A Ferrari Testa Rossa J children’s car from Hedley Studios fetched a staggering $243,864 at RM Sotheby’s auction in Paris, shattering the previous world record for luxury kids’ vehicles. This sale, which exceeded the €120,000–€160,000 estimate, highlights the booming market for high-end scaled replicas, nearly reaching a quarter-million dollars.
Historical Roots of Elite Children’s Cars
Exquisitely crafted children’s cars have captivated the global elite for a century. On August 23, 1926, Ettore Bugatti gifted his four-year-old son Roland a half-scale replica of the dominant Bugatti T35 racer. Known as “Le Patron,” Bugatti designed vehicles that dominated early circuit racing, with the T35 securing over 2,000 victories. Media coverage sparked demand among royalty and industry leaders, leading to production of around 500 units from 1926 to 1935 at the Molsheim factory.
Resurgence Driven by Events and Competitions
Several factors fuel this market surge, including dedicated Children’s Car classes at prestigious concours events. The category debuted at the 2020 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace and now features at others, such as the upcoming Concours of Elegance Germany on July 4–5, 2026. The Little Big Mans race, launched in 2008 at Le Mans Classic, lets children aged 7–12 pilot miniature iconic Le Mans racers, boosting visibility.
Volatile Yet Lucrative Auction Market
These cars emerge as an appreciating asset class, with some funding top-tier educations. However, the market remains unpredictable—most record-breakers far exceeded estimates, while gems sell for fractions of their potential due to mismatched auction crowds. Early Bugatti Baby models once fetched low prices, like $5,447 in 2004 and up to $21,250 in 2014.
Progression of World Auction Records
- $110,000 (2008): 1926 Bugatti Type 52 Short-Nose “Baby Bugatti,” chassis #11, sold at Gooding & Company Pebble Beach (est. $40,000–$60,000). Owned by racing legend Briggs Cunningham.
- $126,500 (2013): Half-scale Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa replica by Modena Ferrarina Italia, electric-powered with steel body, at RM Sotheby’s New York (est. €120,000–€160,000). One of fewer than five survivors, restored by collector Kirk F. White.
- $145,445 (2021): Ferrari 330 P2 Junior by De La Chapelle, at RM Sotheby’s (est. €5,000–€10,000). Built by the French replica specialist known for BMW- and Mercedes-powered models.
- $156,250 (2021): 1985 Maserati 250F half-scale by Allegretti, recreation of Juan Manuel Fangio’s championship car, at Gooding & Company (est. $30,000–$40,000).
- $210,000 (2023): 2023 Bugatti Baby II, at Gooding Christie’s (est. $100,000–$120,000).
- $243,864 (2026): Ferrari Testa Rossa J by Hedley Studios, at RM Sotheby’s Paris (est. €120,000–€160,000).
Hedley Studios replicas now rival original Bugattis, often surpassing showroom prices and redefining top-tier collectibles.
