The world of collectible cars lives by its own rules. Here, the value of a car is determined not only by its technical characteristics, engine power, or the level of luxury of the interior. Factors such as historical value, rarity of the model, and participation in famous racing competitions are much more important.
That is why some cars at the world's largest auctions are sold for amounts comparable to the cost of luxury skyscrapers or entire islands. Collectors are willing to pay tens of millions of dollars for cars produced in limited quantities and with a unique history.
10th place — Ferrari 290 MM (1956)
22,005,000 dollars
This Scuderia Ferrari racing car participated in major competitions of the 1950s, including the legendary Mille Miglia race.
Only four such cars were built, and only a few examples have survived to this day. That is why one of them at the RM Sotheby’s auction in 2018 was sold for more than 22 million dollars.
9th place — Aston Martin DBR1 (1956)
22,550,000 dollars
DBR1 is considered one of the most famous cars in British motorsport. Such famous racers as Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby drove this car.
The model became a symbol of Aston Martin's success in international races in the late 1950s. In 2017, this car became the most expensive example of the brand ever sold at auction.
8th place — Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale (1964)
26,400,000 dollars
The rarity of this model is hard to overestimate — only three examples were produced. The car was created as an experimental racing version of Ferrari.
The car received a lightweight body and a powerful V12 engine, which made it one of the most technologically advanced models of its time.
7th place — Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider (1967)
27,500,000 dollars
This Ferrari was developed specifically for the American market.
Only ten cars were produced. One of them gained additional fame thanks to its appearance in the movie The Thomas Crown Affair with Steve McQueen.
6th place — Jaguar D-Type (1955)
21,780,000 dollars
This car went down in history thanks to its victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
The D-Type model is considered one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced racing cars of the 1950s and an important part of the history of the Jaguar brand.
5th place — Mercedes-Benz W196R (1954)
29,600,000 dollars
This racing car is known for being driven by the legendary Argentine racer Juan Manuel Fangio.
In 2013, the car was sold at a Bonhams auction for almost $30 million, becoming one of the most expensive racing cars in history at that time.
4th place — McLaren F1 (1995)
$20,465,000
The McLaren F1 is considered one of the most iconic supercars of the 1990s.
At one time, it was the fastest production car in the world. McLaren only produced 64 road-going examples of this model, making it especially valuable to collectors.
3rd place — Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti (1957)
$35,700,000
This racing Ferrari participated in legendary competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Mille Miglia.
Today, the model is considered one of the most significant in the history of the Ferrari brand.
2nd place — Ferrari 250 GTO (1962)
$48,405,000
The Ferrari 250 GTO is rightfully considered one of the most legendary cars in the history of the global automotive industry.
Only 36 of these cars were produced. Each example today has immense historical value and is perceived by collectors as a true work of engineering art.
1st place — Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé (1955)
$143,000,000
The absolute record for cost belongs to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé.
The car was created on the basis of the Mercedes-Benz racing car and was named after engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
There are only two such cars. One of them was sold in 2022 at a closed RM Sotheby’s auction for $143 million — the highest price ever paid for a car at auction.
Read more materials:
- The future of manual transmissions according to experts: will "manual" gearboxes disappear
- Soviet tractor ATS-59G and its second life
- Why automakers choose a timing belt or chain
