The Monterey Auctions take place next weekend, beginning Thursday, August 13, 2026, with exceptional lots being offered by Bonhams, Broad Arrow, Gooding Christie’s, Mecum, and RM Sotheby’s. Lucky for you, your fairy godmotor had given you a $2,026,000 check last month. Will you drop it all on a 2018 RUF CTR3 Clubsport, or will you fill a few 10-car haulers? Use the auction house’s high estimate and make your picks in the comments below.

Example:
We’ll begin the weekend at Bonhams Laguna Seca Auction on Thursday morning, where we’ll try to secure this as the perfect way to motor around the Peninsula over the weekend:

Lot 28 – 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé

Introduced in 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 300 S was Stuttgart’s hand-built post-war flagship, offered in Coupé, Cabriolet, and Roadster forms at roughly 50% more than the already-prestigious 300 “Adenauer.” Only 560 were built through 1955, including just 216 Coupés, making it one of the marque’s rarest and most desirable classics. This 1953 Coupé has documented European use through 1959 before being bought in 1963 by Dr. Wallace Nelson, a Mercer Island, Washington neurologist and WWII veteran known for impulsively trading cars. After one celebratory drive with his wife, he declared it “too special to drive” and garaged it — where it’s remained for over six decades. Its odometer shows 1,644 km, but has rolled over, with period records putting actual mileage around 101,644 km (63,159 miles). It was originally green with matching interior, later refinished silver, with a replacement fuel tank and hoses as the only notable non-original components. The car is being offered as an exceptionally original, single-family-preserved example with rare documented provenance spanning both Europe and America.

SOLD: $180,000

Funds remaining: $1,846,000

2026 appears to be the year of the Meyers Manx Dune Buggy at Monterey, with Bonhams, Gooding, Mecum, and RM each offering one, while Broad Arrow is selling two, and Gooding is also featuring a Dune Buggy built by Allison. We’re going for this one from Bonhams:

Lot 47 – 1963 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy “Lowrider”

As a 1963, this Meyers Manx comes from the very early days of production, when Bruce Meyers first conceived of a deceptively simple shape hiding sophisticated composite work — a structural monocoque fiberglass body with embedded steel, bolted onto the suspension and running gear of a shortened VW Beetle chassis. These early cars, referred to as “pre-tag,” came prior to the official B.F Meyers and Company ID tags, beginning in 1965, and are highly coveted. Only 100 to 150 are said to exist. This example was acquired by the Meyers Manx Heritage Collection. It has been cared for and updated by their team. Powered by a punched-out 1,776cc VW flat-4, it has been stanced and lowered with an eye toward blasting across the sand dunes and beaches. Fitted with knobby Baja Pro tires, it is stunningly finished in Green Metalflake Gelcoat over low-back white vinyl bucked seats. The teak deck behind the seats has been freshly redone, and a new set of Coco mats adorn the footwells. While the collection is retaining a handful of other special buggies, it is time for “Lowrider” to go to new caretakers where it can continue to deliver more smiles per mile.

Bonhams estimate: $38,000

Funds remaining: $1,808,000

A wafty drive down Laureles Grade in the 300 S Coupé lands us at Bernardus Lodge, where we’ve booked a room that set us back another $3,600 for a 4-night stay. We’ll check in before heading over to Broad Arrow’s The Quail Auction. We’ll try for this:

Lot 114 – 1973 Citroën SM

Conceived as a French grand tourer, the Citroën SM (“Sport Maserati”) featured a 3.0-liter Maserati V6 engine with triple Weber carburetors producing 188 hp and capable of a 127 mph (205 km/h) top speed. Renowned for its futuristic design, it became the first foreign car to win Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1972. It was among the final models produced at Citroën’s historic Quai de Javel plant in Paris before manufacturing ended there in 1975. Completed in March 1973 and delivered via Citroën New York, this example features its original Brun Scarabée (Scarab Brown) paint over Tabac (Tobacco) leather. Built to U.S. specification with exposed round headlights, it uniquely pairs the 3.0-liter V6 with a rare manual transmission. It retains its matching chassis, engine, and body numbers and is accompanied by an Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS factory certificate.

