The Tale of the Most Expensive Car Ever Sold

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These cars, the most expensive one ever sold, really grabs the attention of car fans and collectors. It stands out because it’s very rare, made with great skill, and has a deep car history. The top spot for the priciest car goes to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. It was sold for an amazing $142 million at an auction in 2022, showing how much people love and will pay for top-notch collectible cars at big auctions.

Top 10 Most Expensive Car Ever Sold

As this article unfolds, it will parade through the garages of time, showcasing cars like the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and the vintage elegance of the Bugatti Type 59, that command monumental value in both auctions and private sales. Join us on this opulent journey as we explore the stories and price tags behind these unparalleled mechanical masterpieces.

10. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1

In the echelons of automotive royalty, the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 commands respect not just for its beauty but also for its formidable racing pedigree. Fetching a handsome $22,550,000 at the RM Sotheby’s auction, the DBR1 is a beacon of Aston Martin’s illustrious racing history, embodying the realization of David Brown’s vision to triumph at Le Mans.

Key Aspects of the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1:

Historical Significance: The DBR1’s crowning achievement was clinching victory at Le Mans in 1959, a testament to the car’s design and engineering prowess. This win was a pivotal moment for Aston Martin, cementing its status in the annals of racing history.
Engine and Performance: Under its hood lies a robust 2,922 cc engine paired with a 5-speed transaxle, a powertrain that propelled the DBR1 to numerous victories. Its engine, while derived from the VB6, was extensively redesigned to boost power and reliability, ensuring it could compete with the era’s best.
Racing Heritage: Piloted by a cadre of legendary drivers, including Roy Salvadori, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, and Carroll Shelby, the DBR1 left an indelible mark on the racing world with successes at events such as the Nürburgring 1000 KM and the British GP support race.
Design and Restoration: The DBR1 boasts a suite of design enhancements over its predecessors, such as a perimeter-type spaceframe chassis and longitudinal torsion bars. Its body, crafted from ultra-light 20/22 gauge alloy, exudes elegance. Meticulously maintained by Aston Martin specialists R.S. Williams, the car has been restored to its pristine, original condition.
Auction and Ownership: The sale of this British automotive masterpiece included a specific registration process and necessitated import duty for US residents. Its record-breaking auction price not only made it the most expensive British car ever sold but also a shining emblem of Aston Martin’s racing heritage and David Brown’s enduring legacy.

9. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale by Scaglietti

The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale by Scaglietti, chassis 06701, stands as a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to excellence in both design and performance. This remarkable vehicle fetched $26.4 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2014, reflecting its rarity and the high value collectors place on such unique pieces of automotive history.

Key Features of the 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale:

Rare Breed: As the first of only three ever built, this 275 GTB/C Speciale’s scarcity is undeniable. Chassis 06701 boasts a lightweight tube-frame chassis and sleek aluminum body panels, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
Powerhouse Engine: Under the bonnet, a 3.3-liter V-12 engine with six Weber 38 DCN carburetors roars to life, delivering a potent 320 horsepower. This powerplant is original to the car, further adding to its authenticity and value.
Provenance and Pedigree: Completed in April 1965 and sold to its first owner in May of the same year, chassis 06701 was later converted for road use. Its well-documented ownership trail adds to the car’s allure for collectors and historians alike.
Le Mans Legacy: The vehicle’s storied past includes a 3rd overall finish in the GT class at Le Mans in 1965, solidifying its reputation as a formidable competitor on the track.
Ongoing Legacy: Despite updates over the years, including GTO-like cooling vents and a repaint to its iconic red color, the car retains much of its original character and continues to be a star at auctions.

Performance and Design Highlights:

Advanced Mechanics: The Speciale features a sophisticated double-wishbone independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, contributing to its exceptional handling and braking capabilities.
Lightweight Advantage: Weighing up to 300 pounds less than the standard road cars, this Ferrari combines agility with power, a formula that has always been central to Ferrari’s racing success.

