Currently reading: The most expensive cars ever sold
Classic cars can sell at auction for more than £25 million these days – and here are the priciest cars ever sold
-
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is the world's most expensive car
-
Ferrari 250 GTO
-
Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione
-
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
-
Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale
-
Ferrari 290 MM
-
Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
-
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider
-
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione
-
Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider
-
Jaguar D-Type
-
Mercedes-Benz W196
-
Ferrari 250 LM
Close
Think of the world’s most expensive cars and your mind might immediately go tomodern, high-performance models like the Ferarri Enzo, Bugatti Veyron or the Pagani Zonda.
However, despite attracting multimillion-pound prices, these cars barely command a fraction of the sumsachieved by more classic and exclusive models.
For example, the $4.8 million (£3.8m) required for a one-of-29 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita wouldn’t even get you into to the top 100 most expensive cars ever sold.
Related articles
If you think a lottery win will help, you may still need to recalibrate, because the top classics now change hands for the sort of amounts usually reserved for old masters.
So here are the most expensive cars on the planet based on the price paid when the cars changed hands.We’ve quoted the prices in dollars because most of the cars featured were sold in the US, but the converted figures in pounds sterling are correct at the time of writing and are equally eye-watering.
Now, take a deep breath and hang on to your wallet.
1. The world's most expensive car: theMercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé
A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is the most expensive car ever sold, having gone under the hammer for a staggering $135m in 2022 - the equivalent of £114.4m.
Previously owned by Mercedes-Benz, the car was sold by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to an anonymous buyer. The winning bid was placed on the mystery buyer’s behalf by Simon Kidston, head of historic car specialist Kidston SA.
The £114.4m hammer price is the current world record price for any car, more than doubling the previous record, which at the time was held by the Ferrari 250 GTO in third place on this list. It was so expensive that the SLR’s opening bidding price was higher than the final price of the 250 GTO.
Just two 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés were made by Mercedes-Benz and they take their name from the firm’s chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
The car was designed as a road-going version of the W196 R grand prix car, with an enlarged 3.0-litre straight-eight engine allowing it to hit speeds of up to 180mph.
The car sold was chassis 00008/55 - the second of the two cars built and the one that Uhlenhaut himself used frequently. The sale makes the 300 SLR one of the top 10 most expensive items ever sold at auction.
All proceeds from the sale, Mercedes says, will be used to establish a worldwide 'Mercedes-Benz Fund'. RM Sotheby’s added that the fundwill aim to “provide educational and research scholarships in the areas of environmental science and decarbonisation for young people.”
Advertisem*nt
Latest Reviews
Read our review
Car review
Jeep’s core values are applied to a Fiat-based compact crossover, but established rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti have set the bar rather high
Back to top
Source: RM Sotheby's
2. Ferrari 250 GTO - $70,000,000(£52,300,000)
The most expensive Ferrari ever sold is this Ferrari 250 GTO, which fetched an eye-watering £52m in a private sale by German racing driver Christian Glaesel to US car parts mogul David MacNeil.
The car has an illustrious motorsport history, winning the 1964 Tour de France and finishing fourth in the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hours, among various other appearances. It's also never been crashed, which experts say is the key to its immense value.
Source: CNN
3. Ferrari 250 GTO Tipo$51,705,000 (£41,455,000)
You’re looking at the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction - and it’s another 250 GTO. It went under the hammer at an RM Sotheby’s auction in New York, though the auction house declined to reveal who paid the sky-high sum.
It’s a special Ferrari, this. Built in 1962, this GTO Tipo is one-of-oneand is the only works model to be driven by a 4.0-litre engine from new, and one of just 34 GTOs built with Tipo 1962 coachwork.
It also bears an illustrious motorsport history. It’s the only GTO Tipo 1962 ever raced by Scuderia Ferrariand featured in the 1962 Le Mans 24 Hours and the Sicilian Hillclimb Championship. Previous owners include a chairman of the Ferrari Club of America.
Despite being an auction record, the 250 GTO Tipo still fell short of RM Sotheby’s initial bid estimates of $60,000,000, according to the New York Times. Still, the seller looks to have made an unbelievable profit, having originally bought the car for $500,000 in 1985 - the equivalent of $1.4m today.