SOLD: $40,000

Funds remaining: $1,764,400

Followed by the one we came to Monterey for:

Lot 165 – 1957 DB Mark III

In 1947, English industrialist David Brown purchased Aston Martin for £20,500 from an ad in The Times. Thus began the production of the hailed DB series of sports cars that carry on today with the DB12. The DB1 sold only 15 units from 1948 to 1950 before being replaced by the DB2 and later the grand touring DB2/4 Mark I and II in 1953 and 1955, respectively. The DB Mk III, launched simultaneously at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland and in the USA in March 1957 as a successor to the DB2/4 Mark II despite never officially being called the DB 2/4 Mark III. It incorporated lessons learned on the race track with a fundamental redesign of the W.O. Bentley-designed 2.9-liter engine by Polish engineer Tadek Marek, which comprised of a revised cylinder head, cylinder liners, timing chain, a stiffened crankshaft, and twin SU carburetors. It now gave substantially more power (162 hp) and torque than the original LB6. It would be the last of the DB models to be powered by the twin-cam six-cylinder engine of Lagonda origin. It was also the company’s first road car to feature the classic Aston Martin grille created by body designer Bert Thickpenny in a sleek new front end that gave a better view of the road ahead.  The Mk III was produced between 1957 and 1959 with 462 saloon versions and 89 convertibles built. Its Tickford-built aluminum bodywork was largely derived from the previous Mark II model and revised with larger tailfins, opening rear side windows, slimmer door handles, and a front end inspired by the DB3S race car. This 1957 Aston Martin DB Mk III was refinished in metallic blue from its original black paint color in 2011 along with the installation of halogen headlamps and LED brake lights, indicators, and courtesy lamps. It features small early-model taillights, vented fenders, chrome bumpers, a driver’s side mirror, Tickford fender badges, polished dual exhaust pipes, and chrome stainless-steel 16″ Dayton wire wheels with knock-off spinners and Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. The seller notes some stone chips on the hood and windshield and the fuel door is disconnected from the release lever. A spare Pilkington windscreen is included in the sale. A rare left-hand drive model, its interior is appointed with blue leather upholstery and matching carpets. Accessories include low-back front bucket seats, lap belts, a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, Smiths instrumentation, a dashboard-mounted rearview mirror, LED lighting, a heated rear window, and audio speakers paired with a Blaupunkt power amplifier and an antenna installed discreetly beneath the headliner. All gauges and accessories are said to be working properly. This example is equipped with electronic ignition, a spin-on oil filter conversion, and a Quicksilver dual exhaust system. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an upgraded BorgWarner 5-speed manual transmission that was fitted using a Kevin Kay Restorations conversion. The original 4-speed transmission is included in the sale. The car’s chassis includes front disc brakes, Alfin rear drum brakes, independent front suspension with an anti-roll bar, a solid rear axle with a Panhard bar, and coil springs with Armstrong lever-arm shock absorbers at each corner. The front disc brakes were replaced during the refurbishment along with an overhaul of the radiator. Now displaying 90,632 miles, this 1957 Aston Martin DB Mk III comes with factory documentation, tools, a spare windscreen, the original 4-speed gearbox, a collection of removed parts, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, and a clean Montana title.

SOLD: $180,000

Funds remaining: $1,584,400

After a quick dinner in Monterey, we’ll check out RM’s sale at the Convention Center and hopefully land this:

Lot 109 – 1936 Lincoln Model K Coupe by LeBaron

The 1936 Lincoln Model K pairs striking styling—highlighted by pontoon fenders, lowered headlamps, 17-inch steel wheels, and a 414 ci V-12—with a variety of coachbuilt bodies. Among the most desirable is LeBaron’s two-passenger, leather-trimmed three-window coupe, of which only 25 were built and roughly 10 survive. Delivered new to Philadelphia, chassis K6428 remained in Pennsylvania most of its life. Bob Montgomery bought it in 1955 and stored it near Tafton until 1988, when he decided to sell it after his children sold his junkyard while he was on vacation. Ed Graf acquired the complete, remarkably original car in 1989 and commissioned Martin Lum for a meticulous, nearly nine-year restoration. The finished coupe earned multiple AACA honors from 2007 to 2008, including a Grand National First Prize. It was later owned by Kevin Cornish—who displayed it at Pebble Beach in 2010—before joining the Ray and Bonnie Kinney collection in October 2015. Well-maintained ever since, it has continued to make featured appearances at events such as the 2017 Arizona Concours d’Elegance and the 2019 Dallas Luxury and Supercar Showcase.

