The collector-car world is turning its attention to California as Monterey Car Week 2026 is now underway. Running from August 7–16, the event brings together some of the finest historic, competition and collector cars in the world, culminating in the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Alongside the concours, the Monterey Peninsula is hosting a packed programme of driving events, displays and auctions, with RM Sotheby’s, Gooding Christie’s, Broad Arrow, Bonhams|Cars and Mecum collectively offering hundreds of significant automobiles. With some of the most valuable and historically important cars ever assembled set to cross the auction blocks this week, attention is firmly focused on which cars will emerge as the stars of Monterey Car Week 2026.
Image Credit: RM Sotheby's
Leading the auction charge is the 1996 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Pop Art’, chassis 10R, offered by RM Sotheby’s with an estimate of more than $35 million. Built as a factory development car for McLaren’s updated 1996 specification, it was subsequently acquired by Pink Floyd drummer and renowned collector Nick Mason, who owned it for around 25 years. Its extraordinary provenance, factory history and unmistakable Blood Red and yellow livery make it arguably the star of this year’s Monterey auctions – and a potential record-breaker for a British-built car.
Image Credit: Gooding Christie's
Another major attraction is the 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, chassis CSX2300, estimated at more than $25 million by Gooding Christie’s. One of just six Daytona Coupes produced, this particular example has the distinction of being the only one personally owned by Carroll Shelby. Created by Peter Brock to challenge Ferrari’s dominance in international GT racing, the Daytona played a crucial role in Shelby American’s 1965 FIA World GT Championship success. Its combination of racing history, rarity and Shelby provenance makes it one of the most important American cars ever offered at auction.
Image Credit: RM Sotheby's
Also commanding attention will be the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, estimated at $12–15 million, and the 1963 Ferrari 250 P, expected to bring $15–20 million. The DB4 GT Zagato is one of only 19 examples built and boasts significant competition history in Australia before undergoing a comprehensive restoration and subsequently winning awards at Pebble Beach. Meanwhile, the Ferrari 250 P is the first example built and was a genuine factory racing prototype, finishing second overall at Sebring and third at Le Mans in 1963. Both cars offer the exceptional provenance and rarity that Monterey buyers have traditionally prized.
Image Credit: Gooding Christie's
Rounding out our top five cars to watch is the 1968 Porsche 907 Langheck, offered by Gooding Christie’s with an estimate of $4.5–5.5 million. Chassis 907-005 holds a unique place in Porsche history as the car that delivered the marque its first overall victory in a 24-hour race, winning the 1968 Daytona 24 Hours. Formerly part of Jerry Seinfeld’s collection, it has recently emerged from a decade-long restoration and remains an exceptionally complete piece of Porsche racing history.
Image Credit: Gooding Christie's
With so many significant cars crossing the block, Monterey Car Week 2026 promises to provide another fascinating snapshot of the collector-car market, and several opportunities for history to be rewritten.
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