©Remi Dargegen ©2018 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
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The classic car market is worth billions, with rare classic models going for millions of dollars. These are not just cars, but stories, moments of history, sophistication and engineering mastery that are well worth the investment.
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In this article, we’re breaking down the top seven most expensive classic cars that have left auction attendees in complete awe. Let’s get to know these classic masterpieces.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé” is the most expensive classic car in the world. It was designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who gave it a 3.0-litre straight-eight race engine that is believed to have clocked high-speed records of up to 180 MPH (290 KM/H). This technology and engineering design made it one of the fastest cars of its time.
Many of its audience were captivated by its striking gull-wing doors. Its simple yet elegant design further enhanced its appeal, making many consider it one of the industry’s most iconic car designs ever. Only two prototypes were manufactured then, but Mercedes-Benz retained possession of these two until their record-breaking auction, where it sold for $143 million.
This wasn’t just a sale; the money went to fund scholarships to further learning and research.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Very few cars have received the respect given to the Ferrari 250 GTO. The 250 GTO was designed to compete in GT racing. It had a lightweight chassis with a 3.0-liter V12 engine and an output of 300 horsepower. This Ferrari could easily reach a top speed of 174 MPH (280 KM/H).
With victories in the Tour de France Automobile and class victories during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it safely rests at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is also extremely rare, with only 36 were built between 162 and 1964. Because of this, a sale was made in 2018 for $48.4 million at RM Sotheby.
1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
Another beauty among classic cars is the 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti. The well-known Carrozzeria Scaglietti designed this car with an elegance that resonates with its aggressiveness and aerodynamic shape.
It was a V12 4.0-litre engine car that produced 390 HP, a genius car engineered with all of the best technology of its time, beating many cars even today. This car would do over 186 MPH and broke race records in races like Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
What makes this car so expensive is its racing achievements. In a 2016 sale, one of the models once driven by legends such as Sir Stirling Moss and Mike Hawthorn sold for €32.1 million (about $35.7 million).
1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Price: More than $30 million
The 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is one of the most famous classic cars ever. It’s a car that found itself on all the record books for being the most expensive car ever sold at an auction at Gooding & Company for an estimated $30-40M back in 2010.
Of the three built, only two remain to date. One belonged to the late Dr. Peter D Williamson and the other to the legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren. What makes the Bugatti 57SC Atlantic so valuable is its rarity. But it does not stop there.
It was also designed with a low-slung aluminum body and created by Jean Bugatti, the son of the car manufacturer’s founder.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R
The Mercedes-Benz W196R is a racing car constructed for Formula 1 races. This car won the championship for Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954. This car features a straight-eight advanced engine, advanced innovations like fuel injection, and lightweight magnesium construction.
Its highly optimized streamlined design made it a real technical wonder for its time.
The W196R was sold for $29.6 million and was the only surviving car from Fangio’s streak with its history fully intact.
Nothing could be better justifying such a high price since it could be associated with one of F1’s most important drivers. Its 2013 auction marked a scarce chance for collectors since Mercedes rarely sells its historic cars.
1956 Ferrari 290 MM
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM was solely built for endurance racing. Its purpose was to run in the Mille Miglia race for the great Juan Manuel Fangio. This car has a 3.5-litre V12 with 320 horsepower, lightweight construction, and advanced engineering, making it race-worthy.
This fantastic motor sold for $28 million in an RM Sotheby’s auction house in New York in December 2015. Being tagged with several racing namesakes and ever-shrinking production lines pushed it further up the list of must-have classic cars.
1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale
Only four were made; today, just two are confirmed to still be around. With Jean Bugatti styling the car, it embodied Art Deco’s hallmarks, including a sleek, teardrop-shaped body with riveted seams and a bespoke design.
Under the hood, the Type 57SC Atlantic had placed a 3.3-liter supercharged inline-8, capable of pushing over 120 MPH- a mind-boggling feat for the 1930s. It was hand-built for aesthetics unmatched by any other car in the world. This rare Bugatti model is one of the most sought-after classic cars in the world. One was reportedly sold at an RM Auctions auction in Monterey, California, in August 2014 for $26.4 million.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of publishing date. Prices and availability are subject to change.
