Considered by an expert to be the “most original” of its kind, it was a spare that never actually went racing. It’s had five owners over the years, including Ford itself, and soon it will pass on to a sixth—for a considerable price, of course.

This GT40, dubbed “XGT-3,” was built by Shelby American for Alan Mann Racing ahead of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. It started life as an Mk I model, with many alterations performed to make it lighter and thus, more competitive. These “lightweight” Mk II cars are distinguished by an aluminum roof, thin-gauge steel chassis, and unique adjustable suspension, among other tweaks, and only three of this specific recipe were ever constructed.

Note the bubble on the roof, specifically placed for Dan Gurney to fit inside the car, though he never ultimately needed to. Gurney would, of course, win Le Mans with Ford the very next year, in a long-tail Mk IV GT40 with a very similar livery to this one.

Ronnie Spain, noted GT40 historian, said that while other Mk II chassis “have been fabulously restored to original configuration … only XGT-3 is in that original condition still.” That makes it a particularly special version of an already special car. If you want to find out how special, wait for it to cross the block as the main attraction of Mecum’s Kissimmee auction on January 16.

Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com

Backed by a decade of covering cars and consumer tech, Adam Ismail is a Senior Editor at The Drive, focused on curating and producing the site’s slate of daily stories.

[Update: Oct 28, 1:12 PM EDT: It sold!]

It’s not every day, month, or year you get the chance to buy a General Motors EV1. Few examples of the electric car pioneer exist today, and those that escaped the crusher tend to stay in hiding. That’s what makes this one for sale at a random impound auction near Atlanta so crazy—and despite being listed with practically zero background information, it still commanded a $104,000 winning bid.

The auction ended just after 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 28 witg a last-minute, back-and-forth bidding war that saw the price soar to more than $100,000.

Clearly, the condition is less than pristine. All we can tell from here is it’s being sold under court order with a broken windshield, tons of dust, and piles of leaves inside. Aside from the obvious damage, the listing says the hood is stuck, and it’s also missing a key. I feel like there’s zero chance those old lead-acid batteries are any good now, but as I’ve learned, you can get replacement packs if you know who to talk to.

I’m not sure what happened for such a rare car that’s not even road legal to be impounded, but I’ll investigate the backstory in due time. For now, I just have to collect my bearings and reckon with the fact that someone out there has six figures to spend on a busted EV1.

Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com

From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.

Ford is opening its vault for a rare treat: a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition, Production No. 3, is going to cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Fall event in October 2025. This is the first time Ford has released such a gem from its Heritage Collection, a carefully curated fleet of almost 500 spectacular vehicles.

This GT is a true masterpiece finished in head-turning Gulf livery colors: Epic Orange and Heritage Blue, celebrating Ford’s victorious legacy at the legendary Le Mans endurance race. Under the hood roars a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 pumping out 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission for that pure, unfiltered driving experience.

Only 343 Heritage Editions were produced, and this specific car was owned and used exclusively by Ford during various media and marketing campaigns. Accompanying the sale is a “Build Book” documenting every detail from assembly, and a certificate of authenticity to guarantee its legitimacy.

The auction promises fierce bidding with estimated values between eight hundred thousand to one million dollars, and all proceeds will go straight back into maintaining and restoring Ford’s sprawling Heritage Fleet. The collection spans vehicles in locations across the US, UK, Germany, and Australia and includes iconic vehicles such as the original sixth-generation Bronco prototype and the world’s only V-10-powered Mustang.

For enthusiasts and collectors, this is a rare chance to own a significant piece of Ford history while supporting preservation efforts for other classic vehicles in the Blue Oval’s precious collection.

The auction runs October 15 to 18 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, offering car lovers a front-row seat to one of the most prestigious collector car sales of 2025.

What makes this example extra special is its direct connection to Verstappen himself. Purchased by the Formula One World Champion in 2019, this precise car was driven by both Max and his father Jos Verstappen at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It also stars in the documentary series Max Verstappen: Whatever It Takes, securing its place in motorsport history.

The car has remarkably only covered 2,190 km and is signed by Max in three different locations, adding to its exclusivity. With live bidding on RM Sotheby’s Sealed platform until September 25, 2025, this is one of the most significant Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsports ever to come to market.

Technical Highlights:

• Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six producing 700 hp (515 kW)

• Transmission: 7-speed Porsche dual clutch gearbox (PDK)

• Weight: Approximately 1,390 kg (3,062 lbs)

• Brakes: Six-piston monobloc racing calipers on front, four-piston calipers on rear with large ventilated discs

• Chassis: Lightweight aluminium-steel composite bodywork

• Performance: Exemplifies Porsche's pinnacle of track-focused GT customer cars with superior traction, braking, and handling

This Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport blends maximum precision engineering, extreme power, and a unique connection to one of Formula One’s greatest talents, making it a must-have for serious collectors and motorsport enthusiasts.

RM Sotheby's

The 1998 Pregunta stands out as a symbol of automotive boldness—a design born from the creative vision of Marc Deschamps and built by French coachbuilder Carrosserie Heuliez. It draws inspiration from the Dassault Rafale fighter jet, with its carbon fiber body, massive air intakes, canopy-like scissor doors, and matte grey paint recalling the jet’s aggressive stealth look.

Underneath the futuristic shell lies an extensively reworked Diablo chassis, with the Pregunta moving to rear-wheel drive. Its 5.7-liter V12 cranks out 537 PS and 605 Nm of torque, managed via a five-speed manual gearbox. It rockets to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, topping out at a blistering 337 km/h, accompanied by a Quicksilver exhaust that screams performance.

Aviation influences extend to the interior, where aviation-style seats in Azure Blue Alcantara, fiber-optic lighting, and F1-derived digital instrumentation create an immersive cockpit. Alpine audio rounds off the sensory experience.

Originally commissioned by Chrysler before Audi’s takeover of Lamborghini, the Pregunta made its debut at the 1998 Paris Motor Show amid a changing automotive landscape where Lamborghini was about to enter the Volkswagen Group’s fold, alongside Bentley and Bugatti. The Pregunta’s radical design and engineering legacy helped shape future supercars, most notably the Murciélago.

After years of appearances at shows and exhibitions, and a stint with private collectors, the Pregunta now resides in the Museo Lamborghini, recently serviced by Lamborghini’s Polo Storico division. This auction marks the first time in over a decade that this unique concept will be offered to collectors.

Broad Arrow’s Joseph Twyman celebrates its significance: “The Pregunta combines Lamborghini engineering with fighter-jet design flair. This fresh-to-market opportunity appeals to collectors worldwide, offering a piece of supercar history that’s as rare as it is extraordinary.”

Collectors eager to witness or bid on this spectacular concept can look forward to the Zoute Concours Auction’s blend of elegance, speed, and automotive art. The full auction catalog will be available soon at broadarrowauctions.com.

For further information or to arrange private viewings and interviews, contact Broad Arrow’s press team.

The Pregunta—Spanish for ‘question,’ oddly enough—was created when Lamborghini was still owned by the Chrysler Group, a lesser-known chapter in its history. Underneath, it was essentially a Diablo SV, packing a 5.7-litre V12 engine delivering 530bhp to the rear wheels through a five-speed gated manual gearbox.

Styling was a whole different beast. French coachbuilder Heuliez, famed for quirky projects like the Intruder concept and the Vauxhall Tigra TwinTop, was responsible for the radical bodywork. The Pregunta’s design stylings sparked the ‘fighter jet’ aesthetic cliché now often associated with Lamborghinis. Designer Marc Deschamps drew inspiration directly from the French Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter jet—no relation to Renault’s similarly named car—which explains its matte grey carbon body, aggressive vents, and a removable glass roof that looks like a jet canopy.

Inside, the cabin bursts with bright blue Alcantara, a striking contrast to the stealthy exterior, featuring a big wand-like gear lever and one of 1998’s most advanced digital instrument clusters. The car was debuting just as Audi completed its acquisition of Lamborghini, marking the end of an era of wild concepts like this. Since then, Lamborghini’s concepts such as the Egoista and Terzo Millennio have dialed down the audacity somewhat.

The Pregunta stayed with Heuliez until 2008 when a private collector acquired it. Lamborghini’s Polo Storico division gave it a thorough reconditioning in 2021, after which it was displayed at the brand’s museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese. Now, the one-off car is up for auction via Broad Arrow on October 10 during the Zoute Grand Prix Car Week in Belgium. Expect a steep price: the estimated value is between €2.5 million and €3.5 million (£2.2 to 3 million), a fair sum for a piece of Lamborghini history that’s unlikely ever to become road-legal but undeniably a sculptural masterpiece.

The Sea Lion’s creator, engineer Mark Witt, said the car “could reach 125 mph on land and approximately 60 mph on water” around the time the car was first revealed to the public. I’m not sure such speeds were ever independently verified, but there is some footage of the car swimming and driving, which, as far as I’m concerned, is a pretty impressive accomplishment on its own.

