In a sense, automotive auctions are essentially car shows with narration. The auctioneer may provide an overview of the manufacturer and marque, then delve into a history of the usually impeccable vehicle being offered for purchase while it is brought to center stage and bidding begins. When viewed in this way, attending an auction can be a wonderful opportunity to see and hear (but not touch) automotive history.

The original Gooding & Company, acquired by Christie’s in 2024 and renamed Gooding Christie’s, has put their own stamp onto the business of being a source for leading international collectors who are seeking new additions to their garages. Through associated efforts they have been the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for over 20 years. As a result, the renamed entity remains at its Parc du Concours site and continues to be the only auction held within the confines of the famed 17-Mile Drive.

Gooding Christie’s 2025 auction at Pebble Beach offered 200 lots for sale, including the auction’s headlining 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione. This car is extremely rare in that it is one of only two alloy-bodied, full competition-specification SWB California Spiders. Given the aforementioned provenance the pre-auction sale price was estimated in excess of twenty million dollars and bidders agreed, as it sold for over twenty-five million dollars. This figure set a sales record for California Spiders as well as taking first place as the most expensive vehicle that the company has ever sold at auction. Another noteworthy was Francis Ford Coppola’s 1948 Tucker 48 that appeared in the film “Tucker: The Man And His Dream”; it sold for over $1.5 million dollars. A later lot was a 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux that was previously in the now-closed Mulin Museum’s collection, and which was sold unrestored at $224,000.

All auctions have their dramatic moments which can feature intense bidding wars, also known as “under the hammer” moments, along with auctioneer’s efforts to stimulate bidders to at least meet minimum sales figures on items that have not reached reserves. As perhaps even the most casual car enthusiast knows, the auctioneers at Gooding Christie’s are masters at orchestrating theater, often with a comedic aspect, in the course of matching “sculptures in motion” with new caretakers. Consequently, Gooding Christie’s auction should be on every Monterey Car Week attendee’s list of must-see events.

– Andre Swygert, 2026