Rev up your engines and prepare to be dazzled as we take you on a high-octane journey through the world of automotive opulence! This jaw-dropping list features the 20 most expensive cars ever sold at auction.

Whether you’re an avid car collector, a speed enthusiast, or just someone who dreams of cruising down the highway in ultimate style, these record-breaking beauties are sure to ignite your passion for all things fast and fabulous. Buckle up, because this is one ride you won’t want to miss!

Cars are listed by price, from lowest to highest. 

1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider – $19,800,000

The 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring is considered one of the most prestigious and valuable pre-war sports cars. It was sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2016 for $19,800,000, making it one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction. This particular model is extremely rare, being one of only approximately 12 Touring Spiders built on the 8C 2900 chassis, and one of just seven on the longer “Lungo” chassis.

The car features a twin-supercharged eight-cylinder engine producing 180 bhp and elegant two-seater Spider bodywork designed by the renowned coachbuilder Touring of Milan. Its combination of advanced engineering, exquisite styling, and extreme rarity make it highly sought after by collectors and automotive enthusiasts.

1994 McLaren F1 LM Specification – $19,805,000

The 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ sold for $19,805,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2019, setting a record for McLaren F1s at auction. This unique vehicle is one of only two standard F1 road cars upgraded by McLaren to LM specifications, featuring a 680 hp GTR racing engine, enhanced aerodynamics, and upgraded suspension.

Despite its race-inspired modifications, it retains a more comfortable interior than typical LM models, making it an exceptional blend of extreme performance and road-going comfort.

1995 McLaren F1 – $20,465,000

The 1995 McLaren F1 sold at auction in 2021 for $20,465,000, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $15 million. This particular F1 is unique as it’s the only one finished in Creighton Brown out of the 64 road-legal examples produced. It’s also one of the lowest mileage F1s in existence, with only 254.8 miles on the odometer.

The car went up for auction again with RM Sotheby’s in May 2024, but no information has been released yet on whether it was sold. 

1963 Aston Martin DP215 – $21,455,000

The 1963 Aston Martin DP215, a one-of-a-kind Grand Touring Competition Prototype, was sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2018. This car, developed specifically for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was the first to break the 300 km/h barrier at the event, reaching a top speed of 198.6 mph.

Driven by Phil Hill and Lucien Bianchi, it unfortunately did not finish the race due to a gearbox failure. The DP215, restored and reunited with its original engine, was estimated to sell for $20-25 million, reflecting its significance as the last racing car built under David Brown’s ownership and its storied racing history.

1955 Jaguar D-Type – $21,780,000

The 1955 Jaguar D-Type that sold for $21,780,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2016 was a legendary vehicle with a remarkable history. This particular D-Type, chassis number XKD 501, was the overall winner of the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, raced by the Ecurie Ecosse team.

It is the only Le Mans-winning C- or D-Type that has survived intact and remained essentially original to its winning form. The car was the first team-series production D-Type and the first to be designated by its chassis as a D-Type. With only two private owners since Ecurie Ecosse, this D-Type is considered one of the most important and valuable Jaguars in the world.

1935 Duesenberg SSJ – $22,000,000

The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ that sold for $22,000,000 at the Gooding & Company auction during the 2018 Monterey Car Week is a truly exceptional vehicle. It set multiple records, becoming the most expensive American car ever sold at auction, the most expensive pre-war car ever sold, and the most expensive Duesenberg.

The SSJ was one of only two ever built, originally owned by Hollywood actor Gary Cooper. It features a supercharged straight-eight engine producing 400 horsepower, a shortened wheelbase, and a custom open-roadster body by LaGrande. 

1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti – $22,005,000

The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM, chassis number 0628, sold for $22,005,000 at RM Sotheby’s Petersen Automotive Museum auction in December 2018. This rare and historically significant car was one of only four 290 MMs ever built and boasts an impressive racing pedigree.

It was originally a Scuderia Ferrari Works car, driven by legendary drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, Peter Collins, and Sir Stirling Moss. The car achieved notable successes, including a second-place finish in the 1956 Mille Miglia. Prior to the auction, it underwent a full restoration by Ferrari Classiche to its 1957 12 Hours of Sebring configuration, contributing to its exceptional value and desirability among collectors.

