ANALYSIS: Top 5 Cars That Flopped at Monterey Car Week 2025

There are two sides to every coin and there were also a number of cars that flopped. These are the cars that missed their lower estimate by the biggest margin.

5 - 1974 Honda Z600

This pocket-sized 1974 Honda Z600, a rare European-market model, didn't quite capture the bidders' attention at the Broad Arrow auction. With an estimate of $25,000 - $35,000, it sold for a modest $10,080. The little Honda missed its $30,000 mid-point estimate by $19,920, a significant 66% shortfall. This well-preserved Z600, finished in a vibrant Pop Orange, had been part of a German Honda dealership's collection for nearly 50 years and showed just over 25,000 miles on the clock. Despite its rarity and originality, it seems the market for these microcars was a bit softer than anticipated.

4 - 1957 Volkswagen General Purpose Buggy

This quirky 1957 Volkswagen "General Purpose" Buggy, a custom-built off-roader, struggled to find its footing at the Bonhams sale. With an estimate of $8,000 to $12,000, the gavel came down at a mere $2,912. This sale fell dramatically short of its $10,000 mid-point estimate by $7,088, a miss of over 70%. Built with a custom chassis and the clever use of portal axles from a VW Type 2 Van for extra ground clearance, this buggy is a true one-off creation. While it represents a fascinating piece of post-war off-roading history, it appears the market wasn't quite ready for this unique enthusiast's build.

3 - 1941 Packard 110 Station Wagon

This Packard Station Wagon came with hopes of selling for between $70,000 - $90,000. In reality, it misfired and only reached $22,400, 72% its low estimate and over $50,000 below that point.

2 - 1919 Bugatti Avio 8C

A true wildcard at the Bonhams auction, this 1919 Bugatti Avio 8C proved difficult for the market to value. With no previous auction sales to serve as a benchmark, the car carried a huge and uncertain estimate of $700,000 to $1,300,000. Ultimately, this unique piece of Bugatti history sold for $285,500. This result fell dramatically short of the estimate's $1,000,000 mid-point by $714,500, a miss of over 71%. The Avio 8C is a fascinating machine, built around a massive 14.7-liter, 8-cylinder aircraft engine that Ettore Bugatti designed during World War I. While its provenance is incredible, its singular nature made it a risky proposition for bidders, leading to a sale price well below expectations.

1 - 1970 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

This charming 1970 Fiat 500 Giardiniera, offered by Bonhams, struggled to meet expectations. With a pre-sale estimate of $30,000 - $40,000, it ultimately sold for just $7,840. This sale fell short of the $35,000 mid-point by a significant $27,160, representing a 78% miss. This, rather more practical version, of the classic Fiat 500, with its extended roof and flat loading floor, was recently repainted and reupholstered. Despite its driver-quality condition and unique rear-hinged 'suicide' doors, it seems buyers weren't quite ready to open their wallets for this little Italian utility car.

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