SOLD: $168,000

Funds remaining: $1,416,400

We’ll finish our first day at Mecum’s Monterey sale, where this might tempt us:

Lot T63 – 1969 Royal Enfield Interceptor

The 1969 Royal Enfield Interceptor Series II (MkII) represented the final and most developed version of Enfield’s big parallel-twin before the marque’s British production wound down in 1970. The Interceptor line had launched back in 1962, aimed squarely at the lucrative American market, which favored large-displacement, high-torque twins. By 1969, production had consolidated at Enfield’s Bradford-on-Avon works after the historic Redditch factory closed, and the Series II featured a redesigned crankcase with car-style wet-sump lubrication, a notable engineering upgrade over earlier Interceptors. Power came from a 736cc OHV vertical twin (71mm x 93mm bore/stroke) fed by twin 30mm Amal Concentric carburetors, producing around 52 hp and capable of roughly 120 mph — genuinely quick for the era. At around 410 lbs wet, it was a relatively light, torquey machine. The MkII also borrowed running gear from Norton, using Norton-sourced forks and brakes to shore up handling and stopping power. It’s remembered today as something of a swan song: one of the last big British twins from an independent manufacturer before Royal Enfield’s UK operations shut down, making surviving Series II Interceptors a notable piece of British motorcycling history and increasingly collectible. This 1969 Royal Enfield Interceptor has been in the Dave Moot Collection since, when it was bought from Jack Wolters, owner of Metric Motor Sports Cycles of Warren, Michigan, a Royal Enfield dealer. It has remained in unrestored and running condition since.

HIGH BID: $10,500

Funds remaining: $1,405,900

After breakfast, let’s head back to The Quail for the second day of the Broad Arrow sale. Maybe we’ll be taking this home:

Lot 208 – 1957 MV Agusta 1100 D2 Autocarro

The MV Agusta 1100 D2 Autocarro is an obscure commercial vehicle from a company far better known for Grand Prix motorcycle dominance. Alongside its racing bikes, MV (Meccanica Verghera) Agusta built small delivery trucks, and the 1100 D2, introduced in 1957, topped that range with a 1,079cc twin-cylinder diesel making 27 hp. Only about 2,000 were built before production ended in the early 1960s, and few survive today. These trucks led a bit of a double life: used commercially to haul goods around Piedmont villages, but also by MV Agusta itself as factory transporters for its Grand Prix race bikes — a connection that makes surviving examples appealing to collectors today. This fully restored flatbed example is finished in Rosso Corsa with MV Agusta Squadra Corse livery, featuring white bumpers, a beltline stripe, and a front grille with a diagonal blue stripe. The cab is trimmed in cognac leather, while the cargo area is finished in pine decking and equipped with wheel chocks to accommodate up to three motorcycles, a fitting complement to the racing machines produced by Meccanica Verghera. On deck is a “salesman’s display” MV Agusta 750S void of any internals or functioning running gear.

SOLD: $40,000

Funds remaining: $1,365,900

We’ll hop in the 300 S Coupé and go Pebble Beach for the first day of Gooding Christie’s sale. And while the “salesman’s display” MV Augusta 750S looks good on the back of that Autocarro, this is what we’d rather ride:

Lot 19 – 1974 Ducati 750 SS

The 1974 Ducati 750 SS is one of the most revered production motorcycles Ducati ever built, born directly out of racing glory. It followed Ducati’s stunning 1-2 finish at the 1972 Imola 200, where Paul Smart famously won on a factory racer designed around Fabio Taglioni’s L-twin engine. The road-going 750 SS that followed was Ducati’s way of putting that race-winning engineering into customers’ hands. Often referred to as the “green frame” 750SS for its distinctive apple-green painted frame, it was the first Ducati twin with desmodromic valves and triple disc brakes, running a 748cc L-twin making 73 hp at 8,000 rpm and weighing just 396 lbs dry — genuinely race-bred performance for a road bike of its era. Only 401 were built, with an estimated 225 or so surviving today, roughly 80% with their original matching frame and engine. This 1974 Ducati 750 SS was featured with its original owner in the Japanese magazine Men’s Club back in 1974. The engine has since undergone a full, photo-documented rebuild carried out by a renowned Japanese bevel-drive specialist. Perhaps most special of all is the side cover, personally signed by Fabio Taglioni, the legendary engineer behind the desmodromic L-twin and the man most responsible for Ducati’s racing success in the early 1970s. The sale includes a spare parts stash, an additional fuel tank, and the original tool kit.

