30 cars to watch in the 2025 Scottsdale sales

Classic pre-sale highlights in Arizona

With four different auction companies holding sales during the Scottsdale, Arizona, classic-car start to the 2025 season, it’s a good time to see what’s selling well and what isn’t.

The attraction of some winter sun and the promise of the driving year ahead tempts plenty of bidders at all levels, and there are lots to satisfy both cost-conscious and wealthy buyers.

The Arizona auctions have a strong bias towards US-made cars, but there is a good showing for European makes, plus Japanese cars are beginning to feature more.

The RM Sotheby’s event will take over the Arizona Biltmore resort on 24 January, with Bonhams’ auction the next day at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Meanwhile, Cubs Stadium at Sloan Park hosts MAG Auctions from 24-26 January, and WestWorld of Scottsdale is the venue for Barrett-Jackson’s 19-27 January sale.

Here’s a selection of the classic cars being auctioned at Scottsdale 2025, listed in chronological order and with the lower pre-sale estimate, where applicable, shown in US dollars.

1. 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 66 (est: $175,000)

Among the many Brass Era cars on offer at the Scottsdale sales is this 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Runabout from the Janet Cussler Collection.

This car was billed as being sold with no reserve, though RM Sotheby’s had a nominal $175,000 lower estimate in its catalogue.

For an automobile in this condition and fitted with the largest engine ever in a US production car with its 824.7cu in (13.5-litre) unit, that figure looks like keen value.

It’s thought there are only 40 survivors of this particular model and this example is one of only a few with two-seat coachwork.

This was painstakingly reproduced using period methods and materials as the car was completed as a project. This included a rebuilt engine with uprated carburettor for improved fast touring.

2. 1923 Jewett Model 18-22 Special Touring (est: $20,000)

One of several cars being sold from the Janet Cussler Collection by RM Sotheby’s, this 1923 Jewett Model 18-22 Special Touring is also the car with the lowest pre-sale estimate in the firm’s 2025 Scottsdale sale.

While the car may have a relatively affordable estimated price, it was one of the Cussler family’s most prized cars, because it was identical to the one owned by Clive Cussler when he was 13 years old.

It was acquired for this collection in 2019, and restored to preserve its patina and condition so it could be used without any worries.

However, it is noted in the RM Sotheby’s auction catalogue that the car will need some recommissioning.

3. 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Convertible (est: $2.75m)

Any 8 Litre Bentley is imposing, but this 1931 example adds to its impressive presence with unique open coachwork by Murphy.

This makes it the only one of this model to have coachwork fitted in the US when new.

The car still has its original chassis, engine and gearbox, and it’s finished in the same livery as when it was delivered to its first owner, Conrad H Matthiessen Jnr.

Being the only Bentley 8 Litre with American-supplied coachwork from new, this car comes with a substantial estimate which tops out at $3.25m, because interest is expected to be high for this unique car.

4. 1935 Auburn Eight Custom Speedster (est: $700,000)

Auburn’s Eight Custom Speedster is a cornerstone of many US car collections and this RM Sotheby's example has the added appeal of a unique factory specification.

When new, this was the only Speedster built to Custom spec without a supercharged engine.

It was also completed in Auburn, Indiana, in the marque’s original production facility, rather than in Connersville, as most Auburns were in 1935-1936.

The lack of a supercharger is thought to be because this car was used for shows and exhibitions rather than road use.

Today, it retains its original engine, chassis and body, and comes in the correct Duck Egg Blue with red leather following a full restoration in 2019.

5. 1937 Cord 812 (est: $200,000)

There’s no mistaking the style and profile of the Cord 812 Supercharged Sportman Cabriolet being sold by RM Sotheby’s.

For a car of such distinctive looks, engineering interest and considerable power, its lower estimate of $200,000 is likely to generate plenty of bidding action.

It’s another car from the Janet Cussler Collection and was featured in the book Built for Adventure: The Classic Automobiles of Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt.

One of 64 Cord 812 Supercharged cabriolets made when new, this example was restored in the early 1980s and then given another concours-grade refresh by RM Auto Restoration in 2004.

