The 15 Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold At Auctions
Auctions can make it easy to get caught up in bidding wars, especially for rare and expensive cars. Here are the 15 most expensive cars ever sold at auctions.
1959 Ferrari 250 LWB California Spider Competizione
In 2010, a 1959 Ferrari 250 LWB California Spider Competizione sold for $7.2 million at the Pebble Beach auction. This rare model, one of only nine with an aluminum body, had a notable race history, including a fifth-place finish at the 1960 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
1904 Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater
In 2007, a 1904 Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater sold for $7.25 million at the Bonhams auction in London. It was the fourth Rolls-Royce ever made and became the most expensive one ever sold.
1929 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK
In 2004, a 1929 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK sold for $7.4 million at the Bonhams Goodwood auction. With a top speed of 120 mph and a 300-horsepower engine, it was the last car built by Ferdinand Porsche before founding his own company.
1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Coupe
A 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Coupe sold for $7.9 million at a Gooding and Company auction in Pebble Beach. Among the 48 built, only 17 featured the Atalante coupe body, with unique design elements like a rear camshaft and a split front axle.
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster
In 2007, a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster sold for $8.2 million at RM Auctions in London. Only 25 of these models were made, featuring a 3.8-liter engine and advanced suspension design.
1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe
In 2009, a 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe sold for $8.3 million at the Mecum Monterey auction. One of only six coupes ever made, it won the 1965 World Manufacturer’s Championship in Reims, France.
1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testarossa
In 2007, a 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testarossa sold for $9.2 million at RM Auctions in Maranello, Italy. Known for its three consecutive wins at Le Mans in 1962, it was Ferrari’s last front-engine racecar to win the prestigious event.
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster
The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster sold for $9.68 million at an RM Auction in Monterey in 2011. It was one of only three with a spare tire mounted on the rear and featured a 5.4-liter supercharged eight-cylinder engine.
1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe
The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe sold for $9.7 million at a Christie’s auction in London in 1987. With only six ever built, it featured a massive 12.7-liter engine originally designed for aircraft use.
1931 Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Coupe
The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Coupe sold for $10.34 million at Gooding and Company’s 2011 auction in Monterey. One of fewer than 500 built, it was originally purchased by George Whittell Jr. for $17,000 in 1931.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, owned by actor James Coburn for over 20 years, sold for $10.9 million at RM Auction in 2008. Featuring a 3.0-liter V12 engine, only 50 models were made, with one famously appearing in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
1957 Ferrari Testarossa
In 2009, a 1957 Ferrari Testarossa sold for $12.2 million, one of only 22 with pontoon fenders. The car was famous for its Le Mans victories in 1958, 1960, and 1961.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider
A 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider sold for $27.5 million at the 2013 RM Auction in Monterey, California. One of only ten made, the car was featured in the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair and exceeded its estimated value during the auction.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R "Silver Arrow"
In 2013, a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R "Silver Arrow" sold for over $29.6 million at Bonham's Festival of Speed in Goodwood, England. One of only 14 ever made, it won nine of 12 races during its 18-month racing streak, including two world titles.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
On August 14, 2014, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for $34.6 million at Bonham's Quail Auction, breaking the record for the most expensive car ever sold at an auction. The event drew bidders from around the world, with many watching the historic sale on television and in person.
