Outrageously Expensive Cars That Will Make Your Jaw Drop

Ever wonder the most expensive car ever bought privately or sold from auction? This list of the most expensive 50 cars ever sold is nothing short of spectacular. Sit back and enjoy the ride through these insanely expensive automobiles and see which car tops the list as the world’s most expensive!

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster – $8,057,000

The Special Roadster is the ultimate Mercedes-Benz 540 K. Remarkably, it effectively accommodates only two passengers. Yet, the Sindelfingen designers succeeded in designing a car that looks much smaller and lighter than it is. The gently sloping and instantly recognizable Mercedes-Benz radiator is tucked back at the front wheels’ centerline behind sweeping front fenders.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione – $8,140,000

Coming out on top at RM last weekend was Lot 164, a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta ‘Competizione’ that sold for a massive $8,140,000 – the buyer could’ve nearly bought two Barris Batmobiles for that chunk of change.

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Torpedo Roadster by Saoutchik0 – $8,250,000

Indeed, we’re talking about the Carrosserie J. Saoutchik-bodied 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Torpedo Roadster, one of the rarest and most interesting coachbuilt Mercedes’ of the 1920s.  
Meticulously restored by Paul Russell and Company, the car was originally displayed at the 1929 New York Auto Salon and is the only known survivor of the three short-windshield examples that were ever built 

1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider – $8,250,000

What some people will pay for a bit of nostalgia and a V-12 engine. Sporting the classy Ferrari sports Bleu Sera Metallizzato livery this 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider recently sold for $8,250,000, about 1000x what you paid for the ride sitting in your moms garage right now.  

1955 Ferrari 410 S – $8,250,000

The 410 was Ferrari’s top sports-racing car in 1955 and effectively replaced the 375 Plus which won Le Mans in 1954. It was specifically designed for a race stretching up the newly built Mexican highway called the Carrera Panamerica and was named ‘Carrera Messicana’ internally by Ferrari

1997 McLaren F1 – $8,470,000

During our Pebble Beach Auctions in 2013, Gooding & Company set a world auction record for the McLaren marque with the sale of a 1997 F1 for $8,470,000. We look forward to continuing the tradition of success at our Scottsdale Auctions.” 

1959 Ferrari 250GT LWB California Spider – $8,500,000

Under the Pinin Farina body, little changed. The car retained the long-wheel-base 250 GT chassis with the Tipo 128D engine.

Our feature example is one of the world’s best LWB California Spyders and is distinguished by its Superamerica-style front fender vents, hood scoop, cold air intake and factory hardtop. In In 1999, owner Jonas Liden of Sweden commissioned a full restoration at Carrozzeria Autosport, Bacchelli & Villa in Bastiglia, Italy.

1959 Ferrari 250 GT Competizione Alloy Berlinetta –$8,525,000

A spectacular 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Competizione Alloy Berlinetta has been sold by Bonhams as part of the company’s Quail Lodge Auction during Monterey Car Week 2015 for $8.525 million. 

1957 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $8,580,000

Specifically, the SWB version. Ferrari made some 106 California Spiders in the late Fifties and early Sixties, with 56 of them on the short-wheelbase chassis. And of those 56, just 37 were finished with the ‘covered headlights’. This, as you can see, is one of those 37. 

1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante – $8,745,000

1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider – $8,800,000

If there are two words in the Ferrari vocabulary that get the blood flowing in any tifosi, surely they are “California Spider.” Considered by many to be the most beautiful car to come out of Maranello, the California Spider had the performance credentials to back up its stunning presence. To the individual that was looking for a car that could be driven leisurely with the top down on Saturday, taken to the track and raced hard on Sunday, and with the requisite Italian style and flair only a Ferrari could deliver, there was simply no other option.

1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider – $9,075,000

One of just 12 ever built, this particular chassis carries the distinction of winning the SCCA National Championship in 1953. It’s also the only example known to feature the unmistakable pontoon fenders, making it a one of a kind buy to boot.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione – $9,405,000

This photo was originally published in “Kurds Fight to Preserve the ‘the Other Iraq,” in March 2016.