Source: RM Sotheby's
4.Ferrari250 GTO - $38,115,000 (£30,750,300)
It will come as little surprise to many that three of the fourmost expensive carssold at auction to date are Ferrari 250 GTOs, although this example is merely fourth in the overall rankings. No other car in the world has earned such a reputation and mystique, much of that built on previous record-smashing auction results. More importantly, the car itself is one of the finest of its era, thanks to its powerful 3.0-litre V12, superbly balanced chassis and immaculate race pedigree. Only 39 were made and this one was raced by Jo Schlesser.
Advertisem*nt
Back to top
Source: Bonhams
5. Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti - $35,700,000 (£28,801,940)
This 1957 Ferrari was another record breaker when it sold at the start of 2016 to become the most expensive racing car ever sold at auction. Previously owned for 40 years by a private collector, it caused huge interest, because it had been raced by Peter Collins and Maurice Trintignant in the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours. After that, it competed in the Mille Miglia with Wolfgang von Trips at the wheel. Provenance like thatin this market leads to such a high price beingpaid.
Source: Artcurial
6. Mercedes-Benz W196 - $29,600,000 (£23,880,600)
This amazing Mercedes grand prix car is the second appearance from the three-pointed star in our list, and what a car it is. Raced by Juan Manuel Fangio, it won the German and Swiss Grands Prix in 1954. It was the most expensive car ever sold at auction at the time of the sale in 2013.
Source: Bonhams
7. Ferrari 290 MM - $28,050,000 (£22,630,100)
More Ferrari racing history makes it into the upper end of our list. This one was built for the 1956 Mille Miglia and was also driven by the great Juan Manuel Fangio - his name always adds considerable prestige and value to any car he competed in. Only four 290s were made, and this one enjoyed further racing success after the Mille Miglia, too.
Source: RM Sotheby's
7. Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider - $27,500,000 (£22,186,365)
The North American Racing Team (NART) campaignedFerraricars in the US to raise awareness of the brand during the 1950s and 1960s. However, it also ordered special road cars from the factory, and this Spider is one of only 10 that were made. Adding to its appeal, it was also owned for while by actor Steve McQueen, who used it in the film ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’.
Source: RM Sotheby's
Advertisem*nt
Back to top
9. Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale - $26,400,000 (£21,298,910)
Any Ferrari 275 is a wonderful car and one that commands a high price nowadays, but this GTB/C Speciale was made to race. It has an aluminium body for lighter weight and its 3.0-litre V12 engine was tuned from the factory to give an extra 70bhp. Unusually, this example was never raced when new and that curiosity value helped push up its auction price, which was paid in 2014.
Source: RM Sotheby's
10. Aston Martin DBR 1 -$22,555,000 (£17,716,275)
This is arguably the most important model in Aston Martin's illustrious history. Itis the first of just five that were made,won the gruelling 1959 Nürbrugring 1000kmand was raced by Roy Salvadori, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Carroll Shelby. No surprise, then, that this World Sportscar Championship racer isthe most expensive British-built car ever to be sold, with bidders pushing the price to$22,555,000 (£17,716,275) when it was sold in Monterey.
Source: RM Sotheby's
11. Ferrari 410 Sport - $22,005,000 (£17,285,587)
Produced by Ferrari between 1955 and 1956, the 410 S was intended to be an endurance racer for the 1955 Carrera Panamericana and an evolution of the375 Plus that preceded it. In standard form, it was powereda 5.0-litre single-plug V12 that produced 330bhp before being upgraded to twin plugs per cylinder and a369bhp output. Given its racing heritage and small production run, it became a highly collectable item, witha single-plug car selling for $22,005,000 (£17,285,587) in Monterey.
Source: RM Sotheby's
12. Jaguar D-Type - $21,780,000 (£17,571,600)
The Jaguar D-Type won at Le Mans three times from 1955 to 1957, and this is the car that took the win in 1956 with the Scottish racing team Ecurie Ecosse. It later resided in a private collection, where it was still used for occasional race outings. With a superb motorsport background and limited numbers, it was no wonder that bidders pushed the price so high.
Advertisem*nt
Back to top
Source: RM Sotheby's
13. Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider - $19,800,000 (£15,974,180)
This stunning coachbuilt Alfa Romeo is one of an elite band ofcars to interrupt Ferrari’s dominance of our list, and it’s easy to see why. Its body was made by Touring in Italy and it’s based on the legendary 8C 2.9 chassis and engine, which is a supercharged straight eight, to make sure the speed matches the looks. One of only 12 made, it was a dead certainty for auction success.
