The Million-Dollar Rides: Top 10 Expensive Auction Cars
Discover the top 10 expensive cars sold at auctions, including the iconic 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. The world of automotive enthusiasts is captivated by the allure of rare and exquisite cars that transcend conventional notions of price and value. Among these exceptional machines lies a select group of automobiles that have achieved extraordinary sums at auctions, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering, design, and racing pedigree. In this article, we unveil the top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auctions, showcasing the remarkable beauty, history, and exclusivity that make them exceptional.
Expensive Auction Cars
The top 10 most expensive cars sold at auctions represent the epitome of automotive excellence, embodying beauty, history, and exclusivity. These exceptional machines transcend mere transportation and captivate the hearts and imaginations of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. From the record-breaking Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe to the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO and the legendary Ford GT40, each car on this illustrious list represents the pinnacle of automotive achievement and the enduring allure of exceptional automobiles.
1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe – $143,000,000
Topping the list is the iconic 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, the most expensive car ever sold at auction. Mercedes test driver Rudolf Uhlenhaut conceived this masterpiece with its revolutionary design and advanced engineering. At a particular auction held in the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart in May 2022, it fetched an astronomical sum of $143 million, cementing its status as an unrivaled automotive treasure. For car enthusiasts and dreamers alike, the allure of owning such an extraordinary vehicle is an enticing proposition, a chance to win a car that epitomizes luxury and automotive excellence.
2. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – $70,000,000
The legendary Ferrari 250 GTO is a symbol of automotive excellence and exclusivity. With only 36 examples ever produced, each is a highly sought-after collector’s item. In 2018, a 1963 model from the Tour de France race-winning lineage broke records by selling for an astounding $70 million at auction. Its breathtaking design, rich racing heritage, and extreme rarity make it an icon among automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
3. 1937 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic – Over $30,000,000
The Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic is an automotive work of art known for its distinctive design and superb craftsmanship. With only four examples ever built, its rarity and avant-garde appearance contribute to its immense value. In a private sale in 2010, one of these extraordinary machines exchanged hands for a rumored sum of over $30 million, solidifying its status as an automotive icon.
4. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 – $29,600,000
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 is a testament to the brand’s racing dominance during the 1950s. Piloted by racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio, this championship-winning car represents a pivotal era in motorsport history. Its sale price of $29.6 million in 2013 reflects its connection to a racing icon and its significance as a centerpiece of any esteemed collection.
5. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider – $27,500,000
With only ten examples produced, the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider is one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferraris. Its exclusivity, captivating design, and exceptional performance led to a sale price of $27.5 million in 2013. This North American special edition exemplifies the pinnacle of Italian automotive artistry and remains highly coveted by collectors.
6. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale – $26,400,000
Ferrari prototypes hold immense value among collectors, and the 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale is no exception. With its unique combination of body and drivetrain components and notable competition history, this exceptional Ferrari achieved a sale price of $26.4 million in 2014. Its rarity and extraordinary engineering make it a blue-chip investment and a highly sought-after addition to any esteemed collection.
7. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 – $22,550,000
As the most expensive British car ever sold at auction, the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 is significant in British racing heritage. Driven by legends such as Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, and Jack Brabham, it was Aston Martin’s answer to Ferrari’s dominance in the late 1950s. Its success on the track and rarity contributed to its impressive sale price of $22.55 million in 2017, solidifying its status as an automotive icon.
8. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $22,050,000
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM boasts an impressive racing pedigree, having triumphed at prestigious events such as the Mille Miglia and Swedish Grand Prix. With its Scaglietti-designed bodywork and powerful engine, this Ferrari masterpiece achieved a sale price of over $22 million in 2015. Its association with renowned racing drivers and its exceptional originality make it a highly desirable and valuable collector’s item.
9. 1935 Duesenberg SSJ – $22,000,000
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ is often hailed as one of the first supercars ever built. With its massive supercharged engine delivering an astounding 400 horsepower in the mid-1930s, it was a marvel of its time. Only two cars were ever produced, and one of them, previously owned by Hollywood star Gary Cooper, fetched a remarkable $22 million at auction in 2018, making it the most expensive American car sold to date.
10. 1968 Ford GT40 – $12,000,000
The Ford GT40 was born out of Ford’s determination to beat Ferrari on the racetrack, and it achieved just that, winning the prestigious Le Mans race four times in a row. This 1968 model, one of only a few produced, fetched a price of $12 million in 2018, symbolizing its historical significance and desirability among collectors.