If you ever thought about what it would be like to own a car that costs more than your entire neighbourhood, you’re not alone. The world of collector car auctions is a playground for the rich and famous, where historic automobiles change hands for jaw-dropping sums.
These are not your ordinary vehicles; they’re the stuff of dreams, driven by enthusiasts with a taste for luxury and a penchant for breaking the bank. These cars are only really attainable for the super wealthy, unless, of course, you’ve recently won the lottery or hit the jackpot playing casino games online or in Vegas. However, for true car fanatics, this type of information is essential and invaluable.
Let’s take a ride through the history of some of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction. These magnificent machines not only embody the pinnacle of automotive engineering but also command stratospheric price tags.
5. 1967 Ferrari 412P – $30.255 million
The 412P is the fourth most expensive Ferrari ever offered in a public auction. With only four of them ever built, this car’s originality and racing history make it a true gem in the world of collector cars. With its original bodywork, driveline, and chassis intact, this model holds a significant place in the history of competition Ferraris.
4. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Spyder – $35.76 million
This 335 Sport Spyder, one of just four made, set the all-time record for a car sold at auction in Europe. Its journey from Sebring to Le Mans and its association with iconic drivers like Mike Hawthorn and Luigi Musso add to its price. After being restored to its original glory, it became a showstopper on the auction stage.
3. 1962 Ferrari 250GTO S1 – $38.115 million
The 250GTO is one of the most coveted and iconic Ferraris ever built. Its history, racing pedigree, and limited production make it a prized possession among collectors. Chassis 3851 GT was one of the most raced 250GTOs in existence and was only sold at auction in 2014, commanding a record-breaking price.
2. 1962 Ferrari 250GTO S1 – $48.405 million
Chassis 3413, the third example of the 250GTO series, captured the hearts of car enthusiasts at Monterey in 2018 when it was sold for almost $50 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold at auction at the time. Known for its remarkable racing history, which included victories at the Targa Florio and Coppa FISA, this Ferrari 250GTO S1 stands as an icon in the world of classic cars.
1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé – $143 million
And finally, the pinnacle of collector cars, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé. A brainchild of Daimler-Benz racing engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, it was based on the Formula 1 car that Juan Manuel Fangio drove to victory. Only two prototypes were ever built, and they were originally intended to compete in the Carrera Panamericana. It became the most expensive car ever sold at auction in 2022, setting a new record.
In the realm of collector car auctions, these vehicles are the cream of the crop, commanding prices that most of us can only dream of. But for those who have the means and the passion, these cars are pieces of automotive history.
