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Monterey Car Week 2026 Auctions Hit Record $748M; Top Sales Include Shelby Cobra, Ferrari Luce, McLaren F1 GTR

market-auction · 2026-08-17

The 2026 Monterey Car Week wrapped up with unprecedented auction totals reaching $748 million, marking an increase of over $315 million from the previous year and surpassing the 2022 peak by $277 million. More than 130 vehicles fetched prices exceeding $1 million, with 11 cars selling for over $10 million. New records were established for both American and British automobiles, along with milestones for a new model and an electric vehicle. Notable sales included a 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX2300) at $42.905 million, a custom Ferrari Luce 'Tailor Made' (Chassis 0) for $40 million, and a McLaren F1 GTR (10R) for $34.655 million. The Shelby is one of just six produced, while the Ferrari Luce represents Ferrari's inaugural electric model. Nick Mason has owned the McLaren since 1999.

Key facts

  • Monterey Car Week 2026 auctions generated a record $748 million in sales.
  • Sales were up more than $315 million from 2025 and $277 million above the previous high set in 2022.
  • At least 130 cars sold for over $1 million, and 11 fetched over $10 million.
  • A 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (chassis CSX2300) sold for $42.905 million, setting a record for the most expensive American car at auction.
  • A Ferrari Luce 'Tailor Made' (Chassis 0) sold for $40 million, setting records for a new car and an electric vehicle.
  • A McLaren F1 GTR (chassis 10R) sold for $34.655 million, becoming the most expensive British car and McLaren ever sold at auction.
  • The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is one of six built to challenge Ferrari's 250 GTO and helped Shelby American win the 1965 FIA World Manufacturers' Championship.
  • Carroll Shelby owned the Daytona Coupe from 1975 to 1998, making it the only one ever owned by its creator.

Entities

Artists

  • Peter Brock
  • Carroll Shelby
  • Gordon Murray
  • Nick Mason

Institutions

  • Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
  • Shelby American
  • Ferrari
  • Carrozzeria Grandsport
  • McLaren
  • The Ferrari Foundations
  • Gooding Christie's
  • RM Sotheby's
  • Galerie Magazine

Locations

  • Monterey
  • United States
  • Modena
  • Italy

Sources