The interior is genuinely cool looking; the gauge cluster and switch panel really help sell the James Bond dream here.

Wired did a story on the thing when it was new, reporting that the car was powered by a ’74 Mazda RX-3’s 13B rotary engine on land and a Berkeley 12 JC jet drive pump in the water. It’s rear-wheel drive with a five-speed manual.

CNN also did a segment on the Sea Lion, which includes some comments from the car’s creator:

I found some of those same clips, without the commentary but in much higher resolution, on YouTube as well if you want a better look at the Sea Lion driving and swimming:

While it listed for about a quarter million bucks 13-odd years ago, I have a feeling it’ll go a little more cheaply at this weekend’s auction. That is, unless there are at least two wealthy SpyHunter superfans reading this and bookmarking the listing (Lot S266 at Mecum’s Larry Klairmont auction on September 20th). The car looks a lot like the anonymous silver hero vehicle (which could be a car, boat, or motorcycle) in the 2001 PS2 game.

The real-life Sea Lion is built around an aluminum monocoque chassis with stainless steel flotation pods. The single-seat cockpit, which really does look like the cockpit of a retro-futurist sci-fi jet, has a lot of CNC-milled bits and a joystick for in-water operation.

Scroll through here to see some more pics of it as it sits, getting ready to cross the auction block on the 20th with no reserve:

When it dives into water, it uses a hydraulic system to retract the front wheels while the front spoiler changes angle to become a bow. I guess when you come back up a boat ramp to return to land-mode, the same process happens in reverse.

As a high-performance driving (or boating) experience, the Sea Lion is probably more trouble than it’s worth. At least, that’s my theory as to why only one was built. However, as a “make people drop their ice cream cones in shock,” vehicle, this would be very hard to beat. Pull up anywhere in this thing and you are sure to make a lot of friends. It’s just too bad you won’t be able to give any of them rides!

Got a tip? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com.

Automotive journalist since 2013, Andrew primarily coordinates features, sponsored content, and multi-departmental initiatives at The Drive.

It was for charity, though, with proceeds benefitting the Ferrari Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports education. The car also represented the last chance to buy a new SP3.

The Daytona SP3 debuted as part of Ferrari's "Icona" series in 2021, with the automaker building just 599 examples at a starting price of around $2.25 million. Essentially a LaFerrari minus the hybrid system and featuring new bodywork inspired by the P3 and P4 prototypes of the 1960s, the SP3 was immediately a huge hit with collectors, with examples trading for far above MSRP. Though not typically 10 times MSRP.

This one is a brand-new car. Ferrari made it just for this occasion, with a bespoke exposed carbon fiber and yellow livery with the Ferrari logo running the length of the car, plus a custom interior filled with prancing horse motifs. 

RM Sotheby's confirmed that this is the most expensive new Ferrari ever sold at auction, and it was its biggest result from the Monterey event. The next priciest car was another Ferrari, an F40 LM that sold for a little over $11 million. A bargain, relatively speaking. 

In fact, this Ferrari was the most expensive car sold at any auction this weekend. As Hagerty reports, the next most expensive car was a 1961 Ferrari 250 California Spyder Competizione that went for a bit over $25 million at the Gooding Christie's event.

• For the past 31 years, this D-Type has been owned by a collector in Switzerland.
• In 2016, the Jaguar that won the 1955 24h of Le Mans sold for over $21 million.
• Its original inline-six has been rebuilt and the car is eligible for historic racing events.

The Jaguar D-Type is a racing legend. Built between 1954 and 1957, it was engineered with one goal in mind: winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which it did three times in a row in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Only 71 examples were ever produced, and one of the very last, an exceptionally rare, never-raced model, is now expected to sell for over $7 million, enough to buy a mansion just about anywhere on Earth.

This D-Type is chassis XKD 551 and was sold to its first owner in October 1957, who had it converted to street use, something that necessitated the fitment of a passenger door, a windshield, and the removal of the central bulkhead. It was then sold in 1963 before again trading hands and ending up in the hands of Australian F1 driver Paul Hawkins.

Read: Sir Stirling Moss Drove This 1954 Jaguar D-Type At Le Mans

In the 1970s, the street modifications were removed, returning the car to its original specification. The inline-six engine that it left the factory with was later removed for preservation and replaced by another. The D-Type has since been owned by the same Swiss individual since 1994 and has been kept in storage for most of its life. In addition, the original engine was completely rebuilt in 2005 and recently fitted back into the car.

Broad Arrow Auctions

Broad Arrow Auctions is handling the sale of the car and notes it’s eligible to compete in historic racing events like the Goodwood Revival, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, and Monaco Historic Grand Prix. It’ll be sold during a Swiss sales event and is tipped to sell for between CHF5.25 million and CHF 6.25 million, or $6.512 million to $7.753 million.

The most expensive D-Type ever sold was the car run by Ecurie Ecosse that claimed victory at the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans. It traded hands for $21.78 million in 2016, and in the near-decade since, its value has probably increased even more.

Well, you’ll be able to throw this Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign into that mix soon, provided it actually sells.

We say that, because this isn’t the first time this very car has had an article written about it on this site by yours truly. Back in 2023, the R50 was listed for auction and with an estimate of around £1m – although evidently, for whatever reason, that didn’t sell.

Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign

It’s reappearing on Collecting Cars now, having covered a single extra mile since 2023 to total 120 miles on the clock. Oh, and as part of its new ‘sealed bids’ system, we won’t actually know how much it sells for unless its buyer tells us very nicely. Fair enough.

Anyway, the car. Under the bespoke Italdesign skin, the R50’s hardware is shared with a 2020-spec Nismo R35 GT-R but with even more oomph. The VR38 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 gained uprated pistons, new fuel injectors and a freer-flowing exhaust system to crack power to 710bhp and 575lb ft of torque. Bilstein manually-adjustable dampers rounded out the hardware changes.

Nissan GT-R50 by ItaldesignSee alsoCould The Hemi V8 Dodge Charger Be Making A Comeback Tomorrow?

This particular example was the eleventh built in a production run of just 18 cars, despite a plan of 50 – curtailed by a lack of demand, partly with the Covid-19 pandemic hit just as production was beginning.

When new, it would’ve started at €990,000 (approx. £850k) before you started ticking any extras. This one has an optional active wing and some subtle Nismo-style accents, so we suspect its list price would’ve been a fair bit more.

Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign

Although our pick of CC’s new sealed bids listings, it’ll also be joined on the platform by a Lexus LFA, a batch of Ferraris and a curiosity in the Tuthill SCRS – a restomod 993 Porsche 911 paying tribute to a 1974 IROC-competing car. 

A rare Vauxhall could sell for a world record price when it goes under the hammer later this month.

The motor - which is one of just 300 sold in the UK in the early 1990s - is one of the best surviving examples in Britain.

As such, experts have predicted a winning bid in the region of £100,000 to £120,000.

That's a hell of an outlay for a Vauxhall, you might think. But this is a particularly special motor.

The 1993 car is one of the last Carlton performance saloons to come off Lotus' Hethel production line in Norfolk, with the legendary sports car maker producing the souped-up variant of the Vauxhall Omega to challenge the Ford Sierra Cosworth.

Faster than its rival, the 377bhp Vauxhall was so rapid that the Daily Mail in the 1990s campaigned for it to be banned from Britain's roads on safety grounds.

In the last 32 years, this late example has covered only 29,000 miles and is said to be one of the most exciting cars to go under the hammer in 2025, boasting 'exceptional provenance and peerless originality'.

The £120k Vauxhall: This exceptionally rare 1990s British performance saloon is predicted to sell for a stellar six-figure sum

Finished in its factory Imperial Green pearlescent paint with grey leather interior, chassis #0841 has spent its life in dry storage across just two families, according to Iconic Auctioneers.

Still bearing its supplying dealer number plates and tax‑disc holder, it retains its original book pack, service history, press material and Lotus authenticity certificate. 

The lightweight alloy wheels are its only refinished items, underscoring the car’s status as a reference‑quality example.

The Lotus Carlton story is legendary. 

Launched in 1990, the 3.6‑litre twin‑turbo straight‑six produced 377bhp, channelled through a Corvette‑sourced six‑speed gearbox – the only one that General Motors had available at the time that could cope with the engine’s exceptional torque.

Stopping power was provided by AP Racing brakes derived from Group C endurance racing cars of the time, as well as specially developed Goodyear tyres. 

Performance figures of 0‑to-60mph in 5 seconds and a top speed of 176mph dwarfed that of the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500. It was so fast, in fact, that the Daily Mail famously declared it 'too fast for British roads' in the early nineties and campaigned to have it banned, only cementing its cult status.

That said, the Lotus Carlton hasn't appreciated in value quite as significantly as its blue oval brand rival.