Although very shocking, it’s not unusual for women to be married off to ISIS fighters against their will. Two of the three women above, who are being photographed with their faces hidden as a little girl watches on, are among those who were forced to marry. Lucky for them, they were able to escape to a refugee camp.

1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa – $9,418,500

This is the most sought-after redhead of them all. It was driven by racing legends Phil Hill and Oliver Glendebien, as they lead every lap and captured their epic three-peat overall win at Le Mans in 1962. RM Auctions called it “the is the most famous series of sports-racing cars ever built, and said that this model is “the ultimate Ferrari Testarossa.” It was the last front-engined Ferrari sports-racer and the last front-engined car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Salute a legend. 

1935 Alfa Romeo 8C-35 – $9,425,000

Notching a win against a Silver Arrow should be feather enough in any racing car’s cap; doing so with the great Tazio Nuvolari at the wheel and under the banner of Scuderia Ferrari simply explains the win. All of that combined, however, helped the 1935-1936 Alfa Romeo 8C-35 Grand Prix Racing Monoposto that Bonhams offered at this past weekend’s Goodwood auction to sell for 5,937,500 British pounds ($9.4 million, including buyer’s fees), setting a new record for Alfa Romeos sold at public auction. 

1957 Ferrari 250 GT 14-Louvre Berlinetta – $9,460,000

With a race pedigree renowned for endurance, the 1957 Ferrari 250 GT 14-Louver Berlinetta was a highly competitive coupe of which only nine examples were made. Debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1956, the car showcased Scaglietti’s coachwork rather than that of Pininfarina

1964 Ferrari 250 LM – $9,625,000

 

Only in today’s booming vintage car market could a $9,625,000 sale be considered middle of the road. The sum pales in comparison to the $34 million paid for a 1962 GTO last the, but still buys you quite a Ferrari: a 1964 Ferrari 250 Le Mans, one of the earliest mid-engined Ferraris that did (unlike so many Pontiac Grand Prixs) win its eponymous race.

1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale by Kellner  – $9,654,000

 

The Bugatti Type 41 Royale is the largest production car ever built. The 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood, what most people think of when they think longest car, had a wheelbase of 157.5 inches. The Royale? 169 inches. At 236 inches long, the Bugatti is in fact 3 inches longer than the Caddy, however it weighs 3,000 pounds more, for an Excursion like total of 7,500 lbs.

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster – $9,680,000

Built to order for the wealthiest and most demanding enthusiasts, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster was the flagship of the brand in the prewar years. Introduced in 1936, just 26 540 K Special Roadsters were constructed before the Second World War brought new car construction to a halt, and of these, only a few were originally exported to the United States. 

1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB – $9,725,000

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the one-of-a-kind coupe (chassis No. 3269 GT) was built by the coachworks for its owner, Giuseppe “Nuccio” Bertone, to become his personal conveyance. Unmistakable with its shark-nosed front end, the car has a 240 hp bite packaged in a unique and aggressively styled body. Handling is helped by four-wheel, vacuum-assisted disc brakes and an independent coil-spring front suspension.

1982 Porsche 956 – $10,120,000

The 1982 Porsche 956 (estimate $7 – $9 million) was the overall winner of the 1983 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was the third of only ten Works Porsche 956s built. It set a new marque record at the 2015 Pebble Beach classic car auction when it sold for $10,120,000.

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 – $10,175,000

The “King of Cool’s” Ferrari went for $10,175,000, which sounds impressive until you consider that a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale was auctioned for more than twice that — $26,400,000. 

