Bonhams Monaco Gears Up for Historic Sale with Iconic F1, Rally, and Road Machines

Monaco, often synonymous with high-octane racing and unparalleled luxury, is set to host another spectacular event for automotive enthusiasts. Bonhams has announced a star-studded lineup for its upcoming Monaco 2026 auction, scheduled for Friday, April 24, during the prestigious Monaco Historic Grand Prix weekend. The sale promises a diverse collection of significant vehicles, from a legendary Formula 1 machine to highly sought-after rally heroes and desirable road cars, creating a buzz among collectors worldwide.

Graham Hill's Pioneering F1 Machine Takes Center Stage

Leading the impressive roster of consignments is an ex-Graham Hill 1958 Lotus 16 Formula 1 car. This particular chassis, number 362, holds immense historical significance as the first single-seater raced by the two-time World Champion. Presented in its period Formula 1 specification, the Lotus 16 featured an innovative, albeit unconventional, engine installation. Its 1500cc Formula 2 unit was mounted at a 17-degree cant to the left and angled across the chassis by 6.5 degrees from right front to left rear.

During the 1958 season, Team Lotus entered this very car in the French Grand Prix, utilizing interim Coventry Climax FPF engines. For the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, chassis 362 was further modified to accept an upright FPF engine, showcasing the continuous engineering evolution characteristic of early Formula 1. For serious collectors, owning a piece of motorsport history piloted by a titan like Graham Hill represents a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible link to the sport's golden era.

Rally Legends and DTM Icons Join the Fray

Beyond the Formula 1 glamour, the Bonhams Monaco auction is also set to excite rally and touring car aficionados with a robust selection of competition machines. Among the highlights are two formidable Audi Quattro Group B examples, instantly recognizable as icons of rallying's most audacious era. One notable entry is a meticulously restored 1983 Quattro A1 Group B car, famously known as 'Belga 2', carrying an estimate of €350,000 to €500,000.

Another rally sensation is a 1976 Lancia Stratos Group 4 rally car, chassis 1754, expected to fetch between €700,000 and €900,000. Further Lancia treasures include an ex-Jolly Club Fulvia HF, a Maturo-tuned 1991 Delta HF Integrale Evo Martini 5, and a 1994 Delta HF Integrale Evo II Dealers Collection, all with strong six-figure estimates.

From the world of touring car racing, a single owner's collection of 1990s DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) machines will cross the block. This includes the potent 1995 Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI driven by Alessandro Nannini, estimated at €500,000 to €600,000. Enthusiasts will also find a 1990 Mercedes-Benz AMG 190E 2.5-16, formerly raced by Klaus Ludwig, an ex-Steve Soper 1992 BMW M3 E30, and a 1989 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 driven by Armin Hahne, each representing a significant chapter in touring car history.

Coveted Road Cars from Modern Supercars to Timeless Classics

The auction's allure extends to an impressive array of road-going vehicles, catering to diverse collector tastes. Modern supercar connoisseurs will be drawn to a 2024 Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta, boasting only 204 kilometers and an estimate of €1.75 million to €2 million. Even rarer is a 2021 Lamborghini Sián, one of only 63 coupé examples produced, with just 194 kilometers on the odometer and an estimated value between €2.1 million and €2.5 million. Other contemporary performance machines include a 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ LP 770-4 Coupé and a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster.

For those with a penchant for enduring elegance, classic road cars also feature prominently. A beautiful 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, originally a US-specification vehicle later converted to European standards, is estimated at €1.18 million to €1.35 million. A unique offering is a 1989 Lamborghini LM002, reportedly ordered new by Muammar Gaddafi, with an estimate of €300,000 to €350,000. Further classic highlights include a 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT, a rare one-of-two specification 1991 Ferrari Testarossa, and a 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster.

With such a rich and varied collection, Bonhams Monaco 2026 is poised to be a landmark event for the international collector car market, offering both iconic competition vehicles and exquisite road cars to a discerning global audience.