Oldtimer: Was die Rekordauktionen von Monterey über den Markt für Luxusautos verraten

Monterey. The annual gathering of international car collectors on California's Monterey Peninsula is traditionally a place where money plays a secondary role. In 2026, the Car Week auctions once again saw record-breaking sales and prices. However, these results are largely driven by a smaller, more exclusive group of vehicles. According to an analysis by market observer Classic Analytics, a total of $747.9 million was generated from five major auction houses, representing a 75% sales rate.

This is an improvement from the previous year's 76% rate. Meanwhile, the average sale price rose from around $529,000 to nearly $886,000. Yet, the record is only half the story. Classic Analytics notes a growing "K-shaped market," where rare, virtually irreplaceable cars command record sums, while more common collector vehicles, even in good condition, sometimes fall short of expectations. The record-breaking result is thus driven by a relatively small number of exceptional vehicles.