1931 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Coupe – $10,340,000

Duesenberg’s iconic Model J was introduced to universal applause in December of 1928. E.L. Cord, who had acquired the company two years before, had directed Fred and Augie Duesenberg to design ‘the world’s finest motor car,’ and, by most measurements, it was exactly that. The Lycoming engine was built to Fred’s design, and featured twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $10,894,000

Gazing upon the stunning Ferrari 250GT SWB California pictured here, one might be tempted to think, “Oh, boy, another ludicrously expensive Ferrari headed to auction.” You’d be right to do so, but at this point, is an eye roll even necessary? Pre-auction estimates place the sale of this three-owner 1961 250GT at up to $17 million, or deep into abstract-thought territory.

1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage – $11,000,000

Throw in a provenance that includes multiple racing wins, work in one of the most beloved films in automotive history along with an iconic livery and you’ve got the 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage Lightweight Racing car seen here. 

1960 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione – $11,275,000

Of the collection, the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione attracted the most demand selling for $11,275,000, which was also the second most valuable car sold of Pebble Beach auction week

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB – $11,414,500

So many automobiles have been branded with the name “Grand Touring” or “GT.” This is often a farce, particularly in the face of one of the automobiles that exemplifies the name: Ferrari’s 1960–1962 250 GT short-wheelbase Berlinetta. You can just call it “SWB” and any Ferrari fan worth his prancing horse lapel pin will know what you’re talking about.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM – $11,550,000

The 250 LM exploded onto the scene at the Paris Automobile Show in October 1963. It was built as the replacement for the 250 GTO, and it was intended to compete in the GT category of sports-car racing. Yet, Ferrari did not produce the mandated 100 examples for it to compete in the GT class, and the 250 LM was forced to compete as a sports-prototype.

1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster – $11,770,000

Known as the Von Krieger Special Roadster after the German baroness who owned it, this Mercedes is expected to bring at least $10 million and could break the $16.4-million record for any auto sold at auction when it goes on the block after the Concours d’Elegance car show at Pebble Beach. Experts have dubbed the car the automotive equivalent of a coveted Picasso painting

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB  Competizione Clienti – $12,000,000

The Ferrari designed to replace the 250 GT series was the 275, introduced in Paris in the fall of 1964 as the 275 GTB coupe and the 275 GTS Spyder. The aggressive shark-like profile of the 275 GTB became an icon of 60′s design

1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa – $12,402,500

During an auction which took place at Ferrari’s factory and test circuit at Maranello in northern Italy, a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa was sold for for €9,020,000, or about $12.4 million dollars-which sets a new world record 

1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta Competizione – $12,745,500

 

Combining rarity, powerful mechanical specifications, important racing history, and ravishing coachwork, 0320AM is one of three 340/375 MM works race cars that Ferrari entered at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans in its efforts to counter mount competition from Jaguar, Maserati, and Lancia. All three cars featured a brand new Pinin Farina body derived from the 250 MM design.

1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione ‘Tour de France’ – $13,200,000

The impact that Ferrari’s 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione left on motorsport, let alone Ferrari itself, is something that is difficult to quantify. Similarly, stating that this new model saw consistent success on race tracks around the globe would be an understatement.

1953 Jaguar C-type Lightweight – $13,200,000

Few sports-racing cars have achieved such legendary status as the Jaguar C-Type, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice for Coventry during the company’s domination of the event in the 1950s. The C-Type began life as the famed XK120 roadster, which had taken the world by storm in 1948 with its revolutionary dual overhead-cam engine. 

 1998 McLaren F1 – $13,750,000

The McLaren F1 is a car that needs no introduction, yet its significance to the history of the automobile in general warrants a brief overview.

It was built and designed on a blank sheet of paper by a team led by Gordon Murray and Ron Dennis, who were looking to make zero compromises in the pursuit of automotive perfection. In doing so, they managed to write themselves into the annals of motoring history. On March 31, 1998, a McLaren F1 (chassis XP5) achieved a top speed of 240.14 mph

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato – $14,300,000

This is one of the Holy Grail Aston Martins. The DB4GT itself is a rare, highly sought-after machine – but those handful of Zagato versions are really where it’s at. The DB4 was produced by Aston Martin between 1958 and 1963. The DB4GT came out in late 1959. It was a lightweight, high-performance version of the standard 2+2 road car.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM – $14,300,000

 

The 250 LM was the only vehicle to sell for more than $10 million at the RM Auctions event in New York, but two more cars found new owners for more than $5 million – a unique 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS ($7.1 million) and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB ($7 million). 