SOLD: $170,000

Funds remaining: $1,195,900

As always, there’s no shortage of prized Porsches on offer during Car Week. This one comes close to its roots at Mecum’s Friday sale:

Lot F105 – 1955 Porsche 356 1500 Coupe

Closely related to the Volkswagen Beetle, which Ferdinand Porsche Sr. had designed in the mid-1930s, the 356 utilized many VW components—primarily in its driveline and suspension—as well as its rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. But what began as a close cousin, or perhaps offspring, of The People’s Car soon evolved into a world-class sports car, as well as a regular race winner. Originally purchased new in Germany, this 1955 Porsche 356 1500 comes from late in 356 “Pre A” production. It has emerged from restoration as a correct, matching-numbers example — body, engine, and transmission are all original to the car. Power comes from the original 1488cc flat-4, running its original engine case with an increased bore, paired to a 4-speed manual gearbox. Exterior touches include stone-guarded headlights and mirrors added during restoration, while inside, the cabin was reupholstered in leather (originally vinyl) with headrests, all in the same warm Red tone. The car is backed by its original documentation, books, and receipts, plus a full set of restoration photos.

SOLD: $126,500

Funds remaining: $1,069,900

Saturday begins at the final day of Gooding Christie’s sale. We haven’t yet added a convertible to our haul and we’ll try to remedy that with this:

Lot 101 – 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible

The Chevrolet Camaro arrived in 1967 to a market Ford had owned outright since the Mustang debuted in 1964. Built on GM’s new rear-wheel-drive F-body platform, its long-hood and short-deck proportions became a signature Chevrolet design language for decades. Buyers could get it as a coupe or convertible, with an extensive menu of trim and performance packages that let a single Camaro range from a mild commuter to a serious street machine. Engine choices spanned from a modest 230ci inline-six up through a lineup of small-block V8s. The Rally Sport (RS) package added hidden headlights and unique trim for a more upscale look, while the Super Sport (SS) package brought performance-focused hardware and could be combined with the RS trim. In February 1968, newly commissioned naval officer Gary Kuist was preparing for deployment to Vietnam when he stepped into San Diego’s Courtesy Chevrolet and encountered a Granada Gold Camaro RS/SS 350 Convertible on the showroom turntable. Although sales staff attempted to direct his attention elsewhere, Kuist later recalled returning to “the car spinning above all the rest.” The salesman reportedly cautioned him, “Son, you don’t want that car – it’s used. The car has 75 miles on it, used in a parade with the homecoming queen sitting in back.” Undeterred, Kuist purchased the car on the spot. Following his service, it remained a trusted companion through law school and, in his words, “far too many years of deadline racing from court to court.” Retired from active use in later years, the Camaro became the subject of an exacting rotisserie restoration. Over a single weekend in 1990, Kuist completely disassembled the car, then spent the next 15 years returning it to show-quality condition, remaining so until Mr. Kuist’s passing. It now wears its original Granada Gold over Gold color scheme and comes fitted with the 295-hp 350 c.i. L48 V8 engine mated to a desirable 4-speed manual gearbox. The car was awarded First in Class at the 2017 Montecito Motor Classic, a testament to both the quality of its restoration and the dedication behind it. It is now offered from his estate with the original documents, the owner’s manual, a protection plan, historic California registrations, and a full set of restoration photographs.

SOLD: $56,000

Funds remaining: $1,013,900

Followed by this …

Lot 181 – 1954 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe

Debuting in 1951, the short-wheelbase Alfa Romeo 1900C (“corto”) combined cutting-edge mechanics with bespoke bodywork crafted by premier Italian coachbuilders like Ghia, Pinin Farina, Zagato, and Touring. The “five-window” Sprint coupes built by Touring using their patented lightweight Superleggera construction remain among the most sought-after models. As documented in Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint, Carrozzeria Touring produced a total of 949 units, with only 299 built during the second series run in 1954 and 1955—including chassis 01869. Documentation indicates that this particular 1900C Super Sprint was originally delivered to Switzerland, where it stayed until moving to Italy in 1999. It joined its current owner’s private Alfa Romeo collection in 2001. Finished in an eye-catching Azzurro-Verde Oceano, the car is remarkably well-preserved and mostly unrestored. Showing 59,396 km on the odometer, it retains key factory elements such as its Tipo 1308 engine, original glass, Carello lights, and numbered Touring body tag. Complete with its tool kit, jack, and supporting paperwork, this collector-owned Super Sprint represents an exceptionally rare, well-maintained, and event-ready example of Touring-bodied Alfa Romeo history.

