Everyone knows how expensive cars can really get. What you may not be as familiar with is the true price the high rollers are willing to drop on a classic Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche or Aston Martin. Recent auctions by legendary car manufacturers like Mercedes Benz have stunned the masses, with one particular classic car fetching a jaw-dropping USD $143 million!
The truth is that most expensive cars, often classics that you need to drive in your lifetime are so much more than just vehicles bound to tar; they are true works of art, marvels of mechanical engineering that capture the hearts of collectors.
In particular, those with a rich racing history have become the most sought-after motor vehicles. In these auctions, it’s not uncommon to see cars selling for over USD $30 million, attracting all sorts of wealthy individuals with the desire to add to their collection.
Table of Contents
1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe – $142,769,250 (Most Expensive Car in History)
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is an icon of automotive transformation. It evolved from a formidable endurance racing car into the ultimate prototype road car, pure mechanical artistry. It features a skeleton inspired by racing cars, with its signature “gull-wing” doors that lead to an uncompromising driving experience. The accelerator pedal is even dressed in leather to ensure your foot stays firmly in place as you explore the road at high speeds.
Designed by the pioneering Mercedes-Benz engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, this model earned its ‘Uhlenhaut Coupe’ nickname. At the time of its release, it held the title of the world’s fastest road-going car, capable of reaching speeds of up to 290 km/h. Restored by race preparation specialist Tony Merrick in 1988, it boasts a 3.0-liter front-mounted straight-eight engine, complete with twin exhausts exiting via side-mounted gills. A true masterpiece of 1950s motorsport engineering and technology, this car is a piece of automotive history and art rolled into one.
Few individuals have had the privilege to grace the roads in the 300 SLR, unlike its counterpart the 300SL, a much more common model notably seen in Ralph Lauren’s garage as part of his $600 million car collection.
- Brand: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
- Year: 1955
- Designer: Rudolf Uhlenhaut
- Sale Price: $142,769,250
- Auction House: Sotheby’s
- Engine: 3.0-liter, front-mounted, straight-eight engine
2. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – $70,000,000
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most durable and alluring cars ever built. It earned its place among the most expensive cars due to its racing pedigree and an unblemished 55-year history. This iconic car secured its hefty price tag by emerging victorious in the Tour de France just a year after its production, and it has remained intact since. The car has a rich racing history, having competed in events such as the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hours and the Angolan Grand Prix.
Restored by DK Engineering in the 1990s, it was later acquired by American businessman David MacNeil. With a price tag of $70 million, this Ferrari showcases a combination of beauty and historical significance that’s hard to match.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 250 GTO
- Year: 1963
- Sale Price: $70,000,000
- Auction House: Bonhams
3. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $48,405,000
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is a car that many dream of owning. This car is considered one of the most authentic and original GTO examples by marque experts. With its classic Ferrari aesthetics and a powerful engine, it boasts over 15 class and overall wins during the 1962–1965 seasons. The vehicle underwent a period upgrade by Ferrari producer Scaglietti with Series II GTO/64 coachwork, making it one of the seven cars to receive this aggressive coachwork.
Notably, the coachwork featured an extended, lowered nose and a steeper windshield for reduced drag and increased downforce. Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.0-liter short-block Colombo V-12 engine, a true powerhouse. As one of only 36 GTOs ever built, this car boasts a rich racing history, with Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi taking it to victory in the 1962 Italian GT Championship.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 250 GTO
- Year: 1962
- Sale Price: $48,405,000
- Auction House: Bonhams
4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $38,115,000
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta took the world by storm when it was auctioned in California for an impressive $38,115,000 in 2014, setting a new record at the time for the most expensive car sold at auction. This striking red collector’s car is a testament to speed and elegance. It remains one of the most admired and sought-after cars by collectors worldwide.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 250 GTO
- Year: 1962
- Sale Price: $38,115,000
- Auction House: Bonhams
- Engine: 3-liter V12 engine
5. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti – $35,700,000
The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti is a masterpiece that played a crucial role in Ferrari’s victory in the Constructors’ World Championship Title in 1957. With impeccable engineering and breathtaking design, it’s no wonder this car achieved its hefty price tag. This car is a true gem, combining extraordinary engineering and the skills of exceptional drivers.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 355 Sport Scaglietti
- Year: 1957
- Sale Price: $35,700,000
- Designer: Scaglietti
- Auction House: Artcurial
- Engine: Four-cam 3.8-liter V12 Tipo 140 engine
6. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 – $29,600,000
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 is a car that etched its name into history when it sold for a remarkable $29,600,000 in 2013. This iconic car, formerly driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, Hans Herrmann, and Karl Kling, secured multiple wins in Formula One racing, including Grand Prix victories. With the car’s unrivaled success, it has become an icon of the racing world. Its auction price illustrates the prestige and respect it continues to command.
