Dodge Daytona NASCAR Coupe stars in Mecum's Monterey auction

Monterey Car Week 2025 once again delivered a feast for collectors and enthusiasts, with Mecum Auctions taking centre stage for a line-up of truly exceptional machines.

Unlike some other sales dominated by modern hypercars, Mecum’s top five sales emphasised timeless classics, American muscle, and pre-war luxury.

From the groundbreaking Lamborghini Miura to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing and rare Duesenberg Model J, Mecum’s auction highlighted the diverse tastes and deep appreciation for history that continue to drive the collector car market.

Here’s a look at the standout sales that captured imaginations – and record-setting bids – during one of the world’s premier car collector events.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider

Sold for: $2.20m (£1.6m)

Among the star attractions at Mecum’s Monterey 2025 sale was a factory-built Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, one of just 122 produced between 1969 and 1973.

Delivered new to Chicago and held in long-term ownership for four decades, chassis 14473 has since passed through prominent Ferrari collections and benefits from a concours-quality restoration by Rod Drew’s Francorchamps of America.

Finished in Rosso Chiaro with a tan-and-black interior, the car retains its original 4.4L V12 and comes complete with Ferrari Classiche certification, original books, tools, and restoration records. Exceptionally rare, it stands as one of the most desirable front-engine V12 Ferraris ever built.

1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S Coupe

Sold for: $1.98m (£1.46m)

Another highlight at Mecum Monterey 2025 was a 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, the groundbreaking model widely regarded as the world’s first true supercar.

Conceived by a team led by Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani with styling by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Miura stunned the world on its 1966 debut with a mid-mounted V12, radical design, and performance that left Ferrari’s road cars looking dated.

This example, chassis 3919, is one of just 338 P400 S models built and has benefited from a concours-level restoration by Bobileff Motorcar Company, later refinished in Verde Miura with a blue interior.

With its rebuilt 3.9L DOHC V12, Campagnolo knock-off wheels, fresh Pirelli tyres, and Ferrari-rivalling pedigree, it represents not only Lamborghini’s most important car but also one of the most desirable supercars ever offered at auction.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

Sold for: $1.65m (£1.22m)

Also crossing the block at Mecum Monterey 2025 was a late-production Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, one of just 1,400 built between 1954 and 1957 and still hailed as one of the greatest sports cars of all time.

Derived directly from Mercedes’ dominant W194 racers, the 300SL combined a lightweight tubular spaceframe with a fuel-injected 3.0L straight-six, making it the fastest production car of its day.

This example benefits from restorations by Scott Grundfor and Canepa Design, and features Rudge-style wheels, fitted luggage, aerodynamic belly pans, and a striking red leather interior with plaid inserts.

Universally regarded as an icon of both design and performance, the Gullwing remains a crown jewel for collectors worldwide.

1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Sold for: $1.48m (£1.09m)

Another standout at Mecum Monterey 2025 was a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, the open-top successor to the legendary Gullwing.

Built on a strengthened yet lightweight spaceframe, the Roadster offered easier access, improved ride quality, and refined handling while retaining the race-bred performance of its predecessor, courtesy of a fuel-injected 3.0L straight-six paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.

One of just 211 Roadsters produced in 1959 and 1,858 in total, this example is finished in Anthracite over black leather and benefits from a restoration by Coachwerks in Victoria, Canada.

Complete with a black convertible top, Becker Mexico radio, and chrome wheels, it represents a beautifully restored and highly collectible example of Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated open-air sports car.

1969 Dodge Daytona NASCAR Coupe

Sold for: $1.32m (£0.97m)

Among the most historically significant offerings at Mecum Monterey 2025 was a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona NASCAR, a one-of-one example tied directly to the superspeedway ‘aero wars’ of the late 1960s.

Presented in its authentic red-and-gold Coca-Cola #22 livery, the car recalls Bobby Allison’s era-defining Charger Daytona, with Allison himself verifying its authenticity in a 1999 letter and autographing the dash.

Powered by a Dick Landy-built 426 Hemi producing 650 HP and backed by a four-speed manual, it features correct NASCAR-spec hardware, from dual-shock suspension to side-exit exhausts.

Restored after being discovered in a barn and later awarded at Amelia Island, it stands as both a museum-worthy artefact and one of the most significant pieces of Dodge’s legendary racing history.

1932 Duesenberg Model J LaGrande Dual Cowl Phaeton

Sold for: $1.32m (£0.97m)

A jewel of the ‘classic era’, a 1932 Duesenberg Model J “Sweep Panel” Dual Cowl Phaeton was another standout at Mecum Monterey 2025.

Originally based on Model J chassis No. 2841 and restored by Pebble Beach award-winner Byard Libbey’s Classic Car Restoration Center, this example combines authentic period components – including a J-series engine and long-wheelbase frame – with a high-quality recreation of LaGrande’s striking dual-cowl phaeton body.

Finished in an elegant tri-tone of black, silver, and scarlet with red leather upholstery, the car boasts both concours-level presentation and modern usability thanks to a discreet Tremec 6-speed gearbox.

With just 29 LaGrande sweep-panel phaetons originally built, this Model J remains one of the most sophisticated classics offered at auction.