Market Impact and Valuation:

Auction Presence: Chassis 06701 is set to capture attention once again at Mecum’s auction in Kissimmee, Florida, with eager anticipation but no explicit price estimate, hinting at the high interest in such a remarkable vehicle.
Comparable Valuation: The rarity and racing pedigree of another 275 GTB/C Speciale, chassis number 6885, have led to valuations exceeding $100 million, suggesting that chassis 06701 may also see its value appreciate significantly in the future.

This Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale not only embodies the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship but also carries a narrative of competitive spirit and exclusivity that continues to resonate with car aficionados around the globe.

8. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider is a vehicle steeped in exclusivity and prestige. With only 10 ever built, it’s a rare jewel in the crown of Ferrari’s automotive legacy.

Vehicle Specifications:

Chassis and Engine Number: 10709
Powertrain: 300 bhp 3,286 cc four overhead-camshaft V-12 engine
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Suspension: Four-wheel upper and lower wishbone independent
Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes
Frame: Tubular steel
Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

The car’s allure is not just in its scarcity but also in its rich history. Originally purchased by Eddie Smith Sr., a North Carolinian who was as passionate about his cars as he was about the American Dream, this NART Spider was more than a vehicle; it was a part of the Smith family’s identity.

Ownership and Legacy:

Single Ownership: Purchased new by Eddie Smith Sr. from Luigi Chinetti
Family Heirloom: Cherished by the Smith family for generations
Cinematic Appearance: Featured in “The Thomas Crown Affair” starring Steve McQueen
Racing Provenance: Participated in significant events like the 12 Hours of Sebring

In 2013, the Smith family decided to part with this treasured automobile at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey, California. The sale was not just a transaction; it was an event that celebrated the car’s storied past and its impact on the automotive world.

Auction and Philanthropy:

Sale Price: Sold for $27,500,000 USD
Charitable Contribution: Proceeds donated to charity, reflecting the Smith family’s values

This 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider is a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian craftsmanship, the thrill of racing, and the generosity of its owners. It remains an iconic symbol of Ferrari’s rich history and the extraordinary impact of a single vehicle on the world of collectible cars.

7. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM

The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM, a masterpiece by Scaglietti, is a remarkable testament to Ferrari’s racing heritage and engineering excellence. Sold for a breathtaking $22,005,000 at The Petersen Automotive Museum Auction by RM Sotheby’s, this vehicle is not only a collector’s dream but also a significant piece of motorsport history.

Notable Achievements and Historical Significance:

Scuderia Ferrari Works Car: Raced in the 1956 and 1957 seasons as an official car of the Scuderia Ferrari team.
Impressive Track Record: Achieved podium finishes at the prestigious Mille Miglia and 1000 KM of Buenos Aires.
Stirling Moss’s Victory: Clinched an overall victory at the Nassau Trophy and Memorial race under the skillful handling of Stirling Moss.
Rarity and Exclusivity: One of the final four examples built, and one of only three that have survived to this day.

Restoration and Certification:

Chinetti Family Legacy: The car was a part of the Chinetti family collection for nearly thirty years before its sale.
Ferrari Classiche Restoration: Underwent a meticulous restoration by Ferrari Classiche to its 1957 12 Hours of Sebring livery, ensuring authenticity and preserving its storied past.
Certification: Received the coveted Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and original body.

Legacy and Eligibility:

Motorsport Pedigree: The car has an enviable racing history across three continents with many of the greatest drivers of the era behind its wheel.
Concours and Racing Events: Eligible for the world’s most prestigious classic car events and countless vintage racing events, including the Mille Miglia.
Significant Sales Record: Its sale in 2015 for over $28 million marked it as the most expensive car sold that year, the most expensive ever sold in New York City, and the most expensive car RM Sotheby’s has ever sold.

The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM is not just a vehicle; it represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s golden era in sports car racing, carrying a legacy that is as powerful and enduring as its Tipo 130 V-12 engine.

6. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196

This car is a big deal in car history because of its new ideas and winning a lot of races. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R, driven by famous racer Juan Manuel Fangio, was sold for a huge amount of money, making it the most expensive car ever sold at an auction.

Main Wins:

The car with the number ‘00006/54’ helped Fangio win two big races in Germany and Switzerland in 1954.
These wins were the first time the Mercedes-Benz team won two big races in a row after World War II.
It was the first Mercedes-Benz race car after the war to win a big race with its wheels showing and a sleek design.

Cool New Features:

The W196’s engine followed the racing rules of 1954, which said cars couldn’t have supercharged engines bigger than 2 liters.
This car had lots of new things for Formula 1 racing, like:
- An engine that mixed the fuel inside the engine itself
- A special suspension system that worked independently
- A light frame that used many tubes
- Brakes inside the car
- The engine laid down to make the car run smoother
- A special way to take power from the engine to make the car less shaky

First Race and What People Remember:

The W196’s first big race was in France in 1954, where it did really well and won.
After having some trouble in a race in Britain, Fangio suggested making a version with its wheels showing. This new design helped him win in Germany and Switzerland.
In 2013, this car broke records by being the most expensive car sold at an auction.
Before it was sold, the Mercedes-Benz Classic group checked it to prove it was really special.

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R is not just famous because Fangio drove it, but also because it was a test car for Rudolf Uhlenhaut, a famous car engineer. Its cool features and success in races make it a very important car in racing history.

5. 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta

The 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta stands as a shining example of Ferrari’s dominance in the 1960s sports car racing scene. Chassis number 0854, this remarkable vehicle not only competed but also triumphed in several prestigious races, contributing significantly to Ferrari’s success in the World Sports Car Championship.

Racing Pedigree and Performance:

Driven by a roster of renowned drivers, including Richard Attwood, Lucien Bianchi, Piers Courage, David Piper, and Jo Siffert.
Secured vital points in the 1967 World Sports Car Championship, aiding Ferrari to clinch the championship title.
Continued its winning streak into the 1968 season with victories at the Nuremberg 200km, Solituderennen, and Swedish Grand Prix.

Design and Restoration:

The 412P Berlinetta is celebrated for its combination of breathtaking aesthetics and raw performance, hailed as one of the most beautiful competition cars ever designed.
With matching numbers across its chassis, engine, gearbox, and original bodywork, the car’s authenticity remains unquestioned.
After a comprehensive nine-year restoration, the 412P is not only a showpiece but also road legal and regularly driven, ensuring its legendary roar is still heard on the streets.

Provenance and Auction Success:

Initially part of Colonel Ronnie Hoare’s Maranello Concessionaires racing team, it sported a distinctive Italian racing red color with a Cambridge blue nose.
Its impressive racing history includes a third-place finish at the Belgian Spa 1,000 Kilometers and participation in the 24 Hours Of Le Mans.
At Bonhams The Quail Auction in 2023, this iconic Ferrari 412P Berlinetta was sold for $30.25 million, a testament to its enduring legacy and desirability among collectors.

With its powerful 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine, the 412P Berlinetta is not only a symbol of the golden age of racing, when “sex was safe and racing was dangerous,” but also a lasting tribute to Ferrari’s engineering prowess and competitive spirit. Its estimated value of $35 to $40 million USD reflects its rarity, condition, and the storied history it carries.

4. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti

The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti emerges as a crowning achievement in the realm of classic cars, fetching an unparalleled £25 million, or approximately $36 million, at auction. This sale not only highlights the vehicle’s extraordinary value but also its rarity, with only four units ever produced.

Performance and Engineering:

Engine: The car is powered by a formidable 4.1-liter V12 engine.
Horsepower: It boasts an impressive 400 horsepower.
Speed: The Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti is capable of reaching a top speed of 190 miles per hour.

