Monterey

Luxury Watch & Cars: Wearing An MB&F HM3 In Monterey At the Car Shows

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Car crazed fans of all types and budgets flock to Monterey, CA each summer to experience the Concours de Elegance, Quail Lodge car show, races at Laguna Seca, and a number of other events and auctions that all celebrate the appreciation of fine cars. The Concours de Elegance itself is all about, well.... elegance. A highly subjective concept that a panel of trusted judges are called to determine. I wonder why then they seem to choose the same 1930's era French cars as "Best of Show" each year. Though you'll find cars new and old - specially some of the most expensive and exotic motorcars in the world all in one weekend.

So I travel to Monterey this year with one of the world's most exotic watches - priced as much as many brand new luxury cars. Though not quite up to the cost of a rare vintage European sports car at auction around town that weekend, the watch should be an impressive sighting for those "in the know." With millions of dollars exchanged each day of the event in car auction sales, the demographic of people who attend the events is comprised of the wealthier elite. These people are often watch lovers as well. So in cooperation with MB&F, I see how their Horological Machine Number 3 (HM3) "Sidewinder" watch (which I wrote in more detail about here) adds to my, and the experience of others during the show.

At Pebble Beach, the attention you get is often linked to what you are doing, and who you are with. Myself, toting a backpack and camera was likely taken as a photographically inclined car fan (which I am), or a member of the media (which I also am). Thus, people didn't look carefully at my wrist expecting to see something special. Among the ranks of collectors with their rare cars, it felt good having a rare watch - a bit like I was part of the "in crowd." Perhaps this crowd is something you can buy in to, but your status there is all about what you bring to the party - and I had something interesting. An avant garde Italian sports car from the 70's equivalent in watch form.

Tags: 2010, beach, car, hm3, mbf, monterey, pebble, quail, show, watch

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1959 Ferrari Sells for Record $7.26 Million at Pebble Beach

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione (above) with coachwork by Scaglietti fetched a whopping $7.26 million at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach sale in California over the weekend, setting a new world record for the model and capping a round of stunning auction results. The stunning roadster, which took 5th place overall at the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring race, was just one of several multimillion-dollar Ferraris to cross the block over the weekend. Gooding & Co. also hammered down a rare 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB SEFAC Hot Rod for $6.1 million, and a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza for $6.7 million. As we reported previously, Bonhams set another world record over the weekend with the $4 million sale of a 1970 Porsche Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K coupe, while RM Auctions netted $4.6 million for a 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta, among others. Gooding achieved a new record in sales, realizing $64.5 million for 106 cars during the landmark event.

Tags: Alfa Romeo, auctions, Bonhams, California, classic cars, Ferrari, Gooding Company, Monterey, Porsche, race car, RM Auctions, world record

101 Years Of Bugatti Cars At Monterey 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Founded in 1909, Bugatti has had a fascinating history as one of the most important collector's cars in the world. Starting in the 1990s, the brand was due for a major comeback led by then owner the Volkswagen Group. Today with the Veyron, Bugatti produces the most expensive new production car in the world with a starting price of about 1.7 million dollars. Several of its highly coveted vintage models yield far more than that at auction.

During the auto festivities around Monterey, CA 2010, Bugatti celebrated 101 years of passion and car making, as well as the release of their new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport car - which was a follow up, higher performance model of the Veyron which was originally released in 2005. The Veyron Super Sport claims a top speed of close to 270mph, and will cost about $2 million. Highly collectible vintage models are valued in the several million dollars each. Bugatti also saw the debut of a new watch - the Bugatti Super Sport timepiece presented by their watch making partner Parmigiani.

