If you walked down Alvarado Street last August, you probably felt the vibration before you saw the source. It’s a specific kind of hum—the sound of several thousand horsepower idling in a traffic jam. Honestly, it’s getting a little ridiculous. For decades, Monterey Car Week was the undisputed kingdom of the "brass era" and pre-war elegance. You’d see a Duesenberg, tip your hat, and talk about Pebble Beach restoration points. But things have changed. Big time.
In 2025, the shift became impossible to ignore. Monterey Car Week supercars dominate the conversation now, and they aren't just loud—they are rewriting the financial rules of the peninsula. While the 1930s classics are still gorgeous, the younger crowd isn't looking for chrome fenders anymore. They want active aero and quad-turbocharged W16s.
The $26 Million Elephant in the Room
Let’s talk about the Ferrari Daytona SP3. It wasn't even the oldest car at the RM Sotheby’s auction, yet it basically sucked the oxygen out of the room. This wasn't just any SP3; it was a "Tailor Made" one-off auctioned for charity. When the hammer fell at $26 million, it didn't just break a record—it shattered the idea that only "vintage" Ferraris can hit those heights.
Think about that. A brand-new car sold for more than almost every 250 GTO or California Spider on the block. It’s wild.
It’s not just about the price tag, though. It’s the energy. You’ve got cars like the Bugatti Brouillard making their world debut at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. Named after Ettore Bugatti’s favorite horse, this one-of-one masterpiece is a swan song for the legendary W16 engine. It’s satin green, it’s loud, and it’s already a piece of history.
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Mate Rimac, the guy running Bugatti now, basically told everyone that if you haven't ordered a new Bugatti yet, you're probably too late. The line is out the door and around the block.
Why the Shift is Happening Now
Why are these modern monsters suddenly the kings of the coast? Basically, it's a generational handoff.
The collectors who grew up with posters of the F40 and McLaren F1 on their walls are finally the ones holding the paddles at the auctions. We saw a 1993 Ferrari F40 LM go for $11 million. That’s double what the "standard" LM models were doing just a few years ago. Then you had the Ralph Lauren-owned 1995 Ferrari F50 hitting $9.25 million.
These aren't "old" cars to the people buying them. They’re the peak of the analog era.
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- Gordon Murray Automotive showed up with the GMSV Le Mans GTR and the S1 LM.
- Lamborghini dropped the Fenomeno, a 1,001-horsepower hybrid V12 that looks like a spaceship.
- Hennessey brought a one-of-one Venom F5 Revolution LF.
It feels like every manufacturer is trying to out-extreme each other. And frankly, the fans are loving it. The crowd at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion wasn't just there for the vintage Trans-Am cars; they were swarming the pits to see the Ford Mustang GTD Liquid Carbon. This thing is basically a race car with a license plate, and it’s exactly what people want right now.
Is the "Classic" Market Dying?
Not exactly, but it’s definitely "softening," as the experts say. While the supercars were setting records, some of the pre-1950s stuff struggled. About 60% of cars in that category failed to hit their low estimates this year. That’s a massive red flag for anyone holding onto a "Woodie" wagon expecting a massive payout.
People still love the history, but they want to drive their investments. You can’t really take a 1920s roadster on a 300-mile rally without a support team and a prayer. But a Koenigsegg CCXR? You can rip that through Big Sur and actually feel the road.
The market has spoken: Monterey Car Week supercars dominate because they offer a visceral, immediate experience. They aren't just museum pieces; they're weapons.
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The New "Blue Chip" List
If you’re looking at where the smart money went in 2025, it wasn't just Ferrari. Variety is starting to creep into the million-dollar club.
- Maserati MC12 Stradale: Set a massive record at Broad Arrow.
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS: A "Zanzibar Red" example with delivery mileage sold for over $840,000.
- Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R: Almost hit the $1 million mark, proving that Japanese icons are finally being taken seriously in Monterey.
What This Means for You
If you're planning to attend next year, or if you're looking to get into the collector game, the takeaway is simple: the "Analog Supercar" is the new gold standard. Anything with a manual gearbox, a V12, and limited production numbers is going to continue to climb.
The days of Monterey being a quiet, dusty affair for historians are over. It’s a high-octane, neon-lit hypercar fest now.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
- Follow the Auction Data: Keep a close eye on Hagerty’s "Insider" reports. They noticed that post-1990 Ferraris are now selling in almost the same volume as the Enzo-era classics.
- Look Beyond the Big Names: Brands like Pagani and Rimac are the future. The Pagani Huayra R (a track-only beast) is already becoming a "must-have" for the ultra-wealthy.
- Attend the "Smaller" Events: If you want to see these cars without the $1,000 ticket price of The Quail, hang out at the Exotics on Broadway event in Seaside. It’s free, and the supercar density is actually higher than at some of the private shows.
The landscape has shifted. The roar of the W16 has officially replaced the clatter of the Model T. Whether you love the new tech or miss the old brass, one thing is certain: the supercars aren't just visiting Monterey—they've taken over the house keys.