Racing Heritage and Achievements:

Renowned Drivers: The car was driven by British Formula 1 champions Mike Hawthorne and Stirling Moss, adding to its legendary status.
Racing Events: It has a storied history in races, finishing sixth at the Sebring 12 Hours race in 1957 and coming second in the Mille Miglia 1,000-mile road race in Italy.
Engine Upgrade: Originally a 3.6-liter engine, it was increased to 4.1-liters post-race, enhancing its power from 360 to 400 horsepower and achieving a top speed of 300km/h (186 mph).
World Championship: The vehicle played a pivotal role in Ferrari clinching the Constructors’ World Championship title in 1957.

Auction Details and Provenance:

Auction House: The car was auctioned by Artcurial Motorcars at their annual Retromobile sale in Paris.
Record Sale: The final bid stood at €28 million, with premiums and taxes elevating the total to just over €32 million.
Racing Records: It set a lap record at the 1957 Le Mans 24 Hours and won the 1958 Cuban Grand Prix.
Previous Ownership: The car was once part of the collection of the late French racing driver Pierre Bardinon.
Buyer’s Profile: The identity of the new US-based owner remains undisclosed, yet they are likely a collector who values the car’s historical significance.
Previous Record: This sale surpassed the former record set by a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for €28.9 million in 2014.

The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti is not just a car but a piece of racing lore, embodying the essence of Ferrari’s golden age in motorsport. Its unparalleled auction price reflects its rarity, engineering excellence, and the illustrious history it carries.

3. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (Second Entry)

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO stands as a testament to the brand’s racing dominance and the allure of its design, achieving a record-breaking sale that underscores its status as a collector’s ultimate prize.

Auction Record Breaker:

Auction House: Sold at RM Sotheby’s auction in New York City.
Sale Price: Achieved a final hammer price of $47 million, with a 10% buyer’s premium bringing the total to $51.7 million.
Historical Significance: Became the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction, as well as the most expensive classic car sold publicly in that year.

Provenance and Performance:

Previous Owner: The car was under the stewardship of Jim Jaeger, a prominent collector in Ohio, for nearly four decades.
Racing Achievements: Flaunted its prowess at Le Mans in 1962 with a class win and secured a second-place finish overall at the Nürburgring 1,000 KM race.
Concours d’Elegance: Awarded Best in Show at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Florida, 2012.

Market Insights:

Collector Car Market Trends: Notably, the collector car market experienced a downturn, with overall classic car sales totals dropping by 23.4% year over year.
Comparative Sales: Another red 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $48.4 million in California, previously setting the record for the highest price paid for a classic car at auction.
Seller’s Background: The California auction’s seller, Greg Whitten, chairman of Numerix Software and an early Microsoft employee, had owned the Ferrari since 2000.
Production Rarity: Ferrari crafted a mere 36 examples of this model, adding to its exclusivity and value.

This particular 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO not only embodies the pinnacle of automotive engineering and competitive success but also continues to captivate collectors with its combination of rarity, history, and impeccable design.

2. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is a marvel of automotive history, with a sale at RM Sotheby’s auction in New York City that set the bar for Ferrari auction prices. It fetched a final hammer price of $47 million, with a 10% buyer’s premium elevating the total to $51.7 million. This sale shattered the previous record for a Ferrari auction set by another 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold by RM Sotheby’s at $48.4 million.

Auction Highlights:

Record-Breaking Sale: The $51.7 million sale price made it the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction.
Expectations Exceeded: While it was anticipated to sell for over $60 million, the final bid still represented a significant sum, reflecting the car’s desirability among collectors.

Racing Pedigree:

Class Win at Nürburgring: This 250 GTO clinched a class win at the 1962 Nürburgring 1,000 KM race.
Le Mans Campaign: The car’s racing credentials include participation in the legendary Le Mans race.
Unique Factory Team History: It was the only Tipo 1962 campaigned by the factory racing team, emphasizing its unique place in Ferrari’s racing legacy.

