Editor’s Note
As the summer holiday season reaches its peak, the global auction calendar remains remarkably active. This week offers a compelling snapshot of the industry’s geographic and categorical diversity, from automotive marvels in Monterey to curated luxury in Paris and a prestigious preview in the Alps. These simultaneous events underscore the market’s relentless momentum and its appeal to a wide range of collectors.
From August 15 to 22, 2025, the auction world does not stand still: in Italy, the Farsettiarte preview in Cortina; in the USA, the Monterey Car Week with Bonhams, Sotheby’s, and Gooding & Company; while in France, Drouot offers wine, jewelry, watches, and vintage fashion.
The Ferragosto week (August holiday) does not stop the auction world either, which continues with events of international significance. Here is an overview of the events you should not miss between August 15 and 22, 2025.
In Italy, activities focus on the high altitudes, far from the hustle and bustle of major art cities. The historic auction house Farsettiarte offers an interesting preview at its venue in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although it is not an auction during the Ferragosto week, it is possible to visit the exhibition of lots for an important future sale. On the program is the Antique Art Auction Preview, offering enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to admire and study valuable works up close in an atmospheric setting, preparing for the autumn auction.
After crossing the national border, the stage definitively shifts to the United States, where the Monterey Car Week captures the attention of collectors from around the world. The largest international auction houses compete for million-dollar bids on cars that have made automotive history.
The week opens on August 15 with the eagerly anticipated The Quail Auction by Bonhams. In the beautiful setting of Carmel, California, some of the rarest and most sought-after models will be showcased, ready to find a new owner in one of the season’s most glamorous auctions.
On the same days, precisely August 15 and 16, the appointment with two giants of the sector is renewed. Sotheby’s, in collaboration with its automotive division RM Sotheby’s, organizes its famous Monterey Auction. The event is a benchmark for top collectors and promises to set new records with a catalog of exceptional vehicles.
Simultaneously, Christie’s, in collaboration with the renowned specialist auction house Gooding & Company, presents the Pebble Beach Auctions. August 15 and 16 will once again be days of intense bidding for cars that represent true masterpieces of design and engineering.
Finally, those seeking a greater variety of offerings should take a look at the French market via the Drouot portal. The platform, which aggregates sales from numerous auction houses, offers a lively calendar even in mid-August. This week features several thematic auctions. They range from auctions for Wines and Spirits on August 15, to auctions for Jewelry and Watches on August 16, and an auction for Vintage Luggage and Fashion Accessories on August 20. To discover the variety of offerings, visit the Gazette Drouot Sales Calendar.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Derby Speedster, sold by Bonhams. Photo: Bonhams Cars
