Automotive Excellence at Bonhams Scottsdale Auction.

Escaping a cold and dreary winter is a tradition many people have, but I've found that instead of going to Florida to lie on the beach, it's a great chance to see some of the most historic and exotic cars, all funneled into one city. Each January, some of the biggest names in the automotive auction industry head to Scottsdale, where a slew of high-dollar cars change hands all in the public eye, giving enthusiasts like myself a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle that surrounds these cars. 

From humble Austin-Healeys to Countachs and even an Aston Martin Lagonda, you'll never know what to expect when attending an auction like this. Auction houses like Bonhams focus on quality over quantity, walking the field, there weren’t thousands of cars but rather a curated mix of greatness with wheels that could be compared to a pop-up museum.

Arguably most known for the infamous wreck involving James Dean, the Porsche 550 Spyder is an iconic model from the marque. Often replicated with a fiberglass body fashioned to a Volkswagen chassis and seen at shows, however, originals like this are seldom seen.

With only 90 cars produced, there's a reason why this one was the centerpiece in the tent, serving as an advertisement for the future Amelia Island auction.

Events like these are also a great place to further your knowledge in the world of classic cars. While I’m confident most people could name a few classic sports car manufacturers, how often do you find yourself talking about a Devin Super Sport. Similar to a Corvette, it’s powered by a small block Chevy and sporting a fiberglass body, it features a fancier race-ready body, drawing some inspiration from the European race cars of the time.

Like the Devin, this Swift Roadster is inspired by classic European sports cars, specifically a Ghia Agile-bodied Lotus XI. Although it is not a classic car itself, the car was designed & hand-built in 2018 by Simpson Design in Clinton, Washington.

Utilizing a simple Mazda MX-5 drivetrain, I believe this might be the ideal weekend sports car with a timeless design combined with modern reliability and power.

If you are looking to see as many cars as possible, then an auction like Bonhams might not be for you. But those keen on spotting unique and historic pieces of the automotive world, it's a delight and worth the effort to attend one of their auctions.