Bugatti and Bugatti owners brought out their best to Monterey, especially at the Laguna Seca raceway for the Concorso Italiano. Beautifully restored Bugattis (and a few in original condition) were brought out to be seen and driven. You can see the famous luxury auto maker through different eras, and observe the loving care their owners bestow upon them. I've put together a pictorial showing some of the coolest Bugatti's seen in Monterey at the Quail Lodge event, at Laguna Seca, and at the Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance. Check out the rest of them below in the image galley. Fantastic to see so many rare and beautiful Bugatti cars together - chances like this are extremely rare.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: 101 Years of Bugatti Monterey 2010

Tags: 101 years, 2010, bugatti, Concorso Italiano, monterey, pebble beach, Quail lodge

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Lotus Offers Limited Edition F1-Style Racers for $1 Million Apiece

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports

Got a need for speed and a million bucks burning a hole in your pocket? Lotus has just the thing: a new limited edition Formula 1-style racecar for motorsports enthusiasts and gentleman racers. Just unveiled at the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion in California, the Lotus Exos Type 125 is a Formula 1-inspired track car pairing F1 design and technology with a 650 hp Cosworth V8 engine. Only 25 examples will be built and sold at $1 million apiece, forming a new race league for owners that will also help Lotus develop a new F1 program. With a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and F1 styling, the car also features carbon ceramic brakes and carbon fiber pushrod suspension. Purchasers will be founding members of the exclusive Exos Club, which includes driver training overseen by a team of Lotus engineers, race drivers, mechanics, physical trainers and even physicians – just like the pros.

Tags: California, carbon fiber, Formula 1, Formula One, Lotus, Monterey, motor racing, motorsports, racecar, racing

World's Most Expensive Porsche Sells for $4 Million in Monterey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1970s Porsche racecar just fetched $4 million at Bonhams' sale in Monterey, setting a new world record for the most expensive Porsche ever sold at auction. The stunning and historic car, the ex-Jurgen Neuhaus/Jurgen Barth 1972-73 European Interserie and David Hobbs/Mike Hailwood Gulf-JW Automotive team 1972-73 Porsche 917 Interserie Spyder, neé 1970 Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K Coupe (above), was hammered down after fierce bidding. The car is similar to the famed model driven by Steve McQueen in Le Mans. Many other strong prices were attained for Bonhams' rarest offerings, including a 1930 Mercedes-Benz 7.1 Liter SS Tourer for $2.5 million, and the ex-works, Gerhard Mitter/Lucien Bianchi Nurburgring 1000 kms-leading 1967 Porsche 910 Endurance Racing Works Coupe for $800,000. Earlier we reported on the nine Ferraris which each fetched over $1 million at RM Auctions' own Monterey sale.

Tags: Bonhams, California, classic cars, Ferrari, Le Mans, Mercedes-Benz, Monterey, motor racing, motorsports, Porsche, Porsche 917, racecar, RM Auctions, Steve McQueen, world record, worlds most expensive

Porsche 918 Spyder Makes Its Driving Debut [video]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

This past Thursday, the Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid – which could become the world's most expensive production Porsche – made its driving debut on a closed road in Monterey, California, just days prior to its North American debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. After being shipped over from Germany by private plane, engineers handed the keys of the new 918 Spyder, dubbed the world's first true hybrid supercar, to Porsche AG Design Chief Michael Mauer. The car drove superbly under its own power, which comes from the mid-mounted 3.4 liter V8 engine out of the RS Spyder as well as an all electric mode which powers just the front wheels. That's good news for the 2,000 prospective buyers willing to fork out an estimated $630,000 to get their hands on one.

Tags: California, electric car, Germany, hybrid, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Porsche, Porsche 918 Spyder, supercar

Nine Ferraris & More Shatter Million-Dollar Mark at RM's Monterey Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

An exceptional 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta (above), the fifth of only seven examples ever built, sold for an astounding $4.6 million at RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey sale on Saturday night, leading an impressive group of 14 individual sales (including eight other Ferraris) which shattered the magic million dollar mark. TV personality and former racer Alain de Cadenet joined auctioneer Max Girardo onstage for the six-hour sale, which saw 84 motor cars cross the podium before a packed house. The Saturday night sale marked the conclusion of RM's 2010 Classics of Monterey event, which attracted record bidder registrations from 29 countries, including Monaco, Brazil, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. After the jump, find the complete list of million-dollar-plus sales from the incredible auction:

Gallery: RM's Million-Dollar Ferraris in Monterey

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta

1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder

1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III

Tags: classic cars, Delahaye, Duesenberg, Ferrari, Jaguar D-Type, Japan, Monaco, Monterey, Packard, United Arab Emirates

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Bing Crosby's 1966 Aston Martin at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A stunning 1966 Aston Martin DB6 that belonged to singer and movie star Bing Crosby will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions' sale on August 14 at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, California during Monterey Classic Car Week. The mint condition car features an original black leather interior and cherry wood steering wheel and new silver paint, while some mechanicals have been rebuilt to original specifications. The left hand drive beauty is powered by the famed British marque's 4 liter OHC straight 6 engine rated at 282 hp. Mecum have not released an estimate on the vehicle, but a copy of the title with Bing Crosby's name on it is included with the winning bid.

