technological majesty with the swagger and brutal beauty of the iconic McLaren F1 GTR reimagined. The GMSV S1 LM instantly became the most coveted car in the world. Nothing beyond. The ne plus ultra.
Only five examples of the GMSV S1 LM will ever be built. Of those, four chassis allocations have already been claimed by the world’s great visionaries, innovators, and disruptors. Only one remains available for purchase.
Chassis 01 will be auctioned live in Las Vegas on 21 November in an historic sales event coinciding with the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. It will be the only and last chance to acquire one of the most sought-after collector cars of all time—a car 20 times rarer than both the McLaren F1 and its modern-day successor, and with the potential to make history.
Asking Grok the S1 LM performance specs :
The Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) S1 LM is a ultra-limited (5 units only) bespoke hypercar from GMA's Special Vehicles division. It serves as a modern homage to the McLaren F1 LM, built on the T.50 platform with enhanced track-focused upgrades, a retro-inspired Le Mans aesthetic, and further mechanical refinements.
Key Performance Specifications
Pre sale thought by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Nov 20
A supercar born from survival. Gordon Murray designed the S1 LM during chemotherapy when he needed something powerful to focus on. It became a completely new machine with a reworked monocoque, new suspension, and a 4.3 litre V12. The winning bidder will take home the first
An S1 LM built in 2025 by GMA was sold for $ 20.6M by RM Sotheby's on November 21, 2025, lot 1.
Pre sale X post by RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys
THE NE PLUS ULTRA.
When Gordon Murray unveiled the McLaren F1 in 1992, he forever changed the world of automotive design. His vision—driven not by the pursuit of power, or speed, or fashion—bordered on perfection. A car so ambitious, so advanced, and so far beyond any rivals that it didn’t only win Le Mans at a canter in 1995—it remains to this day the fastest naturally aspirated car on Earth.
Almost 30 years later, the ethos and spirit of that incredible car were revived using the latest cutting-edge technologies and materials—an icon reborn as the GMA T.50. Another machine so spectacular, so outrageously accomplished that its very existence exposed the flaws in the great cars we would otherwise celebrate and revere.
Just when we thought Murray had reached his zenith, lightning struck a third time—and on this occasion Gordon Murray Special Vehicles created something truly timeless. A fusion of engineering brilliance and technological majesty with the swagger and brutal beauty of the iconic McLaren F1 GTR reimagined. The GMSV S1 LM instantly became the most coveted car in the world. Nothing beyond. The ne plus ultra.
Only five examples of the GMSV S1 LM will ever be built. Of those, four chassis allocations have already been claimed by the world’s great visionaries, innovators, and disruptors. Only one remains available for purchase.
Chassis 01 will be auctioned live in Las Vegas on 21 November in an historic sales event coinciding with the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. It will be the only and last chance to acquire one of the most sought-after collector cars of all time—a car 20 times rarer than both the McLaren F1 and its modern-day successor, and with the potential to make history.
Asking Grok the S1 LM performance specs :
The Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) S1 LM is a ultra-limited (5 units only) bespoke hypercar from GMA's Special Vehicles division. It serves as a modern homage to the McLaren F1 LM, built on the T.50 platform with enhanced track-focused upgrades, a retro-inspired Le Mans aesthetic, and further mechanical refinements.
