Monterey Car Week 2025

A Record-Breaking Year of Cars, Crowds, and Shifting Markets

Monterey Car Week has always been the crown jewel of the automotive calendar—a celebration where the world’s rarest and most valuable cars converge along California’s coast. But in 2025, it felt bigger than ever. The energy was palpable, the streets were alive, and it seemed as if more cars and enthusiasts attended this year than in years past.

From the winding roads of 17-Mile Drive to the elegance of Spanish Bay, the scene was as breathtaking as it was chaotic. Carmel remained a hotspot—not just for automotive passion, but for parking tickets and citations as enforcement tried to keep up with the frenzy. Still, the week was overwhelmingly successful, with collectors, investors, and car lovers all soaking in the spectacle.

Auctions at the Highest Level

One of the standout elements of 2025 was the caliber of cars crossing the auction block. The offerings were nothing short of extraordinary, headlined by the legendary Ferrari 250 California. Produced between 1957 and 1963 in limited numbers—roughly 40 examples in total—the 250 California remains one of the most coveted collector cars in history.

This year, Gooding Christie’s  stunned the automotive world by placing three Ferrari 250 Californias under one roof. To put that in perspective, seeing even one at auction is rare. The highlight came when one example sold for an astounding $23 million, setting a new world record for the model.

Moments like this underscored why Monterey Car Week is not just about admiration, but about market movements and investment realities.

The Investor Perspective: Why the Surge in Offerings?

The abundance of top-tier cars this year raises an important question: why now?

Looking at the broader economy, many high-value cars appear to have reached their peak valuations—for now, at least. Collectors who have held onto these cars for decades may see the current market as the right time to exit, cashing in before values plateau further.

Auction results reinforced this theory. While record sales made headlines, many cars ultimately sold for less than their high-end estimates. In an environment where economic uncertainty looms, sellers seem more motivated, while buyers are becoming more discerning.

It’s not that these cars have lost their allure—far from it. Instead, the market is recalibrating. The days of skyrocketing valuations year over year may be giving way to a period of stabilization. For investors, it’s a reminder that passion assets like classic cars are subject to the same market forces as any other luxury investment.

Looking Ahead

Despite these shifts, Monterey Car Week 2025 delivered on every front. The sheer  number of cars, the world-class displays, and the record-setting moments made it a year to remember. For enthusiasts, the joy was in the spectacle. For investors, the takeaway was in the data and the trends quietly shaping the future of the collector car market.

As we look to Monterey Car Week 2026, one thing is certain: the cars, the crowds, and the conversations will only grow. And whether you attend for the thrill of seeing a Ferrari 250 California in the metal or to watch the markets unfold in real time, Car Week remains unmatched in its ability to blend culture, commerce, and passion into one unforgettable event.