Monterey Special

Good Evening! Since I’ve spent most of the afternoon browsing online catalogs of Porsches headed to Monterey next week, I figured I might as well share a few highlights. Here’s a little preview of what’s on deck for the greatest week of the year.

Bonhams | Cars

• Paint-to-Sample and ultra-low miles on a 991 GT2 usually means one thing: all the money. This 2019 911 GT2 RS, finished in PTS Maritime Blue, shows just 213 miles and comes with Porsche’s Weissach Package plus details like Yellow seat belts and stitching inside. The auction estimate sits between $500,000 and $600,000, and I’d bet it lands closer to the six when the gavel drops.

• While we occasionally see “wingless” 991 GT2 RSs, this is the first 997 GT2 I’ve come across without one perched on the rear. Finished in Black over Black and showing 17,800 miles, it has spent the past few years on static display and will need some work to get road-ready, including sourcing a new rear wing. Still, with only about 194 built for the US market, it should land within its $225,000–$275,000 estimate.

• After roughly 39 years with the same family, this numbers-matching 1972 911T 2.4 Coupe is finished in its original Light Yellow and appears to be in very nice, original condition. Given its presentation and the appeal of the oil-filler “oelklappe” design, a final price north of $100k seems likely.

BROAD ARROW AUCTIONS

• This 1964 356C Cabriolet is a standout Emory Outlaw, sporting race-inspired touches like a 356 GT through-the-hood fuel fill, fender-mounted bullet mirrors, Marchal driving lights, and knock-off custom billet alloy wheels. Finished in Slate Grey over Red, it is powered by Emory’s 2.4-liter POLO twin-plug flat-four. If it looks familiar, that is because it first appeared in Monterey in 2023 when it sold post-auction after a $485,000 final bid, and again this past March when it failed to sell at $250,000. I would expect it to bring something closer to that prior Monterey figure this time around.

• Another repeat appearance is this 1998 RUF CTR 2 Sport, which last sold in August 2019 for $736,500 all-in. Originally ordered by long-time RUF customer Frank Beddor, it is finished in non-metallic Black over a Green leather interior and shows fewer than 17,000 miles. Given how RUF values have surged since then, the $3–3.5 million estimate feels reasonable.

• Broad Arrow has been all about the tuners for me, with this 1991 911 Reimagined by Singer as one of their Dynamic and Lightweight Studys (DLS) rounding out my top three. This example, known as the Mame Commission, shows just 250 miles and has been refinished in Fluid Silver over an Olive Green Suede interior with Black trim. Although originally delivered to the UK, it remains left-hand drive and was recently serviced by Singer in August of last year. A rare chance to get your hands on one of only 75 built, so expect prices to remain around the $3 million mark.

GOODING CHRISTIE’S

• If Broad Arrow’s theme for me was Tuned, Gooding Christie’s theme has to be race cars, with this 2017 911 RSR-17 holding a special place in my heart. I have great memories of these Coca-Cola liveried 911s racing at Petit Le Mans in 2019 and still have all of the Coke swag (thanks Porsche) in my office today. This car, however, never saw track action, as it was one of Porsche Motorsport’s spare team cars for the season. That is probably a good thing, as it should be fairly complete and undamaged. The estimate is wide at $3–5 million, but that makes sense given the lack of direct comps.

• While collectors clamor over 992 S/Ts, this is the one they should be after. This 1971 911 is one of five works 911 ST rally cars built for the East African Safari Rally. It is finished in its historically accurate Light Ivory and Black livery and even features period details such as white-striped tires and Sears-branded hood locks, just as it wore back in 1971. With new S/Ts selling in the $700,000 to $800,000 range and this one estimated at $750,000 to $950,000, I know where my money would go.

• This 1974 911 Carrera 3.0 RSR just screams 1970s with its original Lime Green finish and the wide hips we all love from the era’s RSRs. Originally sold to Swiss privateer racer Harry Blumer, it carried him to the 1974 Swiss National title with wins at Digon and podiums at Zeltweg and Hockenheim. More recently, it has been a regular at events like the Monterey Historics and Rennsport Reunion, and it will almost certainly gain its next owner entry into similar gatherings. Expect to spend at least $1.5 million for your ticket in.

MECUM AUCTIONS

• Mecum always delivers an eclectic mix of Porsches, and this 2004 911 GT3 RS is one of the highlights. Finished in Carrara White with Red graphics and wheels, it shows 40,466 miles on the odometer, which is on the higher side for a 996.2 RS. We saw this one just a few weeks ago when it failed to sell at $215,996, a number right in line with the market. Now carrying an estimate of $240,000 to $250,000, we’ll see if it can close the gap this time.

• With last month’s $1,260,000 high for a Black GT3 RS 4.0, I’m sure the consignor of this 2011 911 GT3 RS is aiming high. Finished in Black, a much rarer choice than the usual White, it shows 6,700 miles compared to just 842 on that record-setter. Mileage suggests something under $700k, but the “Black bump” could push it higher. I think it will do well.

• What’s a Mecum top three without this 1959 718 RSK Center Seat Spyder? This is now the 9th time we’ve seen this car cross the block. Please, someone give me the story on this! That is all.

RM SOTHEBY’S

• Is there anything better than the large air intakes adorning the rear humps of this 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary? Finished in what the catalog calls “Paint-to-Sample” Riviera Blue, the only question I have is: aren’t all RUFs essentially painted to sample if you’re not going with Blossom Yellow? 😆 The estimate sits at $2.8–3.4m, which matches at least one recent private sale I’m aware of.

• Money being equal, I’d have a hard time choosing between the RUF CTR Anniversary above and this 1988 911 TAG Turbo by Lanzante. One of just 11 built, this example is finished in Mintgrun over Black and is powered by the TAG Turbo “TTE P01” Formula One engine used by Alain Prost during the 1986 and 1987 Grand Prix seasons. With no comps to go by, the final bid is anyone’s guess, but RM has it estimated at $1.8–2.1m. I would have though it would be more in line with the RUF.

• Originally finished in White over a Red vinyl interior, this 1957 356A 1600 Speedster now wears a striking shade of Pale Green over a Green vinyl interior after a multi-year restoration completed in 2024. With its numbers-matching engine and gearbox, it should have no trouble meeting its $400–500,000 pre-sale estimate.