Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco
Until September 13, 2026
The exhibition “From Yesterday to Today,” presented at the Car Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, traces the evolution of the automobile through a selection of models from prestigious brands. The original concept behind this exhibition is to juxtapose iconic models that have shaped automotive history with their recent or current counterparts. Visitors can thus discover eight exceptional pairings, bringing together legends of the past and stars of today.
Standing besides the original 1960s Alpine A110, the A110 R Ultime Le Mans echoes the berlinette’s design language in a more muscular version, especially in this extreme special edition. Between the Bugatti EB110, introduced in 1991, and the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, a limited-edition version of the Chiron, there are no aesthetic similarities, but they share a commitment to extreme engineering, particularly in terms of their engines: a quad-turbo V12 for the EB110 and a W16 for the Chiron.
The first Ferrari duo features the F40, which in 1987 kicked off a long line of Prancing Horse supercars and was the last Ferrari designed during the Commendatore’s era, and the F80, the most recent model in the lineage, unveiled in 2025 and now classified as a hypercar. In both cases, the engine and chassis designs are directly inspired by racing. The other Ferrari pair brings together the 275 GTB (1964–1968) and the 812 Competizione (2021), two expressions of Maranello’s take on Gran Turismo: a large two-seat coupe with a front-mounted V12 engine (whose power output has increased from 280 to 830 hp), a finely tuned chassis, particularly in this “Competizione” special edition.
With the Ford GT40 (1964–1968) and Ford GT (2017), we see stylistic similarities, but we can also appreciate the aerodynamic advancements that have taken place in the meantime. While the GT40 is a pure race car, the GT is a road car that was later adapted for GT racing and thus returned to the Le Mans circuit where its predecessor had made a name for itself. The Mercedes CLK GTR (1997) and Mercedes-AMG Project ONE (2017) feature very different styles but share a strong racing DNA. The CLK GTR is a very limited-production model (20 units) developed to meet FIA GT homologation requirements for the race version, while Project ONE benefits from the experience Mercedes-AMG gained in Formula 1, featuring a turbocharged V6 engine directly derived from that of the multiple World Champion F1 Hybrid. It’s worth noting that the CLK GTR on display belongs to Fernando Alonso, adding an extra touch of rarity.
Porsche obviously couldn’t miss such a gathering, bringing two 911 models. The 2.7L RS, introduced in 1972, was the first to bear the famous RS badge. Lightweight (1,075 kg) and powerful (for its time, 210 chevaux), equipped with the famous ducktail spoiler, it is today one of the absolute icons of the 911 family. The 2.7L RS boasts an impressive racing record, both on the road and on the track. Drawing heavily on its predecessor, the 911 Sport Classic (2022) features the ducktail spoiler, “Fuchs”-style wheels, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. But the flat-6 engine, sourced from the 992 Turbo, now produces 550 chevaux (though the car weighs 1,645 kg) and propels the car to a top speed of 315 km/h, compared to 240 km/h for the 2.7L RS.
You wouldn’t necessarily expect to find Renaults among this prestigious gathering of stars, but the older model is a Maxi 5 Turbo, a far cry from the classic R5 with its mid-mounted turbo engine and beefed-up rear end. The Renault 5 Turbo 3e retains this exuberant look, but with a 100% electric powertrain rated at 550 chevaux, delivered exclusively to the rear wheels. Displayed at numerous events, the Turbo 3e features the liveries of the Maxi Turbo’s rally versions. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
These unique pairings offer a glimpse into the evolution of design, materials, performance, and technological innovations that have shaped the automotive industry for more than half a century. They also demonstrate automakers’ ability to reinvent their most iconic models to meet the challenges and expectations of their time, while preserving the DNA that built their reputation.
This summer, Monaco offers a fascinating journey through automotive history, as another exhibition is running all summer long at the Grimaldi Forum on the theme of “Monaco and the Automobile”.
Photo Credit: Michaël Alesi / Princely Palace