As the European auction season kicks off this January 2026, the global eyes of the automotive elite are fixed on the Salles du Carrousel at the Louvre Palace.
RM Sotheby’s Paris sale is not just an auction. It is a high-octane gallery of history, engineering, and sheer investment power.
This year’s catalog is headlined by a trio of machines that represent the absolute pinnacle of their respective eras, a celebration of speed that bridges the gap between mid-century grace and modern day hyper-performance.
The Crown Jewel: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
Estimate: €12,000,000 – €14,000,000
There are Ferraris and then there is the California Spider SWB. Chassis 1915 GT is a masterclass in provenance. As only the third short-wheelbase example ever built and one of just 39 featuring the highly coveted covered headlamps, this car is the "Blue Chip" asset of the classic car world.
- The Pedigree: Offered after 30 years of fastidious single-owner care, it holds a fresh 2025 Ferrari Classiche “Red Book” certification.
- Diego’s Insight: In a market that increasingly values "transparency," the 91-page assessment report by engineer Klaus Kukuk makes this one of the most documented and "safe" ultra-prime investments available in 2026.
The Speedster Icon: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
Estimate: €2,750,000 – €3,250,000
Created to honor Sir Stirling Moss’s legendary 1955 Mille Miglia victory, this is the rarest and most radical variant of the SLR McLaren. With no roof and no windscreen, it is a visceral throwback to the "Silver Arrows" of the 1950s.
- The Rarity: One of only 75 units ever produced, this specific car was initially retained by Daimler as a demonstration vehicle.
- The Condition: With only 1,935 kilometers on the odometer and a major service completed in late 2025, this is a museum-grade hypercar ready for the world’s most exclusive driving tours.
The Modern Classic: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Estimate: €180,000 – €230,000
Part of the prestigious Silver Star Collection, this SLS AMG Roadster is the spiritual successor to the 300 SL. Powered by a thunderous 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8, an engine that has become a legend in its own right and it represents the final era of "analog" soul in a digital world.
- The Spec: Finished in Obsidian Black with ceramic brakes and carbon trim, this two-owner German car has covered just over 6,000 kilometers since new.
- Market Move: While the Ferraris capture the headlines, the SLS AMG is the "smart buy" for collectors looking for a usable modern classic with significant appreciation potential.
The Pursuit of the Irreplaceable
In 2026, the collector car market has matured into something akin to the fine art market. Buyers are no longer just looking for a "fast car"; they are looking for historical scarcity.
Whether it is the Scaglietti-bodied curves of the 250 GT or the radical, roofless silhouette of the Stirling Moss, these vehicles are the "trophy assets" of the road. They are a hedge against inflation and a ticket into the most exclusive social circles in the world. If you are looking to deploy capital this quarter, the Salles du Carrousel is where the "gold standard" of automotive history is being set.
