It’s no exaggeration to say the automobile auction market has reached unprecedented heights in recent years. This is perfectly illustrated by the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe,” which sold for a staggering $142 million in 2022, becoming the most expensive auction car of all time. This remarkable price shattered the previous record by nearly $100 million. While the charity sale of the silver Gullwing generated considerable buzz, the trend of extraordinary sums for cars is not new. A recent compilation by Robb Report, with the aid of valuation experts at Hagerty, offers a comprehensive list of the highest auction results ever. The list includes entries as early as 2013, unlike areas such as sports cards, with seven entries appearing from this decade alone. While the market appeared to cool off in 2024, with no cars exceeding $20 million, two vehicles commanded prices over $35 million in the first six weeks of this year. This demonstrates that dedicated collectors will pursue their dream cars regardless of the current financial climate. “While record prices have been set more frequently in times of economic prosperity, the very best cars often come to market at unexpected times, and enthusiast collectors often respond accordingly,” John Wiley, Hagerty’s manager of valuation analytics, told Robb Report.
With this perspective, let’s explore the top 25 most expensive auction vehicles.
1954 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder — $18,309,613 (Bonhams, 2014)
The Ferrari name has a rich and celebrated racing legacy. The Italian marque dominated many areas in the early postwar era. The 375 Plus Spyder represents one of its finest race cars from this time. Its V-12 engine contributed to the convertible’s power and beauty. The car also achieved significant track victories, including wins at Le Mans, Silverstone, and the Carrera Panamericana road race. Despite its success, only four of these cars were built, with only three remaining today. This particular 375 Plus Spyder, which underwent a full restoration in Modena, was the first off the production line. This helps explain why a collector paid $18.31 million for it in 2014.
1961 Ferrari 250 California SWB Spyder — $18,405,440
Ferrari’s 250 model line was key to its initial success. Although it’s difficult to choose the best version from its 12-year production run, the 250 California SWB Spyder is a strong contender, and is one of the greatest convertibles of the last century. Exported to North America, the roadster was designed by Scaglietti. This particular model, previously owned by French film star Alain Delon, was finished in dark blue, contrasting with the brand’s Rosso Corsa, over a black imitation leather interior. It is one of only 37 built with covered headlights. Of particular note, the car was nearly in its original state when it sold for $18.41 million in 2015, having spent the previous five decades in a French barn.
1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta — $18,563,605 (Artcurial, 2019)
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 was one of the fastest cars available before World War II. However, its mechanical prowess was not its only asset. Some referred to the Carrozzeria Touring Berlinetta version as a “Rolling Masterpiece” due to its elegance. This is the second of five examples of the Touring-bodied variant ever built, and the others are displayed in the Alfa Romeo museum or have won awards at classic car shows. It is thus not surprising that its new owner paid $18.56 million for it in 2019.
2013 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W04 — $18,815,000 (RM Sotheby’s)
While Lewis Hamilton shares the record for the most Formula 1 driver’s championships with Michael Schumacher, he has surpassed his historic rival in another area: the most expensive modern-day Formula 1 car. Earlier this year, the first vehicle the Brit drove to victory after joining Mercedes-AMG Petronas sold for a staggering $18.8 million in the buildup to the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. This racer was the only one of Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 cars not owned by the German marque, team principal Toto Wolff, or the driver himself, and one fortunate collector seized their opportunity.
1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Lungo Spider — $19,800,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2016)
While Alfa Romeo’s 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta was elegant, another variant, the 2900 Luongo Spider, possessed pure coolness. This open-top version mixed style and performance in a similar manner to the Bugatti Atlantic. Originally an Alfa Romeo and Italy’s answer to the Bugatti Atlantic, mixing style and performance, only 32 of these cars were ever built. This example is one of just 12 touring convertibles still in existence today. The Spider, which sold for $19.80 million in 2016, is so rare that this black example remains the only one offered at public auction this century.
1994 McLaren F1 — $19,805,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2019)
The McLaren F1 remains remarkably fresh and modern, despite being nearly 27 years old. Many brands and designers today continue to borrow from its design. Designed by Gordon Murray, the coupe is more than just a looker. Its Formula 1-derived V-12 engine briefly made it the world’s fastest production car. Considering these factors, it is not surprising that this LM specification model (one of two examples) sold for nearly $20 million in 2019.
1995 McLaren F1 — $20,465,000 (Gooding & Company, 2021)
As the previous entry suggested, McLaren’s F1 is likely the most treasured vehicle of the modern era. During its six-year production run, McLaren built only 106 examples, with just 64 street-legal versions. This Creighton Brown example stands out; however, its odometer reading is particularly notable: at the time of the sale, it had only 242 miles on the clock. Since leaving the factory in 1995, this car has been driven less than 10 miles per year. It is therefore unsurprising that it sold for over $20 million in 2021, exceeding the price of the prior F1 on this list.
1963 Aston Martin DP215 Competition — $21,455,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2018)
Unique items appeal greatly to collectors. Thus, it was not surprising when this Aston Martin DP215 Competition sold for $20.46 million in 2018. Months after its conception, this beautiful vehicle, a 1963 prototype, was the last of four “project cars” that were created while David Brown was running the marque. At Le Mans, it was the first car to break the 300 kph barrier, reaching 319.6 kph (198.6 mph) on the famous Mulsanne Straight, though it did not win the race that year.
