The 2026 auction season launches in full swing, with two high-profile sales scheduled within a single week on opposite sides of the Atlantic. The season officially commences with Arizona Car Week, North America’s premier celebration of automotive passion and design, a true love letter to the motorcar. Following the conclusion of RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale on 23 January, the global spotlight shifts to Paris. Hosting Europe’s flagship auction for the 13th consecutive year, the City of Lights will shine with even greater brilliance as a selection of the world’s rarest and most coveted supercars takes centre stage at Les Salles du Carrousel. The venue — a Parisian institution — occupies a distinguished location on the banks of the Seine, mere moments from the Palais du Louvre and the luxury shopping mecca of the Triangle d’Or.
The collection is delightfully diverse, encompassing racing memorabilia, bespoke luggage sets, and meticulously crafted, fully functional scale models of iconic automobiles created for children. Yet the true stars of the sale are unmistakably the supercars themselves: rare pieces from Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz, complemented by a handful of the most iconic Ferraris ever produced. Each car represents a distinct era in the history of Ferrari, fondly known as the Prancing Horse, and bears certification from Ferrari Classiche, the marque’s official authentication authority. Below, we take a closer look at the Ferrari lineup set to grace the stage in Paris towards the end of this month.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti
The 250 GT SWB California Spider is a road car imbued with the soul of a racer, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever built. Its sleek, restrained lines convey understated elegance, a timeless design that continues to captivate all who behold it. This model is an evolution of the original 250 GT California Spider, a car that had previously achieved acclaim on the circuits of Le Mans and Sebring. Introduced in 1960, the SW features a shorter wheelbase, which also inspires its name. Additionally, it has a wider track than its racing counterpart, and the latest iteration of the ‘short-block’ V12 engine of its era.
The chassis offered for auction — identified as the third of only 56 short wheelbase cars produced, and one of just 39 configured with the highly sought-after covered headlamps — has a provenance that exemplifies careful stewardship. Originally finished in a stunning Bianco with Nero interiors, it was later repainted in Ferrari’s signature red before finally being refinished with Nero exteriors and period-correct Rossa leather interiors.
The car’s journey began in October 1960 in Alsace, near the French-Swiss border. After several ownerships during the 1960s and ’70s, it remained unchanged until acquired by its consignor in 1996. Under his stewardship and care, it experienced a complete restoration and was first certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2008 with the prestigious ‘Red Book’ authentication. Recertified in 2025, a new Red Book is set to be issued to its future owner. Truly a limited edition, with over three decades of dedicated single-owner care, this lot is a priceless addition to any collection.
1997 Ferrari F310 B
Many of Ferrari’s most celebrated engineers have had a hand in the making of The Ferrari F310 B, John Barnard being the first among them. Departing the Scuderia’s UK offices after a decade, he conceived the car as his final masterpiece before the design responsibilities returned to Maranello. Ross Brawn, formerly of Benetton, then assumed control and brought designer Rory Byrne into the project.
Only nine examples are believed to have been manufactured, two of which feature a lightweight build — Chassis 179, offered here, is one of those two. The car was originally driven by Michael Schumacher during the qualifying session of the 1997 Belgian Grand Prix but was subsequently relegated to backup status. It was then driven by Eddie Irvine, who raced it in Italy before taking it to the Austrian Grand Prix, the final front-line outing for this chassis, ending in a minor collision.
Less than a year after leaving the Scuderia, the car was acquired by a consortium of collectors who exhibited it on track at F1 Clienti events, before ultimately being purchased by an automotive museum in Rhode Island. Future owners will have the opportunity to consult with F1 Clienti regarding participation in racing events. The chance to own an F1 car once helmed by Michael Schumacher is increasingly rare and represents an extraordinary opportunity for any serious collector.
1997 Ferrari F50
Among the cars offered, few carry as instant a recognition as the Ferrari F50, introduced to commemorate the marque’s 50th anniversary. It unites lightweight construction with F1-calibre engineering, offering a perfect synthesis of performance and design for enthusiasts of the Prancing Horse.
Chassis 106610 is one of only 349 examples built and is finished in the iconic Rosso Corsa with Nero seating and Rosso inserts. At the time of cataloguing, it had covered only 1,680 kilometres and had had a single owner. Its rarity is further enhanced by an array of accessories, including a hardtop roof panel, fitted luggage set, and original owner’s manuals — earning the vehicle its moniker as a ‘unicorn.’ For aficionados looking to add a near-pristine example to their collection, this F50 represents a remarkable and highly coveted acquisition.
1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S
Having begun with one of the most breathtaking Ferraris ever created, this list concludes in the same vein — with another widely celebrated for its flowing, sleek look. The Dino 206 S, named in tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s late son who contributed to the development of Ferrari’s first V6 engine — holds multiple distinctions. It is the final model of only 18 examples created, one of the 13 that feature Spyder bodywork by Carrozzeria Sports Cars, and one of just two equipped with the most powerful iteration of the V6 engine, the Lucas fuel-injected Tipo 233 S, producing a robust 270 horsepower.
Shortly after delivery to the original owner, the car competed in the 1000 Kilometres of Mugello, sporting Number 28 livery. It subsequently changed hands several times in Italy before arriving in the UK in 2001. In 2015, following a comprehensive restoration by its then consigning owner, the car was certified by Ferrari Classiche with the coveted ‘Red Book’. Today, it remains in its original Number 28 Rosso Corsa livery, a truly rare gem for collectors, admired for both its aesthetic grace and its competition pedigree.