Finished in its factory Imperial Green pearlescent paint with grey leather interior, Lotus Carlton chassis #0841 has spent its life in dry storage across just two families

In the last 32 years, the car has covered only 29,000 miles and is said to be one of the most exciting cars to come to the hammer this year boasting ' exceptional provenance and peerless originality'

Performance figures of 0‑to-60mph in 5 seconds and a top speed of 176mph dwarfed that of the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500. It was so fast that the Daily Mail in the 1990s campaigned for it to be banned from the road

While Sierra Cosworths are typically changing hands for over £100,000 - with one sold at auction in February 2023 for a scarcely believable £596,250 - the price of Carltons hasn't quite matched up.

The most expensive one on record sold in February 2024 for £111,524 with only 17,823 miles on the clock.

Production of the blisteringly fast saloon ended during the mid-nineties recession.

Just 950 cars were built in total, with only 320 of these being right-hand drive models for the UK. 

Performance figures of 0‑to-60mph in 5 seconds and a top speed of 176mph dwarfed that of the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500

The 3.6‑litre twin‑turbo straight‑six produced 377bhp and is married to a Corvette‑sourced six‑speed gearbox

Despite being made by Lotus, the cars sold in Britain all featured Vauxhall badging.

During its heyday, non petrolheads would have been none the wiser to its breathtaking performance on looks alone, with many dismissing it as a conventional Vauxhall family car due to its 'sleeper' appearance. 

As such, the Carlton won many places in the hearts of enthusiasts at the time.

However, around just 200 survive today, with many written off in crashes or as a result of being stolen in the 1990s. 

It means this performance Vauxhall is 'rarer today than many contemporary supercars', the auction house says.

Despite being made by Lotus, the cars sold in Britain all featured Vauxhall badging

The car will head to the auction block on Saturday 23 August at the Iconic Auctioneers Collectors’ Car Sale at the Silverstone Classic weekend hosted at the Grand Prix circuit

'Its blend of discreet styling and supercar‑scorching performance ensured instant icon status among enthusiasts, collectors and the motoring press alike,' Iconic claims.

Steve Keen, its car specialist who consigned the car in preparation for its sale, added: 'The Lotus Carlton rewrote the rule book for four‑door performance, and this particular example is widely regarded as one of the very best. 

'Opportunities to own such an original, low‑mileage car are few and far between, so we expect significant interest from discerning collectors. 

'Its presence at our Silverstone Sale underlines our commitment to offering only the most significant cars to market.'

The car will head to the auction block on Saturday 23 August at the Iconic Auctioneers Collectors’ Car Sale at the Silverstone Classic weekend hosted at the Grand Prix circuit.

Ellison retained the car for over a decade, logging under 2,600 miles before selling it to another Bay Area collector. It changed hands again in 2010, yet stayed in the region throughout—all three owners based in Silicon Valley.

The McLaren F1, designed by Gordon Murray and styled by Peter Stevens, broke ground in 1992 with its carbon-fiber monocoque, central seating, BMW-built 6.1L V12 producing 627 bhp, and obsessive engineering—no ABS, no traction control, just raw analog purity. It hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and topped out at 240 mph.

The car has received numerous McLaren Special Operations (MSO) upgrades over time, including improved air conditioning, upgraded radiators, aluminium fuel tanks, a sports exhaust, and meticulous factory servicing, most recently by McLaren Philadelphia in 2023 and 2024. Accompanied by an extensive history file, original accessories, and a clean cosmetic and mechanical report by a factory-authorized technician, this F1 remains in excellent condition.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

The Evo upgrade, introduced in 2011, elevated the car’s 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V-12 to 740 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a redline of 9,000 rpm. Key enhancements included a shortened final drive, Formula One-inspired active aerodynamics with a DRS-equipped twin-profile rear wing, revised suspension, lightweight side-exit exhaust, and bespoke Pirelli slicks. With a Fiorano lap time of just 1:15, it outpaced even the Ferrari Enzo.

This car is finished in Rosso Fuoco, featuring a silver roof and rear wing, and is equipped with the rare Evo upgrade package. That package brought active aerodynamics—including a Formula One-style DRS rear wing—along with revised suspension, lightweight exhaust, and custom Pirelli racing slicks. Lap times at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track dropped to just 1:15, quicker than the Enzo and on par with GT-class racers.

Delivered new to a member of Ferrari’s exclusive Corse Clienti program, chassis 175808 participated in Ferrari-run track events at circuits such as Nürburgring, Silverstone, Mugello, and Daytona. Like all XX Programme cars, it was maintained and transported by Ferrari, with telemetry and engineering support included.

Accompanied by two specialized racing flight cases, this 599XX Evo will be offered by RM Sotheby’s at their Monterey auction on August 15–16 and could fetch as much as $3,500,000.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

The Falcon F7 is sort of everything that car enthusiasts say they want, in that it makes more than 1,000 horsepower without the use of electric motors, weighs well under 3,000 pounds, and has three pedals. It also has Penske coilover pushrod suspension and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.

The silhouette isn’t even half bad; lose the gaudy taillights and Viper ACR striping and swap out the generic wheels for something more remarkable, and the F7 could look sharp, in a traditional, ’90s-to-2000s supercar kind of way. Plenty of people will call this a Grand Theft Auto car, I’m sure, but to me it looks like something straight out of the Burnout games. And some of those fictional rides looked pretty damn good.

This particular example is a 2014 car with just 1,700 recorded miles. Michigan-based Falcon Motorsports first debuted the F7 at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. (Remember the Detroit Auto Show? It was an amazing way to start every year.) The story goes that over the next 11 years, only seven ever got built. Because Falcon elected to develop these cars with comprehensive customization and input from the buyers, they tend to vary dramatically in appearance. Another example that also passed through Cars & Bids has a far less refined interior than the one currently for sale, to put it mildly.

As of four years ago, Falcon Motorsports was listed for sale, but what, if anything, followed is unclear. The company’s site is still live and promoting the F7. The car might look a little behind the times aesthetically, but the formula is timeless. There are currently six days left to bid on this F7 as of this writing, and it sits at $55,000. Not bad, when you consider these were originally priced around a quarter-million dollars.

Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com

Backed by a decade of covering cars and consumer tech, Adam Ismail is a Senior Editor at The Drive, focused on curating and producing the site’s slate of daily stories.

Developed by Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse motorsport division and styled by Centro Stile, the SCV12 is a track-only special featuring a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 producing over 819 hp, mated to a six-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox. Built under FIA prototype safety standards, it channels power exclusively to the rear wheels. It generates a staggering 2,650 pounds of downforce at 155 mph, thanks to race-grade aerodynamics and lightweight magnesium wheels paired with Pirelli slicks.

Finished in Rosso Scintilla over Nero Cosmus Alcantara, chassis 11604 is the only SCV12 to feature factory-tinted exposed carbon fiber on its mirrors, engine cover, and rear wing. It comes with a carbon-fiber yoke steering wheel (in addition to a leather-wrapped OMP unit) and a bespoke OMP racing suit for its next owner.

As part of the SCV12 club, this car offers immediate eligibility for Lamborghini’s global track-day events with full factory support. Scheduled events for 2025 include Barcelona and Misano, with additional events planned for 2026. Additional benefits include access to Lamborghini’s storage and driver development program in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

Source: Broad Arrow Auctions

It’s easy to understand why. The T70 was the ultimate evolution of the formula that underpinned so many classic British roadsters: add ruddy great US V8 to a very pretty, very small body, stand well back and hold on tight. Except the Lola was more sophisticated than most, with an aluminium monocoque chassis, the engine in the middle and disc brakes; after the GT40’s dominance and before the arrival of cars like the Porsche 917, Lola T70s finished first and second at the 1969 24 Hours of Daytona. So not just another old British sports car. 

There were never very many, however, which makes this Lola T70 all the more significant. It isn’t a continuation or recreation, instead a proper factory T70 MkII Spyder from 1965. It has race history from British F5000, Formula Libre and something called the HSCC Atlantic Computers Series in the 20th century. Which you certainly don’t get with anything more modern.

As proper old Lola, too (chassis SL 142/22, in fact), there’s a whole host of contemporary competitions it could race in. It has its FIA Historic Technical Passport, which should open up plenty of classic events - pre-’66 should make it eligible for Revival racing, for example. It also promises to make hillclimbs and track days absolutely unforgettable. 

The Lola shouldn’t take very much prep to get into a race-ready state, either, as the T70 is fresh from a ground-up rebuild. Sufficiently so, in fact, that the freshly restored 5.7-litre Chevy V8 will need some final testing before being used in anger. Safe to say that something like 440hp in a racer weighing less than 1,000kg will be a moment to cherish. The paint has been redone, the transmission overhauled to accompany the new engine, and the suspension parts nickel-plated to help them last. 