- Brand: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: W196
- Year: 1954
- Sale Price: $29,600,000
- Engine: Inline-8-cylinder engine
7. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $28,050,000
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM stands as an irrefutable piece of automotive history, boasting a remarkable racing heritage. Built to compete in the World Sportscar Championship, it clinched championship wins in 1953 and 1954, featuring a potent 320 bhp engine, a four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with helical springs and anti-roll bar, De Dion rear axle with a transverse leaf spring, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 290 MM
- Year: 1956
- Sale Price: USD $28,050,000
8. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider – $27,500,000
A rare gem among the most expensive cars ever sold, the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider is one of just ten ever produced. Its sale in 2013, at a price of $27,500,000, was nothing short of a steal. This car features a 300 bhp 3,286 cc four overhead-camshaft V-12 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel upper and lower wishbone independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a tubular steel frame.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 275 GTB/AS NART Spider
- Year: 1967
- Sale Price: USD $27,500,000
9. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale – $26,400,000
The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale is a truly exceptional vehicle. It’s the first of only three Works Berlinetta Competizione cars ever built and is even rarer than its 250 GTO counterparts. This historic masterpiece is a sought-after entrant in racing and rallying circles, boasting an original matching-numbers engine, a five-speed manual transaxle transmission, four-wheel upper and lower wishbone coil-spring independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 275 GTB/C Speciale
- Year: 1964
- Sale Price: USD $26,400,000
10. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 – $22,550,000
The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1, designed by Ted Cutting, is a British classic that was auctioned for an astounding $22,550,000. Its 2.5-liter straight-six engine and 5-speed manual transmission are a testament to its engineering excellence.
- Brand: Aston Martin
- Model: DBR1
- Year: 1956
- Designer: Ted Cutting
- Sale Price: $22,550,000
11. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $22,005,000
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM made its mark as an official Scuderia Ferrari Works car during the 1956 and 1957 seasons, achieving podium finishes on multiple occasions. Its rarity as the last of four examples and one of only three survivors contributed to its impressive sale price of $22,005,000 in 2018. The car has been expertly restored and holds Ferrari Classiche certification, complete with matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and original body.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 290 MM
- Year: 1956
- Designer: Scuderia Ferrari Works
- Sale Price: USD $22,005,000
12. 1935 Duesenberg SSJ – $22,000,000
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ, one of only two ever built, fetched a staggering $22,000,000 at auction, and for good reason. It boasts a Short-Wheelbase Chassis and Supercharged, Twin-Carb Engine, all within a sporty open coachwork designed by J. Herbert Newport Jr. This car is a true gem, remaining in unrestored condition and retaining its original Chassis, Engine, and Bodywork.
- Brand: Duesenberg
- Model: SSJ
- Year: 1935
- Coachwork: LaGrande
- Sale Price: USD $22,000,000
13. 1955 Jaguar D-Type – $21,780,000
The 1955 Jaguar D-Type stands as a legendary vehicle worth every bit of its $21,780,000 sale price. It emerged as the overall winner of the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, racing under Ecurie Ecosse, and remains the only Le Mans-winning C- or D-Type that has survived in its original winning form. One of the world’s most valuable Jaguars, it features a 250 bhp, 3,442 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with three Weber 45 DCO3 carburettors, a four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle trailing links, and transverse torsion bar, as well as four-wheel disc brakes.
- Brand: Jaguar
- Model: D-Type
- Year: 1955
- Designer: Ted Cutting
- Sale Price: USD $21,780,000
14. 1963 Aston Martin DP215 – $21,455,000
The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 is a one-of-a-kind Works Aston Martin, and as such, it’s one of the most expensive cars ever sold. This car comes with its original engine and the correct-type five-speed gearbox, encased in a 1963 Works-built Hiduminium body. Notably, it reached a speed of 198.6 mph on the Mulsanne Straight. The car has been expertly restored, with the help of the car’s original designer. The type of vehicle that would suit the likes of bond.
- Brand: Aston Martin
- Model: DP215
- Year: 1963
- Designer: Ted Cutting
- Sale Price: USD $21,455,000
15. 1995 McLaren F1 – $20,465,000
The 1995 McLaren F1 consistently outperforms expectations, as demonstrated by its sale price of $20,465,000. Among only 64 examples ever built, this visually striking car features a unique color scheme of Creighton brown with light tan and Brazilian brown upholstery. It was sold in exceptional condition and boasts a 6,064 CC S70/2 DOHC V-12 engine, a 6-speed manual transaxle, 4-wheel ventilated Brembo disc brakes, and 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.
You may know this car from Mr Bean (Rowan Atkinson) famously crashing his beloved McLaren F1, but it being impossible to write off, as the cars value is always higher than full repair costs.
- Brand: McLaren
- Model: F1
- Year: 1995
- Designer: Gordon Murray
- Sale Price: USD $20,465,000
Conclusion
These remarkable vehicles represent a fusion of history, engineering, and art, captivating collectors and enthusiasts with their unique stories and unparalleled craftsmanship. Stay tuned for the next batch of the world’s most expensive cars ever sold.