Watching the collector car market change over the years is entertaining. There were the days when cars from 1950s ruled above all others, followed by a sharp decline in interest as the muscle cars took control of the market. Then it sort of stayed that way for a while and we all know why, but in recent years more collectors have been entering the hobby and looking towards newer collector cars, the unfortunately termed youngtimer segment of the market. The thing about the collectors driving interest and prices on these cars is that they don’t limit themselves to the 1980s or 1990s – rather they enjoy all variety of modern collectible cars and RM Sotheby’s has a particularly choice offering set for later this month in Phoenix. Here are then ten that we’re most excited to watch.
The Porsche 959 Komfort will always be remembered as a truly pioneering supercar. Porsche sought to build the fastest street-legal car of its time whilst also considering Group B racing competitiveness. The all-wheel-drive system paired with the turbocharged flat-six cylinder engine delivered a car that still compares favorably with modern cars and a design that has aged very well.
Estimate: $1,700,000 – $1,850,000
Porsche fittingly built 918 examples of the 918 Spyder, the successor to the Carrera GT. Powered by a V8 based on the power plant that drove the Porsche RS Spyder Le Mans race car as well as two electric motors, the 918 Spyder produces 887 horsepower and a stunning 994 lb-ft of torque. The one on offer is the 834th example built and shows just over 2,000 miles. It’s packed with optional extras as well as a custom Garnet Red and Bianco Leda leather interior.
Estimate: $1,900,000 – $2,200,000
The McLaren Speedtail is a remarkable piece of engineering and aerodynamic design that stands as the fastest McLaren ever produced. It continues the McLaren tradition of three seats with the driver seated in the middle, as previously demonstrated in the McLaren F1 designed by Gordon Murray. The Speedtail set to be offered by RM Sotheby’s is finished in a special ordered Liquid Blue Silver paint with a blue and gray leather interior. It’s the 69th example of the 106 built by McLaren and shows just 54 miles since new. It’s worth noting that this car is in the US with a “show or display” exemption that limits annual usage to no more than 2,500 miles, but odds are the bidders for this won’t be planning to put that many miles on the car the whole time they own it, let alone in one single year.
Estimate: $2,000,000 – $2,500,000
This generation of the Ford GT is much rarer than the 2005-2006 model that was produced so it’s no surprise to see these change hands for significantly higher prices. This example is finished in Ingot Silver with a Dark Energy interior. It was equipped with optional silver brake calipers, painted wheels, and six-point harness anchors. It’s remained with its original owner since new and includes its original window sticker, the Ford GT Design Spec kit, a Ford GT book and the Ford Performance GT battery tender. It matches the lot that will cross the block before it, also from the same owner but one of the 2005-2006 model year Ford GTs.
Estimate: $900,000 – $1,100,000
The Ford GT Mk II is named for the car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 and made its debut at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This is a very limited production track-only model, one of just 45 hand-built examples. Its 3.5L V6 produces 700 horsepower and this specific car, Mk II 031 shows 27.3 miles since new. It’s finished in white with an exposed carbon fiber racing stripe and a customized livery. It includes a passenger seat, just one of the $134,000+ in factory options featured on the car. Those options also include HD dive planes and an onboard air-jack system, just as seen on the ones racing at Le Mans.
Estimate: $900,000 – $1,100,000
Only 99 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupes were built and this one has been with its current owner since it was new. It’s covered fewer than 200 miles since it left the dealership. It’s finished in an attention-grabbing Escaping White with a Pure Black and Pearl White leather interior. The 5.9L V12 under the hood produces 592 horsepower, plenty to drive the car that had an MSRP of $764,683. Included in the sale are the owner’s manuals, original window sticker, car cover, and spare crystal glass key.
Estimate: $600,000 – $650,000
The Audi Sport Quattro was the giant killer of its time, equipped with all-wheel-drive and composite bodywork that allowed it to rule rally racing in its day. The example that will be offered by RM Sotheby’s is one of only 214 built and is believed to be the only one delivered new to Japan. It benefits from a known history since new and shows 8,806 km. It includes a set of tools, the jack, its owner’s manual, and records documenting its service over the years. This may be the best opportunity to get into the Audi Sport Quattro before prices start inching into the seven-figure range.
Estimate: $575,000 – $700,000
Produced by Jaguar in association with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, the XJ220 was originally intended to be a Group B prototype racer with a V12 engine, but the car that was eventually delivered featured a twin-turbo V6 and rear-wheel drive rather than the all-wheel drive promised. It did manage to stand atop the rest of the automotive world as the fastest production car for a short time with a top speed of 212.3 mph, but Jaguar had a solid number of disappointed customers who had already put large deposits down for the car they expected, rather than the one that was delivered. In a bit of a twist of fate, the lack of interest when the car was new lead to fewer than 300 examples being produced making it an extremely collectible car today. The one that will be offered by RM Sotheby’s shows fewer than 7,000 km since new and benefits from a major service performed by Jaguar Heritage in 2016 as well as a more recent comprehensive service by Jaguar Minneapolis in 2023. It includes service invoices, a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate and a factory XJ220 workshop manual.
Estimate: $475,000 – $600,000
This 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary is being offered from 24 years of ownership by Lamborghini enthusiast Mark McCloskey and benefits from recent major service completed by Evans Automotive Repair, a noted Lamborghini specialist in Columbus, Ohio. It shows 15,430 km since new and includes service invoices dating back to 2001, including an engine-out service and Kevlar clutch fitment in 2015. It’s equipped with the more desirable European-spec front bumper, but the US-spec one is included with the car.
Estimate: $450,000 – $550,000
The LFA shocked the automotive world when Lexus revealed it at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Only 500 examples of the LFA were produced and this is one of only 21 delivered to the US finished in black. It shows fewer than 2,600 miles since new and presents nicely with a black and red leather interior. It includes its original window sticker and shipping labels, owner’s manuals, car cover, and Tumi luggage. Speaking from experience, the 4.8L V10 makes a sound that is out of this world. That engine is paired with a six-speed sequential, automated manual transmission with paddle shifters that can change gears in 0.2 seconds. Bidders should rest easy knowing this car has seen some restrained use, proof that this has lived a bit rather than just sitting in a collection all its life.
Estimate: $800,000 – $900,000