Monterey: Top 5 Cars That Flopped at Monterey Car Week 2026

We like to give a balanced, data-led approach at TCV. So it's only right that we highlight those cars that underperformed vs their estimate.

Let's dive in.

5 - 1940 Packard 110 Convertible Coupe

Estimate: $35,000 - $45,000

Sold: $13,440

Underperformance: 62% / $21,560

Auction House: Bonhams

Bonhams were always fighting an uphill battle on this one with prices for Packard 110s down more than half since pre-Covid. This no-reserve lot finished at $13,440 including fees, 62% below its lower estimate.

4 - 1928 Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6

Estimate: $400,000 - $600,000

Sold: $145,600

Underperformance: 64% / $254,400

Auction House: Gooding Christie's

Three of the top 5 biggest underperformers were from the Mullin Museum, after much of it being sold off the final remenants are now being worked through and typically the struggled to find the money desired. This example offered no reserve was a case of just that, selling for $145,600 - that's over $250,000 below its lower estimate.

3 - 2019 Toro Rosso-Honda STR19 F1

Estimate: $625,000 - $825,000

Sold: $224,000

Underperformance: 64% / $401,000

Auction House: Bonhams

F1 cars have been hot property in recent years. This Ex-Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon car which came 2nd at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix looked remarkably good value at $224,000 - $400,000 below its lower estimate. This example came with "much of its mecahnical componentry save for the engine" so whilst not a vehicle ready to take to the track with your support team it certainly doesn't classify as a typical show car. Well bought (providing you can source the engine).

2 - 1924 Chenard & Walcker T5 Roadster

Estimate: $250,000 - $350,000

Sold: $70,000

Underperformance: 72% / $180,000

Auction House: Gooding Christie's

Another ex-Mullin collection car which had been globe trotting from Australia where it was delivered, bodied and raced all the way to two UK collections and now sold in Monterey it's been a journey navigating life. The auctioneer managed to navigate this to be sold at $70,000 given it was no reserve.bidvb

1 - 1973 Citroën GS Birotor

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,0000

Sold: $5,600

Underperformance: 72% / $14,400

Auction House: Broad Arrow

This Citroen GS which formerly found its home at the Mullin Museum struggled to find anyone who wanted to be its new home. The car sold, but 72% below its bottom estimate.

It's also worth noting who doesn't appear in this list, RM Sotheby's. They didn't have a car that underperformed their low estimate by a big enough margin to feature in the top 5, top 10, top 20 or top 30. It took all the way down to 36th place before you reach an RM lot that underperformed enough to make the list.

It took us over 13 hours to pull together all the Monterey analysis so if you enjoyed it, please sign up to our newsletter here to be the first to receive these insights and more.

Feel free to share it with a friend, too!

Till next year...