Here’s a look at the top 7 most expensive cars ever sold at auction:
7. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 ($29,600,000)
This legendary Silver Arrow dominated Formula One during the 1950s. It fetched a staggering $29.6 million at a 2013 Bonhams auction held amidst the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a prestigious motorsport gathering. Steeped in racing heritage, the W196 represents a bygone era of motorsport, where open-wheel racers roared with un muffled engines and pushed the boundaries of speed.
6. 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta ($30,255,000)
Offered at a 2023 Bonhams auction during the Quail, another renowned motorsport gathering, this sleek and powerful Ferrari sold for a cool $30.2 million. The 412P Berlinetta wasn’t just a looker; it was a force to be reckoned with on the endurance racing circuit. Its aerodynamic design and powerful engine allowed it to compete for hours on end, making it a favorite amongst drivers and collectors alike.
5. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti ($35,700,000)
This curvaceous 1957 Ferrari, named after its designer, Carrozzeria Scaglietti, went under the hammer at an Artcurial auction in Paris in 2016 for a remarkable $35.7 million. Combining exquisite Italian design with thrilling performance, the 335 Sport Scaglietti remains a timeless automotive masterpiece. Its sculpted fenders and open-air cockpit are reminiscent of an era when form met function on the racetrack, creating not just a fast car, but a work of rolling art.
4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO ($38,115,000 & $48,405,000)
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a legend whispered in hushed tones amongst car collectors. Not one, but two GTOs, both from 1962, hold a place on this prestigious list. The first sold for $38.1 million at a 2014 Bonhams auction at The Quail, while the second one fetched an even higher price of $48.4 million at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey during 2018. The 250 GTO’s combination of rarity – only around 36 were ever built – exquisite design, and exceptional racing pedigree make it the ultimate collector’s car. Its sleek, low-profile body and powerful V12 engine made it a dominant force on the racetrack, and its timeless design continues to turn heads today.
3. 1962 Ferrari 330 LM 250 GTO by Scaglietti ($51,705,000)
This 1962 Ferrari, a close relative of the 250 GTO, holds the current third place on the list. Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in New York in 2023, it achieved a staggering price of $51.7 million. The 330 LM’s rarity – only four were ever produced – Le Mans racing history, and connection to the iconic 250 GTO solidify its place amongst the most valuable cars ever sold. Like its cousin, the 330 LM was a force to be reckoned with, battling for victories at the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
2. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe ($135,000,000 estimated)
Unveiled in 2022, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, named after its chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, is not just a car; it’s a historical artifact. One of only two ever built, this silver beast was never intended for sale. However, RM Sotheby’s auctioned it off in a private function in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2022 for an estimated price of $135 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold publicly (though the exact figure remains confidential).
1. Unveiled But Unpriced: The Future of Million-Dollar Classics?
While the 300 SLR holds the current top spot, its private auction leaves room for speculation. The future might see cars surpassing this record price at public auctions, further solidifying the allure and value of these rare automotive icons.