If you’re looking to build a classic, vintage, or exotic car collection, buying at auction is so much more than adding just another vehicle to the garage. Over the decades, the collector car auction space has evolved from club-level gatherings to more formal and international spectacles, attracting the affluent, industry veterans, investors, and historians alike.
These venues present the opportunity to acquire some of the rarest, historically significant, extremely desirable, and finest automobiles in the world. Legendary names like RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and Gooding & Company have sold cars worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Everything from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut and Fangio’s Grand-Prix winning race car to auction favorites like the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO and Steve McQueen’s Jaguar XKSS have crossed the auction block, often with record-breaking sales and rewriting automotive history.
While we’ve already witnessed some heavy hitters in the early part of 2025, at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island Auction sale and Artcurial’s eclectic Rétromobile offerings, the auction calendar for the second half of the year is packed with several must-attend events (alternatively bid through official online auction portals). While some of the names, such as Gooding’s Pebble Beach sale or Bonhams’ revival-themed Goodwood Festival of Speed auction, are long-established powerhouses, others are more niche, focusing on specific marques, eras, or motorsport heritage. Regardless, knowing the difference and understanding what each event will showcase can give you an edge when it comes to buying the right car at the right time. The docket isn’t available for most of these events, but we’ve still lined up 10 Car Auctions To Watch In 2025, and what to expect this year.
1. Broad Arrow The Porsche Air|Water Luftgekühlt Auction 2025
Venue and Date
Location: Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, California
Date: April 27, 2025
Pre-Auction Gathering: 10:00 AM inside Hangar 18
Live Auction: 1:00 PM on the Air|Water Main Stage
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
Launched as a standalone auction event in 2024 within the newly expanded Air|Water by Luftgekühlt weekend, this Porsche-exclusive sale is a partnership between Luftgekühlt and leading international auction house, Broad Arrow Auctions. The 2025 edition builds on last year’s breakout debut, once again aligning rare air-cooled and water-cooled Porsches in a deeply immersive setting. Set amid the atmospheric industrial-chic sprawl of Costa Mesa’s OC Fairgrounds, visited by thousands of die-hard Porsche enthusiasts, the auction offers a unique blend of curation, community, and collector-grade metal in pristine condition. Unlike larger-scale, mixed-marque classic car auctions, Air|Water’s sale is highly targeted; think low-production GT cars, factory-built race machines, and special wishes (Sonderwünsch) builds.
Early highlights
- 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird | Estimate: US$4.5–$5.5m
- 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach | Estimate US$2.7-$3.0m
- 2005 Porsche Carrera GT | Estimate: US$1.8–$2.1m
Bidding and Participation
Registered bidders may RSVP through Air|Water’s official site or via the auction house directly. Auction admission and preview sessions are open to the public and run from Friday April 25 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm PT), with the auction scheduled for Saturday, 26 April. The Bidder registration fee is $150, which gets you seating for two, a bidder paddle, and an auction catalog.
Catalog Availability
View Catalog
2. Bonhams The Miami Auction 2025
Venue and Date
Location: Miami International Autodrome, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Date: May 3, 2025
Pre-Auction Reception: 7:00 PM at The 72 Club
Live Auction: 8:00 PM at the Podium
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
One of Bonhams’ latest entries into the American circuit, The Miami Auction, made its debut in May last year, as part of the Miami Grand Prix weekend. Now in its second year, the stunning array of cars and tropical east-coast backdrop has quickly made it one of the most visually striking and vibrant events on the Bonhams calendar. Set inside the Miami International Autodrome at the Hard Rock Stadium, the event merges the refinement of a collector car auction with the fast-paced glamor that you associate with Formula 1. Bonhams’ partnership with South Florida Motorsports and its focus on modern supercars, limited-run exotics, and iconic vehicles has given this event a clear identity.
Early highlights:
- 2009 Brawn BGP001 Formula 1 Single Seater | Estimate: US$4.5-$6.5m
- 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 | Estimate: US$1.9-$2.4m
- 1990 Porsche 911 Classic Turbo Reimagined by Singer | Estimate: US$1.7 – US$2.2m
Bidding and Participation
Registered bidders can gain access through RSVP, with general admission also open to F1 ticket holders. Early previews are by appointment only starting April 30 (1:00 – 4:00 PM ET). Public viewing runs May 2 (11:30 – 7:30 pm ET) and May 3 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm ET) for F1 ticket holders and registered bidders. The auction is scheduled to for May 3, at 8:00 pm ET.