There’s everything you’d want to see and more, basically, from a classic racer project. Sadly, the previous owner is no longer with us, but they spent their quarter century with the car striving to make it the best it can be. The results speak for themselves. And if it stood out at Festival of Speed, just imagine what the Lola might do anywhere else…

Commissioned through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), this Speedtail is finished in bespoke Fresno Valentina Violet over Vintage Tan full aniline leather, with nearly $250,000 in MSO options. Most notably, it features a gloss carbon fiber roof scoop installed post-delivery, valued at over $112,000 alone.

Underneath the sleek, aerodynamic body lies a 1,035-horsepower hybrid powertrain that combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor developed by McLaren’s Formula E team. Capable of reaching 250 mph, the Speedtail features a unique “Velocity Mode” that lowers the suspension, reconfigures the aerodynamics, and retracts the cameras for maximum performance.

Inside, the car’s center-seat layout evokes the F1 while the cabin is wrapped in single-tone Vintage Tan leather, including door sills, headliner, and kick panels. The build consists of rare Magnetite and polished Zircon trim, Launch-pattern quilting, and black 10-spoke lightweight wheels with carbon fiber front speed covers.

Set to cross the auction block next month on RM Sotheby’s with an estimated value of up to $2,000,000, this Speedtail is U.S.-eligible under “Show or Display” regulations and comes with a factory tool kit, charger, luggage, and cover.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Auction prices can be tough to predict, but certain aspects tend to attract interested parties with deep pockets. A desirable car, made in low volumes, often by a boutique coachbuilder, with a performance pedigree, is a recipe for bidding fervor. Those categories most often apply to European marques, while American brands, although equally capable of producing gorgeous designs, tend to do so at a larger scale. There are exceptions. We’ve taken a look at the highest auction sales of American-branded cars*, and it’s no surprise that the same criteria of scarcity, prestige, and performance add value. One could argue that many of the cars in this list are not purely American, and we’re sure you will in the comments. Without further ado, here are the 10 most expensive American cars ever sold at auction.

*Note: These results ignore charity auctions.

Sale price: $22,000,000

Gooding & Company Pebble Beach 2018

Duesenbergs were some of the most extravagant vehicles of their era, serving as status symbols for the wealthy and famous. This powerful roadster with coachwork by LaGrande is one of only two SSJ models built on the short wheelbase with the twin-carb supercharged engine. A powerhouse of its era, this unrestored example is in phenomenal condition with its original chassis, engine, and body. It was originally owned by Academy-Award-winning actor Gary Cooper and spent time in the collection of racer Briggs Cunningham and finally Revs Institute founder Miles Collier before being offered for sale in 2019.

Sale price: $13,750,000

RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2016

Compared to the lauded 427 Cobra with its bulging flares and intimidating hood scoop, this slab-sided Cobra seems remarkably understated. Its value is not just about its performance—which was still impressive—but also its provenance. It’s the first Shelby Cobra ever built, the testbed that proved Ford’s compact pushrod small-block V-8 would fit and flourish in the confines of an AC Ace roadster.

This prototype features several unique characteristics not shared in later production Cobras, including inboard brakes in the rear, a fuel filler mounted just aft of the driver, and lots of remaining AC trim parts that were replaced with Cobra-specific parts in subsequent models. It’s also powered by Ford’s 260-cubic-inch V-8, which predates the better-known 289. The legacy of this first Cobra is hard to quantify. It’s impossible to imagine what Shelby and Ford Performance, even today, would have looked like without it.

Sale price: $13,205,000

RM Sotheby’s Miami 2025

Walt Hansgen and Mark Donohue drove this GT40 to a second-place finish at the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring behind the GT40 X-1 roadster piloted by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby. Just eight Mk II GT40s were built. Each of them was on the starting grid of the 1966 24 Hours of LeMans. Three famously swept the podium, marking the first time an American team had won. This particular GT40, driven again by American Mark Donohue this time teamed up with Australian Paul Hawkins, did not finish and was the first GT40 to have to bow out of the race after its rear hatch blew off on the high-speed Mulsanne Straight, damaging the rear differential. With its well-charted history and famous drivers, its place on this list is no surprise.

Sale price: $11,000,000

RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2012

Perhaps the most recognizable motorsports livery ever created, the light blue and orange Gulf motif is inexorably tied to the Ford GT40. Jacky Ickx and Dr. Dick Thompson drove this car in its race debut at Spa in 1967, where it won, marking the first win for partnership between Gulf and team manager John Wyer. At that time, the car wore different bodywork and was a Mirage 001. For 1968, it was rebodied as a GT40, and it won the Monza 1000 Kilometre, making it the only Gulf team car to win in both configurations. As if its race prowess wasn’t enough, it also served as a camera car in Steve McQueen’s Le Mans.

Sale price: $10,340,000

Gooding & Company Monterey 2011

Powered by smooth, DOHC inline-8 engines, the big Duesenbergs were also powerful, easily outperforming their contemporaries. This luxurious coupe, with Coachwork by Walter M. Murphy Company, was restored to exacting standards and won its class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Its polished paint, contrasted by vivid red fender lining, is reminiscent of a patent leather Louboutin pump, an appropriate, if impractical, footwear choice for the Concours.

Sale price: $9,795,000

RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2018

By now, you know how special the 427-powered GT40 Mk II was. Rare and powerful, with gorgeous lines sculpted to speed down the Mulsanne Straight, the GT40 Mk II was the car that finally brought Ford the overall win at LeMans in 1966. This car, the #5 driven by Americans Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson, took third overall behind a pair of similar GT40s. Throughout its race career, this car was campaigned by legends including Ken Miles, Richie Ginther, A.J. Foyt, Mark Donohue, and Peter Revson. At the 1989 GT40 Reunion at Watkins Glen, it was driven by Jacky Ickx. While it has been raced in several configurations, it was last restored to its 1966 Le Mans spec of Kandy Gold with pink accents.

Sale price: $7,865,000

Mecum Monterey 2024

When Ford’s 7.0-liter V-8 became obsolete due to rule changes, the GT40 reverted to small-block power. Aluminum Gurney Weslake cylinder heads helped the V-8 make an impressive 440 hp and power the GT40 to wins around the globe. Equipped with its original body, chassis, engine, and transaxle, this small-block-powered GT40 lightweight was rebuilt and restored to its 1969 specification.

Sale price: $7,705,000

RM Sotheby’s Miami 2025

This low-slung roadster was the personal project of Zora Arkus-Duntov, the father of the Corvette. Built to race at the onset, it competed at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours and is powered by a 283 Chevrolet V-8 fitted with Rochester mechanical fuel injection, aluminum cylinder heads, and a solid roller camshaft. A one-of-one design, it shared little but the grille with its factory Corvette brethren. Underneath its curvy magnesium body is a lightweight and sturdy tubular chrome-moly chassis. One-off Corvette designs are rare, and one with a racing pedigree, built in secret by Zora Arkus-Duntov, is even more special.

Sale price: $7,685,000

Mecum Monterey 2009

The mid-engine GT40 wasn’t the only racer that Shelby used to take on the world. The Shelby Cobra roadster held its own against the best, but even when fitted with a hardtop, was not cut out for high-speed courses like the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, so Shelby developed a car on its own. A new, sleek body was in order, and Shelby’s Pete Brock stepped up with a design featuring a more aerodynamic nose, a fastback rear window, and a tapered, truncated tail. Not only was the Daytona a gorgeous design, it proved to be a success on the track as well, helping Shelby win the GT 3.0+ class at the 1965 World Sportscar Championship. Just six copies of the beautiful Cobra Daytona were built, making them a rare sight and a prized collectible.

Sale price: $7,650,000

RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2019

Rare even by GT40 standards, just five roadster versions were built, and this one was the first. It served as a promotional car for Shelby and made stops at racetracks across the country, including Laguna Seca, where Ken Miles got behind the wheel for some hot laps. Carroll Shelby then got behind the wheel to give a ride to Henry Ford II, perhaps the only time Ford would ride in a GT40. It was used to develop the X and J series of the GT40, which ultimately led to the LeMans-winning Mk IV GT40. GT/108 had a storied life before it was thoroughly refreshed in 2003 by Phil Reilly and Company in Corte Madera, California.

Considering that a special roof bubble had to be built to accommodate six-foot-four-inch-tall Dan Gurney, it’s safe to say that the confines of the GT40 cabin were not roomy. A roadster might be the ultimate collectible for others who are similarly lanky.

I met a guy that worked for the shop that did the work on the Clark Gable Dusey. It was a twin to the Cooper car. Their shop was not far from the owner so he got to drive the car back home. He said it was an amazing and nervous drive.

That had to be cool.

There are a number of American cars that have sold for as much or would sell but they have not been offered and many are private sales.

It would be interesting to see what amount they would bring or did bring.

