For car lovers and collectors, owning a piece of history is the ultimate goal. This article covers the 12 most expensive cars ever sold and highlights some of the rarest, most famous cars ever made each with a unique story behind its high price.
1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe – $143 Million
Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is the most expensive car ever sold, at an insane $143 million. Named after its designer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the car was originally designed as a racing vehicle.
However, Mercedes-Benz withdrew from racing after a tragic accident at the 1955 Le Mans, leaving only two of them in the world.
This sale, hosted by RM Sotheby’s in 2022, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, given the car’s scarcity and history. This car looks amazing and also reminds me a lot of James Bond.
2. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – $70 Million
Private Sale
Regarded as one of the finest Ferraris ever built, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is a legendary racing car that was sold for $70 million to David MacNeil in a private sale.
Only 36 of these cars were produced between 1962 and 1964, which makes them really rare.
This particular model, chassis number 4153 GT, has won a Tour de France making it an even cooler and more valuable car.
Source: Oslo Ferrari Dealers, Racing Green Magazine, CNN
3. 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO – $51.705 Million
Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s
The third most expensive car ever sold at auction is the 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO, sold for $51.705 million. Part of the famous 250 GTO series(that we’ll see more of), the 330 LM variant features a larger engine and was designed for high-performance racing on the world’s toughest circuits.
Originally resembling the 250 GTO, these 4-litre Berlinetta racers were built to meet FIA regulations and were often called “4-litre GTOs.”
Chassis 3765 LM, in particular, has a racing past, participating in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans and a 2nd overall finish at the 1962 Nürburgring 1000 KM
4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti – $48.405 million
Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s
The Ferrari 250 GTO series continues to be on the list, with a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (chassis number 3413) sold for $48.4 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2018. Some say the Ferrari 250 GTO is the world’s most important, desirable, and legendary motor car, this model was the third of only 36 GTOs ever built.
The 250 GTO was the pinnacle of the 250 GT series, combining race-winning performance with road car usability. This particular chassis was one of just four upgraded in a period by Scaglietti with the more aggressive Series II GTO/64 coachwork, making it one of only seven ever to receive this enhancement. Driven by renowned racers like Jo Schlesser, its impeccable design, historical significance, and Ferrari’s unparalleled motorsport legacy make it one of the most valuable and sought-after cars in automotive history.
5. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta – Sold for $38.115 million
Auctioned by Bonhams
Another iconic Ferrari 250 GTO sold for $38.115 million at Bonhams, showcasing the enduring appeal of the 250 GTO line. This particular car, chassis number 3851GT, is remembered for its racing pedigree, including victories at the hands of Jo Schlesser and other famed drivers. The 250 GTO Berlinetta’s combination of racing success, rarity, and timeless design continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
6. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti – Sold For €31.396 Million
Auctioned by Artcurial
The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti, sold for €31.396 million, is another remarkable piece of automotive history. This car participated in some of the most prestigious races of the 1950s, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. Powered by a 4.1-liter V12 engine, this car is known for its speed and elegance. It remains one of the most sought-after classic Ferraris, particularly due to its rich racing legacy.
7. 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta by Fantuzzi $30.255 Million
Auctioned by Bonhams
Another gem in Ferrari’s crown is the 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, which sold for $30.255 million. This car, chassis 0854, was built as a customer version of Ferrari’s renowned P3/4 race car and was designed to compete in endurance races. With its gorgeous bodywork by Fantuzzi and exceptional racing heritage, the 412P Berlinetta is a rare and valuable addition to Ferrari’s legacy of endurance race cars.
8. Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 Racing Single-Seater $29.749 Million
Auctioned by Bonhams
The Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 Racing Single-Seater is a historic F1 car that sold for $29.749 million at Bonhams. This car was driven by legendary racers such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Hans Herrmann, and it helped Mercedes-Benz dominate the F1 scene in the mid-1950s. The W196R is famed for its innovative fuel-injection technology and streamlined design, making it a standout vehicle in motorsport history.
9. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti $28.050 Million
Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti was a purpose-built racing car, designed specifically for the Mille Miglia. Chassis 0626 was driven by some of the most prominent names in racing, including Juan Manuel Fangio. This particular model sold for $28.050 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2015, marking its place as one of the most expensive and desirable Ferrari race cars ever created.
10. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider by Scaglietti $27.5 Million
Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider, built by Scaglietti, was sold for $27.5 million at RM Sotheby’s. Only 10 of these N.A.R.T. Spiders were produced, making them incredibly rare. The car was commissioned by Ferrari’s North American distributor Luigi Chinetti and remains one of the most sought-after Ferraris due to its exclusivity and stunning design.
11. Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale by Scaglietti $26.4 Million
Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s
Another Ferrari on the list is the 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, which was sold for $26.4 million. The GTB/C Speciale was built for competition and featured lightweight aluminum bodywork and a 3.3-liter V12 engine. This car was designed to dominate the race track, and its rarity and performance capabilities make it a prized possession for collectors.
12. Aston Martin DBR1 $22.55 Million
Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s
Ending of the list is the Aston Martin DBR1, which was sold for $22.55 million. The DBR1 is Aston Martin’s most famous racing car, having won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This particular chassis, DBR1, was driven by legends such as Carroll Shelby and Stirling Moss. With its historic Le Mans victory and limited production, the DBR1 is a rare gem in the world of classic cars.