Catalog Availability
3. Broad Arrow The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025
Venue and Dates
Location: Villa Erba, Largo Luchino Visconti, 4, Cernobbio, Italy
Dates: May 24-25, 2025
Preview Days: May 23-25, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
In May 2025, Broad Arrow Auctions will step onto one of Europe’s most hallowed automotive stages, as it ties up with BMW to become the official auction partner of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Now part of the Hagerty Group, this is a major moment for the young collector car auction house, founded in 2021. Dating back to 1929 and set against the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, the grounds of Villa Erba has been a showcase across a various classes, ranging from both pre-war and post-war icons, rare European exotics and global debuts amid home-grown masterpieces from coach builders like Touring Superleggera, Bertone, Pininfarina, Guigaro, and Zagato. Over 70 incredible vehicles will be offered this year.
Early highlights:
- 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni | Estimate: €5.5-€7.5m
- 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi | Estimate: €4.5-€6.5m
- 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 | Estimate: €2.3-€2.5m
Bidding and Participation
Bidder Registration: €250 for in-person bidding, including access for two, catalog, and paddle. Telephone, Absentee, and Internet Bidding: Complimentary. Preview begins Friday 23, May (9:00 – 6:00 pm CET). Access is complimentary during scheduled hours. Auction access is limited to registered bidders, consignors, and media. The Auction is scheduled to begin Saturday, 24 May at 6:00 pm (CET) for BMW and Sunday, 25 May 10:30 am (CET) for all marques.
Catalog Availability
4. Bonhams Goodwood Festival Of Speed Sale 2025
Venue and Date
Location: Goodwood House, West Sussex, UK
Date: July 11, 2025
Preview Days: July 9-10, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
First held in 1993 to coincide with the Festival of Speed, the annual hillclimb where the range of vehicles included all shapes and sizes from vintage to exotic taking on the legendary Goodwood Hill, the Bonhams’ Festival of Speed Sale has grown into one of the U.K.’s most prestigious automotive auctions. In past editions, Bonhams has brought down the hammer on icons such as the ex-Fangio 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 car, which sold for a then-record £19.6 million ($29.6 million) back in 2013. Bonhams Goodwood is a must-watch for serious collectors, motorsports legends, and limited-production supercars with delivery miles.
Early highlights include:
- 2007 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Coupé | Estimate: $660k-$1.1m
Bidding and Participation
Interested bidders can register for in-person or remote participation. Registration typically includes admission to the auction tent, a full catalog, and access to private preview areas. Online, absentee, and telephone bidding are supported via Bonhams’ secure digital bidding platform.
Catalog Availability
The complete official catalog will be released by late June 2025, offering detailed vehicle histories, professional photography, and expert insights into each lot.
5. RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2025
Venue and Dates
Location: Portola Hotel and Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, CA
Dates: August 15-16, 2025
Preview Days: Likely August 13-14, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
First launched in 1997, RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction has become the most prestigious collector car sale in North America, and arguably the world, with its showcase of high-end vehicles. Held annually during the Monterey Car Week, this event has consistently broken records for individual marques and global auction benchmarks. It was here, in 2018, that RM Sotheby’s achieved the highest price ever paid for a car at public auction: $48.4 million for a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (This record was broken by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Ulhenhaut back in 2022, when it sold for $142 million) Last year, RM’s Monterey event delivered big time. While official figures for the 2024 edition remain under wraps, the sale reportedly surpassed $161 million in total sales across two evenings. Come August, the Portola Hotel & Monterey Conference Center will once again play host to elite collectors, marque historians, and international dealers.
Early highlights:
- 1995 Ferrari F50| Estimate: $6.5-$7.5m
- 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet | Estimate: $300-$400k
Bidding and Participation
While specific 2025 fee structures haven’t been officially published, RM Sotheby’s typically implements:
Buyer’s Premium: 10-12% depending on final hammer price
Seller’s Commission: Negotiated individually with consignors
Bidder Registration: Approximately $300, including auction catalog and admission for two
Catalog Availability
The full auction catalog, including provenance details and professional valuations, will be available for digital and physical distribution in mid-August 2025.
6. Mecum Auctions Monterey 2025
Venue and Dates
Location: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Monterey, CA
Dates: August 14–16, 2025
Preview Days: August 12–13, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
Since debuting at Monterey Car Week back in 2009, Mecum’s West Coast flagship has gone on to become one of the most dynamic and accessible auctions during this ultra-exclusive automotive week. While other Monterey events may feel like museum halls, what sets Mecum apart is live energy and a frankly vast selection of consignments ranging from million-dollar Cobras to restomod trucks and American muscle car royalty from Detroit. The event has hence grown to feature nearly 600 cars annually, attracting everyone from the largest collectors to enthusiasts-level buyers. Last year saw over $50 million in total sales. Expect Mecum to keep the pedal down with a strong lineup this year as well.
Early highlights
Bidding and Participation
Bidders can participate on-site or remotely. Mecum offers robust digital infrastructure for online and phone bidding, supported by real-time video feeds and secure transaction protocols. Bidder registration typically includes full event access, an auction catalog, and bidding credentials.
Catalog Availability
The complete digital and print catalogs will be available by late July 2025, including specifications, vehicle history reports, and professional photography to guide investment-grade purchases.