At this point, it was painted in its correct Geneva Blue with dark tan pigskin interior. This helped the Cord to win Best in Class at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

6. 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante (est: $1.75m)

The Bugatti Type 57C Atalante is sure to excite plenty of interest at any auction and RM Sotheby’s has this example with bodywork by Gangloff to tempt the Scottsdale crowds.

It comes with a roll-top roof to let its new owner enjoy the sunshine, while performance will be strong from the original engine under the bonnet that has a factory-fitted supercharger. The original gearbox is also still in place.

One of the last Type 57s made, this car was supplied to Louis Dupont in Algeria when new, but was not registered there until 1952.

It was subsequently repainted blue and black, but has been returned to the black with red highlights scheme it was first sold with.

7. 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT (est: $600,000)

Restomods are popular in the US and there are plenty of upgraded muscle cars and Porsches among the Scottsdale auction lots. This 1955 Lancia Aurelia, though, is something a little different.

Created by British firm Thornley Kelham, this car was made by transferring an otherwise unsalvageable B20 body on to Lancia Flaminia mechanics.

An uprated 2.8-litre V6 engine offers potent performance and the body has been revised with a lower roofline, wider wings, bonnet scoop and uprated suspension.

The interior has been decked out in an ‘Outlaw’ style with Porsche Speedster seats, a rollcage and Alcantara headlining – this style is called ‘Fuorilegge’ by its creators, which is Italian for ‘outlaw’.

One of nine examples built to this specification, this Lancia Aurelia comes with an equally impressive estimate for a hot-rod B20.

8. 1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT (est: $1.8m)

This car, consigned to Bonhams’ Scottsdale 2025 auction, is the last-ever 250 Europa GT built by Ferrari and was delivered to Pinin Farina for its coupé bodywork to be fitted.

It was finished in metallic grey with a green roof, but comes to sale in the white livery applied when the car was restored in the early 2000s.

Originally supplied to Belgian Ferrari importer and racer Jacques Swaters, it was shown at the 1956 Brussels motor show before being campaigned. It was then sold to the US.

As a late version of this model, this 250 Europa GT has rear coil springs that were only used on the final 15, and it has uprated Alfin brake drums to make it a capable road and track car.

9. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (no reserve)

Among the several Mercedes-Benz 300SLs available at the 2025 Scottsdale sales, Barrett-Jackson’s 1956 Gullwing stands out for its Graphite Grey paintwork and light-grey, leather interior.

Sold new through Max Hoffman in New York, the car was owned by the same family for 22 years. It was specified from new with a Nardi steering wheel, which is still in place.

The car has had its engine rebuilt to the original specification, as well as renewed brakes and a replacement windscreen from Mercedes-Benz Classic.

A large history file accompanies this 300SL, which is being offered with no reserve.

10. 1957 BMW 503 Coupé (est: $190,000)

One of only 273 BMW 503 Coupés made, this one at Bonhams’ Scottsdale sale in 2025 would seem to offer entry to an exclusive club at a much lower price than some of its contemporaries.

The example on offer has been restored to a high standard and was recently serviced, so is ready to use.

Its new owner will enjoy the smooth power of the 3.2-litre V8 engine, while a subtly installed modern stereo with CD changer in the boot make it ideal for longer tours and trips.

Painted in two-tone metallic blue with a red-leather interior, this 503 Coupé comes with a record of its restoration and service history, a toolkit and a jack.

11. 1957 Buick Century Caballero Estate Wagon (est: $125,000)

One of the less-obvious, modified, classic cars for sale at the Scottsdale auctions is this handsome 1957 Buick Century Caballero Estate Wagon.

Listed in the RM Sotheby’s catalogue without reserve and being sold from The PCH Collection, it has a lower estimate of $125,000.

The car was restored for a previous owner in 2012 by Mike Fennel of California.

Custom touches include the lowered suspension, smoothed doorhandles, and badges deleted from the bonnet and tailgate. It was also painted in a one-off, teal-blue and white livery.

That colour scheme is carried through to the interior, while under the bonnet is a 401cu in (6.6-litre) V8, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Disc brakes have been fitted to the front to deal with the motor’s performance potential.

