Despite heavy Florida downpours, ModaMiami 2026 confirmed its growing role as one of the most compelling automotive gatherings in the United States. Hosted once again at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and organized by RM Sotheby’s, the event continues to position itself as the East Coast’s modern counterpart to the established traditions of Monterey Car Week.
Still a young concours, first launched in 2024, ModaMiami is rapidly becoming a must-attend destination for collectors, manufacturers, and enthusiasts, standing alongside the Amelia Concours as one of Florida’s defining automotive events.
An event bridging heritage and modern performance
This year’s edition brought together more than 400 cars, spanning over a century of automotive history, from an 1899 Marot Gardon U28 to some of today’s most advanced hypercars by Bugatti, Czinger, and Koenigsegg.
A total of 22 concours categories were judged, including a special class celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Lamborghini Miura. Alongside historic automobiles, manufacturers presented their latest creations, such as Aston Martin’s Valhalla and Rolls-Royce’s all-electric Black Badge Spectre, reinforcing the event’s balance between heritage and innovation.
The concours was complemented by the RM Sotheby’s Miami Auction, held on the same grounds, further strengthening ModaMiami’s identity as both a cultural and commercial hub for collectors. In addition, industry voices emphasized the event’s importance in attracting a younger generation to car collecting, highlighting its role in expanding automotive culture beyond traditional audiences.
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The cars that defined the weekend
Across the show field and auction block, several automobiles stood out for their rarity, historical relevance, and engineering significance. From prewar elegance to cutting-edge hypercars, the selection reflected the wide spectrum of today’s collector market.
Among the most memorable highlights were:
- 1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupé, featuring rare Park Ward coachwork, with only a handful of surviving examples known in the United States.
- 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, one of just 50 produced and sold at auction for $7.045 million.
- 1992 Ferrari F40, one of the final examples built, achieving $5.23 million at auction and representing a generational icon of performance.
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, an ultra-limited open-top tribute to the Mille Miglia legend.
- 2018 Koenigsegg Agera RS, a hypercar still associated with record-breaking speed achievements.
- 2024 Bugatti Bolide, the extreme track-only machine producing nearly 1,600 horsepower and sold for $4.955 million.
- 2025 Czinger 21C, showcasing AI-driven design, additive manufacturing, and a radically new production philosophy.
Even under challenging weather conditions, the diversity and quality of the cars ensured the event retained its energy and appeal throughout the weekend.
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Best of Show winners by category
The culmination of ModaMiami came with the official concours awards, recognizing excellence across different eras of automotive history.
Best of Show – Classic
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1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Lungo Spider
A long-chassis example bodied by Eagle Coach Works, celebrated for its engineering heritage and prewar elegance.
Best of Show – Post-War
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1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 N.A.R.T. Spider
One of only ten produced, originally created for Ferrari’s American clientele and admired for its Scaglietti coachwork and racing pedigree.
Best of Show – Modern
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1995 McLaren F1
One of the most influential supercars ever built, recognized for groundbreaking innovation, central driving position, and enduring cultural impact.
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A concours built for the next generation
ModaMiami’s growing relevance lies in its ability to combine tradition with accessibility. Rather than replicating established concours formats, the event embraces a broader automotive narrative, where prewar icons, analog supercars and futuristic hypercars coexist naturally.
By bringing together collectors, brands and new enthusiasts in a more relaxed yet curated environment, ModaMiami is steadily defining its own identity, one that reflects how car culture is evolving today. If its trajectory continues, the event may soon become not just an alternative to legacy concours, but an essential chapter in the future of automotive gatherings.
Photo credits: ModaMiami & RM Sotheby's
