The 2026 auction season starts off in high gear, with two sales taking place within a week of each other on opposite sides of the Atlantic. The season will officially commence with Arizona Car Week, a North American staple that is a love letter to the automotive world. With the conclusion of the RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale on 23 January, the spotlight will shine on Paris. The host of Europe’s flagship auction for the 13th year in a row, France’s iconic City of Lights will find itself even more luminous as some of the rarest supercars in the world are showcased at Les Salles du Carrousel. The venue, a Parisian mainstay for RM Sotheby’s, is defined by its prestigious location along the banks of the Seine, only moments from Le Palais du Louvre and the shopping haven known as Triangle d’Or.
An eclectic collection of lots includes racing memorabilia, branded luggage sets and playfully designed (though completely functional) scale models of iconic vehicles made for children. The auction headliners are, of course, the supercars, including rare picks from Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, alongside a few truly iconic Ferraris.
The cars represent different eras of the Prancing Horse’s history and have been certified by Ferrari Classiche, the marque’s official authenticating body. We take a closer look at the Ferrari lineup that will take the stage in Paris later this month.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti
The Californian Spider SWB is a roadcar that has the spirit of a racer. It is widely considered to be the most beautiful Ferrari ever built - anyone who sees it can hardly disagree - with a sleek design that conveys elegance through simplicity. An updated version of the 250 GT California Spider, which won accolades at Le Mans and Sebring, the SWB derives its name from the body’s shorter wheelbase which was newly introduced by Ferrari in 1960. It also has a wider track than its racing cousin and the latest (for its time) iteration of the ‘short-block’ V12.
The chassis up for auction has been identified as the 3rd out of just 56 short wheelbase cars produced, and one of just 39 that were configured with the highly prized covered headlamps. Originally finished in a striking Bianco with Nero interiors, that car was repainted in a signature Ferrari red at some point in its history, ultimately being refinished with Nero exteriors and Rossa leather interiors in a period-accurate shade.
The vehicle’s provenance began in October 1960 in Alsace, near the border of France and Switzerland. It changed hands a few times across the 60s and 70s, and remained untouched until its consignor bought it in 1996. Under his care it underwent a full restoration (and took on its current palette) and was first certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2008, with the famous ‘Red Book’ authentication. It was recertified in 2025; a new ‘Red Book’ will be delivered to the new owner once it is printed. This is a true limited edition, boasting over 30 years of dedicated single-owner care, making it a legendary addition to any garage.
1997 Ferrari F310 B
The Ferrari F310B bears the fingerprints of several notable designers, starting with John Barnard in the UK. Departing after 10 years with the Scuderia, Barnard made the car his swansong before the design team moved back to Manarello. Ross Brawn, formerly of Benetton took over, and brought designer Rory Byrne on board.
It is believed that only nine models were ever built, with two sporting a more lightweight build - Chassis 179, up for sale, is one of those two. Originally driven by Michael Schumacher during the qualifier of the 1997 Belgian Grand Prix, the car found itself relegated to backup status as the racing legend reverted to an older chassis. It was next driven by Eddie Irvine, who qualified in Italy and then took the wheel at the Austrian Grand Prix. That third race proved to be its last as a frontliner, ending in a minor collision.
Sold off less than a year later by the marque, it was taken up by a group of collectors who exhibited it on the track at F1 Clienti Events, and was later acquired by an auto museum in Rhode Island. Future owners can consult with F1 Clienti if they want to race it at future events.
Owning an F1 car, and one that once had Michael Schumacher at the helm, is an increasingly rare opportunity and one that no serious collector should pass up.
1997 Ferrari F50
While there are other models with rich backstories and intriguing provenance, it’s hard to find a car that is as instantly iconic as the F50, released to mark the Prancing Horse’s 50th anniversary. Combining lightweight design with F1-calibre species, this is the perfect blend of style and performance for diehard marque enthusiasts.
One among only 349 examples that were built, Chassis 106610 was finished in the classic Rosso Corsa with Nero seats and Rosso inserts. It has had a single owner and at the time of cataloguing, had recorded only 1,680 kilometres. The car is also considered a ‘unicorn’ due to its plethora of rare accessories, including a hardtop roof panel, a fitted luggage set, and owner’s manuals.
For lovers of the marque who are seeking out a near-pristine example, this is an incredible prize to claim.
1967 Ferraro Dino 206 S
This list started with one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever built, and fittingly, it concludes with another that is widely celebrated for its sleek, flowing aesthetic. The Dino 206 S was named after Enzo Ferrari’s late son, who had worked on the first version of the V6 engine that powers the car.
The Dino holds a list of other distinctions - it is the last of only 18 examples produced, one of 13 to feature Spyder bodywork by Carrozerria Sports Cars, and one of just two fitted with the most powerful iteration of the V6 - a Lucas fuel-injected Tipo 233 S that delivers a robust 270 horsepower.
Shortly after being delivered to its original owner, the car was entered into the 1000 Kilometres of Mugello, where it sported Number 28 livery. It changed ownership a few times in Italy after that before landing up in the UK in 2001. A little over a decade later, the Dino was purchased by the consigning owner and sent back to Italy for a full restoration. In 2015, it was certified with the coveted ‘Red Book’.
Sporting its original Number 28 Rosso Corsa livery, the Dino 206 S is a true collector gem.
