It also makes for the perfect Fantasy Garage. For those new to the format, here's how it works: Our contributors are given a fixed budget and seven spaces to fill. Pre-war racers, American muscle, hypercars—it doesn't matter.

This edition's curator is Specialist Jake O'Gorman, who has a theoretical $15,000,000 to spend at Monterey.

1927 Bentley 6½-Litre Short Chassis "Bob-Tail" Tourer in the style of Corsica - $600,000

The budget for this Fantasy Garage is indeed so generous that I can start with a Bentley as my least expensive choice.

This checks the boxes for any pre-war rally and is a ticket into the Bentley Driver’s Club; they are a wild bunch who run a few thousand-mile rallies around the world.

I've always loved the 6½-Litre, but also the story behind the company itself. W. O. Bentley was a character: a gifted engineer, determined businessman, and committed racer. His early cars were defined by engineering excellence. But the 6½-Litre elevated Bentley to another level.

It was brutally quick and proved Bentley could do speed as well as sophistication. Its overhead-camshaft engine with four valves per cylinder delivered remarkable refinement while producing effortless performance, capable of carrying even the heaviest coachwork at a velocity that still feels surprisingly modern. I'd drive it to work.

1914 American Underslung Model 642 Roadster - $600,000

Big wheels aren't a modern invention, as clearly showcased by this Underslung. It's sure to stand out at a concours, and it's an enthusiast's car in the truest sense—not simply a machine built for outright speed.

During the Brass Era, six- and seven-liter engines were commonplace. And while the American Underslung's enormous 8.0-liter engine certainly delivered performance, that wasn't what made it extraordinary.

Its genius lay in Fred Tone's advanced chassis design. By placing the frame below and between the axles, he dramatically lowered the car's center of gravity, giving the Underslung handling and composure that few contemporaries could match.

1960 Chevrolet Corvette LM - $2,000,000

My favorite car on this list. The first Corvette to fly the flag at Le Mans. And the most significant and historic American racing car that I have ever had the honor of handling for RM Sotheby's.

The story is every bit as compelling as the car itself. Following the Automobile Manufacturers Association's 1957 racing ban, Detroit's automakers officially withdrew from motorsport. Chevrolet could no longer field a factory team, so the Le Mans program was entrusted to Briggs Cunningham, America's foremost private entrant. A huge 100-mph smash fortunately left Kimberley unscathed. But it put an end to them running at Le Sarthe.

Filming this car for RM Sotheby's remains one of my favorite automotive memories. Sitting in its impossibly cramped cockpit on those wafer-thin aircraft-style seats is something I'll never forget. It hasn't been to Goodwood or Le Mans Classic; I would fly it there right away.

1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham - $2,250,000

This list took quite a few drafts to get right. And looking back now, it's hard to believe I only picked one car from the 13-strong Ray and Bonnie Kinney Collection. 
It's a fantastic assortment of pre-war greats, but my favorite is this Duesenberg. I love the brand, and this one is dialed in.

One of only eight authentic Derham Toursters, it boasts multiple concours victories, including Best in Class at Pebble Beach. The soft yellow paintwork paired with green leather is effortlessly elegant to my eyes. And it's equally suited to long-distance driving events or the concours lawn.

My late friend Ray would drive this through Dallas (with the occasional whitewall curb rub). There is not much more fun than running through Highland Park with three friends in your Duesy.

2024 Ferrari 812 Competizione A 'Tailor Made' - $2,500,000

Pre-war is king in my mind, but I also appreciate AC, satellite radio, and a warranty. So every Fantasy Garage needs something modern, and if you're going modern, you might as well do it properly.

A naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 Ferrari feels like exactly the right answer because it makes me feel like a racecar driver.

It may lack racing pedigree, but few modern road cars feel as alive as the 812 Competizione A. The naturally aspirated V-12 rewards every last rpm, delivering all 819 horsepower with increasing ferocity as it races toward its 9,250-rpm redline. Chassis 301363 was commissioned through Ferrari's Tailor Made program and carries more than $242,000 in factory options. Finished in striking triple-coat Giallo Sirius, it's also one of the most distinctive examples you'll find.

1913 Mercer Model 35-J Raceabout - $2,750,000

This is the definition of an "if you know, you know" car. It's also one of the finest early American sports cars ever built.

This is a veteran of Brass Era touring and the supercar of its day. Before Lotus "added lightness," Mercer exemplified it. Two seats, an engine, four wheels, and a fuel tank. You can toss these cars around; they don't feel 113 years old.

This example is wonderfully original, retaining an impressive number of matching components and the sort of honest patina collectors dream about. The gently faded paint, small stone chips, and period luggage tell a story that no restoration could replicate. They rarely come to market, and this one has remained off the public stage for a quarter of a century.

1991 Ferrari F40 - $4,000,000

The final model to get Il Commendatore's blessing. And one of the most celebrated supercars of all time.

Whisper it quietly, but compared with Ferrari's other halo models, the F40 still feels like remarkable value.

This US-delivered example was first owned by Lee Iacocca, the legendary automotive executive best known for helping create the Ford Mustang. Finished in Rosso Corsa over Stoffa Vigogna, it has covered an astonishingly low 320 miles.

I have enormous respect for Iacocca's restraint—but I can't imagine possessing that level of self-control. Would I want to crack 1,000 miles or hold it for a future collector? With the market for Ferraris, I would do the former.