1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider – $22,005,000

The 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti sold for an impressive $22,005,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2022, making it the highest-selling lot of Monterey Car Week that year. This exceptional Ferrari is one of only two factory-campaigned 410 Sports equipped with a 24-spark plug 4.9-liter V12 engine, producing around 400 horsepower. The car has a rich racing history, with legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Carroll Shelby behind the wheel.

Notably, Shelby achieved more wins in this particular 410 Sport Spider than any other car in his racing career, securing 8 victories and 10 podium finishes. 

1956 Aston Martin DBR1 – $22,500,000

The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 sold for $22,550,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2017, setting a record as the most expensive British car ever sold at auction. This particular DBR1, chassis number one, is the first of only five factory-built examples and is considered one of the most important Aston Martins ever produced. It features a period-correct reproduction engine built by R.S. Williams, along with its final Works-fitted engine.

The DBR1 has a storied racing history, including an overall victory at the 1959 Nürburgring 1000km and contributions to Aston Martin’s 1959 World Sportscar Championship win. Legendary drivers such as Carroll Shelby, Stirling Moss, and Roy Salvadori have all driven this iconic car. The fierce bidding for the DBR1 lasted nearly seven minutes, with a private collector ultimately securing the vehicle via phone bid, underscoring its immense desirability and historical significance.

1955 Ferrari 410 Sport – $23,000,000

The 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti sold for $22,005,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2022, making it the highest-selling vehicle of that year’s Monterey Car Week. This exceptional Ferrari is one of only two factory-campaigned examples equipped with a powerful twin-plug-per-cylinder 4.9-liter V12 engine, producing around 400 horsepower. The car has an illustrious racing history, having been driven by legendary figures such as Carroll Shelby, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Phil Hill.

Between 1956 and 1958, this Ferrari 410 Sport (chassis number 0598 CM) participated in 40 races, winning 11 and achieving 19 podium finishes. Its combination of rarity, racing pedigree, and historical significance contributed to its exceptional value at auction.

1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale – $26,400,000

The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale by Scaglietti sold for $26,400,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2014. This exceptional vehicle is one of only three Works berlinetta competizione cars ever built, making it even rarer than its 250 GTO siblings. Chassis number 06701 was the first of these three special models and features its original matching-numbers engine. Initially finished in Rosso Cina, the factory later changed its color to Grigio Scurro Metalizatto before selling it to its first private owner.

The 275 GTB/C Speciale was designed to compete at Le Mans and other major races, boasting a lightweight chassis and body, as well as a powerful 3,286 cc V-12 engine with six Weber carburetors producing 320 horsepower. Although this particular chassis didn’t race due to homologation issues, its sibling (chassis 06885) finished an impressive third overall at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, setting a record for the best finish by a front-engine car that still stands today.

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider – $27,500,000

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider by Scaglietti sold for $27,500,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2013. This exceptionally rare vehicle was one of only 10 N.A.R.T. (North American Racing Team) Spiders ever built, making it highly desirable among collectors. The car was purchased new by Eddie Smith Sr. of North Carolina and remained in single-family ownership until its sale, which significantly increased its value and appeal.

It features matching numbers throughout, including the engine, gearbox, and body, and had undergone a high-quality restoration. The Smith family decided to sell the car so it could be appreciated by a wider audience, with the proceeds benefiting charity. At the time of its sale, it was one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction, reflecting its rarity, provenance, and historical significance in the Ferrari lineage.

1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $28,050,000

The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti, chassis number 0628, sold for $28,050,000 at RM Sotheby’s New York auction in December 2015. This rare and historically significant vehicle was one of only four 290 MMs ever built and boasts an impressive racing pedigree. It was originally developed by Ferrari to compete in the 1956 World Sportscar Championship and the Mille Miglia, where it finished second with Peter Collins at the wheel.

The car was driven by legendary racers including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, Peter Collins, Wolfgang von Trips, and Sir Stirling Moss during its Scuderia Ferrari Works career in 1956 and 1957. After extensive restoration by Ferrari Classiche, the car received Red Book certification, confirming its originality and authenticity. Its combination of rarity, racing history, and impeccable provenance contributed to its high value at auction.

1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 – $29,600,000

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Formula 1 race car sold for a record-breaking $29.6 million at Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed auction on July 12, 2013. This iconic vehicle, driven by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, secured victories in both the 1954 German and Swiss Grand Prix. The W196 was a pioneering design, introducing several innovative technologies to Formula 1, including a fuel-injected engine, all-independent suspension, a lightweight “spaceframe” chassis, and all-round inboard mounted brakes.

