The pinnacle of the collector car calendar returns as RM Sotheby’s prepares to host its flagship Monterey auction from August 12-14, 2026. Held at the Monterey Conference Center in the heart of Monterey, CA, this multi-day event coincides with Monterey Car Week. High-net-worth collectors, automotive historians, and enthusiasts from across the globe gather to witness the sale of significant motor cars, ranging from pre-war classics to modern hypercars.

Auction Preview & Definition

This multi-day sale transforms the Monterey Conference Center into a high-stakes arena featuring an elite selection of blue-chip automobiles, with approximately 150 to 200 cars noted in the source text. Attendees can expect a diverse docket that includes rare coachbuilt masterpieces, legendary racing veterans, and halo hypercars, alongside exclusive VIP hospitality suites, preview exhibitions, and a gala-style auction room.

Prior results position RM Sotheby’s Monterey as a benchmark venue for strong sell-through rates and multi-million-dollar hammer prices. The source text also identifies the event as an official platform associated with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, reinforcing its role as a global epicenter for record-setting automotive transactions and marquee consignments.

Quick Overview

Quick Overview: The RM Sotheby’s Monterey takes place at the Monterey Conference Center on August 12-14, 2026. Preview starts at 10:00 AM; Auction begins at 5:30 PM daily and tickets are estimated at $40 – $150 – View Ticket Information

Top Featured Cars

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is presented as a Post-War icon finished in factory-correct Silver Grey over Blue plaid, with a numbers-matching engine and documented provenance. As one of the defining European Classic Cars of the 1950s, it remains a Concours-Grade benchmark for collectors seeking Showroom Condition originality.

1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta represents a blue-chip European Classic Car with a 3.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine, Ferrari Classiche certification, and well-documented history. Its Pininfarina coachwork and Short Wheelbase specification place it among the most revered Grand Touring cars of its era.

1995 McLaren F1 stands as a Supercar reference point, described in the source text as a definitive masterpiece of center-seat engineering. With its pristine interior and rare status, it occupies the upper tier of modern collector interest and is often treated as an investment-grade halo car.

1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe brings Pre-War significance with Murphy coachwork and a 420-cubic-inch straight-eight engine. Recognized as one of the most desirable American classics, it remains a landmark example of Gatsby-Era Cars craftsmanship and stature.

1967 Shelby 427 Cobra anchors the American Muscle segment with its original alloy body and side-oiler engine. Its authentic presentation and racing heritage make it a highly regarded Restomod-era-era performance symbol, although the source text identifies it specifically as a highly authentic classic rather than a modified build.

Popular Muscle & Sports Cars

• 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra — American Muscle, original alloy body, side-oiler engine, highly authentic condition, lot number not provided. Its competition-bred pedigree and Carroll Shelby association make it one of the defining American sports cars of the 1960s.

Additional Events

The source text notes a preview exhibition, exclusive VIP hospitality suites, and a gala-style auction room. It also identifies the event as a social hub for the Lost in the West and Pinnacle Portfolio style collections, with specialized segments centered on single-marque programs and historically significant racing pedigrees.

About the Venue

The Monterey Conference Center is a multi-level venue at 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, with a central location that supports high bidder traffic and event access. The source text notes that parking can be limited, though valet services are typically available for registered bidders and VIPs. Its downtown Monterey setting places it within the core of the region’s collector-car infrastructure. Monterey Conference Center

About the Event Company

RM Sotheby’s is a global auction house specializing in collector cars, with a market position built around blue-chip consignments, curated sales, and marquee calendar events such as Monterey. The source text identifies it as the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, underscoring its standing in the upper tier of the international collector-car market. RM Sotheby’s Monterey

Ticket Prices & Event Schedule

• Ticket Price: $40 – $150 (Varies by access level) – View Ticket Information
• Date(s) of the Event: August 12-14, 2026
• Hours of the Event: Preview starts at 10:00 AM; Auction begins at 5:30 PM daily
• Event Venue Name: Monterey Conference Center
• Event Venue Address: 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
• Event Venue URL: Monterey Conference Center

Event Summary

RM Sotheby’s Monterey is a premier collector car auction taking place August 12-14, 2026 at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, CA. The sale coincides with Monterey Car Week and features approximately 150 to 200 blue-chip automobiles, including pre-war classics, post-war icons, sports cars, and modern supercars.

• Who: RM Sotheby’s
• What: Collector car auction
• When: August 12-14, 2026
• Where: Monterey, CA