The Scottsdale sales season always serves as a barometer for the health and direction of the classic and collector car market. This year, the auctions delivered a mix of surprises—some triumphs, a few struggles, and plenty to analyze. Big players like Barrett-Jackson, Bonhams, and RM Sotheby’s dominated the scene, offering plenty of insight into shifting collector trends and auction dynamics. Let’s take a closer look at how each auction house fared and what it means for enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike. See below for our 2025 Scottsdale Auction recap.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
Barrett-Jackson Shines Bright with Record Sales
Barrett-Jackson’s nine-day extravaganza was a resounding success. Known for its accessible atmosphere and wide-ranging lineup, the auction proved yet again that it’s a heavyweight in catering to every type of buyer, from seasoned collectors to first-time bidders.
Key Highlights:
- 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, VIN001 sold for $3.7M, with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross.
- Project SWEAT Dodge Power Wagon, built by Sugar Creek and designed by Colby Donaldson, fetched $1.5M for the mikeroweWORKS Foundation.
- The Hennessey Venom F5 topped modern car sales at $2.2M, overshadowing a 2014 Pagani Huayra at $1.925M.
On the classic front, Barrett-Jackson saw remarkable sales as well:
- 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort fetched $1.457M.
- A stunning 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing went under the hammer for $1.402M.
Barrett-Jackson’s ability to attract big-ticket buyers and support charitable causes continues to set it apart as an auction powerhouse that blends excitement and purpose.
Bonhams Faces Challenges
Bonhams experienced a more subdued Scottsdale season, marked by missed opportunities on high-profile offerings. Only one of its $1M+ lots sold—a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, closing at $1.49M, meeting expectations.
Still, their smaller-ticket lots performed better than anticipated in some cases. For example:
- A 1979 Rolls-Royce Camargue sold for $41,440, far exceeding its $25K-$35K estimate.
- A 1950 Bentley MkVI Steel Saloon hit $22,400 against a low estimate of $8K-$12K.
However, Bonhams faced noticeable struggles in engaging bidders for Porsches, including rare 356 and 911 models. For instance, a 1969 911S, estimated at $240K-$280K, failed to sell with a high bid of $200K. The lukewarm reception for Porsches might signal a generational shift in demand, but more time is needed to monitor this trend.
While Bonhams’ higher-end offerings faltered, its affordable lots kept the auction moving, hinting that value-conscious buyers are still active in the market.
RM Sotheby’s Delivers Consistent Results
True to form, RM Sotheby’s demonstrated its knack for balancing premium offerings with solid results across the board. The auction hit record results for several key models while staying within accurate pre-sale estimates.
Noteworthy Sales:
- The headlining 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta sold for $3.772M, meeting its $3.5M-$4.5M estimate.
- A rare 1958 Bentley 8 Litre Convertible Victoria by Murphy sold for $3.195M, comfortably within its $2.75M-$3.25M forecast.
- Surprising estimate-busting results included a 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale, fetching $786K against a $400K-$475K estimate.
RM Sotheby’s also embraced the growing interest in restomods, such as a 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Fuorilegge by Thornley Kelham, which sold for $533K. While not all restomods found buyers—a 1995 Porsche 911 Remastered by Gunther Werks remains unsold at $880K—it underscores the growing complexity of the market’s relationship with heavily modified classics.
Emerging Trends
Supercars and Hypercars Lead the Way
Results from Barrett-Jackson and RM Sotheby’s indicate that modern supercars and hypercars continue to dominate. High-profile models like the Venom F5 and Ferrari 458 Speciale attracted eager bidders and reached impressive figures. It seems today’s younger set of collectors are prioritizing performance, rarity, and modern allure over decades-old classics.
Sub-$100K Market Sees Steady Activity
Bonhams’ successes with sub-$100K sales illustrate a healthy appetite for entry-level collectibles. These results suggest new buyers are entering the market with restrained budgets, but a willingness to engage when they spot value.
The Porsche Plateau?
Bonhams’ Porsche lineup—ranging from the rare 356 Carrera 2s to 1969-era 911S examples—elicited less excitement than anticipated. This tepid reception may signal a shift in demand. Is a generational turnover impacting historical Porsches in the same way it has touched mid-20th-century British and Italian marques? Scottsdale results will keep the Porsche question top of mind in the market for some time to come.
Philanthropy as a Selling Point
Barrett-Jackson’s charitable sales highlight just how powerful cause-driven campaigns can be in attracting generous bidders. Auctions linked to philanthropy continue to ignite competitive bidding while giving collectors a sense of purpose alongside their acquisition.
What It Means for Enthusiasts and Collectors
The Scottsdale sales of 2025 showcase the evolving trends within the collector car market. Younger buyers seem increasingly drawn to modern supercars and restomods, marking a generational shift in collecting priorities. Meanwhile, the sub-$100K market thrives, making it an opportune entry point for new enthusiasts.
For collectors, Scottsdale also confirms the importance of precise curation and expert valuations to drive sales. This supports both buyer confidence and the ability to forecast trends within the larger market.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to invest in a vintage Ferrari, explore entry-level classics, or simply enjoy the spectacle of Scottsdale’s auction energy, knowing the current landscape can help you engage more meaningfully with the collector car world.
Want to stay updated on these trends and future auctions? Be sure to check Magneto Magazine for more in-depth coverage on key events shaping the industry. Thank you for reading our Scottsdale 2025 Auction Recap! Now head over to accauctions.com to see what we are offering!
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