Its rarity significantly contributed to its value, as it was one of only 14 built, with just 10 remaining, and the only example not housed in a museum. At the time of its sale, this Mercedes-Benz W196 set the record for the most expensive car ever sold at auction, surpassing the previous record of $16.4 million held by a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.

1967 Ferrari 412P – $30,255,000

The 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta sold for $30,255,000 at Bonhams’ auction during the 2023 Monterey Car Week, setting a new record for the auction house. This exceptionally rare vehicle is one of only two original examples ever produced, with this particular chassis (no. 0854) being the only 412P that still retains its original body, chassis, engine, and transmission.

The car boasts an impressive racing history, including third-place finishes at Spa and Le Mans in 1967. Powered by a 4.0-liter V-12 engine producing around 420 horsepower, this Ferrari 412P is considered one of the most beautiful race cars of all time, featuring a sculpted body crafted by Pininfarina. After passing through the hands of several notable collectors, the car underwent a meticulous nine-year restoration before its recent sale.

1957 Ferrari 335 S – $35,730,510

The 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti sold for $35,730,510 at Artcurial’s Retromobile auction in Paris on February 5, 2016, becoming the second most expensive car sold at auction at that time. This exceptionally rare vehicle is one of only four ever produced and boasts an impressive racing pedigree, having been driven by legendary drivers such as Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, and Wolfgang von Trips.

The car’s notable achievements include finishing second in the 1957 Mille Miglia and setting the first lap record over 124 mph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Previously part of the renowned Bardinon Collection, this Ferrari 335 S features a powerful 4.1-liter V12 engine capable of producing 400 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 190 miles per hour, which was groundbreaking for its time.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta – $38,115,000

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta sold for $38,115,000 at Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Auction in Carmel, California on August 14, 2014, setting a world record at the time for the most expensive car sold at auction. This iconic vehicle, often referred to as the “Holy Grail in collectible cars,” surpassed the previous record of $30 million set by a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R F1 Racer.

The 250 GTO is one of only 36 ever produced, all of which are still operational today, contributing to its rarity and value. This particular example boasted an impressive racing pedigree, having won the 1962 Italian GT championship and secured over 15 class and overall victories between 1962 and 1965. The sale of this Ferrari not only demonstrated the strength of the collector car market but also reaffirmed the enduring appeal and value of classic Ferraris among enthusiasts and investors.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $48,405,000

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti sold for $48,405,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2018, setting a record at the time for the most expensive car sold at a public auction. This particular 250 GTO, chassis number 3413, was the third of only 36 GTOs built and is considered one of the most authentic and original examples. It has an impressive racing pedigree, including winning the 1962 Italian GT Championship with driver Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi and contributing to Ferrari’s victory in the 1964 International Championship for GT Manufacturers.

The car is one of only seven examples to receive the more aggressive Series II GTO/64 coachwork by Scaglietti, further enhancing its rarity and value. Its historical significance, originality, and matching numbers components make it one of the most desirable and legendary motor cars in the world.

1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO – $51,705,000

The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO by Scaglietti sold for a record-breaking $51,705,000 at RM Sotheby’s auction in New York on November 13, 2023, making it the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction.

This unique vehicle is the only Ferrari GTO example originally equipped with a 4-liter engine and the only factory GTO Tipo 1962 raced by Scuderia Ferrari. It boasts an impressive racing history, including a class win and second-place overall finish at the 1962 Nürburgring 1000 KM. The car had been owned by Jim Jaeger, an Ohio-based collector, for nearly four decades before its sale. Despite setting a new record, the final price fell short of the initial $60 million estimate, highlighting the car’s exceptional value and historical significance in the world of classic automobiles.

Fun fact: A 1962 Ferrari GTO is part of Ralph Lauren’s car collection. 

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe – $142,000,000

Only two road-legal 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes were made. This is just one reason for the incredible auction price. 

One of the cars remains at the Mercedes-Benz museum.  The other was sold on May 5, 2022 to a private collector for $142 million. Proceeds would be used to establish the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” to offer scholarships for young people studying environmental science. 

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This article was originally published on GreaseCulture.com.