Source: RM Sotheby's
14. Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider - $18,500,000 (£14,925,370)
The 250 GT SWB Spider already had mythical status, even among the Ferrari faithful, but this car raised it to a whole new level when it was unearthed from a French warehouse. Robert Baillon bought it with the intention of displaying it in a museum, but it wasn’t until after his death it resurfaced from years of dormancy. Still in working order, it was snapped up in 2015.
Source: Artcurial
15.Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione - $18,400,000 (£14,844,695)
You’ll notice a lot of thesebelong to Ferrari’s racing past and this 375-Plus is no exception. Better still, it was made from new to be used by the Scuderia and finished second in the 1954 Mille Miglia. Smallwonder, then, that buyers were fighting so hard over it when it sold back in 2014, with bidding maxing out at$18,400,000 (£14,844,695).
Source: Bonhams
16. Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione - $18,150,000 (£14,643,000)
As well as rarity, looks and a racing pedigree, a flawless history is essential to the value of classic cars at this level, and that's something abundantly clear with this version of the 250 GT SWB. Only nine Spider Competiziones were made with alloy bodies, and this car has continuous history of ownership from day one. A documented racing background and latterly plenty of awards at concourses makethe hefty price tag seem like a shrewd investment.
Advertisem*nt
Back to top
Source: Gooding & Company
17. Ferrari 250 LM - $17,600,000 (£14,199,270)
The 250 LM’s name tells you all you need to know about this model: it was built to race at Le Mans. Just as importantly, it started the mid-engined era at Ferrari, which promptly went on to win the 1965 Le Mans race. Fewer than the required 100 were made to qualify as a GT car, so it raced as a prototype. Only 32 were built and that now guarantees rarity and high prices, such as what was paid for this one in 2015.
Source: RM Sotheby's
used Jeep Renegade cars for sale
Jeep Renegade 1.0 GSE T3 Longitude Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Jeep RENEGADE 1.6 MultiJetII Longitude Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2016
£6,750
111,000miles
Diesel
Manual
5
Jeep Renegade 1.3 GSE T4 Night Eagle DDCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2021
£19,998
15,551miles
Petrol
Automatic
5
Jeep Renegade 1.3 GSE T4 Night Eagle DDCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2021
£20,498
11,864miles
Petrol
Automatic
5
Jeep Renegade 1.0 GSE T3 Longitude Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2021
£16,998
7,048miles
Petrol
Manual
5
Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJetII Limited Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2015
£13,649
24,990miles
Diesel
Automatic
5
Jeep Renegade 1.6 MultiJetII Longitude Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2016
£10,999
27,201miles
Diesel
Manual
5
Jeep Renegade 1.0 GSE T3 Night Eagle Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2020
£15,998
33,182miles
Petrol
Manual
5
Jeep Renegade 1.0 GSE T3 Night Eagle Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
2021
£17,998
11,476miles
Petrol
Manual
5
Next
Prev
Powered By
Newsletter
Get all the best car news, reviews and opinions direct to your inbox three times a week. You can unsubscribe via any email we sendSee our full privacy notice for more details
Advertisem*nt
Join the debate
Comments
29
Webster09 27 November 2023
Hello Viewers I want to tell the whole world how Dr Benjamin the lottery spell caster gave me some lottery winning numbers and I won $632 million
I want to share my wonderful testimony on how Dr Benjamin helped me win the lottery, I have been playing the lottery for a long time now but I had no luck, everything changed when I messaged Dr Benjamin about winning the lottery he assured me that he will help me win he gave me some instructions which I adhered to, after I played the numbers he gave me I won the power ball jackpot of $632 million. I'm very happy today to share this good news with you all, He always open to as many that come to him for help, here's his personal information
Whatsapp:+17066036031
Email: drbenjaminlottospell711 @ gmail. com
earthaivey 21 November 2023
I can never forget May 6, 2019. The year almighty God used Dr.Lucas to change my life for good. I'm so happy sharing this to the world because i have never seen this kind of miracle Dr.Lucas did in my life, I'm Eartha Ivey who won $7,000,000 million dollars on Virginia lottery, i was a nurse in suffolk, on that blessed day i was on a website and i saw a comment from Earl Lape on how Dr.Lucas helped him won the lottery, although i was so scared i took the risk and gave it a try and i took Dr.Lucas Email and messaged him, i told him what i want and he assured me that i was going to win the lottery game, he casted a spell and gave me some numbers after 48hrs with some instructions which i followed correctly and to my greatest surprise i won with the numbers. When i realized i had won a prize. I was all nervous and shaky, so I called my daughter and said to her, I think I won $4 million. I never knew I won $7,000,000. I became $7 million richer overnight with the help of Dr Lucas, please this is real and genuine contact Dr Lucas if you really want to win the lottery there are lots of scams online don't fall for their traps, Dr Lucas is the only real spell caster I've ever seen,Whats App +234 904 794 3567. You will never regret contacting Dr Lucas, he's the best THANK YOU.
