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California Dreamin’: 10 Must-See Cars from RM Sotheby's Santa Monica

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This summer, RM Sotheby’s will proudly expand its footprint in California, joining forces with Auctions America to host this year’s Santa Monica sale. Held at the historic Barker Hangar, the event has become a highlight on SoCal’s buzzing collector car scene in recent years. With more than 250 cars on offer, RM Sotheby’s specialists chose ten highlights, from an iconic Volkswagen Microbus to the fastest Ferrari road car ever produced at the time.  

RM Sotheby’s: Santa Monica
24 June | Santa Monica 

California Dreamin’: 10 Must-See Cars from RM Sotheby's Santa Monica

  • 1992 Ferrari F40. Estimate $900,000–1,100,000.
    The F40 presented here was originally delivered to the US and has been driven less than 16,000 miles since new. It features an upgraded Tubi exhaust as well as aftermarket turbochargers, making it an even more formidable supercar. With a recent service by GTO Engineering, it offers a lucky individual an unforgettable ride. 

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  • 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy. Estimate $800,000–950,000.
    An exceptionally pure Duesenberg, this car has enjoyed only five owners since new, including Singer sewing machines heir Arthur K. Bourne and the great collector Richard Gold. Filled with bespoke one-off features, it has never been fully restored and retains its complete, numbers-matching original drivetrain. 

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  • 1930 Cadillac V-16 Roadster by Fleetwood. Estimate $450,000–550,000.
    An authentic original example of one of today’s most desirable Full Classics, this sporting Cadillac has been owned by several great enthusiasts since the 1950s. Wearing a high-quality older restoration, it is one of very few genuine V-16 roadsters available on the market today. 

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  • 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO. Estimate $650,000–750,000.
    The fastest Ferrari road car ever produced at the time, this 599 GTO will provide endless excitement to any automobile enthusiast. It is one of just 599 built, of which approximately only 125 were delivered to the US market. With 2,739 miles and presented in as-new condition, this GTO is ready for spirited driving on the road and track. 

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  • 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Estimate $1,100,000–1,300,000.
    The 300 SL Roadster is a favourite for vintage rallies, long-distance tours or even casual use at one’s summer home. A well-restored example is a requisite in any collection, and this 300 SL certainly will not disappoint. Finished in stunning light Green Poly over a dark green leather interior, it remains ready for the road and concours events in every respect and is complete with a tool roll and a set of fitted luggage. 

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  • 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr “Scrape” Custom. Estimate $300,000–400,000.
    As the first custom show car to sit completely flat on the ground with its hydraulics dropped, “Scrape” has become an icon of the custom car world. The product of a nearly five-year collaboration between Hot Rod Magazine editor Terry Cook and custom coachbuilder Ramsey Mosher, Scrape is a masterful contemporary interpretation of Streamline Moderne. It combines design elements of the archetypal Lincoln-Zephyr with modern aesthetics into one truly stunning ride. 

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  • 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 ‘23-Window’ Microbus. Estimate $100,000–130,000.
    This iconic VW Microbus features seating for nine passengers, eight skylights and a huge sliding soft-top. But rarest of them all are the two rear corner windows, giving the bus its 23-window design. Custom features include SS Safari front and rear windows, disc brakes at all four corners, a vintage-style roof rack, 17-inch Budnik wheels and a “freeway flyer” four-speed manual transmission for comfortable cruising. 

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  • 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8. Estimate $450,000–550,000.
    This Carrera RS is a three-owner machine with only 24,520 kilometers and features the larger Clubsport rear wing and front spoiler. Like its RS brethren, the Type 993 RS 3.8 is not only the most exciting to drive but also the most collectible, as it is the rarest and most performance-focused iteration of the 993 platform. Just over 1,000 examples were built, none of which were originally imported to the U.S. 

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  • 2005 Ford GT. Estimate $275,000–325,000.
    This 2005 example is one of only 58 finished in black without the customary Ford racing stripes. The GT has been driven less than 5,800 miles and features a McIntosh sound system, painted brake calipers and forged BBS wheels. Furthermore, members of the GT team, including Bill Ford and Steve Saleen, have signed under the hood. An appreciating modern classic, this Ford GT is sure to continue impressing. 

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  • 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II by Pininfarina. Estimate $275,000–350,000.
    A most usable Ferrari, combining 2+2 seating and a proper trunk, this 330 GT would be a fine example for tours and rallies. Under its current custodianship, over $16,000 in cosmetic and mechanical sorting was performed in 2017 by the specialists at RNR Restorations in Marina del Rey, California. This is an appealing example of Ferrari’s four-passenger tourer, which offers its new owner the chance to drive and enjoy the car as is for many years to come. 

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