Abu Dhabi is preparing to host one of the most important automotive events the region has ever seen, as RM Sotheby’s brings a collection of rare and valuable cars to the capital on December 5.
The auction, held at the St Regis SaadIyat Island Resort during Sutheby’s Collectors Week, will feature 32 unique cars with an expected combined value of $78 million. For car collectors in the Middle East, this is an opportunity to access some of the most important performance cars, racing cars and supercars ever built.
RM Sotheby’s decision to auction in Abu Dhabi reflects the city’s growing influence in the global luxury car and collector market. With demand for cars fueled by rising cash across the gulf, this auction marks a defining moment for the region.
The world’s first collection of McLaren racing cars
The title offering is the first international collaboration between Steby’s and McLaren Racing, known as the triple crown project. It brings three big competition cars to auction before some of them are revealed to the public.
The most anticipated car is the 2026 McLaren FORFULA 1 team car that will be raced by Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri during the formula one season. The car is estimated to be $10 to $20 to $20 to be delivered in 2028. Until then, the buyer will find the 2025 McLaren show car on lease, creating an instant home for any private car collection.
The second race car in this project is the 2027 mclaren United as a Hypercar built for the Fia World Enkerving competition. Estimated at 6 to 8 million dollars, it offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire an inspiring car in the early stages of its competitive life.
The third McLaren racing car is the missile mclaren Indycar, which will be run by pato o’ard in the 110th Indianapolis 500 in May 2000 for 700,000 to 700,000 dollars, this car represents a unique opportunity to experience historic races in the world.
“There is no better time or place to do this than in Abu Dhabi, during a dynamic moment in the city’s cultural calendar,” said Josh Pullnan, global head of Sotheby’s Shefe’s Luxury Division. “Our aim is not only to present world-class treasures, but to create lasting connections with collectors in the region.”
Each successful buyer will get access to the rear – access to the McLaren racing scene, creating an immersive experience that goes far beyond the car itself.
SuperCar Icons: McLaren F1 and Gordon Murray T.50
The auction will also bring two of the most valuable supercars ever made. The first is a 1994 McLaren F1, Chassis 014, originally delivered to the Brunei royal family. The car has the highest DownForce kit It is expected to fetch more than 21 million dollars and is being offered at auction within the GCC for the first time.
Next to it is the 2025 Gordon Murray Transport T.50, Chassis 035, the 35th car in a limited production run of 100. With an estimated price of over five million dollars, this car marks the first time a T.50 has ever appeared at auction. Known for its focus on lightweight engineering, the advanced V12 revving engine is considered one of the most important modern estates available today.
Historic car on display
In addition to the Auction Lots, RM Sotheby’s will display the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Racing Sports Car.
Only nine were ever built and it is considered one of the most important cars in automotive history.
The car is on loan from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart and belongs to the same family as the record-setting 300 SLR UHLENHAUT, which sold 135 million euros in the year 2022.
Jean-Luc Berrebi, a member of the Sotheby’s Board, said that the event shows “a powerful transformation of visionary desires, unlimited possibilities and the vibrancy of Sutheby in Abu Dhabi is designed to” grow with a region that reflects the Global Deapf for Art and Luxury “.”
RM Sotheby’s Auctions places the UAE at the center of the world’s collector car market, offering regional buyers access to cars rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Full details and a complete car catalog are available here.
