Car auctions: top 25 most expensive cars

Car auctions are the scene of a buying frenzy that catches the wealthiest enthusiasts. Collector cars are sold at exorbitant prices. The proof is in this list that reveals the records of recent years.

Auction: definition

The concept is very simple: awarding a lot that is up for sale to the highest bidder. Auctions, i.e. the increase in the prices offered, are limited in time. Once the time limit has expired, the highest bidder is awarded the lot.

What is a car auction ?

This form of auction is exclusively dedicated to the world of cars. Collector’s cars, some of which are rare, are put up for sale. Each lot is described in detail. From the moment the bids are opened, they rise steadily according to pre-established levels.

In the case of online auctions, bids can remain open from 48 hours to 15 days, the closing date being systematically specified. Community members can view the bids placed, allowing them to bid higher or withdraw from the auction.

Car auction: top 25 most expensive cars

Before we present the 25 most expensive cars sold at auction in the world (only luxury cars), we would like to remind you that this system is not just for the elite. In fact, private individuals from all walks of life can also give in to the trend! More and more people are finding their happiness on car auction sites such as https://www.lebolide.com/en/ for example. What if you took the plunge too?

1/ Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti (1962)

The last record was set in 2018. Including auction costs, this little gem found a buyer for the astronomical amount of $48,400,000.

2/ Ferrari 250 GTO (chassis 3851GT)

In second place was another Ferrari 250 GTO sold in 2014 for some $38,115,000. At the time, it was the most expensive collector car ever sold.

3/ Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti (1957)

At the 2016 Retromobile show, this Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti was sold for a whopping $35,730,000.

4/ Mercedes-Benz W 196 R (1954)

The first German car on the podium has proven itself on the racetrack. It was with this car that Argentinean driver Juan Manuel Fangio won the German Grand Prix in 1954. Nicknamed the Silver Arrow, the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R was traded in 2013 for $31,600,000. This makes it one of the most expensive cars to have been sold between individuals in recent years.

5/ Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti (1956)

Back to the Ferraris with a 290 MM that performed well at the 1956 Mille Miglia. Juan Manuel Fangio’s former track mate changed hands in 2015 in New York for $28,050,000.

6/ Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Nart Spider (1967)

Bought new in 1967, the beauty only changed hands in 2013 when it was sold at auction for a whopping $27,500,000.

7/ Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale (1964)

Ferrari only produced three examples of the 275 GTB/C Speciale. One of them was sold at auction for $26,400,000.

8/ Aston Martin DBR1 (1956)

The first British car in the ranking has a great track record. Driven by driving aces like Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby, it is often considered by Aston Martin enthusiasts as the grail. In fact, one collector paid $22,550,000 for it in 2017.

9/ Ferrari 290 MM (1956)

Driven in turn by Juan Manuel Fangio, Peter Collins and other racing prodigies such as Stirling Moss, this jewel that raced from the Swedish Grand Prix to the 12 Hours of Sebring, via the 1,000 km of Buenos Aires was sold for $22,005,000.

10/ Duesenberg SSJ ex-Gary Cooper (1935)

Tenth place was taken by an American car once owned by the actor Gary Cooper. In addition to its remarkable mechanics, the celebrity of its former owner contributed to the skyrocketing bidding, which finally ended at $22,000,000.

11/ Jaguar D-Type (1955)

In 2016, the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans champion found its way to Monterey Classic Week where it seduced an enthusiast who paid $21,780,000 for it.

12/ Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Lungo Spider by Touring (1939)

Equipped with a V8 engine and two compressors, this pre-war model is among the sportiest of its generation. It was sold for $19,800,000.

13/ Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta (1939)

During the 2019 Retromobile sale, this Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B with its sublime Touring Berlinetta bodywork was sold for $19,000,000. It should be remembered that only five examples of this model were produced.

14/ Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (1961)

During the 2015 edition of the Rétromobile show, $18,454,000 was paid for this Ferrari at auction. Admittedly, its state of preservation is far from exemplary. However, it has a great history including Alain Delon in the list of its former owners.

15/ Ferrari 375 Plus Spider Competizione

Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1954, this magnificent Ferrari sold for $18,281,000.

16/ Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti (1964)

The first 250 LM in our ranking sold in August 2015 for $17,600,000, in the USA.

17/ Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (1961)

This car deserves its place in the ranking with an auction price of $16,830,000.

18/ Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale (1962)

Easily identifiable by its shark-inspired front end, this unique example designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro sold at auction for an impressive $16,500,000.

19/ Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (1957)

The counters quickly went crazy when this Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa was presented at Pebble Beach in 2011. The auction went for $16,390,000.

20/ Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (1961)

The hammer fell at $15,180,000 for this version with covered headlights. We would like to point out that only 37 examples were produced.

21/ Alfa Romeo B.A.T.

Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica or B.A.T. refers to three legendary cars designed by Alfa Romeo. They could be described as the pioneers of concept cars. The lot sold for $14,840,000.

22/ Ferrari 250 LM

This car sold for $14,300,000 and won the 1968 Daytona 24 Hours.

23/ Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato « 2 VEV » ex. Jim Clark

This magnificent Aston Martin is one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction with a hammer price of $14,300,000.

24/ 1970 Porsche 917 KH « Gulf

The only Porsche in our top 25, this car, which made its name on the small screen in the Steve Mcqueen film Le Mans and competed in events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours, sold for $14,080,000 in 2017.

25/ McLaren F1 « LM Specification » (1994)

One of the two McLaren F1s sold for a whopping $13,750,000 to a car enthusiast.

The auction madness is not about to stop and everything leads us to believe that new records will soon be set.