7. Bonhams The Quail Auction 2025
Venue and Date
Location: Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Carmel, CA
Date: August 15, 2025
Preview Days: August 14, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
Bonhams The Quail Auction officially launched in 2004, becoming a boutique fixture during Monterey Car Week thanks to its synergy with The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering; an invitation-only show known for ultra-rare cars. Whereas other auctions chase volumes and spectacle, Bonhams leans into automotive heritage and discretion, attracting a clientele more interested in legacy and preservation than pure performance numbers. At Monterey, Bonhams has become known for surfacing exquisitely preserved pre-war machinery, rare coachbuilt European classics, and American luxury icons. Over the years, the sale has delivered several headline results. Notable sales include the $34.65 million sale of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO in 2014, which remains one of the most significant public auction transactions in history. For 2025, one can expect an exceptionally focused catalog where every car tells a story.
- 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz | Estimate coming soon
- 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Coachwork by Fleetwood | Estimate coming soon
- 1934 Packard Twelve 1107 Coupe | Estimate coming soon
Bidding and Participation
Bonhams offers in-person, online, telephone, and absentee bidding, with pre-registration required. Bidder credentials typically include an official auction catalog and admission for two to the event.
Catalog Availability
The official 2025 catalog, featuring detailed vehicle histories, photography, and estimated values, will be released in July ahead of auction week.
8. Pebble Beach Auctions Gooding & Company 2025
Venue and Date
Location: Parc du Concours, Pebble Beach, CA
Date: August 15-16, 2025
Preview Days: August 14-15, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
Since its inaugural sale in 2004, Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auction has become a defining fixture of Monterey Car Week and one of the most respected stages in the global collector car market. As the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Gooding delivers an experience that reflects the prestige of the concours itself—elegant, exacting, and often record-breaking. Over the years, this auction has set impressive milestones, including the sale of American classics like the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ in 2018 for $22 million (making it the most expensive American car ever sold at auction). Beyond the usual docket of blue-chip European grand tourers and coachbuilt pre-war cars, expect to see modern exotics in 2025, given the growing demand for analog supercars from the 1990s and 2000s.
Early highlights
- 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT ‘L-SERIES’ | Estimate coming soon
- 1937 Morgan Sports Two-Seater BarrelBack | Estimate coming soon
- 1935 Bugatti Drophead Coupe | Estimate coming soon
Bidding and Participation
Bidder registration includes a printed auction catalog and admission for two to the venue. Gooding & Company supports in-person, online, telephone, and absentee bidding with real-time remote access through its proprietary digital platform.
Catalog Availability
The official auction catalog will be published in early August 2025, detailing each vehicle’s history, restoration, and expert commentary.
9. Bonhams Goodwood Revival Collectors & Memorabilia 2025
Venue and Date
Location: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex, UK
Date: September 13, 2025
Preview Days: September 11–12, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
Launched in 2003, the Bonhams Goodwood Revival auction has earned a cult following among those collectors who value period accuracy. Held annually during the Goodwood Revival weekend, the sale comprises cars that exhibit nostalgia, elegance and motorsport heritage. Over the years, the event has become a key venue for acquiring early race cars, coachbuilt pre-war cars and ultra-rare Automobilia. Be it a Brooklands-era Bentley or an original Mille Miglia Poster, the Goodwood Revival remains one of the best boutique-style auction venues with a fiercely loyal following.
Early highlights
Bidding and Participation
Bonhams facilitates both on-site and remote bidding, with registration packages typically including access to the Revival paddocks and auction tent. Online, telephone, and absentee bidding should be made available via Bonhams’ secure portal.
Catalog Availability
The full auction catalog, including provenance details and professional valuations, will be available for digital and physical distribution in mid-August 2025.
10. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2025
Venue and Dates
Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ
Dates: October 16-19, 2025
Preview Days: October 15, 2025
Auction Overview and Collector Atmosphere
Though best known for its flagship January sale, Barrett-Jackson expanded its Scottsdale presence last year in 2024, with the launch of a Fall Auction. This was in response to a surge in demand from collectors and enthusiasts eager for a second dose of Barrett-Jackson energy, with nearly 60,000 people in attendance at last year’s Fall event. Retaining the brand’s signature no-reserve format and high-volume docket as seen in 2024, where 700 vehicles crossed the block, the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction will most likely emphasize modern collectibles, resto-mods, and enthusiast-grade classic vehicles, among others.
Early highlights
Bidding and Participation
Barrett-Jackson offers a streamlined bidding process and registration, which includes admission credentials, collector car access, and access to bidder-only lounges. Online bidding, phone bidding, and absentee options are fully integrated via Barrett-Jackson’s proprietary platform.
Catalog Availability
The official docket and vehicle catalog will be published in early September 2025, offering detailed listings, VIN data, condition reports, and high-resolution photography for each lot.