The Corvette SS was NOT built in secret. It was done completely under the engineering and design departments of Chevrolet/GM specifically for racing. The engine was a 283 but it had many special aluminum components such as cylinder heads that had not been used in production at that time. The AMA racing ban later in 1957 by all American manufacturers put an end to its racing and it became a show car. Duntov wisely donated the SS to the Indianapolis Museum before it was destroyed as most prototypes are.

Also the SS is one of two made. Harley Earl had a red one made for his son. One of the grand sport owners has it Bill Towers.

It’s easy to see that any car that has “GT 40” in it’s name is a sure bet for high sales.

7 out of 10 – Shelby (and Ford) wins.

Mostly Fords, Shelby’s .They won the big races LeManns , etc .No other American car has done that and I seriously doubt any could .In 1965 Shelby American won the World Championship for GT Cars with the Daytona Coupes. That the only time in history that America won that .The 1967 Ford GT MarklV that won LeManns is the only Car to win LeManns that was built in America ,owned by an American team , and driven by Americans ( Dan Gurney & AJ Foyt)

It wasn’t the hatch coming off the Emberglo (a ‘66 Mustang color) #4 GT40 that damaged the differential. In “The Unfair Advantage,” Donohue said that when Hawkins started the race, he popped the clutch and broke an axle shaft, which let the engine overrev and bend some pushrods. They replaced all those, but when Donohue went out, the engine would freewheel, then engage with a bang around 4,000 rpm. While that was going on, the rear bodywork came off. He was able to go around slowly and find it, and it actually wasn’t that badly damaged. They were able to reattach it, but the axle breakage and overrev had lunched the Weismann locking differential, so they finally had to retire.

Duntov did not make a “solid roller cam”. They were solid lifter, flat-tappet camshafts. Very popular and installed in racecars and hot rods for many years.

Other than Duesenberg and the one Corvette this is basically a list of Sheby’d Fords. Not a huge surprise on how the GT 40 dominates most of the space on this list.

Exciting times ahead for the AC Cobra, with powertrains on offer from fully electric to Ford Ecoboost. The new Roadster GT is the big news, however, with a new, stiffer platform, a stunning interior overhaul, and Mustang power. Complete with the option of a 10-speed auto and a 660hp supercharger upgrade, if desired. 

So that’s the new-school Cobra, and mighty fun it sounds as well. But before AC embarked on that era, it returned to its roots for a very limited run of cars last year. Just four of these MkII Cobras were made; this is the second, and it comes to auction with just over 300 miles driven. Whoever places the winning bid will be the first registered keeper after AC. For fans of iconic British sports cars, it’s an opportunity that borders on the unrepeatable. 

Because this isn’t a homage, or a recreation, or a restomod - this is a Cobra, built by AC, to as close to the specifications of a MkII as it was possible to make half a century later. So it still sits on a ladder frame chassis and leaf springs - because that’s how they were in 1965 - and 400hp reaches the rear Avon radials via a five-speed manual gearbox. Muscle car experiences won’t come much more traditional; only this time around it’s just been built. 

Look at that engine, too - proper V8 under there. While the Ford-built Coyote 5.0 is a great engine, if you’re calling a car a 347 then it should really boast 347 cubic inches, or 5.7 litres, and that’s exactly what’s in the Cobra. While larger than the original 289 cubic-inch, 4.7-litre lump, the design is evolved from that engine for the most authentic experience possible. It’s iron-blocked, built in North Carolina, and uses Holley fuel injection. Like we said, proper V8. 

And it’s all in a MkII Cobra, arguably the prettiest of them all. Through motorsport and roadgoing replicas, Cobras have become ubiquitous in classic circles, but the originals weren’t made for very long at all - just the five years from 1962 to 1967. The MkII, if you’ll excuse the phrase, represents a sweet spot of the three, as pretty and as dainty as the first (where the MkIII is a tad OTT), but ditching the original’s steering box with rack and pinion. So you’ll hopefully end up somewhere near your intended direction. 

The Cobra MkII 347 has spent the last few days drawing the crowds at the London Concours. As expected given the age and mileage, it is to all intents and purposes a brand-new car, complete with fantastic Pearl White paint and an interior unashamedly focused on the driving. A dream-grade Cobra, basically, before it all got a bit silly with stripes and tyre writing and ugly rollover hoops. And it’s the kind of AC Cobra that’ll never be made again; probably a thought many have had before, though now it’s the reality. It’s a brand-new, bona fide icon, and how often is there the chance to bid on one of those? 

Chassis 015 made its competitive debut at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona, entered by Autodelta alongside two sister cars. Driven by Lucien Bianchi and Mario Andretti, 015 finished a strong sixth overall, contributing to a 5-6-7 result for Alfa Romeo—a statement of intent from the Italian marque on the international stage. Later that year, the car competed in the legendary Targa Florio, where local hero Nino Vaccarella drove it up to second place before handing over to Udo Schutz, who unfortunately crashed, ending their race prematurely.

After its frontline racing days in Europe, 015 passed into the hands of Team VDS, a Belgian outfit with connections to the Stella Artois brewing dynasty. From there, it was acquired by Portuguese driver António Peixinho, who campaigned the car in Angola. During the early 1970s, Angola was a vibrant motorsport hotspot, attracting European machinery and drivers. Peixinho enjoyed considerable success with the T33/2, racing it across the country’s circuits and earning a place in local racing folklore.

However, the outbreak of revolution and civil unrest in Angola forced a dramatic change in the car’s fortunes. As the situation deteriorated, collector António De Santos took the extraordinary step of hiding the Alfa Romeo, along with a Ford GT40 and a Chevron B19, to protect them from destruction or confiscation.

The car’s next chapter reads like a script from a Hollywood film. In the mid-1980s, French enthusiast Jean Chambault orchestrated a daring rescue, arranging for the T33/2 to be airlifted out of Angola aboard a Hercules military cargo plane. Once back in Europe, the car was entrusted to Marcello Gambi, a former Autodelta mechanic, who undertook a meticulous restoration. Under Gambi’s care, 015 was returned to its former glory, even appearing at the Le Mans Classic in 2000 and 2004. At one point, it was even registered for road use in Germany—a remarkable feat for a thoroughbred racing prototype.

Now, after decades of adventure and survival, Alfa Romeo T33/2 chassis 015 is preparing to write a new chapter in its storied history. The car is set to cross the auction block at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale this August, where it is expected to fetch close to $2 million. The sale represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a car that embodies the spirit of endurance racing, the ingenuity of Italian engineering, and a truly global history.

From the high banks of Daytona to the dusty tracks of Angola, and soon to the spotlight of Monterey, chassis 015 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and resilience of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33—a car that has not just survived, but thrived, across continents and decades.

An extremely rare car, even when new, today's Nice Price or No Dice Diamante wagon would currently be a hit at any Japanese Car show or Radwood meet. Could we justify paying its asking price to do so?

Does your home center display dinged and dented kitchen appliances near the exit, as mine does, tantalizing those leaving with "damaged goods" prices? Walking by them, swinging a bag of bolts or a can of paint, I'm always struck with a sense of confusion as to what sort of person would want something with such aesthetic issues in their home. The prices of these damaged units aren't even all that great of a deal.

A similar conundrum faced us with the 1996 Ford Mustang Cobra we looked at yesterday. Painted in a rare and unique color-shifting "Mystic" top coat, and rocking the Mustang's most potent engine of the era under its hood, it was a compelling package. Unfortunately, the seller noted that the hot engine had a substantial and as-yet-unconfirmed evaporative emissions leak and that paint was fading and failing on both bumpers. Those issues cast a cloud over the car's prospects, and the $14,500 asking price wasn't doing it any favors either. Ultimately, that combo conspired to kill our interest, culminating in a whopping 73% No Dice loss.

Craigslist

There are a few flaws on today's 1994 Mitsubishi Diamante, too, but as we'll get to, those might justifiably be ameliorated by its price. Few of us likely remember Mitsubishi's "big" car of the 1990s and early 2000s, much less that a wagon version of it was ever sold. The Diamante was introduced in America for the 1992 model year, slotting in above the Galant in the lineup. It shared its chassis as well as its drivetrain and numerous features with the 3000GT sport coupe. Here in the U.S., the model competed against the likes of Nissan's Maxima, the Acura Legend, and Toyota's Cressida—all cars that most of us would likely struggle to picture today. With the Diamante, Mitsubishi adhered to the tried-and-true formula of a transverse engine and front-wheel drive, or in the case of some models, all-wheel drive with an add-on prop shaft and independent rear suspension. Engines for the North American market were limited to the SOHC 6G72 3.0-liter V6, an engine that, when new, produced 175 horsepower, and for upper-scale models, a 202-horsepower DOHC edition of the same mill.

Craigslist

While Mitsubishi sold both sedans and wagons in the U.S., the company sourced those body styles from entirely different factories. It built the sedan at the Nagoya, Japan plant, while the wagon was exclusive to the company's facility in Adelaide, Australia.

