With the dust still settling after another stunning Car Week in Monterey, California, it is a good time to reflect on some of the most interesting news, auction results and debuts that took place.
Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms
The Monterey Car Week is arguably one of the most highly anticipated events on the automotive calendar, partly because of the number of high-end auctions taking place during this week but also because it is often the setting for the unveiling of new sports (sports, super and hyper) cars. This year’s event didn’t disappoint.
Auctions
Three of the biggest names in the car auction industry hosted their events last week. These included Gooding & Company, RM Sotheby’s and Bonhams. As before, there were a variety of tantalising and historically significant cars on offer, but a few stood out.
At Gooding & Company an unrestored 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta sold for $ 9 465 000 (R178 million). It has had only four owners from new and has maintained its original colour scheme of Grigio Metallizzato over Beige leather.
Another highlight was a 1914 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout. According to the auction house, the car has known history dating back to the mid-1930s, has been the centre piece of a single collection for over 50 years and is “among the most famous and desirable of all antique automobiles”. It sold for the significant sum of $4 790 000 (R89 million).
Ferraris are known to hit the lights out at most auctions, and this was also the case at Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s auctions. At the former a 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta was sold for a remarkable $30 255 000 (R568 million). Even so, some people were expecting the car to sell for an even higher number. The car is believed to be the only one left with its original chassis, engine, gearbox and bodywork. Also keep in mind that Ferrari sports racing cars from this era don't become available often. This example came third at the 1 000 kms of Spa, and also raced at Le Mans and Brands Hatch to name a few. The car is also said to have raced at our very own Kyalami as well as in Cape Town and in East London.
Every year a Best of Show is awarded to a car at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This year it was awarded to a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster. Condition is an important factor for this award, but one can also appreciate that this car has lived quite an exciting life. At one stage it was owned by King Shah of Afghanistan and it was also hidden in the Afghan embassy in Paris, France, during World War II.
Car debuts
Having some of the wealthiest and most influential car enthusiasts in the motoring world on your door step makes Car Week the perfect place to launch a new car. Here are some of the highlights;
Rolls-Royce Droptail Roadster
Said to be one of only four cars that will be manufactured, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Droptail Roadster called the “La Rose Noire”. As has been the case with such exclusive offerings before, each car will be manufactured specifically to the clients' wishes and, in this case, includes the workmanship of the coach-built team. Under the bonnet is the 6.75-litre, V12 turbocharged engine which has been slightly tweaked to deliver an increase in performance. As only four chassis will be produced, rumour has it that these four could currently be the most expensive new cars on the market.
Zenvo Aurora
The Danish hypercar manufacturer unveiled is quad-turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 hybrid. Two models will be available, the “Tur” and the “Agil” - one catering for road use, the other for the track. Combined with three electric motors, there is a total output of 1 380 kW and a redline of 9 800 rpm. The dash from standstill to 300 km/h is said to take nine seconds while the top speed is a claimed 448 km/h.
Lotus Type 66
If you are a fan of historic racing and powerful race cars, Lotus’s latest offering will have you on the edge of your seat. It was designed and unveiled to celebrate a Lotus that was drawn up and planned during the Can-Am years, but which never materialised. The figures are just as appetising as the story. To celebrate the heyday of Can-Am, this modern and brand new (and limited to 10 units) car features a sequential transmission and power steering. It is fitted with a V8 engine delivering around 630 kW, revs to 8 000 rpm and still develops more than 800 kg of downforce at 240 km/h. Finally, just look at those air intake trumpets!
Other highlights included the British niche manufacturer BAC, which unveiled their latest Mono, Aston Martin dropping the roof off its DB12 Volante, RUF unveiling two “911” models and Hennessey showing its topless F5, the Revolution Roadster.