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $15,180,000

This Ferrari is the highly sought-after covered-headlight example. In addition to this distinction, 2903 GT is one of a limited number of SWB California Spiders factory equipped with an optional hardtop. Offered for sale for the first time in over 14 years, this stunning Ferrari sparked a round of feverous bidding that resulted in a final sale of $15,180,000, a world record for a Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider.

1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype  – $16,390,000

With the hammer falling at $14.9 million plus the buyer’s premium, the final sale price as $16.4 million.

It’s a fitting price for a historic car: this is the first of the Testa Rossas. It was also a Scuderia Ferrari team car that raced at Le Mans. On top of that, it’s especially appealing to American buyers, because it has been comprehensively restored and outfitted in 1958 Le Mans NART (North American Racing Team) livery.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Speciale – $16,500,000

1962 Ferrari 250 GT short-wheelbase (SWB) Berlinetta (chassis 1995 GT – one just 167), sold for $7,392,000. The car had been donated from the estate of pre-eminent British V12 Ferrari collector, Richard Colton, to benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (UK). 

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $16,830,000

Auction house Gooding & Company sold this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider for $16,830,000 in 2015. This particular 250 GT SWB arrived on the West Coast as one of the 37 250s built with covered headlights, and with a rare and desirable hardtop to suit.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM – $17,600,000

In 2015 the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM took the honors as the most expensive car to grace Monterey, with one buyer forking out $17,600,000 on this stunning Ferrari. The 320bhp V12 car is number 23 of the 32 that were built, and thanks to its success in Sportscar racing circles is considered as perhaps the finest

1954 Ferrari 375-Plus – $18,298,500

Spot the trend? The car was destined for victory in the 1954 Mille Miglia prior to a broken gearbox within sight of the finish line. Following a number of outings at Le Mans and other races at the time, the front-engined 4.9-litre V12-powered car was sold into private American hands, before embarking on further historic race meetings more recently.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $18,465,500

As far as barn finds go, the uncovering of the Baillon collection in a France in late 2014 was pretty special. The highlight of the collection was undoubtedly this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, which was found under a stack of old car magazines.

1955 Ferrari 410 Sport – $23,000,000

Offered at Rick Cole’s Monterey auction in 2014, this Ferrari 410 Sport sold post-sale for $23m. Powered by a 5.0-litre version of the Lampredi V12 engine, it was one of the most powerful Ferrari racers ever built. Just four were made, although all varied in specification and body style, making it unique.

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

Falling just short of the 275 GTB NART Spider’s price a year earlier, this Ferrari 275 Speciale sold for $26,400,000, again at RM’s Monterey sale. Rarer than the 250 GTO that tops this list (just three were produced), chassis 06701 arrived in California after a lifetime of historic racing and rallying success.

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

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider went on to sell for $27.5m, making it the most expensive road-only car in this list. One of only ten examples, the 3.3-litre V12-powered car made the record price at RM Auctions’ Monterey auction in 2013. The car was originally in the hands of US Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti prior to being sold on to Eddie Smith.

1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $28,050,000

The ex-works 1956 Ferrari 290 MM, also driven by Fangio on the 1956 Mille Miglia, One of just four 290 MMs produced, this example is arguably the most important, and unusually for a car with such great competition history, it has never been crashed. 

1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 – $29,605,000

Weighing in at just shy of $30m, the Mercedes-Benz W196 was quite the jaw-dropper when it lit up Bonhams’ annual auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2013. Once piloted by five-time Formula 1 world champion Juan Manual Fangio, the straight-eight German monster obliterated its mooted estimation of $7.6m, and to this day remains the most expensive car to go under the hammer on British soil.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $38,115,000 

The 2014 sale of a Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta officially positioned the legendary racer as the worlds most expensive.