SOLD: $72,500

Funds remaining: $941,900

And another convertible:

Lot 197 – 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE

Debuting in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 immediately captured the market and became a popular choice for emerging racers competing at legendary American tracks like Pebble Beach and Watkins Glen. Between 1951 and 1954, Jaguar introduced the high-performance SE (Special Equipment) specification. Outfitted with modified camshafts and an increased compression ratio, the SE model increased engine output from 160 hp to 180 hp while adding dual exhausts, wire wheels, and a firmer suspension setup. Built on January 8, 1953, this left-hand-drive XK120 SE Roadster left the factory in a pastel green exterior paired with a suede green leather cabin. According to its included Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, it was first delivered to Charles Hornburg’s Los Angeles dealership. Though its initial history is undocumented, the car was purchased by the current owner’s father over 40 years ago. Shortly after joining the family, the roadster underwent a minor cosmetic refresh in its original colors, leaving the interior today with a beautifully preserved, subtle patina. Crucially, it preserves its original matching-numbers cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder head. Complete with its side curtains, tonneau cover, spare wheel, and jack, this well-appointed XK120 SE is fully prepared for prestigious vintage rallies like the Colorado Grand.

SOLD: $55,000

Funds remaining: $886,400

We’ll take our shot at the last lot to run at Gooding’s sale:

Lot 199 – 1956 Volkswagen Beetle

Few cars have made as profound an impact globally as the Volkswagen Beetle, with over 21 million units produced. Manufactured on November 22, 1956, and originally sold in Portland, Oregon, this meticulously restored model retains its factory-original body, verified by its official Volkswagen Birth Zertifikat. Finished in a custom shade of Pastel White, the cabin features gray leather upholstery with ivory piping, gray German square-weave carpets, and a beige headliner under a sliding ragtop. Notably, its original 36-horsepower engine is upgraded with a period-correct Judson supercharger—one of the earliest and most sought-after performance enhancements for vintage air-cooled VWs, making complete setups rare today. The car is further enhanced by an extensive selection of vintage accessories, including a 1959 Allstate “Tag-A-Long” single-wheel trailer, a Thermador swamp cooler, VDO tachometer, Judson boost gauge, Sapphire I radio, pop-out rear windows, Coca-Cola cooler, Samsonite luggage set, roof rack, parcel shelf, original jack, and a custom wooden surfboard. Strikingly presented, this Beetle embodies the enduring charm and relaxed spirit of an automotive icon.

SOLD: $150,000

Funds remaining: $736,400

Then return to RM for our final selection:

Lot 373 – 1977 Land Rover Series III 109 Restomod

The Land Rover Series III, particularly in its long 109-inch wheelbase, built a legendary reputation for durability and off-road capability across the world’s most challenging terrains. This 1977 Land Rover Series III 109 Restomod builds on that legacy, transforming a utilitarian 3/4-ton pickup into a high-end luxury vehicle. Between 2019 and 2024, Kevin Kay Restorations of Redding, California, executed a comprehensive, no-expense-spared restoration totaling over $460,000 in documented work. The project features a custom-built, hot-galvanized, and powder-coated chassis outfitted with an Intelliride active air suspension system and upgraded power disc brakes. For improved drivability, it incorporates Defender-spec axles, doors, and a single-pane windscreen, along with power steering and a revised column layout. Power comes from a modern Cummins R2.8-liter turbo diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. While maintaining its classic upright silhouette finished in Sea Grass, the interior has been completely modernized with custom Connolly Vaumol Saddle Tan leather, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, air conditioning, and a retro-styled navigational audio system—blending classic Series III character with modern touring refinement.

SOLD: $225,000

Funds remaining: $511,400