As a seasoned expert in the automotive industry with a keen interest in classic and high-value cars, I'll delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the most expensive cars ever sold.
-
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé:
- This car is recognized as the world's most expensive car, having been sold for a staggering $135 million in 2022. I am well aware of the historical significance of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé and its limited production (only two units).
- The sale took place at RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to an anonymous buyer, with Simon Kidston, head of historic car specialist Kidston SA, placing the winning bid.
-
Ferrari 250 GTO:
- The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most iconic and expensive cars ever sold, fetching $70 million in a private sale from German racing driver Christian Glaesel to US car parts mogul David MacNeil.
- Its illustrious motorsport history, including winning the 1964 Tour de France and finishing fourth in the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hours, contributes significantly to its immense value.
-
Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti:
- The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti set a record as the most expensive racing car ever sold at auction, reaching $35.7 million in 2016.
- Its provenance, having been raced by Peter Collins and Maurice Trintignant in the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours and later in the Mille Miglia with Wolfgang von Trips, played a crucial role in its high valuation.
-
Mercedes-Benz W196:
- The Mercedes-Benz W196, raced by Juan Manuel Fangio, won the German and Swiss Grands Prix in 1954 and was the most expensive car ever sold at auction in 2013, reaching $29.6 million.
-
Ferrari 290 MM:
- This Ferrari 290 MM, built for the 1956 Mille Miglia and driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, sold for $28.05 million. The association with Fangio adds considerable prestige and value to the car.
-
Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider:
- One of the rarest Ferraris, the 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider, campaigned by the North American Racing Team (NART), sold for $27.5 million. Its rarity and the fact that it was owned by actor Steve McQueen contribute to its appeal.
-
Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale:
- The Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, made for racing with an aluminum body and a tuned 3.0-liter V12 engine, fetched $26.4 million in 2014.
-
Aston Martin DBR 1:
- The Aston Martin DBR 1, a World Sportscar Championship racer, holds the title of the most expensive British-built car ever sold, reaching $22.555 million. Its historical significance, including winning the 1959 Nürburgring 1000km, contributes to its value.
-
Ferrari 410 Sport:
- Produced by Ferrari between 1955 and 1956, the Ferrari 410 Sport sold for $22.005 million. Its racing heritage and small production run make it highly collectible.
-
Jaguar D-Type:
- The Jaguar D-Type that won at Le Mans in 1956, with a racing background and limited production, sold for $21.78 million.
-
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider:
- The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider, one of only 12 made, sold for $19.8 million. Its stunning design, based on the legendary 8C 2.9 chassis and engine, adds to its appeal.
-
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider:
- The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, discovered in a French warehouse, raised its mythical status and sold for $18.5 million in 2015.
-
Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione:
- The 375-Plus Spider Competizione, part of Ferrari's racing past, sold for $18.4 million in 2014 after finishing second in the 1954 Mille Miglia.
-
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione:
- This version of the 250 GT SWB, with only nine Spider Competizione units made with alloy bodies, sold for $18.15 million. Its flawless history, documented racing background, and awards at concourses contribute to its value.
-
Ferrari 250 LM:
- The Ferrari 250 LM, built to race at Le Mans, sold for $17.6 million in 2015. Its role in starting the mid-engined era at Ferrari and its rarity, with only 32 units built, contribute to its high valuation.
In conclusion, these cars represent not only automotive engineering marvels but also hold significant historical and racing value, making them highly sought after and fetching record-breaking prices at auctions.