Engine Specifications and Modifications:

Original Engine: Initially equipped with a special 4.0-liter V12 engine.
Post-Le Mans Changes: Swapped for a standard 3.0-liter unit by the factory after its campaign at Le Mans, making it a one-of-a-kind in Scuderia’s racing history.

Despite a cooling collector car market, with a 23.4% decrease in overall classic car sales totals year over year, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO stands as the second-most-expensive car ever sold at auction. This is second only to the $144 million sale of a 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe in a closed-door auction in 2022. Its value is a testament to its rarity, engineering prowess, and storied past, solidifying its status as a jewel in the crown of collectible cars.

1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe achieved a landmark in automotive auction history, selling for an astonishing €135 million (about $142 million USD) in a private sale in 2022. This extraordinary sale not only set a new record for the most expensive car ever sold but also placed the vehicle among the top 10 most valuable items ever sold at auction.

Record-Breaking Sale

Sale Price: Approximately €135 million ($142 million USD)
Previous Record: Surpassed a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for around $45 million in 2018
Percentage Increase: Roughly 307,000% more valuable than the average new car in the U.S., priced at $46,526 in April
Auction Venue: The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany
Exclusive Attendance: Only select invitees who share Mercedes-Benz’s corporate values were allowed to participate

Heritage and Design

Creator: Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, its chief engineer
Production: One of only two prototypes built by the Mercedes-Benz racing department
Performance: Capable of reaching maximum speeds of 180 mph, making it one of the fastest road-legal cars of its time
Engine Details: Based on the W 196 R Grand Prix car, with an engine enlarged to 3.0 liters
Distinctive Feature: Known as “The Red One” due to its red interior

Legacy and Future Commitment

New Owner: An unnamed private collector who ensures the car will remain accessible for public display on special occasions
Philanthropic Purpose: Proceeds will establish the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” to support scholarships in environmental science and decarbonization
Historical Moment: The secretive auction on May 5 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum marked a significant event in the legacy of the brand and the collector car world

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe not only represents a peak in automotive auction achievements but also serves as a beacon of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering excellence and commitment to future generations through the establishment of the Mercedes-Benz Fund.

Conclusion

The chronicle of these automotive masterpieces is not just a recount of staggering sale prices, but a reflection of the cars’ timeless allure, engineering triumphs, and the visceral connection they forever forge with history and humanity. Through these auctions, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe and its distinguished companions encapsulate the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Each of these vehicles, from the classic Aston Martin DBR1 to the record-breaking Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, has written its own indelible chapter in the annals of automotive splendor.

As the curtain drops on this opulent assemblage, it is clear that the value of these rolling masterpieces extends beyond mere currency; they are the heartbeats of a bygone era, the crowning jewels of collectors worldwide, and a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection. For enthusiasts yearning to experience the zenith of automotive pageantry, witnessing these iconic cars in all their glory is a pilgrimage worth undertaking. Embrace the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of exquisite autos and discover more treasured stories behind these vehicles that echo through time.

FAQs

Q: What car holds the record for the highest sale price in history? A: The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé holds the record for being the most expensive car ever sold. It was auctioned for a monumental $135 million in 2022, which is about £114.4 million. The car was previously owned by Mercedes-Benz and was sold by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to an anonymous buyer.

Q: What is the sale price of the most expensive car sold to date? A: The most expensive car sold to date is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe,” which fetched $142,000,000 in 2022.

Q: Which car is considered the pinnacle of luxury and wealth? A: The term “richest car” can be subjective, but in terms of sale price, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is often cited as the pinnacle of luxury and wealth due to its record-breaking auction price.

Q: Can you identify the person who purchased the Mercedes-Benz for $142 million? A: The $142 million Mercedes-Benz was bought by classic-car dealer Simon Kidston, who bid on behalf of an unnamed buyer. The identity of the buyer remains anonymous.

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