Rare Vector M12 Will Cross Auction Block in 2027

The American Anthem model will head to a no-reserve Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale this January.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Performance Vehicles

Rare Vector M12 Will Cross Auction Block in 2027

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A rare Vector M12, known as the American Anthem, is scheduled to go up for auction without reserve in Scottsdale in January 2027. This vehicle serves as a piece of automotive history as the only American production car to feature a V12 engine paired with a manual transmission.

Why it matters

The auction provides a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of American boutique manufacturing history. Experts anticipate the final bid will exceed the inflation-adjusted original price of $404,000.

The Vector M12 features a 5.7-liter quad-cam V12 engine capable of 492 horsepower and a 220 mph speedometer rating. Only 17 total units were produced between 1996 and 1999, with VIN 001 showcasing just 1,055 miles of travel.

The players

Vector Aeromotive

This niche automotive manufacturer produced high-performance vehicles in the 1990s before operations ceased.

Barrett-Jackson

This renowned auction house specializes in the sale of collector cars and automotive memorabilia.

The details

Manufactured using a Lamborghini Diablo chassis, the car includes carbon-fiber-reinforced fiberglass bodywork and a ZF five-speed manual transmission. The interior is distinctive for its leather-wrapped bucket seats and blue suede accents.

The American Anthem debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in 1996.
Vector Aeromotive production of the M12 model ceased in 1999.
The vehicle will be sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction in January 2027.

Roadmap

The Vector M12 represents a bold, if short-lived, attempt by an American firm to challenge European exotic car manufacturers. Its history highlights the volatility of small-batch luxury production during the consolidation of the late 1990s.

Potential bidders should be prepared for intense competition due to the limited 17-unit production run of the M12. Buyers must factor in the rarity of the parts and the specialized maintenance requirements inherent to an exotic V12 vehicle from the 1990s.

The takeaway

Collectors viewing this sale should focus on the provenance of the American Anthem as a unique blend of American design and Italian engineering. Maintenance logs and preservation history remain the most critical factors for potential buyers evaluating the vehicle's long-term value.