Souls Were Probably Sold At These 5 Classic Auctions
When it comes to classic car auctions, the stakes aren’t just high in terms of price; they’re high in passion, exclusivity, and sometimes even a hint of existential drama. Many car enthusiasts would say that the cars at these auctions don’t just have price tags; they have souls. So intense is the bidding at certain events that it can feel like collectors are auctioning a piece of themselves to take home these precious vehicles. Here are five classic car auctions where souls were likely sold—whether figuratively or almost literally.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (California, USA)
Held in sunny California, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is often called the “Cannes of Cars,” and for a good reason. It’s one of the most prestigious classic car events in the world, taking place on the famous 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Here, some of the rarest cars in the world go under the hammer, attracting collectors with an undying passion (and seemingly endless pockets) for timeless luxury.
In recent years, Pebble Beach has seen record-breaking bids, like the sale of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO for a staggering $48.4 million. The atmosphere is charged, as collectors know they may never see these cars again. This is more than just an auction; it’s an emotionally charged theater where hearts race as quickly as the cars themselves. Each successful bid feels like a small victory over time itself, capturing a moment of history in a highly coveted machine.
Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island Auction (Florida, USA)
If you’re ever looking for an auction that combines old-world charm with some serious automotive magic, Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island Auction is the place to be. Taking place every spring, it draws in car enthusiasts from around the globe with its carefully curated selection of rare and exotic machines.
In one memorable auction, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante, one of the few remaining in the world, was sold for over $9 million. The bidding was as fierce as the Florida sun, and when the hammer fell, there was a sense that more than just money had exchanged hands. With each rare car that crosses the block, attendees feel the weight of automotive history and the urge to preserve it. For some bidders, Amelia Island is a pilgrimage, a place where money flows as freely as the passion for preserving these rolling works of art.
RM Sotheby’s Monterey (California, USA)
For those deeply entrenched in the world of rare cars, RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction during Monterey Car Week is legendary. This auction is known for some of the rarest, most desirable classic cars in existence, with several vehicles fetching upwards of $20 million.
One unforgettable moment at this auction was the sale of a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. This car, beloved by James Bond fans and collectors alike, sold for over $13 million after a tense bidding war. Attendees and bidders alike were left in awe, realizing they’d just witnessed automotive history. The prestige of RM Sotheby’s and the sheer quality of the cars create an atmosphere so intense that collectors may find themselves bidding beyond reason, driven by the dream of adding one of these rare legends to their collection.
Bonhams’ Goodwood Revival Auction (West Sussex, England)
Held at the iconic Goodwood Circuit in England, the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction is a must-visit for classic car collectors. It’s not just about bidding; it’s about stepping into a time machine. The Goodwood Revival celebrates all things vintage, with spectators and bidders alike dressing up in 1940s and 1950s attire, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that amplifies the thrill of the auction.
The highlight of one Goodwood Revival Auction was the sale of a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. When the bidding reached its peak, the car sold for over $10 million, setting a new record. The buzz of nostalgia, the sights and sounds of the historic racetrack, and the fierce bidding wars make the Goodwood Revival Auction feel like a scene from a vintage film, where every successful bid feels like capturing a piece of motoring history.
Artcurial Retromobile Auction (Paris, France)
Held every winter in Paris, the Artcurial Retromobile Auction is a highlight in the European classic car calendar. Paris may be the city of love, but it’s also the city where automotive passion reaches new heights at Artcurial’s event. Collectors from around the world come to bid on some of the rarest European models ever made, often sparking dramatic, high-stakes bidding battles.
In 2015, this auction house became famous for selling a rare 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider, discovered in a barn and in near-mint condition, for $18.5 million. It was an emotional moment, with many spectators teary-eyed as they watched this automotive gem find a new owner. For those in the room, it was more than just a sale; it was witnessing the resurrection of a hidden treasure. Attendees of Artcurial’s Retromobile Auction often feel like they’re tapping into the soul of European automotive history, and it’s this sense of discovery and passion that drives prices sky-high.
Why These Auctions Matter to Car Enthusiasts
These legendary auctions offer more than cars; they offer connection—to the past, to a lifestyle, and to an enduring legacy of design and engineering. The adrenaline that builds during these high-stakes events reveals how deeply people feel about these machines. In these moments, money becomes secondary to the thrill of claiming something extraordinary.
For a few hours, these auction halls transform into theaters of emotion where bidders feel they’re buying more than a car—they’re buying a legacy. So, if you ever find yourself at one of these legendary auctions, be prepared to feel the intensity in the air. You might not only see cars and money change hands but maybe even catch a glimpse of someone trading a piece of their soul.
