For car lovers the world over, the summer heat reaches its peak at Monterey Car Week. Running over 10 days during the second week of August, this annual extravaganza celebrates the best of the automotive world with an exhilarating lineup of events. Chief among them is the RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, a long-running partnership with the revered auction house that marks its 28th year in 2025.
This year’s lots offer a stunning variety of classic cars throughout the decades, as well as some distinctive and very rare modern examples. Below, we take a look at an intriguing selection of Ferraris, some of which are true one-offs that you will find nowhere else.
Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’
A dramatic two-tone exterior pairing Ferrari’s signature Giallo Modena hue with exposed black carbon fibre gives the Daytona SP3 ‘599+1’ a unique visual hook. It is also the first road car made by the marque with full-length ‘Ferrari’ livery stretching from the front to the back of the chassis, ensuring that it will always make a strong first impression. But there is more to the vehicle than sheer aesthetics.
Introduced in 2021, the Daytona SP3 was the latest in the Icona Series, a limited-production of bespoke cars produced for Ferrari’s most loyal clients. The series used some of the marque’s most acclaimed classic models as a base, updating them with modern engineering and design specs to create works of automotive art. As its name suggests, the Daytona SP3 drew inspiration from the racing models of the 1960s that helped Ferrari to dominate the podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967.
Only 599 examples were produced and each one was snapped up by a willing client before production even began. An additional model was produced, with the fitting serial number ‘599+1’ and bespoke specs put together by the Ferrari Tailor Made team. Those specs include its unique colour scheme and spectacular livery, along with cutting-edge Q-cycle upholstery made out of recycled tyres. A naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 powers the car to 829 horsepower and, combined with its sleek aerodynamic design, takes it from 0 to 200 km/hr in an incredible 7.4 seconds.
The ‘599+1 offers its lucky buyer the rare opportunity to acquire an exclusive addition to a sold-out run in the acclaimed Icona Series while contributing to a good cause. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Ferrari Foundation and will be used to fund educational initiatives.
2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The LaFerrari Aperta adheres to a traditional pattern set by Ferrari over the decades - it is the open-top followup to the immensely popular LaFerrari coupe. Created in response to a newer generation of hypercars, the LaFerrari made its debut in 2013. It was the first model to feature the KERS hybrid system and a 6.3-litre V12 behemoth that produced an incredible 949 horsepower and left rivals like the Bugatti Veyron in the dust.
In 2016, just 3 years after it was first shown off, the LaFerrari ended its run at a total of 499 units. Every single car was off the market and securely in the collection of a longtime Ferrari buyer. However, that was far from the end of the story. With its 70th anniversary just around the corner, Ferrari had cooked up something truly special. Enter the LaFerrari Aperta, which was even more exclusive with just 210 units. The Aperta was re-engineered from its closed-top predecessor to maintain the rigidity of its chassis without a roof, and was souped up to deliver 963 horsepower.
The consigned vehicle is believed to be among the final units built, featuring over $113,000 worth of extras in addition to its standard equipment. Finished in Nero Daytona paint with Nero interiors and Rosso accents throughout, it matches its visual splendour with a real sense of elegance. The car has seen minimal road use and has been kept in excellent condition, with regular service via authorised Ferrari dealerships.
2011 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype M4
In 2010, Ferrari was playing its cards quite close to its chest as it worked on developing a new model that would completely change the hypercar game. After much time spent virtually designing and simulating their proposed model, internally nicknamed ‘F150’, it was time to test it on the road. The production car would be unveiled a few years later as the LaFerrari, but any prying eyes that attempted to see what was happening around Maranello at the time of testing may have glimpsed something like the car on offer here.
The Prototype M4, alternatively known as the ‘F150 Muletto M4’, was built on the chassis popularised by the 458 Italia. Modifications were made to accommodate a hybrid V-12, but the naturally aspirated engine was able to produce the lion’s share of 949 horsepower all on its own.
Inside, the M4 was more classically 458 with a few minor elements that alluded to its future development. But the exterior made its experimental nature obvious with its exposed rivets, enormous front air intake, matte black finish and several other patchwork details.
Once the LaFerrari was ready for production, prototypes like the M4 were offered directly from the factory to loyal clients with the understanding that they were not registered for road use. This vehicle may never feel the crunch of asphalt under its wheels, but it will make a stunning collection piece and represents an exciting era in Ferrari’s hypercar history.
2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti ‘Bicolore Detroit’
The list ends as it began, with a custom Ferrari done up in a striking two-tone colour scheme. This was one of 5 612 cars commissioned by Ferrari in the US as a way to show off the marque’s Carrozzeria Scaglietti, which preceded the current Tailor Made program. All five ‘bicolore’ models bore distinctive palettes and highlighted the level of customisation that buyers could expect.
This was the third of the examples produced, first showcased at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. The Rubino Micalizzato and Nero Daytona exterior paired well with a Cioccolato and beige leather interior and other bespoke features. The car was promoted extensively, though things took an unexpected turn after the auto show.
The car’s owner, a notable Detroit businessman, was mired in a corruption scandal which led to the seizure of the vehicle by the FBI and its subsequent sale at a government auction where it was seen as just another confiscated vehicle.
It wasn’t until 2022 that the significance of the Bicolore Detroit would be rediscovered by an automotive historian who went on to become its current owner. He put it through an extensive restoration and servicing process, with cosmetic touchups to its exterior and interior detailing. The car is on sale along with a beautiful Cioccolato leather 612 suitcase and a 2006 Detroit Auto Show press kit. It remains a spectacular example of Ferrari’s early customisation history and is an attractive addition to any car collection.