This ex-pat Aussie looks to be an LS model, at least based on its alloy wheels and cruise control. It also sports the options of leather upholstery and a sunroof. The styling of the first-generation Diamante (there would be a second-generation and then no more) is handsome and not totally un-reminiscent of BMW's 5 Series of the era. This one is painted in appliance white and suffers from scrapes on all four corners of the bumpers and a sizable crease across the rear door on the passenger side. Aside from those visual flaws, the body seems solid and not to be missing any trim. As a plus, the radio aerial popping out of the rear flank is a fun old-school detail.

Craigslist

Things are similarly worn in the cabin, showing the car's 180,258 miles of use, mainly in the driver's seat and steering wheel cover. The seller claims that they had planned to reupholster the patchwork leather on the driver's squab but would rather negotiate the car's overall price than go to the trouble. Being the top of the line model, the Diamante is loaded with features, including power windows and locks, the aforementioned cruise control, and automatic climate control. In this car, the factory stereo has been replaced with an aftermarket JVC single-DIN unit, which has been paired with a multi-disc CD changer. Unfortunately, the CD changer is comically ill-positioned at the far end of the load area, taking up space and being difficult to reach simultaneously.

Under the hood, the engine bay looks like it's seen some miles as well. At least it all looks to be stock and without any major monkeying on either the V6 or its four-speed automatic roommate. The ad claims the car "Runs real good engine is super smooth. New starter. Old school reliability. Cold air con."

Craigslist

It also features a clean title and has been in the hands of a single owner since 1998. The asking price is $3,450, which, as we noted at the outset, is a lot lower than yesterday's also-flawed Mustang. And I'd wager that this wagon is perhaps an even more interesting car than that pony, even if it lacks its performance. 

Is that price low enough, however? The seller says they might go even lower due to the wear and tear on the driver's seat, but how far would that need to be? What do you say? Is $3,450 a fair price for this rare wagon in its present state? Or is that just the opening salvo in the negotiation?

You decide!

Nice Price or No Dice:

Los Angeles, California, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.

Help me out with NPOND. Hit me up at robemslie@gmail.com and send me a fixed-price tip. Remember to include your commenter handle.

Why should you care? Well, maybe you're one of the many well-heeled billionaire playboys who seem to fill our comment section with expertise these days, in which case, you'll want to be clued in to Blue Chip investments like this one. 

Aside from that, the Porsche 910 just plain rocks. This particular car bridged Porsche from a fledgling builder of sports and race cars to a domineering force in both categories. While the 910 evolved from other mid-engine closed-cockpit prototypes like the 904, this car bridged the gap between those mid-Sixties efforts to cars like the 917, which is arguably the most important endurance-racing prototype of all time.

This particular car was the first 910 ever built, as mentioned, emblazoned with the chassis number "910001," but also comes with considerable palmarès. Those include a class win and fourth overall at the 1000km of Monza in 1968, followed by conversion for street use and a laundry list of race history as the car passed from one privateer to the next. 

Indeed, this 910 has lived a fuller life than most. 

Early examples of the 910 were powered by variants of the 2.0-liter flat-six you'd find in competition 911s of the era. While the later 910s eventually moved on to flat-eight powerplants better suited to endurance racing, I can tell you from experience that no Porsche sounds better or revs sweeter than these early 2.0-liter cars with the lightweight magnesium engine case. 

Something about that material and displacement specifically—some magic resonance or characteristic frequency—makes this Porsche's GOAT powertrain from an experiential standpoint, in my opinion. 

Plus, just look at this thing. Following a restoration specifically aimed at prepping this car for FIA historic racing, you get all the authentic visual touches backed by the confidence to actually go out and use this thing, share its glorious ear-shattering song with other enthusiasts. 

At the time of writing, there are three days left on the auction and it's already passed $1.3 million. I'm not terribly obsessed with auction results; Honestly, speculation has cratered the classic car market for the everyman, but it's cool to see these gems unearthed from time to time, if only as an opportunity to dig into their histories. 

The 1936 Phantom III limousine was used extensively during the Second World War to transport Field Marshal Montgomery, the commanding officer of the British Eighth Army, in the crucial months leading up to the D-Day invasion of Europe - with the car part of the tight security and secrecy surrounding those meetings. 

Over this period, Montgomery’s Roller carried some of the most iconic high-ranking military figures during the war.

General and 34th President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower was a passenger in the rare British luxury motor, as was HM King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill. 

And the car, which is set to be offered to the highest bidder on May 3, still boasts a very unique feature that was custom installed for Churchill at the time - an electric cigar lighter in the rear compartment for the PM to light up. 

Historics Auctioneers says the Rolls-Royce has a 'unique connection to the military and political leadership of World War II' and has issued a guide price of between £115,000 and £130,000 ahead of its sale.

'An extraordinary piece of history, with direct connections to some of the most iconic figures of the Second World War': This 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III - which is due to be sold at auction next month - has an incredible back story...

The Phantom III was originally delivered new to Frederick Wilcock, the CEO of the Talbot Motor Company, in 1936. 

However, at the outbreak of World War II, it was requisitioned by the Ministry of War’s Transport Section for use by Montgomery.

The commanding officer, famously known as 'Monty', had the Roller for his personal staff car during the war.

It was his mode of transport between his homes in Virginia Water, Surrey, and London and was deployed during his time at Southwick House near Portsmouth during D-Day planning sessions. 

Always chauffeur driven, the vehicle went on to be called the ‘Green Car’, due to its unique British Racing Green and black livery - a notable change from Montgomery's usual black Rolls-Royces.

After the Allied victory in Europe, the Phantom III’s service continued. 

The 1936 Phantom III limousine was used during the Second World War to transport Field Marshal Montgomery, the commanding officer of the British Eighth Army, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill (both pictured with Lieutenant General Sir Miles Dempsey and G.G. Simonds). It was utilised extensively during D-Day planning sessions

The Rolls-Royce was used to transport Montgomery to Southwick House near Portsmouth in the crucial months leading up to the D-Day invasion of Europe - with the car was part of the tight security and secrecy surrounding those meetings with Churchill

Montgomery’s Roller carried some of the most iconic high-ranking military figures during the war. General and 34th President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower (pictured right with Churchill and Montgomery) was a passenger in the rare British luxury motor, as was HM King George VI

The Phantom III was originally delivered new to Frederick Wilcock, the CEO of the Talbot Motor Company, in 1936. However, at the outbreak of World War II, it was requisitioned by the Ministry of War’s Transport Section for use by Montgomery. The sale includes the original wartime requisition letter

Historics Auctioneers says the Rolls-Royce has a 'unique connection to the military and political leadership of World War II' and has issued a guide price of between £115,000 and £130,000 ahead of its sale next month

Montgomery's car still features the custom electric cigar lighter that was installed in the rear compartment for Churchill's personal use

The commanding officer, famously known as 'Monty', had the Roller for his personal staff car during the war

A plaque fixed to an interior panel also confirms the car's use by Field Marshal The Right Honourable The Viscount Montgomery 

It was reassigned to the Chief of Staff of the United States Army Air Force, General Carl Spaatz. 

Unfortunately, while in American hands, a US Army fuel tanker backed into it - though the damage was subsequently repaired.

After its military deployment ended in the 1950s, the car was purchased by a rubber-planter in Malaya and shipped to Penang during the Suez Crisis.

Given the closure of the waterway, the car had to be driven across Europe to Italy, then transported to Africa before being shipped from Cape Town to its new home.

Always chauffeur driven, the vehicle went on to be called the ‘Green Car’, due to its unique British Racing Green and black livery - a notable change from Montgomery's usual black Rolls-Royces

After the Allied victory in Europe, the Phantom III’s service continued. It was reassigned to the Chief of Staff of the United States Army Air Force, General Carl Spaatz

The 1936 Rolls-Royce is one of only 710 examples of the Series III Phantom produced before manufacturing was cut short due to the Second World War - and fewer than 300 examples survive worldwide today

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III is widely recognised as setting the benchmark for luxury motoring in its generation

The car is one of only 710 examples of the Series III Phantoms made before production was cut short due to the Second World War - and fewer than 300 examples survive worldwide today.

It is historically significant to Rolls-Royce too, as the Series III is the British brand's first ever V12 motor car. 

It is famed for its smooth-running 7.3-litre 12-cylinder engine and unparalleled comfort that is testament to the marque’s engineering prowess. 

As such, the Phantom III is widely recognised as the benchmark for luxury motoring in its day.

'It is an extraordinary piece of history, with direct connections to some of the most iconic figures of the Second World War, including Field Marshal Montgomery and Winston Churchill,' Historics Auctioneers said.

The auction house says the car has faced 'mechanical challenges' during the time spent in more remote regions after its retirement from military duties.

