When it comes to the world of luxury cars, some of the most rare and expensive models have fetched top dollar at auctions. These vintage high-end vehicles are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who are willing to pay millions of dollars for the opportunity to own a piece of history. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction in the United States.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $48,405,000
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a highly sought-after car among collectors, and for good reason. Not only is it a stunning classic design, but it is also one of the rarest Ferraris ever produced, with only 36 examples in existence. This particular model sold for an astonishing $48.4 million in 2018 at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, making it the most expensive car ever sold at auction in the United States.
1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti - $35,711,359
Another Ferrari model that has held its value well over the years is the 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti. This car, raced by some of the most famous drivers of the time, has a storied history and is highly coveted among collectors. It sold for a whopping $35.7 million at the Artcurial Motorcars auction in Paris in 2016.
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II - $22,550,000
Although not a Ferrari, the Ford GT40 has proven its worth among collectors over the years. This particular 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II was raced by the legendary Ken Miles and was the winning car in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. It sold for $22.55 million at the 2018 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction.
1956 Aston Martin DBR1 - $22,550,000
The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 is one of the rarest Aston Martin models in existence, with only five ever produced. This particular car, driven by Sir Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby, won the 1959 Nurburgring 1,000 km race. It sold for a stunning $22.55 million at the 2017 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider - $18,150,000
The Ferrari 250 series is well represented on this list, and the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is no exception. This convertible model is highly sought after by collectors, with only 16 ever produced. It sold for $18.15 million at the 2016 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction.
1998 McLaren F1 LM - $13,750,000
The McLaren F1 is a legendary car among supercar enthusiasts, known for its speed and sleek design. This particular 1998 McLaren F1 LM sold at the 2019 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction and is one of only two ever produced with the LM specification. It sold for $13.75 million.
1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster - $10,400,000
The 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster is a stunning vintage car with timeless appeal. With its sleek black and silver design, it's no wonder it was able to fetch such a high price at the 2016 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction. It sold for $10.4 million.
1965 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Car - $6,385,000
When it comes to movie cars, the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 from the James Bond franchise is one of the most iconic. This particular car, used in the filming of "Thunderball" and "Goldeneye," sold for $6.385 million at the 2019 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction.
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster - $9,900,000
The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster is a rare vehicle that is coveted among car enthusiasts. This particular car, with its distinctive design, sold for $9.9 million at the 2019 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction.
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I - $4,455,000
The 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I is a classic race car that is highly prized by collectors. This particular model, with its distinctive red and white design, sold for $4.455 million at the Artcurial Motorcars auction in Paris in 2016.
Conclusion
Whether you're a car enthusiast or not, it's fascinating to see the incredible amounts of money that these rare and valuable vehicles are able to fetch at auction. From Ferraris to Aston Martins to Bugattis, there's no shortage of stunning vintage cars that are highly sought after by collectors. While some of us may never have the chance to own one of these cars ourselves, it's still amazing to see them up close and appreciate their timeless beauty.