Thirty-Five Years of Ferrari Excellence

On the Island, few events command the reverence of the Cavallino Classic. Now entering its 35th year, this annual celebration of Ferrari heritage has evolved from a regional car show into one of the most prestigious marque-specific events in the world — a pilgrimage for Ferrari collectors, historians, and enthusiasts who understand that these machines represent far more than transportation.

The 2026 Cavallino Classic, running February 13 through 15, promises an anniversary edition befitting the milestone. With expanded concours classes, a partnership with RM Sotheby’s for the accompanying auction, and a rumored display of historically significant competition Ferraris, the 35th edition is shaping up to be the most significant in the event’s distinguished history.

The Concours d’Elegance

The heart of Cavallino has always been the concours — a carefully judged exhibition of the finest Ferraris in private hands. The 2026 edition introduces several new classes that reflect evolving collector interests. The traditional categories for vintage road cars and competition vehicles are joined by a dedicated class for modern supercars, acknowledging the growing collector market for limited-production Ferrari models from the past two decades.

For the first time, the concours will feature a special anniversary display of cars that have appeared at every Cavallino since the inaugural event in 1992. These “founding Ferraris” represent an unbroken connection to the event’s origins and include several examples whose provenance and condition are considered benchmark standards in the collector community.

What Judges Look For

Cavallino judging is notably rigorous. Unlike some concours that prioritize cosmetic perfection, Cavallino’s panel of Ferrari specialists evaluates authenticity, originality, and historical accuracy with equal weight. A car with documented competition history and honest patina may score higher than a cosmetically perfect restoration if the latter has deviated from factory specifications. This approach has made a Cavallino award one of the most meaningful accolades in the Ferrari collector world.

The RM Sotheby’s Auction

The Cavallino Classic auction, conducted by RM Sotheby’s, has become one of the most important barometers of the Ferrari collector market. The 2026 sale features a curated selection of approximately forty lots, with early consignments suggesting a catalog that spans the full breadth of Ferrari production.

Market watchers should pay particular attention to the results for 1960s GT cars and 1970s competition vehicles, two segments that have shown divergent trends in recent seasons. The Cavallino audience — serious Ferrari collectors rather than speculative buyers — tends to produce results that more accurately reflect underlying market strength than the flashier headline-grabbing sales at Monterey or Geneva.

Early estimates suggest the sale could approach $30 million in total, with at least three lots expected to exceed $2 million individually. For collectors considering acquisition or those curious about the current value of their existing Ferrari holdings, the auction results provide invaluable market intelligence.

Beyond the Field: Social Events and Gatherings

Cavallino’s social program distinguishes it from purely automotive events. The welcome dinner, traditionally held at a private Palm Beach estate, brings together collectors in an atmosphere more reminiscent of a salon than a car show. Conversations range from the technical details of Ferrari’s competition history to the philosophical questions of stewardship that preoccupy serious collectors: How do you preserve a machine that was built to be driven? When does restoration become reinterpretation?

The Saturday evening gala, held at The Breakers, is the social highlight — a black-tie affair that has become one of The Season’s most coveted invitations, attracting not only Ferrari enthusiasts but Palm Beach’s broader collector community.

What the 35th Anniversary Means for Values

Anniversary editions of major collector events often catalyze market activity, and the 35th Cavallino is no exception. Several prominent collections have announced intentions to bring cars that have been in private storage for years, creating rare opportunities for acquisition. At the same time, the anniversary atmosphere tends to encourage emotional bidding — collectors who have attended Cavallino for decades may stretch their budgets for a car with personal significance.

For those who view their Ferrari collection as both a passion and a financial asset, the Cavallino Classic remains an essential annual touchpoint. The event provides the kind of market intelligence that no database can replicate: the ability to stand beside a car, speak with its owner, and understand the story that makes one example worth twice what another might bring at auction.

For collectors seeking liquidity ahead of the auction — whether to fund a new acquisition or simply to manage the financial dynamics of an active collection — Palm Beach Loan Company provides confidential lending against Ferrari and other luxury automobiles, with valuations informed by deep knowledge of the collector car market.