Gallery: Bing Crosby's 1966 Aston Martin DB6

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Tags: Aston Martin, Aston Martin DB6, auction, Bing Crosby, California, celebrity, celebrity cars, classic cars, Mecum, Monterey

Larry Ellison's McLaren F1 Up for Auction at Pebble Beach

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

It's not every day that a McLaren F1 becomes available for purchase. After all, only a hundred were made. But that day is coming up, and coming up soon.

At the fast-approaching Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Gooding & Company will auction off one very desirable example of the supercar that's still trouncing the competition a dozen years since it ceased production. This particular example, in silver with black interior, once belonged to Larry Ellison, whose company Oracle sponsored the McLaren racing team, and stands as one of the few ever registered for use in the United States. Pre-sale estimates place its value at around $3 million... give or take $500k.

[Image: Paul Litwinski © 2010 Courtesy of Gooding & Company]

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Tags: f1, gooding, Gooding and Company, gooding co, gooding company, larry ellison, mclaren, mclaren f1, monterey, pebble beach, Pebble Beach Concours dElegance

Day At the Races: MotoGP At Laguna Seca 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports

There is an amazing amount of wealth at motorcycle races. You might picture the populous at a NASCAR race as being a bit above poverty level (no offense NASCAR fans, but you know what aura some of your fellow race lovers give off), but the followers of the world famous MotoGP series include some well to do participants. Many of them fervent collectors and sophisticated gear-heads. As such, you could easily quality MotoGP as a luxury sport (just for a different class than say the Kentucky Derby). At least the motorcycles themselves use top-notch hardware and technology. Amazing to think that the bikes themselves have serious computers on board. I went to the MotoGP race day at Laguna Seca historic race track near Monterey, CA - here are some of the sights and sounds of the excitement.

I've put together a bit of a visual article below when you go to "READ MORE." Much of what you see if pretty self explanatory. If you've never been to a motorcycle race, then be aware that most people attend and shove earplugs in their ears due to the incredible sound of many high-powered engines operating at full revs simultaneously.

Tags: 2010, Laguna Seca, Lorenzo, Monterey, MotoGP, race, track, video

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Aston Martin, Ferrari & More from Russo and Steele in Monterey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Rare Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more will make an impressive showing at Russo and Steele's sale during Monterey Classic Car Week in California on August 12–14. The top-riced lot is a 1963 Shelby Cobra CSX2009, specially built for the FIA/SCCA racing circuit with many victories to its credit from 1962–1971, estimated at $900,000–$1.2 million – but it's not our favorite car on offer. That would be this stunning 1968 Aston Martin DB6, originally owned by Volkswagen AG President Heinrich Nordhoff, estimated at $230,000–$310,000. Also on offer in the alluring auction: another Shelby Cobra, this one from 1965, a late production Mk 1 in impeccable condition, estimated at $450,000–$550,000; a beautiful 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC, one of the most original models in existence, estimated at $225,000–$290,000; a handsome 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4, estimated at $100,000–$125,000; and a stunning early production concours-winning 1966 Lamborghini 350GT, estimated at $350,000–$425,000.

Gallery: Russo and Steele Monterey 2010

Tags: Aston Martin, California, classic cars, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Monterey, Russo and Steele, Shelby Cobra

Gooding Brings the Sumptuous Italian Classics to Pebble Beach

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is shaping up as one for the record books, and for evidence look no further than Gooding & Company. The venerable auction house is bringing out a positively lust-worthy array of classic machinery for the Monterey event.

We've already brought you news of the Marx Brothers' 1927 Mercedes Boattail Speedster and the '56 Maserati 200 SI and '51 Ferrari 340 American announced along with it. Now Gooding has announced a whole slew of vintage Italian stallions heading with them to the auction block at Pebble Beach.