12. 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Speedster (est: $500,000)

For many auction attendees at Scottsdale, this 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Speedster will be hard to resist.

Painted in desirable black when it was new, it comes with the more powerful Super engine.

When this car was ordered through Max Hoffman’s New York dealership, it was specified with coupé seats, sealed-beam headlights and US-style bumpers.

A thorough restoration by RUF in 2013 brought the car back to as-new condition and it won Best Iconic Car at that year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

It also comes with its FIVA certification and still has its original engine in place.

13. 1958 Ferrari 250GT Tour de France LWB Berlinetta (est: $3.5m)

The only one of its type finished in the colour combination of Ora Chiaro gold with a Bordeaux-red leather interior, this Ferrari 250GT Tour de France has the highest estimate of any car in 2025’s RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale sale.

It’s easy to see why thanks to the body by Scaglietti, and then there’s the car’s storied past that includes finishing third in class at the 1960 1000km Buenos Aires round of the World Sportscar Championship.

Prior to this, it had been campaigned with success in hillclimbs in Italy, at the 1958 Venezuelan Grand Prix and in other competitions.

The car has benefited from a series of dedicated owners and a sympathetic refresh from 1997-2001, and this 3-litre V12-engined Ferrari 250 comes with its original bodywork, gearbox and rear axle.

14. 1961 Land-Rover Series II (est: $60,000)

It may be far from having the highest pre-sale estimate at Bonhams’ January 2025 Scottsdale auction, but this 1961 Land-Rover Series II could generate as much interest as those accompanied by larger figures.

The reason is because this careworn Land-Rover was purchased new by author Arthur Miller, who was married to Marilyn Monroe at the time he bought it.

Miller specified the car in Sand paint with a hardtop, extra windscreen wiper, locks, rubber pedals, hand throttle and auxiliary gauges. It also has a heater, rear side-facing seats and rear power take-off drive.

The car comes to sale from 44 years of ownership by Miller himself and then his family up to the present day.

It is in used but original and unrestored condition, and it comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate.

15. 1962 Ford Thunderbird (no reserve)

Known to many as a rock and roll singer, Sammy Hagar will be performing as part of Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction.

He is set to drive on stage in this 1962 Ford Thunderbird, which is his own car and it’s entered into the auction with no reserve.

It has had a two-year restoration that included rebuilding the Ford’s original 390cu in (6.4-litre) V8 engine to exact factory specifications. The rest of the car has been restored to the same high standard.

Adding to this Ford Thunderbird’s auction appeal is it was used by Hagar and his bandmates in the group Montrose to cruise around California. A portion of the car’s sale price will be given to charity.

16. 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (est: $1.3m)

As a counterpoint to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwings being sold in Scottsdale by RM Sotheby’s and others, this 1962 Roadster looks like (relatively) keen value with its lower estimate of $1.3m.

From 1964, this car has had three owners up to the time of its sale here, and has been kept in on-the-button condition for tours and general enjoyment. The consignor acquired it in 1999 and has covered more than 11,000 miles since then.

The car was sold new in the USA, finished in white with a red-leather interior, but is now presented in red paint with tan-coloured hide upholstery.

It has been mechanically refreshed but keeps its original, matching-numbers engine, chassis, axles, steering box and bodywork. It is also supplied with its hardtop, tools, body and chassis tags, and its factory data card.

17. 1966 Ford Bronco (no reserve)

There are Ford Broncos of all ages and styles for sale across the various 2025 Scottsdale sales.

This 1966 example being sold by MAG Auctions is one of the more standard-looking cars, though it does have some gentle upgrades.

The stock exterior appearance is enhanced by the original hubcaps and 15in wheels, while the chunky all-terrain tyres mean this Bronco will be capable off-road.

A fully rebuilt drivetrain with Mustang 302cu in (5-litre) V8 give it strong performance for modern traffic.

As part of a two-year full restoration, the Bronco was painted in Frost Turquoise with a white cab roof, while inside there is all-new upholstery, new seals, a colour-matched dash and a rosewood steering wheel.

