5 obtainable alternatives to RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction lots
Written by Jack Passey | 30th August 2024 | Market Insight
Monterey car week is always a spectacle. Metal that us mere mortals can only dream of is wheeled out to be on show, driven even! The RM auction is much of the same, offering an array of the finest blue-chip collector cars to the rich and famous. But, if you’re like me, a lot of this is still a little rich for your blood, and bank balance. While watching the auction, I started to think about alternatives that could indeed scratch the itch for the servicing costs of most of these lots.
Like vegan cheese it’s not the real thing, but it’ll do the job.
Ferrari 360 CS > Ferrari Pista
For a mere $885,000 you could have had the Ferrari 488 Pista 'Piloti Ferrari'. Personally the 488 has always been lacking some character in all its many guises, so why not look at a much more visceral limited edition V8 mid-engine Ferrari? For a quarter of the cost you can get yourself into a 360 Challenge Stradale. One thing we forget these days is just how good Ferrari made their naturally-aspirated V8 cars, high redlines, all the noise and that tingle you can’t describe. While the Pista would blow it into the weeds on any day in any conditions, you would at least be in the weeds with the biggest grin on your face, while the Pista driver has a real sweat on.
Try to not get one in red but a painted stripe is a must, because happiness isn’t tangible, but a big ol’ stripe is.
2. Porsche 997 Turbo S > 997 GT2
Now I really can’t argue that the standard Turbo S is better than a GT2 however, for nearly everyone reading this and the ninety-percent of us who lack any driving skills, it really is. The GT2 really is a widow maker, 523bhp being sent through the rear wheels is no easy task to control; so why not save yourself the insurance claim and buy the Turbo S? Exactly the same power output, with creature comforts and the warm soothing bosom of all-wheel drive. Sure there is a little more weight but launching these cars you would never know, especially since the Turbo S would leave the GT2 off the line. Which lets be honest, the traffic light Grand Prix is where most of us spend our time.
Just make sure to get a brown interior. Stylish, collectable and covers your stains well.
3. Mercedes 280SL ‘Pagoda’ > 300SL Roadster
The 300SL has for a long time now been the ultimate cruiser. Wafting you along at speed, oozing elegance. However, they are now just the wrong side of £1 million. If a fast Merc cruiser is all you’re after look no further than the 280SL Pagoda. Sure the engine is a little smaller and produces a little less power, but why ruin your perm? If looking good with a burble is all you’re concerned about, grab yourself an auto with aircon and just watch how many eyes are on you. Personally I actually prefer the way they look, far more timeless and elegant.
Oh and did I mention, it’s a tenth of the price….
4. AC Aceca > Ace
Nooooo *sigh it’s not a Cobra, have some class dear boy. This is pre-Cobra, the gentleman’s sportscar; before the American frat party engineers got hold of it. These are indeed already a cheap alternative to a Cobra, but I’m about to do you one better. Spend half and really live your bond fantasy. The DB5 has now become synonymous with Bond, when really what he should have been driving is this, the AC Aceca. Ian Flemming, the creator of Bond had one of these, yes a literal spy drove one of these daily. If you’re thinking to yourself “Well it’s not a hairy chested mans car” I can immediately put you down there. One Donald Campbell drove one, yes that’s right the man who broke multiple speed records and died doing 300mph upside down on water.
Now that’s a mans car.
5. Lamborghini Gallardo Spider > Murciélago Roadster
Since when did these become stupid money?! I understand it’s a gated manual roadster, but why not spend a tenth and have the same experience, minus two cylinders. Don’t think for a moment that the Gallardo is worse as a result, it’s faster where it matters, it works, it’s drop dead gorgeous and it makes one hell of a noise! Just a baritone rather than a tenor, a real bass that shakes through your spine. The first car that managed to slightly release the safety grip that Audi had on the car characteristics, it really was a bit of an animal and still is. But I can hear you screaming “But where’s the drama?! The violence and presence of the Murci?!”.
Well put it this way, find a Gallardo in a loud colour and you’re no less of a shrinking violet.
