Bonhams Miami Auction Delivers Mixed Signals in High-Stakes Collector Market
The collector car world recently turned its gaze to South Florida, where Bonhams|Cars held its third annual Miami Auction on May 3, 2026. Staged against the exhilarating backdrop of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium, the event presented an eclectic docket of 31 vehicles, alongside two concurrent online sales. While the auction saw several modern hypercars achieve impressive figures, the overall sentiment was one of discerning bidding, marked by both significant sales and notable high-profile lots failing to meet their reserves, suggesting a nuanced market at the apex of collector automobiles.
Hypercar Dominance Tempered by Strategic Bidding
Modern hypercars undeniably commanded the spotlight at the Bonhams Miami sale, reaffirming their status as highly coveted assets within the collector community. The top lot of the day was a U.S.-spec 2024 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, one of only 80 examples ever produced. Finished in Black Carbon with striking Jet Grey highlights and boasting a staggering $480,000 in factory options, this exceptional machine with just 1,310 original miles fetched a remarkable $4,340,000, including the buyer's premium.
Following closely in the hypercar hierarchy was a pristine 2019 Bugatti Chiron Sport, a one-of-60 model featuring nearly $200,000 in factory options, which realized an impressive $3,024,000. Rounding out the seven-figure results from the ultra-modern segment was a vibrant red 2019 Koenigsegg Regera, one of only 80 built and equipped with an astonishing $1 million in factory options, selling for $2,520,000.
However, the auction also highlighted a cautious side to the market, particularly for some of the most anticipated consignments. The highly publicized ex-Sammy Hagar 1-of-1 Ferrari LaFerrari, carrying a pre-auction estimate between $7,500,000 and $9,500,000, ultimately did not find a buyer. Similarly, a rare 1-of-5 McLaren P1 Spider in iconic Gulf colors and the second McLaren Elva ever produced also failed to sell. These results suggest that while demand for modern limited-production vehicles remains strong, buyers at the very top tier are increasingly selective, potentially influenced by high reserves or external factors, with adverse weather conditions noted during the F1 weekend possibly contributing to the subdued atmosphere.
Classic Icons and Enthusiast Favorites Hold Strong
Beyond the headline-grabbing hypercars, a diverse selection of classic and contemporary collector vehicles demonstrated robust performance, indicating a healthy appetite for well-preserved and desirable models. A single-owner Rosso Corsa 1996 Ferrari F512 M, a late-era iteration of Ferrari's iconic flat-12 lineage, brought in a solid $784,000. Porsche's air-cooled contingent continued to impress, with a 1996 911 Turbo WLS 1 (993) achieving $560,000, and a 1992 964 Carrera RS Coupe realizing $313,600. These figures underscore the enduring appeal and investment value of top-tier vintage Porsches.
Other notable sales included a tungsten grey 2006 Ford GT, which sold for $599,200, and an ice grey metallic 2024 Porsche 911 S/T (992.1), one of only 1,963 units produced, that garnered $649,600. Bridging the gap between classic and modern, a U.S.-market 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT with its matching-numbers engine fetched $459,200. An unexpected highlight was a 1968 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy, offered from the Meyers Manx Heritage Collection, which significantly surpassed its estimate to sell for $145,600, showcasing the strong demand for unique and historically significant enthusiast vehicles.
The Bonhams Miami Auction, though experiencing some challenges with its highest-value consignments, ultimately showcased a resilient and dynamic collector car market. While ultra-exclusive hypercars require precise valuation and market timing, the consistent performance of desirable modern classics and iconic vintage models confirms a sustained passion and investment interest across various segments of automotive collecting.