18. 1966 The Batmobile (no reserve)

The undoubted star of Barrett-Jackson’s 2025 Scottsdale auction is a car used to being in the limelight, because it’s an original Batmobile from the 1960s television series.

This is the third of the Batmobiles made for the show and is based on a 1966 Ford Galaxie.

It was bought by collector Dr Berkowitz from another enthusiast and was then authenticated by George Barris, who built the car for the show.

It is being sold with a certificate of authenticity, and photos of Dr Berkowitz with Barris and this car.

19. 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 (est: $2.2m)

The big-ticket item at Bonhams’ Scottsdale sale is this Lamborghini Miura P400 that is an early example of this model, built in the summer of ’67.

It’s the 37th production Miura P400 and the first owner was Ben Johnson, who collected the car from the factory to use for a European tour, before taking it home to the USA.

The car has been used regularly on the road and for events throughout its life, and it was given a full-blown restoration that was completed in time for the model’s 50th anniversary in 2016.

As well as a history file containing details of the restoration, this car comes with several concours trophies and the Italian registration plate used for that first European tour.

It also has its original engine, gearbox and rebuilt shock absorbers, as well as being finished in its factory-correct Rosso Miura red with a brown interior.

20. 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird (no reserve)

Plymouth Hemi Superbirds are a common sight at US auctions, but this one stands out for a number of reasons.

It’s finished in a rare High Impact Lemon Twist colour and is an all matching-numbers example, which will appeal to collectors among the bidders at Barrett-Jackson’s big January sale.

Alongside its factory-correct specification, this car comes with all of the equipment a Superbird buyer will want, including the TorqueFlite 727hp transmission, the Sure-Grip Performance Axle Package and the Max Cooling Package.

It also has Superbird Special Equipment such as J45 bonnet pins, a Graphics Package, aero nose, rear wing and front spoiler.

This car is the 1785th of those built to homologate the 1970 NASCAR wing programme and is one of 135 A13-code Special Hemi Superbirds built in 1970.

21. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (no reserve)

This presentably smart 1971 Corvette shows that you don’t have to be a millionaire to snare an interesting car at the 2025 Scottsdale auctions.

This white Chevrolet comes with lift-out roof panels and Rallye wheels. The V8 motor has been improved with an aluminium intake, Edelbrock carburettor and Hedman exhaust manifolds.

It also has power steering along with an upgraded electronic ignition and aluminium radiator, to make it a sound, driver-quality car.

Inside, the black interior appears to be in good shape to make this an ideal first classic car, with only 60,000 miles on the clock.

22. 1972 Ferrari 365GTC/4 (est: $125,000)

Listed as being offered without reserve, RM Sotheby’s has put a lower estimate of $125,000 on this 1972 Ferrari 365GTC/4.

That would appear to be a tempting price for a V12 Ferrari in good order and with a famous previous owner.

This car was finished from new in its Oro Kelso gold paint with beige leather and also has factory-fitted air conditioning.

This would help with the heat of Nevada, where the car was first supplied.

It was then owned by Hollywood talent agent Michael Ovitz, who changed the colour to its current black and then sold it to actor Sylvester Stallone.

This Ferrari 365GTC/4 has been carefully maintained throughout its life and has recently been serviced.

It is being sold with its full history records, tools and a spare Cromodora alloy wheel.

23. 1972 Fiat 127 Dinghy (est: $10,000)

Given how popular beach cars are and the prices they can fetch, this Fiat 127 Dinghy being sold by Bonhams at Scottsdale in 2025 seems a potentially more modestly priced way into this niche, given its lower pre-sale estimate of $10,000.

Built by Frua in 1977 using a 1972 Fiat 127, the Dinghy is believed to be a one-off and was displayed at the 1977 Geneva motor show.

It keeps the windscreen and metal roof of the Fiat 127, but there are no doors and sculpted B-pillars to support the roof, which has a rack on it to help carry deckchairs and other beach paraphernalia.

The car has spent most of its life in California, though it was originally sold to an Italian owner.

It has only 17,700km (c11,000 miles) on its odometer. That said, this Fiat is in need of restoration, though it is said to run and drive.