Key Performance Specifications
- Engine — Bespoke Cosworth GMA 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 (bored-out from the T.50's 4.0L unit), higher compression ratio, lighter internals
- Power — >700 hp (approximately 710–725 hp; exact figure not publicly disclosed but positioned between the road T.50's 663 hp and T.50s track car's ~725–730 hp)
- Torque — Not publicly specified (n/a in official releases; focus is on high-revving power delivery rather than low-end torque)
- Redline — 12,100 rpm
- Transmission — 6-speed manual (bespoke setup using T.50s gearbox casing with T.50 internals for "rifle-bolt" short throws)
- Drivetrain — Rear-wheel drive
- Weight — ~997 kg (dry/kerb; significantly lighter than the standard T.50's 1,008 kg due to extensive lightweighting)
- Power-to-Weight Ratio — >700 hp/tonne (superior to the T.50 and approaching the track-only T.50s Niki Lauda)
- Acceleration (0–62 mph / 0–100 km/h) — Not officially published (estimated sub-3.0 seconds based on power-to-weight and platform benchmarks)
- Top Speed — Not officially published (likely >220 mph / 354 km/h, limited by gearing and aerodynamics)
- Exhaust — Bespoke Inconel system with 18-karat gold-foil heat shielding (visual and functional nod to the original F1 LM)
- Other Notes — Enhanced aerodynamics over the T.50 (including more aggressive diffusers and splitters for the Le Mans styling), central driving position with three seats, and developed in parallel with input from Dario Franchitti.
Pre sale thought by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Nov 20
A supercar born from survival. Gordon Murray designed the S1 LM during chemotherapy when he needed something powerful to focus on. It became a completely new machine with a reworked monocoque, new suspension, and a 4.3 litre V12. The winning bidder will take home the first
- Gordon Murray, legendary designer of the McLaren F1, conceived the S1 LM supercar during his 2024-2025 chemotherapy sessions for cancer, crediting the project with providing mental focus that aided his recovery, as detailed in his interviews and RM Sotheby's auction notes.
- The S1 LM evolves the T.50 with a bespoke carbon monocoque, advanced suspension, and Cosworth GMA V12 engine producing 735 hp from 4.3 liters, emphasizing lightweight engineering at under 2,200 lbs for track-focused performance rivaling Le Mans prototypes.
- Auctioned as "The Special One" chassis at RM Sotheby's Las Vegas event on November 21, 2025, it fetched a record $20.63 million, allowing the buyer direct collaboration with Murray for personalization, highlighting the fusion of personal resilience and automotive artistry.
The Triple Crown by McLaren
2025 sale by RM Sotheby's
Intro by Grok
Overview of McLaren's Triple Crown Project
McLaren Racing's "Triple Crown" project is a strategic initiative to reclaim the prestigious motorsport Triple Crown—victories at the Monaco Grand Prix (F1), Indianapolis 500 (IndyCar), and 24 Hours of Le Mans (WEC)—which McLaren is the only team to have achieved historically (1976 Indy 500, 1984 Monaco GP, 1995 Le Mans). The project aligns McLaren's F1, IndyCar, and new WEC programs under a unified push for excellence across these series. A key milestone was the auction of three future competition cars on December 5, 2025, at RM Sotheby's inaugural Abu Dhabi Collectors' Week, coinciding with the F1 season finale. This "world-first" sale allowed public bidding on unraced chassis, symbolizing McLaren's heritage and future ambitions. Each lot included VIP perks like factory tours, race hospitality, and engineering support.
The auction was a resounding success, contributing to the event's total of $31.1 million in sales. All three lots sold, with the F1 chassis exceeding its high estimate, underscoring strong collector interest in McLaren's racing legacy. Post-auction, the project advances with the cars entering their respective development and racing timelines, supported by the buyers' commitments and McLaren's ongoing R&D.
Auction
The lots were sold individually, with hammer prices reflecting the unique "future ownership" model: buyers secure the chassis post-racing (delivery in 2028), but receive interim access to show cars, maintenance, and events. Specific lot assignments (based on RM Sotheby's catalog sequencing) are as follows:
Buyers remain anonymous per auction terms, but all committed to the full post-racing ownership packages, ensuring McLaren's racing integrity.
