Auction heroes

Atmosphere, intensity and the thrill of some eye-watering figures rolling in, few automotive events captivate in the way live auctions do. Sure, the digital age and the lingering effects of the pandemic may have forced more and more sales online, but the biggest and best are still held en-masse, often as part of some of the world’s greatest motoring events.

That’s what this special issue is all about, celebrating the biggest and best auction results throughout history, from Le Mans and grand prix winners to one-off curios from a bygone era.

Any bidding war must be sparked by something special, and the cars featured within all have that extra something. We have also made a point of exploring the stories behind the sales, revealing unique histories, often from new perspectives, by embellishing each of the most valuable automobiles ever sold with content from our own historical archive. Far more than just a chassis history, these views run deep and include the men, the teams, the circumstances and the times that made these cars both standout attractions and sales sensations. Whether it’s the magic of a fully restored immaculate concours time piece, or the thrill of world-leading barn finds akin to something out of a Hollywood movie.

We also feature specialists from some of the world’s top auction houses, sharing market tips, reviews and the secrets behind what goes into curating their events and catalogues.

Grab your gavel and enjoy!