24. 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTR (est: $450,000)

Porsche only made 17 924 Carrera GTR customer racing cars and this example is one of only two thought to have been supplied new to Japan.

Unusually, it was immediately put into storage for two years, before being displayed in a private collection.

The result of such a gentle start to its life means this 924 Carrera GTR had only covered 109km (68 miles) from new when it was sold to a UK owner in 2016.

It is now one of the most original and unmodified Porsche 924 Carrera GTRs in the world, which explains its $450,000 lower estimate.

25. 1987 Nissan Skyline Type HR31 GTS-R Nismo (est: $200,000)

Rising interest in Japanese classic cars in the USA means this 1987 race-spec Nissan Skyline Type HR31 GTS-R Nismo should enjoy brisk bidding at Bonhams’ 2025 Scottsdale sale.

Painted in the well-known Calsonic colour scheme, this was the first Skyline to compete in this livery, and it was run in the 1988 and 1989 Japanese Touring Car championships.

It achieved two top-five finishes in the 1988 season, and went on to take four pole positions and one win in 1989.

Thought to be the only-surviving Nismo HR31 originally painted in Calsonic colours, this car was refreshed for track use in 2023.

It is in the same specification it raced in when new and comes to sale from 30 years in a private collection.

26. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II (no reserve)

Mercedes-Benz only made 502 of its 190E Evolution II cars as homologation specials to meet the rules of the DTM (Germany’s Touring Car championship).

This is one of that batch of cars and comes to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale from The Garage X Collection.

This 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II appears to be in a very clean and usable condition, and it promises its new owner plenty of excitement thanks to a 232bhp, 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine. This is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox.

All of the usual 190E Evo II cues are present and correct on this car, including the large rear wing, purposeful bodykit, lowered suspension and six-spoke alloy wheels.

27. 1993 Porsche 911 turbo (no reserve)

There are several rare and one-off Porsche 911s included in Barrett-Jackson’s 2025 Scottsdale sale, but this 1993 911 turbo is arguably the most attention grabbing.

It is finished in bright Guards Red and has the full turbo wide body, the ‘whale-tail’ spoiler, and it has subtly lowered suspension to enhance the car’s aggressive appearance.

The 3.6-litre, flat-six engine is exactly as it was when it left the factory.

This Porsche 911 turbo is thought to be one of around 1500 such cars built in 1993 and is also being sold from The Garage X Collection.

28. 1994 Ferrari 512 Testarossa (no reserve)

There are a considerable number of modern Ferraris being sold by Barrett-Jackson at Scottsdale in 2025, which makes this 1994 512 Testarossa stand out all the more.

The car comes in classic Rosso Corsa (red) paint with a Nero (black) leather interior, which are both in seemingly immaculate condition. It comes with air conditioning that has a replacement compressor fitted.

Other work on this European-spec Ferrari Testarossa includes a recent engine-out service and new rubber suspension bushes throughout.

With a genuine 71,840km (c44,600 miles) showing on the odometer, this Ferrari is ready for any cars and coffee meet.

29. 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Pace Car (no reserve)

There are 11 Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars being sold by Barrett-Jackson at Scottsdale in 2025. All have been used to lead out the Indy 500 and were built specifically for the task.

Among the cars being auctioned, this 1995 Corvette Convertible is one of the most eye-catching with its burgundy-over-white livery.

It also comes with the original light bar and strobe lights needed to run as the Indy 500 pace car. Under the bonnet is a 5.7-litre V8, mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

This is one of two 1995 Corvette Convertibles used for that year’s Indy 500 – and both are in this sale.

30. 2014 Pagani Huayra (no reserve)

Named after a South American wind, this 2014 Pagani Huayra promises to be one of the big sellers for Barrett-Jackson.

Painted in Nero Oro, or black gold, it has a black-leather interior and fully fitted luggage.

Adding to this car’s auction allure is that it was supplied new with the Tempesta Package that was co-developed with racing-car maker Dallara – that adds Ohlins suspension, lighter wheels, an aerodynamic pack for greater downforce and a titanium exhaust system.

All of this is on top of the Huayra’s 6-litre V12 produced by Mercedes-AMG for Pagani that delivers a 238mph top speed.