2025 Monterey Car Week - No Reserve Cars
While Monterey Car Week is often defined by its multi-million-dollar auctions and exclusive concours events, a vibrant undercurrent exists for the dedicated enthusiast with a more modest budget. Amid the record-breaking sales and rare exotics, a treasure trove of more attainable collector cars awaits discovery. Let’s shine a light on some of the most compelling and affordable classics, from future icons to well-preserved gems, that are crossing the block during the 2025 Monterey Car Week, proving that you don’t need a king’s ransom to own a piece of automotive history.
The Jaguar E-Type Series III was introduced in 1971, marking a significant evolution in the iconic sports car’s design and engineering. The most notable change was the introduction of a new 5.3L V12 engine, a powerful and smooth unit that was originally developed for a Le Mans race car. This new engine, with its impressive power and torque, transformed the E-Type from a raw sports car into a more refined grand tourer. To accommodate the larger V12, the car’s styling was updated with a bigger grille, flared wheel arches, and a longer wheelbase, which had the added benefit of making the cabin more spacious and comfortable. The Series III was exclusively offered in a two-plus-two coupe and a convertible roadster body style.
Serving as the final iteration of the E-Type, the Series III was produced until 1974. While it was well-received for its powerful V12 engine and luxurious ride, some purists felt that its larger size and softer ride deviated from the more focused, lightweight feel of the earlier models. It was also affected by new safety and emissions regulations, particularly in the important North American market, which required larger bumpers and other modifications. Despite these changes, the Series III remains a celebrated part of the E-Type’s legacy, representing the culmination of the model’s development before it was replaced by the Jaguar XJ-S.
This particular 1972 E-Type Series III V12 Roadster will cross the block at The Quail Auction by Bonhams|Cars and is expected to bring $65,000 – $75,000. It’s being offered with no reserve so it will definitely have a new home after Monterey Car Week 2025.
Estimate: $65,000 – $75,000
The 2022 Ford Shelby GT-H is the latest in a long-standing collaboration between Shelby American and the Hertz rental car company. The partnership, which began with the legendary 1966 GT350-H “Rent-A-Racer” program, has been revived on several occasions, including in 2006, 2016, and most recently, in 2022.
Released to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Shelby American, the 2022 Shelby GT-H was a limited-edition vehicle built exclusively for Hertz’s rental fleet. The cars, available as both fastbacks and convertibles, were based on the Ford Mustang GT and were given the classic black-and-gold or white-and-gold color schemes that have become synonymous with the “Rent-A-Racer” program.
Beyond the distinctive cosmetic cues—which included Le Mans-style racing stripes, Shelby and Hertz emblems, and a unique hood and grille—the GT-H featured a number of performance upgrades. These included a Borla cat-back performance exhaust and a Shelby-tuned handling package. The standard GT-H was powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, which produced 450 horsepower.
The 2022 Ford Shelby GT-H that is being offered by Mecum at their Monterey Auction has covered just 25.5 miles since new and was purchased new by the consignor, never having been part of the Hertz fleet. Mecum expects this will sell for $75,000 – $100,000 when it’s on the block with no reserve.
Estimate: $75,000 – $100,000
In 1957, the first-generation Corvette achieved a major performance milestone with the introduction of its groundbreaking fuel-injected V8 engine. Developed by John Dolza and Zora Arkus-Duntov, the “Rochester Ramjet” was a purely mechanical, continuous-flow port-injection system. It was revolutionary for a mass-produced American car, making fuel injection technology more accessible in the U.S. By delivering a constant spray of fuel, it eliminated issues like fuel sloshing during high-speed cornering and poor cold starts, leading to more consistent performance, better throttle response, and improved fuel economy.
When paired with a 283-cubic-inch V8, the system helped the engine produce 283 horsepower, a remarkable achievement of “one horsepower per cubic inch.” This innovation transformed the Corvette from a stylish cruiser into a true high-performance sports car, cementing its reputation as a leader in American automotive technology and performance.
This 1958 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with the fuel injection option and will be offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s at their Monterey Auction next week. It’s being offered with no reserve and is expected to sell for $100,000 – $130,000.
Estimate: $100,000 – $130,000
The Ferrari 360 Spider, introduced in 2000 as the convertible version of the 360 Modena, represented a major technological leap for Ferrari’s V8 models. Its most significant innovation was an all-aluminum space-frame chassis, developed in partnership with Alcoa. This advanced chassis was 40% stiffer and 28% lighter than the steel frame of its predecessor, the F355. Pininfarina’s design moved away from the sharp angles of previous models, featuring smooth, flowing lines and an engine bay visible through a clear cover.
Powering the car was a 3.6-liter “Tipo F131” V8 engine that produced 400 horsepower. Drivers could choose between a six-speed manual or an F1 paddle-shift transmission. The 360 Spider delivered performance nearly identical to the Modena coupe, reaching a top speed of over 180 mph. Produced from 2000 to 2005, the 360 Spider was a commercial success that paved the way for more refined V8 models. It was eventually succeeded by the Ferrari F430.
Broad Arrow Auctions will offer this car for sale at their Monterey Jet Center Auction with no reserve and expect it to sell for $80,000 – $100,000.
Estimate: $80,000 – $100,000
The Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9, produced from 1975 to 1980, was a flagship luxury performance sedan. Succeeding the 300 SEL 6.3, it redefined the high-performance executive car.
At its heart was a hand-built 6.9-liter M100 V8—the largest post-war Mercedes-Benz V8. This engine provided enough power to push the large sedan to nearly 150 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds, rivaling many contemporary sports cars.
Beyond its powerful engine, the 6.9 was a technological showcase. It featured the first hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension on a Mercedes for an exceptionally smooth ride. It was also a testbed for other innovations, including the world’s first production anti-lock braking system (ABS), developed with Bosch and introduced in 1978.
This 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 will cross the block at the Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding Christie’s with no reserve. Expected to sell for $50,000 – $70,000, this is a relatively affordable entry point to the world of classic and collector cars.
Estimate: $50,000 – $70,000