Its engine was rebuilt 'several years ago' but is said to remain in superb condition today. 

'It now benefits from the fitment of overdrive, enhancing its refinement for modern road use,' the lot description says.

In 2014, registration 'DGY 1' was driven back to Southwick House for a commemorative event marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Its participation in the event 'solidified its status as an important historical artifact', says Historic Auctioneers

The auction house says the car has faced 'mechanical challenges' during the time spent in more remote regions after its retirement from military duties. Its engine was rebuilt 'several years ago' but is said to remain in superb condition today

Historics says: 'It is a true collector’s piece, preserved in remarkable, possibly original, condition and benefitting from a well-documented provenance'

The availability of the vehicle is described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' and a 'must-see for any serious collector of automotive or wartime history'

The car will be supplied to auction with V5C registration document, a highly detailed history folder and this fitted toolkit in the boot

Plenty of funds have been dedicated to the maintenance of the car in recent years, too. 

It was serviced at Cheshire Classic Cars in 2017 at a cost of around £11,000 plus VAT.

A restoration effort consisted of a comprehensive engine service, a new exhaust system, and an alloy carburettor to replace the fragile Mazak original. 

'In more recent years, the car has seen very little use, so some recommissioning would be recommended but the engine ran very smoothly during our photography, with some coughs from the exhaust, possibly due to either old fuel or an exhaust leak,' the auctioneer says.

In 2014, registration 'DGY 1' was driven back to Southwick House for a commemorative event marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day. 

Present at the event were prominent figures such as Patrick Churchill, Winston Churchill’s grandson, and Lady Arabella Stuart-Smith, Montgomery’s granddaughter. 

'The car’s participation in this event, along with its mention in various media outlets, solidified its status as an important historical artifact,' the auction experts said.

After its military service ended in the 1950s, the car was purchased by a rubber-planter in Malaya and shipped to Penang during the Suez Crisis. Given the closure of the waterway, the car had to be driven across Europe to Italy, then transported to Africa before being shipped from Cape Town to its new home

Its extensive history file includes images of the car when it was delivered new to Frederick Wilcock in 1936

Not only does this car boast a strong connection to royal and military history, the Phantom III is particularity iconic for Rolls-Royce as it was the British marque's first V12-engined car

It is famed for its smooth-running 7.3-litre V12 engine and unparalleled comfort that is testament to the marque’s engineering prowess

While the odometer reads the 10,119 miles, Historics Auctioneers says it can't confirm the exact mileage of the significant motor car

The car is sold with an extensive history file, including its original wartime requisition letter. 

'This 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III (DGY 1) is a rare and historically significant motorcar, offering a unique connection to the military and political leadership of World War II,' Historics Auctioneers said. 

'It is a true collector’s piece, preserved in remarkable, possibly original, condition and benefitting from a well-documented provenance. 

'A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this Phantom III is a must-see for any serious collector of automotive or wartime history.   

'Supplied to auction with V5C registration document, highly detailed history folder and fitted toolkit in the boot, this Phantom III would be welcome at many top-level events and deserves to be shown around the world.'

The guide price of £115,000 to £130,000 is some way short of the price paid when this motor vehicle last changed hands in December 2017.

Sold by Bonhams, it went for £143,750, suggesting Historics Auctioneers' estimate might be a little conservative. 

Great piece of history. Gen Z and sadly many other...

The collection, assembled and owned by Florida real-estate developer Walter Medlin, had already garnered attention in the past. Medlin, facing troubles with the IRS in the 1990s, had three of his prized cars seized, including a 1976 308 GTB, as well as two historic racers, the 1966 P3 and the 1967 P4. Over the years, the collection had fluctuated, rumored to have once included a 250 GTO and a 250 GT California Roadster.

Despite the damage caused by the collapsing roof in 2004, the remaining 20 cars, still bearing the scars of the hurricane, will be auctioned separately without reserve by RM Sotheby's during Car Week in Monterey, California. Thatcher Keast, a car specialist at RM Sotheby's, anticipates the Italian exotics to fetch around $15 million. It should be noted that the GTO was sold long ago, as confirmed by Sotheby's.

For the past decade, the collection has been housed in Indiana, just across the street from the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Covered in dust and sitting on flat tires, these cars remain as they were when the barn collapsed upon them. Sotheby's plans to recreate the scene of the collapsed barn in Monterey, presenting the cars in their original state, complete with fallen beams, in an "as found" diorama.

Renowned automotive enthusiasts such as Tom Cotter, host of Barn Find Hunter, and Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, have marveled at this "mother lode of barn finds." Cotter expresses his amazement at the rarity and uniqueness of the collection, emphasizing the difficulty of ever assembling such a remarkable lineup again.

While the collection may not include the holy grail GTO, it boasts several spectacular cars that are sure to attract considerable attention. Among them is a 1966 275 GTB by Scaglietti, which appeared at the Turin Motor Show and participated in the 1966 Targa Florio race with Luciano Conti and Vittorio Venturi behind the wheel. Another standout is a weathered 1956 250 GT Coupe Special by Pinin Farina, originally owned by King Mohammed V of Morocco.

Despite their current condition, these Ferraris carry a rich history, making them highly sought after by collectors. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the unveiling of this hurricane-damaged treasure trove as it goes up for auction at Monterey Car Week.

1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione

Interesting fact: One of three prepared for the 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Jacques Guérin, Jean-Pierre Delauney, and Gregg Young.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: This "long-nose" 275 GTB was the first to feature six carburetors and a lightweight alloy body.

1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: Originally owned by King Mohammed V of Morocco, showcasing exquisite Superamerica-style bodywork.

1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe Series I by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: An elegant and rare grand touring car, representing the prestigious Superamerica line.

1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A stunning open-top model, combining powerful performance with timeless design.

1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: Competed in the 1954 Mille Miglia, achieving fourth in class and 14th overall, driven by Franco Cortese.

1965 Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A beautiful convertible version of the legendary 275 GTB, offering a thrilling open-air driving experience.

1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Known for its elegant and luxurious design, considered one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Often referred to as the "Daytona," it was one of the fastest and most iconic cars of its time.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Another example of the legendary Daytona model, known for its powerful performance and distinctive design.

1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Part of the Dino series named after Enzo Ferrari's son, showcasing a mid-engine layout.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Series II by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: An early example of the iconic 250 GT model, featuring a refined and elegant design.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A rare four-seat grand tourer, combining comfort and performance in a stylish package.

1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A four-seater coupe with enhanced features and improved performance, offering a blend of luxury and sportiness.

1976 Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina’ by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Made from lightweight fiberglass, this model is highly sought after by collectors.

1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A luxurious and spacious four-seater, ideal for grand touring with style and comfort.

1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series I by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: The predecessor to the Series II, known for its elegant design and impressive performance.

1980 Ferrari 512 BB

Interesting fact: A successor to the legendary 365 GTB/4 Daytona, featuring a powerful flat-12 engine.

1991 Ferrari Testarossa

Interesting fact: Recognizable for its distinctive side strakes, this iconic '80s supercar gained worldwide fame.

1977 Ferrari 400 Automatic

Interesting fact: A luxury grand tourer equipped with an automatic transmission, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Each of these Ferraris has its own unique history and allure, making them highly desirable among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Take a look at the list on the Classic Car Auctions website and let us know what you’d like to take home from the Netherlands.

The decaying property with its crumbling structure was surrounded by vehicles sitting for decades beneath growing foliage, Blackborough House is a goldmine of decaying car art.

But after years of slumber, Blackborough house must finally face change. The majestic 60-room mansion has been sold to a developer by owner and classic car collector Ralph Sanders.

Choice items from his private collection were auctioned off along with an assortment of rusting relics that had almost taken root around the ten acre grounds.

But, many rusting old vehicles that had not moved in decades were auctioned off, along with his expansive classic car collection.

Just a rusty shell of its former glory, the surreal sale venue was home to over 1000-plus auction lots which included salvage, spares, stationary engines, tools enamel signs and rural bygones.

The rooms of its derelict quarters contained many surprises...

Old motor spares and bits and bobs litter the floorboards. A chrome grille shines out of place in a dark corner, whilst ivy flows through the broken windows and clings to the dusty glass panes.

Nature has taken upon itself to re-inhabit this once most grand of homes, and its thriving.

Built in 1838, the fourth and last Earl of Egremont initially had intentions of a vast Italianate palace, but financial restrictions limited those elaborate plans and the Earl of Egremont had to settle with just a mere mansion.

In its past, it has been a religious group's base, a school, a home for those wounded in the wars and an internment camp for conscientious objectors.

It had been a vehicle breakers yard since 1951. Ralph is from a local family and he used to spend time here as a child.

"I bought it when the owners got too old to run the business – now I have got too old, and we are moving on,” he states.

"They kept tyres in the cellars in the dark and the cool because that is the way to keep them. They were chalked up with their different sizes,” he recounts.

