A comprehensive roundup of the priciest vehicles ever sold at auctions, highlighting their unique features, histories, and sale details. These iconic cars represent the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and history.
1. Overview Table: Top 20 Most Expensive Cars
| Rank | Model | Sale Price (USD) | Auctioneer | Sale Date |
|---|
| 1 | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe | $142,000,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 5 May 2022 |
| 2 | 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti | $51,705,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 14 Nov 2023 |
| 3 | 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO | $48,405,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 26 Aug 2018 |
| 4 | 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti | $35,711,359 | Artcurial | 5 Feb 2016 |
| 5 | 1967 Ferrari 412P | $30,255,000 | Bonhams | 18 Aug 2023 |
| 6 | 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 | $29,600,000 | Bonhams | 12 July 2013 |
| 7 | 1956 Ferrari 290 MM | $28,050,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 10 Dec 2015 |
| 8 | 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4S NART Spider | $27,500,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 17 Aug 2013 |
| 9 | 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale | $26,400,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 16 Aug 2014 |
| 10 | 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 | $22,550,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 19 Aug 2017 |
| 11 | 1956 Ferrari 290MM | $22,005,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 8 Dec 2018 |
| 12 | 1935 Duesenberg SSJ | $22,000,000 | Gooding & Company | 25 Aug 2018 |
| 13 | 1955 Jaguar D-Type | $21,780,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 19 Aug 2016 |
| 14 | 1963 Aston Martin DP215 | $21,455,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 26 Aug 2018 |
| 15 | 1995 McLaren F1 | $20,465,000 | Gooding & Company | 14 Aug 2021 |
| 16 | 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ | $19,805,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 15 Aug 2019 |
| 17 | 1935 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider | $19,800,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 20 Aug 2016 |
| 18 | 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta | $18,997,833 | Artcurial | 11 Feb 2019 |
| 19 | 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 | $53,017,370 | RM Sotheby’s | 1 Feb 2025 |
| 20 | 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 | $22,550,000 | RM Sotheby’s | 19 Aug 2017 |
2. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
- Price: $142,000,000
- Auctioneer: RM Sotheby’s
- Date Sold: 5 May 2022
Key Features:
- Engine: 3.0-liter straight-eight.
- Speed: Capable of 180 mph.
- Historical Context: Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the chief engineer. Based on the W196 R.
- Unique Aspect: One of only two prototypes, this was used as Uhlenhaut’s personal car.
3. Detailed Analysis for Selected Models
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti:
- Price: $51,705,000
- Auctioneer: RM Sotheby’s
- Date Sold: 14 Nov 2023
- Highlights:
- Legendary racing pedigree.
- Sleek aerodynamics and powerful V12 engine.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO:
- Price: $48,405,000
- Auctioneer: RM Sotheby’s
- Date Sold: 26 Aug 2018
- Features:
- Iconic design.
- Prestigious racing history.
4. Price Range Summary for All Models
| Price Range (USD) | Number of Cars | Notable Models |
| $140M+ | 1 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe |
| $50M – $60M | 2 | Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti, Ferrari 250 GTO |
| $30M – $40M | 3 | Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti, Ferrari 412P |
| $20M – $30M | 10 | Multiple Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren models |
| Below $20M | 4 | Alfa Romeo 8C variants, Jaguar D-Type |
5. FAQs
- What makes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe so valuable?
- Its rarity, historical significance, and engineering brilliance.
- Which brand dominates the list of most expensive cars?
- Ferrari, with over 10 entries.
- Why are Ferrari 250 GTO models so expensive?
- Limited production, impeccable racing history, and unmatched design.
- Are private sales included in this list?
- No, this list covers auction sales only.
- What is the oldest car on this list?
- The 1935 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B models.
- Which auction house has sold the most expensive cars?
- What are some unique features of the Aston Martin DBR1?
- Lightweight design and history as a Le Mans winner.
- Why do classic cars fetch such high prices?
- Historical significance, rarity, and nostalgia.
- What is the significance of the McLaren F1 on the list?
- Its groundbreaking performance and iconic status.
- Are these cars drivable today?
- Many are maintained for display but are still operational.
- What’s the fastest car on the list?
- The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe at 180 mph.
- What role does provenance play in pricing?
- Ownership history greatly influences value.
- Are all these cars in perfect condition?
- Yes, they are meticulously restored and maintained.
- What is the most recent sale on this list?
- The Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti, sold in 2023.
- How can I participate in such auctions?
- Register with major auction houses like RM Sotheby’s and Bonhams.