A Zagato-bodied 1954 Fiat 8V, a 1971 Lamborghini Miura S and an alloy-bodied 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione will be on consignment at the event, along with the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta SEFAC Hot Rod and 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato pictured in the galleries below, ensuring that the event will bring in millions and make a few collectors very happy indeed.

Gallery: 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato

Gallery: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta SEFAC Hot Rod

Tags: ferrari, ferrari 250 gt, ferrari 250 gt swb, fiat, gooding, Gooding and Company, gooding co, gooding company, lamborghini, maserati, Maserati A6G, Maserati A6G54, monterey, pebble beach, Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, zagato

Rare 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa at Auction in Monterey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1958 Ferrari 250 'Pontoon Fender' Testa Rossa will be offered at RM Auctions' 25th anniversary Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in August, raising the possibility of a new world record. One of the most highly-sought-after and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars, the beautiful Scaglietti-designed vehicle was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 21 were constructed. "RM's recent record-breaking Monaco sale coupled with the steadily improving economic climate demonstrates the ideal time for the debut of this rare and coveted Ferrari," notes Rob Myers, Chairman and CEO of RM Auctions. "In May 2009, during a period many considered the depths of the global recession, RM set the current world record price for a car sold at auction with another pontoon-fender TR selling for $12.4 million."

The '58 Testa Rossa, the estimate for which is undisclosed, will be joined by no less than 22 other exceptional multimillion-dollar Ferraris in the Monterey sale. Notable entries include: a highly-desirable, covered headlamp 1959 Ferrari LWB California Spyder, s/n 1489 GT, (est. $2.75 million - $3.25 million) delivered new to Italy's Prince Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia; a rare 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica, s/n 1323 SA, (est. $1.6 million - $2.2 million) one of only 12 Series III Superamericas built; a fully-restored 1957 Ferrari 250 Pininfarina Spyder Series I, s/n 0979 GT, (est. $1.6 million - $1.9 million); and a stunning, multi-award-winning 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast, s/n 8565 (est. $800,000 - $1 million).

Gallery: 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

Tags: classic cars, Ferrari, Italy, Monterey, RM Auctions

Stunning '59 Ferrari 250 Tour TdF Race Winner for Auction in Monterey

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Some classic automobiles are sought after for their beauty. Others for their pedigree. This particular example is making headlines for both.

Stunning as it is in pristine condition with its original red and orange livery with original racing number, that only conveys the racing heritage behind this particular 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France. In the same year as its construction, chassis number 1321 took first in its class and third place overall at Le Mans and won the 1000km Nurburgring race as well.

Since then it's only changed hands a handful of times, and will now be auctioned off by Mecum in Monterey, California, during the Pebble Beach concours weekend, following its first public showing in nearly twenty years.

Gallery: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France

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Tags: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France, auction, ferrari, le mans, mecum, monterey, nurburgring, pebble beach

The First Bentley Mulsanne Sells at Pebble Beach Auction for Half a Million Dollars

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Charity

How much would you pay for the privilege of owning the very first Bentley Mulsanne to be produced? The all-new flagship from Crewe was unveiled this past weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. And while official pricing has yet to be announced, the Arnage which it replaces lists in the mid-$200k range.

In conjunction with auction house Gooding & Company, Bentley sold Mulsanne #1 to the highest bidder, with proceeds going to Pebble Beach's official charity, the Phil Hill Foundation. Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen and Bentley Heritage Collection chief Richard Charlesworth were on hand to participate from the stage, and prefaced the auction with a presentation of company founder W.O. Bentley's personal vehicle, the 1920's-era 8-liter Bentley. After failing to generate bids at $500,000, bidding on Mulsanne #1 started at $300,000 and climbed back up to the half-million mark, where it sold to an undisclosed bidder.

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Tags: auction, bentley, bentley mulsanne, BentleyMulsanne, charity auction, CharityAuction, gooding and company, gooding company, GoodingAndCompany, GoodingCompany, monterey, mulsanne, pebble beach, pebble beach concours delegance, PebbleBeach, PebbleBeachConcoursDelegance