Staged beneath the Louvre during Retromobile Week, RM Sotheby’s realised its highest European total ever—driven by rare Ferraris spanning the marque’s golden era to its modern halo cars.
RM Sotheby’s has reinforced its dominance in the global collector car market, posting its highest-ever European sale with an €81 million total during its Paris Auction 2026. Held at the Salles du Carrousel within the Louvre Palace as part of Retromobile Week, the flagship event underscored sustained demand for blue-chip classics and modern hypercars alike.
The sale was spearheaded by a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, which realized €14,067,500. Chassis 915 GT—one of just 56 short-wheelbase examples produced and among only 39 originally specified with covered headlamps—was delivered new to Paris and remained under meticulous long-term ownership. Widely regarded as one of the most coveted open Ferraris ever built, it proved the undisputed star of the evening.
Modern Ferrari Supercars Drive Momentum
If the California Spider reaffirmed the enduring allure of Ferrari’s golden era, a trio of modern supercars demonstrated the strength of the contemporary collector market. A 2004 Ferrari Enzo achieved €8,105,000. One of 498 examples built, the car was presented in remarkable time-capsule condition, showing just 286 kilometres from new and benefiting from single ownership.
Close behind, a 1997 Ferrari F50 sold for €7,598,750. The 223rd of 349 produced, this example had covered only 1,680 kilometres and was offered with rare factory accessories, including its hardtop, flight case, luggage set, toolkit, roll hoops, and even a pair of Tod’s Ferrari F50 driving shoes.
Completing the modern Ferrari quartet, a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO brought €5,855,000. Approximately the 18th of 272 built, the single-owner car had recorded just 24,244 kilometres and retains its reputation as one of Maranello’s most important road-going homologation specials, powered by a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-8.
Hypercars and Icons Command Global Attention
Beyond Maranello, the sale showcased depth across marques and eras. A 2024 Bugatti Bolide—the first example of the 1,600-horsepower, track-only hypercar ever offered at auction—achieved €3,998,750. One of only 40 constructed, the as-new car had covered just 112 kilometres.
A 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, one of 150 SV-specification cars built, sold for €3,717,500. Presented in Rosso Corsa and certified by Lamborghini Polo Storico following restoration, the car represents the ultimate evolution of the model widely credited as the world’s first supercar.
Other notable results included:
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss – €3,070,625
- 2017 Ferrari 488 GTE – €2,873,750
- 2003 Ferrari 550 GTC – €1,973,750
- 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – €1,355,000
A Tour de Force After the Gavel
The headline figure was further bolstered by a significant post-sale transaction: a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ sold immediately after the auction for €12,000,000.
Often referred to as “the” 250 TdF, this historically pivotal chassis won the 1956 Tour de France Automobile, effectively giving the model its enduring name. It remains the only known Ferrari to have won every race it entered in period and was campaigned by the legendary Marquis Alfonso de Portago—one of the defining figures of 1950s motorsport. Notably, the €81 million total includes this private transaction.
A Strong Start to 2026 for the Global Collector Car Market
Staged annually in Paris against the backdrop of Retromobile, RM Sotheby’s European flagship has evolved into one of the most important fixtures on the international auction calendar. This year’s record-setting performance signals sustained appetite among collectors for both historically significant classics and low-mileage modern halo cars.
The results also suggest a bifurcated but resilient market: ultra-rare competition Ferraris and meticulously preserved modern supercars continue to command premium valuations, particularly when presented with exceptional provenance and originality.
If Paris is any indication, 2026 may prove another defining year for the upper echelon of the collector car market.