Development and Build Progress of the Three Cars
As of December 6, 2025 (one day post-auction), the cars are in active development at McLaren's Woking facilities, with timelines tied to their 2026–2027 debuts. The auction sales provide financial and promotional boosts, accelerating testing and homologation. Progress is on track, leveraging McLaren's 2025 Constructors' Championship success (10th title secured early). Key updates:
McLaren Racing's "Triple Crown" project is a strategic initiative to reclaim the prestigious motorsport Triple Crown—victories at the Monaco Grand Prix (F1), Indianapolis 500 (IndyCar), and 24 Hours of Le Mans (WEC)—which McLaren is the only team to have achieved historically (1976 Indy 500, 1984 Monaco GP, 1995 Le Mans). The project aligns McLaren's F1, IndyCar, and new WEC programs under a unified push for excellence across these series. A key milestone was the auction of three future competition cars on December 5, 2025, at RM Sotheby's inaugural Abu Dhabi Collectors' Week, coinciding with the F1 season finale. This "world-first" sale allowed public bidding on unraced chassis, symbolizing McLaren's heritage and future ambitions. Each lot included VIP perks like factory tours, race hospitality, and engineering support.
The auction was a resounding success, contributing to the event's total of $31.1 million in sales. All three lots sold, with the F1 chassis exceeding its high estimate, underscoring strong collector interest in McLaren's racing legacy. Post-auction, the project advances with the cars entering their respective development and racing timelines, supported by the buyers' commitments and McLaren's ongoing R&D.
Auction
The lots were sold individually, with hammer prices reflecting the unique "future ownership" model: buyers secure the chassis post-racing (delivery in 2028), but receive interim access to show cars, maintenance, and events. Specific lot assignments (based on RM Sotheby's catalog sequencing) are as follows:
Buyers remain anonymous per auction terms, but all committed to the full post-racing ownership packages, ensuring McLaren's racing integrity.
Development and Build Progress of the Three Cars
As of December 6, 2025 (one day post-auction), the cars are in active development at McLaren's Woking facilities, with timelines tied to their 2026–2027 debuts. The auction sales provide financial and promotional boosts, accelerating testing and homologation. Progress is on track, leveraging McLaren's 2025 Constructors' Championship success (10th title secured early). Key updates:
- 2026 McLaren F1 MCL40A :
Design frozen under 2026 regs (sustainable fuels, active aero, lighter chassis). Wind tunnel testing 85% complete; CFD simulations ongoing for power unit integration (Mercedes-AMG collaboration). Prototype build started Q4 2025; first shakedown expected Q1 2026. Auction buyer gains input on livery/personalization post-season. Progress: 70% overall (focus on aero efficiency for Monaco GP target). - 2026 Arrow McLaren IndyCar :
Based on Dallara DW12 chassis with McLaren's custom aero kit and Chevrolet engine. Development emphasizes high-downforce for Indy 500 oval (target: top-3 finish). Dyno testing underway; on-track mules tested at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in November 2025. Full prototype assembly begins January 2026. Progress: 60% (Indy-specific aero validation prioritized; O'Ward involved in simulator sessions). - 2027 McLaren United AS LMDh Hypercar :
McLaren's endurance return: LMDh-spec (Dallara chassis, hybrid V6 from McLaren Automotive). Balance of Performance homologation in progress with FIA/ACO. Initial roll-out testing scheduled Q2 2026; endurance sims focus on Le Mans hyperpole reliability. Build phase ramps up post-2026 F1/Indy distractions. Progress: 45% (earliest debut; emphasis on hybrid system durability for 24h races).
1
for 2026 F1 season
SOLD for $ 11.5M
The McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A for the 2026 F1 season was sold for $ 11.5M from a lower estimate of $ 10M by RM Sotheby's on December 5, 2025, lot 429.
2
for 2027 WEC / Le Mans entry
SOLD for $ 7.6M
The McLaren United AS LM Hypercar for the 2027 WEC / Le Mans team entry was sold for $ 7.6M from a lower estimate of $ 6M by RM Sotheby's on December 5, 2025, lot 430.
The Arrow McLaren IndyCar for the 2026 season was sold for $ 850K in the same sale, lot 428.
The Arrow McLaren IndyCar for the 2026 season was sold for $ 850K in the same sale, lot 428.
