Classic or vintage cars are the most sought-after items for car enthusiasts. These vehicles have dominated their times, winning races, ushering innovation, breaking design barriers, and enhancing safety. They transcend their utilitarian role and emerge as prices of art. The rich history and legacy connected to them fetch high prices at auctions. Here are the 20 most expensive cars sold at auctions.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti is an astonishing sports car that has set numerous records. It dominated the 1960s and won many racing events, including the FIA World Championship three years in a row. Its timeless design and 3.0-liter V12 engine, coupled with its legendary reputation, make it a highly sought-after vehicle. Unsurprisingly, such a vehicle sold at $48.4 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey’s 2018 auction, its rarity playing in its favor, as only 36 units were made.
1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
Sold at the Artcurial Paris auction in 2016, the 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti fetched a massive $35.7 million. Its vintage and rare nature was central to obtaining such a high price. This vehicle is an absolute beast; its 4.0-liter V12 engine was capable of reaching a top speed of 190 mph in the 1950s. This vehicle dominated reputable races such as the Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was driven by Sir Stirling Moss, who had the privilege of riding one of the four cars ever built.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R is one of the best vehicles of its age and has now become a popular icon. After a massive bidding war, it fetched $29.6 million at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed auction in 2013. While this vehicle is a marvel, Juan Manuel Fangio, who won two Formula 1 World Championships, has driven it. From its 2.5-liter straight-eight engine to its advanced suspension, only 14 units of this were ever produced.
1956 Ferrari 290 MM
Like the other Ferrari vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s, the 1956 Ferrari 290 MM is a massive collector’s piece. This car is not an ordinary one. It was specifically built to conquer the Mille Miglia race. Sold at RM Sotheby’s New York auction in 2015 for $28 million, this vehicle was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, one of the best racers in motorsport history. Only four units of this vehicle were ever created, a symbolic piece of Ferrari’s glorious racing history.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider
Only ten units of the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider were produced as part of the industry’s most exclusive vehicles. However, it is not only the rarity that has propelled this vehicle to fetch a hefty price of $27.5 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2013. Powered by a 3.3-liter V12 engine, this vehicle produces around 300 horsepower, a rarity at the time. It beats some of the most modern vehicles, and its aesthetic Italian design makes it one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever.
1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale
In 2014, the 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale was sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction for $26.4 million. There were quite a few reasons for this price, one of them being Ferrari’s reputation and its novel design that drifted away from previous models. It featured a 3.3-liter V12 engine with the aim of coming out on top during the endurance race of Le Mans. The vehicle’s aerodynamic nature, lightweight construction, and charming aluminum body have made it a collector’s favorite.
1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
Only 37 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider units were ever built, a car marked by its performance and grace. One of its units fetched a massive price of $18.5 million at RM Sotheby’s New York in 2015, a top prize for any Ferrari or vehicle enthusiast. Its 3.0-liter V12 engine produced around 270 horsepower, turning heads during its prime.
1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider
One of the earliest sports cars of the 1930s, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider, was designed by Vittorio Jano. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful vehicles, its supercharged 2.9-liter straight-eight engine was also impressive for its time. It was sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2016 for 19.8 million. Its art deco style is one aspect that has immense value, enhancing its overall value.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider was sold for $17 million at the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction in 2016. This vehicle had an artistic touch, as it was owned by French actor Alain Delon. Its reputation was already enhanced by cameos in multiple films. It proved the same on the roads and racetracks; the 3.0-liter V12 engine produced 276 horsepower.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
The 1955 Jaguar D-Type was a performance-oriented monocoque-constructed and disc-braked vehicle. Its 3.4-liter straight-six engine produced around 270 horsepower, prompting it to win the Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Its aerodynamic design made it an incredible racing car that would fetch $21.8 million in RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2016.
1935 Duesenberg SSJ
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ began production in 1928, a year before the Great Depression hit America. It aged like wine, fetching a massive price of $22 million at Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction in 2018. Only two units of this exclusive variant exist. In terms of performance, its supercharged 420 cubic inch straight-eight engine produced around 400 horsepower, a novelty in the 1930s.
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider
Only two 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider units were built to compete for the Carrera Panamericana; unfortunately, both were canceled. One of the most powerful vehicles in the vintage category, it was driven by automotive industry legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Carroll Shelby. Powered by a 5.0-liter V12 engine, this vehicle was sold for $22 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2022.
1963 Aston Martin DP215
The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 was a very important vehicle that saved Aston Martin’s reputation. Previously, the brand failed to win any Le Mans races, but this vehicle emerged as a beacon of hope. It fetched a record-breaking price of $21.5 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2018 for its phenomenal performance in the race and rich legacy. The vehicle’s 4.0-liter inline-six engine could boost the vehicle to a top speed of 200 mph.
1954 Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione
The 1954 Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione sold for $18.3 million at Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed auction in 2014. Only five units were ever produced, boasting a powerful 4.9-liter V12 engine. Following the same fashion as the 1950s Ferrari vehicles and their commitment to dominating the industry, this vehicle was built for endurance races. Some of its main races were fought in the Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta
The 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta is a piece of art. Its charming design, marked by aerodynamic curves and a long body, was one of a kind. It was sold for $18.9 million in 2016, a just price for its legacy. Designed by Carrozzeria Touring, only five units of this artifact were ever produced.
1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
Blending luxury with performance, the 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider is an ionic Ferrari roadster. Its 3.0-liter V12 engine, paired with a long wheelbase, offered a comfortable and smooth ride. The convertible’s thrilling performance was the definition of supreme open-air driving, a rare car with only 50 units made. It was sold for around $18 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2016.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta
One of the most expensive cars sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2015, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta fetched an astonishing $16.5 million. The short wheelbase variant of this vehicle paved the way for enhanced agility and dynamic handling. Featuring a 3.0-liter V12 engine, it produced 280 horsepower to win events like the Tour de France Automobile. Its rare nature and rich racing history have made this vehicle a highly sought-after collector’s item.
1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe
One of the bedrock models in the automotive industry, the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe has a special place for car enthusiasts. Perhaps one of the best examples of the art deco design, this vehicle’s teardrop-shaped body was designed by Figoni et Falaschi. In 2010, it was sold in the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction for $13.4 million. Only 16 units were built, making this one of the few surviving cars from the pre-war collection.
1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster
The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster was sold for $11.8 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2012. The brand has always been a symbol of luxury and class, and this model further reinforces this luxurious vintage status. In terms of performance, its supercharged 5.4-liter inline-eight engine delivered around 180 horsepower. From its sweeping body lines, crafted by Sindelfingen, to the upscale interior, this was one of a kind.
1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
Designed by Zagato, the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is an outstanding sports car famous for its efficient designs. It has a rich racing history, competing in the Tour de France Automobile and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This Anglo-Italian collaboration sold for $14.3 million in RM Sotheby’s New York auction in 2015, reflecting its supreme craftsmanship. Only 19 units of these vehicles were ever created, each powered by a 3.7-liter inline-six engine capable of delivering 314 horsepower.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