"The house was stocked full of old car bits from years ago and we have been steadily selling them since.”

During its heyday, lorries came every day – delivering up to a hundred cars a week.

“The spares were sold and the cars sold for metal. Each car was a ton.”

The Grade II listed house attained some fame as the setting for small-budget horror movie 'In Fear' three years ago.

There is a part of the grounds Ralph wistfully refers to as “the Jaguars’ graveyard” – a row of once prestige cars, mainly Jaguar's, hence the name, being slowly suffocated by waves of brambles.

There is a Morris Minor “minus most things”; a collection of motorbikes and a mobile car flattener – picked up brand-new by Pinewood Studios for a failed attempt at squishing Superman.

After its 5 minutes of fame, it carried on to be used in scrapyards from London to the Westcountry. It finally ended its journey at Blackborough House – a place it had visited some dozen times during its working life.

Hidden away in an outhouse is an Austin Seven trials car, with a pre-war chassis and later engine taken from an A30. Sat next to it, is a Standard Fordson tractor from the '40's.

And now, as the end of an era draws near and the curtain descneds on the grand life of Blackborough House, a brighter future beckons for these decaying relics, with them all destined to find new homes at auction.

But, there was most definitly something surreal about this grand graveyard of decay.

By vast contrast the rarities from Ralph’s private classic car collection, that werent sold at auction, are in a secure lockup in mid-Devon.

There hasn't been a public sale of an XKSS in over a decade, this one being an original model from 1957. Rich car connoisseur's flocking from all corners of the globe are expected to bid savagely, desperate to get hold of this stunning vehicle of “iconic, almost mythical status”.

The performance was astonishing for its time. Motoring magazine managed 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds, 0-100mph in 13.6, and on to a top speed of 149mph.

However, the 25 were not to be, as tragedy struck Jaguars Browns Lane plant in Coventry, on the 2nd February, 1957. The 9 unfinished models were taken in a fire. The model at auction, however, got out in time and ended up in Montreal, Canada. Passing through the hands of collectors in the US and England, Gooding & Co will sell the XKSS at its Amelia Island sale on March 10th in Florida. With a guide price of $16- $18 Million (£13.5m), it is expected to be the most expensive British car in history, and one of the most valuable ever sold.

It is more than 3,000 TIMES the car’s original cost in 1957!

President and founder of Gooding & Company, David Gooding, said: “This renowned sports car delivers D-Type performance with nimble and responsive driving dynamics, paired perfectly with the most voluptuous design.

“For us to present this XKSS, one of the greatest sports cars of all time and the first one offered at public auction in over a decade, is truly a great honour.”

Gooding & Co added that this XKSS is among the “very best examples” of the production D-type, which is “one of the most successful and important models in the history of endurance racing”. The car has also been displayed at many of the worlds most prestigious concours events.

The current owner took ownership of the XKSS in 2000. It was restored about 10 years ago by Gary Pearson of Pearson Engineering, whose expert father had owner the car in the '80's. It has not been in a major accident, despite being 60 years old and raced hard in its early life. It also keeps hold of the original body, chassis and engine block.

Of the 16 cars which were completed, 12 were delivered to the USA, two to Canada, one to Hong Kong and a single example remained in the UK. It has become a sports car legend, helped in part by Steve McQueen owning one for over 10 years, which is now in a museum in the US.

The Aston Martin DB4 Zagato currently holds the title of most expensive British road car, selling for $14.3 million (£9.5m) in December of 2015. The overall most valuable British car is, the car that the XKSS was based on, the D-Type that won Le Mans in 1956, selling for $21.7 million (£16.6m) in August 2016.

Jaguar announced last year that it would be resurrecting  the 9 'lost' XKSS that were lost in the factory fire. Jaguar Land Rover Classic are taking around 10,000 hours, to build each vehicle to the exact spec level it would have been in 1957, and then selling them for more than £1 million.

The the big-engined, supercharged hot rod was, at the time, incredibly powerful with 240 hp. Owned by Isle of Man watchmaker Dr George Daniels, who died in October 2011 was one of seven classic cars and two motorcycles.

The supercharged, single-seater racing car, a version of Bentley's 1927 four-and-a-half litre car gained its nickname because it was designed by the aristocrat Sir Henry Birkin.

Sir Henry drove the Bentley at the legendary Brooklands track in Surrey, the world's first purpose-built motor circuit setting multiple records. In 1932 he set a new speed record at 137.98 mph. Birkin said of the course afterward, "there are bumps which jolt the driver up and down in his seat and make the car leave the road and travel through the air."

 British Motor Industry Heritage Trust objected to it going abroad, saying it was one of the most important racing cars to have survived from the pre-war era.

Unfortunately, an export licence was finally issued after the end of the temporary bar period as no offer to purchase the racing car had been made.

A brave man for dangerous times, and a fast car to match them.

The Mercedes-Benz model 500K Roadster was powered by a 5,018cc overhead-valve straight-eight engine that featured the company's famous Roots-type supercharger system and allowed the car to reach speeds of up to 110mph. It was the first car in the world to feature coil springs and damping.

The model sold at Bonham’s Chantilly Sale is an example of the first of two types of 500K offered by Mercedes and encompasses many of the iconic design features of 1930s cars – rear mounted spare wheel, chrome trim, jewel-tone body colour (in this case deep ruby red) and leather interiors.

Bonhams estimates that there were only 29 of the specific Roadster model produced and this one was displayed at the Berlin Auto Show in 1935 before being bought by Hans Friedrich Prym. The Prym family’s metal component business, Prym, is Germany’s oldest family-owned business.

One night, the Mercedes disappeared from the Prym premises, only to reappear later in the 1970s in the collection of an American collector. On his death, the car changed hands several more times before being returned to the Prym family in 2012, who put it up for sale at Chantilly.

Other high-priced sales at Chantilly included three Horch models, a 1937 853 Spezialroadster, a 853B Sportcabriolet and a 780B Cabriolet as well as a 1956 Bentley Continental S1 Coupe.

• Iconic 70s 'Z cars' are highly sought after - this might be the lowest mileage example of all in the UK
  

• Mechanically it needs some work but the interior and exterior are spotless

• Vehicle sat in storage for 21 years after owner's lengthy search for the best 260Z in 1994

• Boycie's 1973 Jaguar E-Type sells at auction for £115k - £40k over estimate

The engine doesn't looks quite as pristine as the exterior, but once cranked over by hand by a Z car specialist it is described to be in good running order

The follow-up to Datsun's 240Z - the first of the iconic Z cars - this end of production model has just 8,285 genuine miles on the clock, meaning it could be the lowest-mileage 1970s Z model in existence today.

And it was already in excellent nick when it was stashed away in the mid-nineties. hence, the £22,000 auction estimate, which could be smashed if bidding becomes fierce.

The car ended up hidden away in storage just a year after its owner had bought it, having spent a considerable amount of time searching out the finest 260Z they could. 

However, having not been started for some 252 months, the motor in this example might need some TLC to have it back to its roaring best. 

During an inspection by a Z-car specialist, the engine had to be turned by hand and connected to a small auxiliary fuel tank to bypass a potentially perished fuel tank and lines. According to CCA Classic Car Auctions, it ran smoothly with 'no obvious issues' once it was cranked into life. 

The Datsun expert also recommended a thorough going over of the braking system as part of an all-encompassing mechanical service to have the Japanese two-seater roadworthy again.

But apart from this, everything else about the incredibly low-mileage 260Z is in surprisingly good order.

The interior of the right-hand drive motor is described as being as good as it was in 1995 when the current owner put it into storage and the bodywork is in fine fettle despite some traces of micro blistered due to the vehicle age.

To the untrained eye, it looks almost showroom pristine (before you put the bonnet up or try to start it). 

Much of this could be down to the painstaking search the existing owner endured to find the 'best 260Z possible' a year before being forced to store the vehicle.

Seen as a potential classic back then in the mid-nineties, it's now blossomed into a highly collectible and rare example - in this case showing no obvious signs of excessive use. 

Guy Lees-Milne, auction manager of CCA, commented on the vehicle, saying: 'This car is an unrepeatable opportunity to own what could be one of the lowest mileage 'Z' cars in existence.

'This fantastic car is a rare find ready for recommissioning or preserving, and will make for a very rewarding and straightforward project for the winning bidder.'

Included in the sale is the car's history file containing past MoTs, original hand book and service book, original tool roll, jack and wheel chock and a letter from the Datsun 'Z' Car Register confirming its mileage. 

Built from 1974 to 1978, the 260Z featured a longer-stroke 2.6-litre engine - increased in capacity from the 2.4-litre unit in the 240Z - producing just over 160bhp.

As a time-warp example, this car is expected to sell for £18,000 to £22,000 when it goes under the hammer at Classic Car Auctions' sale on Saturday 24th September at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.