The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the world’s most exciting motorsport spectacles. This year set to take place on May 12, there’ll be just as much tyre smoke, twists and turns as ever. But, for the first time and thanks to Sotheby’s, you’ll be able to get in on the action.
Of course, there’ll be no getting behind the wheel of a current Formula 1 car, but the auction house are bringing some of their finer automotive wares to Monte Carlo, and promise to give you the chance to drive away with some real F1 relics.
"Thanks to Sotheby’s, you’ll be able to get in on the action..."
A joyous intermingling of racing heritage and bidding as competitive as the Grand Prix itself, there are cars from vintage Ferraris to a 1992 Benetton F1 for sale — tantalising prospects for fans of everything F1.
We’ve flicked through the catalogue and curated a list of five stand-out lots for you to consider, so you can get on the right bidding track, put your foot down and drive home indulgently in your new vintage classic.
The Gentleman's Tourer: 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II by Pininfarina
There were only 200 of these cars carefully crafted and constructed in Ferrari’s Modena factory — so you’re already onto a winner. The 250 GT Cabriolet was marketed to clients as a true gentleman’s grand tourer, a car capable of crossing continents at high speed and in supreme comfort.
The boot was redesigned to accommodate for a weekend’s worth of luggage for two, making it the ideal European coastal ride. It’s no surprise then, that this one tops our wishlist. £1,217,167 – £1,391,048.
Tour de Ferrari: 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione 'Tour de France' by Scaglietti
This Ferrari is a showstopper, and not just because of that price tag. With unrivalled racing heritage, and unique beauty, this car was so successful during the the Tour de France races of the fifties — yes, there was one for cars — that later versions of the 250 GTO Berlinetta saw the event’s name tacked on as a special edition.
Originally driven by Wolfgang Seidel, who managed to place 2nd at the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix in 1958 and 4th at 12 Hours of Reims in the same year, this model is still stunningly in tact. Expect the crowd to stir when this icon is rolled out onto the stage. £5,250,900 – £7,001,200.
Spoiler alert: 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight
This seventies 911 was factory built for Finnish racing driver Leo Kinnunen, and is one of only two 2.7 RS coupés constructed with ST wheel arches. Spoiler alert: it’s the only 1973 2.7 RS factory-equipped with a 1974 Carrera 3.0 RS rear spoiler.
As such, the Carrera RS 2.7 is a highly sought-after machine and the red and black colour scheme is a beautifully subtle and undeniably stylish nod to its racing heritage. £1,217,167 – £1,564,929.
A commute like no other: 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS
The personal car of Ferrari Grand Prix driver Gilles Villeneuve from 1978 until his death a mere four years later, this is the Ferrari 308 GTS. Commuting between his home in Monaco and the Ferrari factory in Maranello — a distance of some 270 miles, Villeneuve reportedly could complete the drive in two and a half hours: an average speed of almost 112 miles per hour.
This 308 GTS has undeniable racing ancestry, but moreover, it is one hell of a machine. One only needs to ogle at the design to know that it epitomises sleek Ferrari style. £260,821 – £347,762.
A Senna-beating machine: 1992 Benetton B192 Formula 1
Who hasn’t always wanted an F1 car in their garage? Although perhaps not ‘beautiful’, this is objectively an incredibly impressive piece of automative engineering.
Michael Schumacher himself took this Benetton B192 to qualify second in the Spanish Grand Prix, beating none other than the legend Ayrton Senna. Owning this formidable machine would get you closer than is possible to that past glory, and speeding along English country lanes — if you’re allowed, that is — would surely be a nice counter to the grey English drizzle pattering on your helmet. £478,173 – £652,054.
If you enjoyed this, check out this 1953 Ferrari with a history worth its hefty price tag…
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