1955 Jaguar D-Type — $21,780,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2016)
The D-Type, built from 1954 to 1957, is the answer for those who wonder why enthusiasts are so fixated on Jaguar’s midcentury race cars. Few race cars have combined looks and performance so skillfully. This 1955 example, raced by Scottish outfit Ecurie Ecosse, won Le Mans the year it was built. This victory earned the automaker its fourth of five wins in the race. Because it is the only one of these Le Mans-winning Jaguars that is still intact, it commanded a price of $21.78 million in 2016. Additionally, it’s well cared for and visually identical to its victorious form.
1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ Convertible — $22,000,000 (Gooding & Company, 2018)
Though the company is now gone, Duesenberg is not forgotten by enthusiasts. This gorgeous 1935 convertible is a major reason why. It was specifically built for Gary Cooper, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during its golden age, and included a supercharged Model J engine and stunning coachwork by LaGrande. The other roadster went to Clark Gable, according to legend, who used it to race Cooper. Perhaps this explains why the car more than doubled its pre-sale estimate when sold for $22 million at Pebble Beach in 2018.
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider — $22,005,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2022)
During the 1950s, Ferrari built many remarkable race cars, leaving it up to individuals to pick a favorite. However, for Carroll Shelby, the 1955 410 Sport Spider was the best Ferrari he ever drove. Some of the best drivers of that era, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, and Masten Gregory, also drove the V-12-powered Prancing Horse. The 400 hp monster was not just fun to drive. Chassis No. 0598 CM was also a winner: it claimed the top spot in 11 races and achieved podium finishes 19 other times, from 1956 to 1958. The Spider sold for $22 million in 2022.
1956 Ferrari 290 MM — $22,005,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2018)
Most 1950s Ferrari race cars achieved a degree of success; however, few proved themselves on three continents. This 1956 290 MM, chassis No. 0628, was a Scuderia Ferrari Works car during the 1956 and 1957 seasons. Some of the era’s greatest drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, and Sir Stirling Moss, drove the car. It achieved podium finishes at Italy’s Mille Miglia, the 1000 KM of Buenos Aires, and the Nassau Memorial Trophy Race in the Bahamas. It is not hard to agree with a sale price of $22 million for this particular example, the final of four that were built by the Prancing Horse, only three of which still exist today.
1956 Aston Martin DBR1 Roadster — $22,550,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2017)
Though the DB5 may be Aston Martin’s most famous model, the DBR1 roadster was the British marque’s most important one. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the first of the four built is its most expensive car. It sold for $22.55 million in 2017. In addition to being the first one off the production line, the beautifully restored green roadster was the car racing legend Sir Stirling Moss used to secure a come-from-behind victory at the Nürburgring 1000 KM in 1959.
1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C — $26,400,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2014)
While all Ferrari 275 GTBs are special, few are as distinctive as the Scuderia Ferrari team’s Berlinetta Competizione cars, styled by Scaglietti. Only three were built for the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. The color typically associated with the Prancing Horse is Rosso Corsa; however, certain cars finished in other hues have a particular allure. The 275 GTB/C in question is finished in metallic dark gray, with a lighter shade serving as a center racing stripe. Its pristine condition at the time of sale—for $26.4 million in 2014—can largely be explained by its failure to compete in the endurance race.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider — $27,500,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2013)
The 275 GTB is one of the most desirable Ferraris ever. This can make it frustrating for collectors eager to add one to their collection. Its prices get pushed even higher than the brand’s other period models, especially for enthusiasts, who focus on rare-spec examples, such as the NART Spider, of which only 10 were produced. This pushed bidding for the beautifully restored, matching-numbers example to $27.5 million. It was fortunate that bidding reached such a high peak, as proceeds from the sale were donated to charity.
1956 Ferrari 290 MM — $28,050,000 (RM Sotheby’s)
Two different 1956 Ferrari 290 MMs, both built to compete in that year’s Mille Miglia, are among the ten most valuable auction cars of all time. The Prancing Horse’s 1950s racers were extraordinary, as has been clearly established. This one was designed specifically for Juan Manuel Fangio, a five-time Formula 1 champion and one of the greatest drivers of all time. The open-top speed demon is also a stunningly beautiful car featuring a distinctive blue-and-yellow nose. This combination of features helps explain its $28 million sale price.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 — $29,600,000 (Bonhams, 2013)
Few race cars have been more successful than the Mercedes-Benz W196. During the 1954 and 1955 Formula 1 seasons, Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss famously drove the successor to the W194. It won 9 of the 12 races it entered and achieved two world championships. This vehicle, finished in silver with white racing gumballs, was the first to claim victory at the 1954 French Grand Prix. It is also the only example not held in a factory or museum collection. This explains why someone paid $29.6 million for it.
1967 Ferrari 412 P Berlinetta —$30,255,000 (Bonhams, 2023)
You won’t find many Ferrari race cars rarer than the 412 P Berlinetta. Only two examples of the vehicle were built by the Italian marque. It represents the “customer version” of the 330 P3 and P4 race cars. (An additional two 330 P3s were converted to 412 Ps.) The prototype racer combines a rear-mounted 4.0-liter V-12 engine, the P3’s chassis, and the P4’s body, suspension, and wheels. This example was the second of the original 412 P Berlinettas and played a key role in Ferrari’s 1967 World Championship of Makes win. It still commanded an impressive sale price, although falling short of some expectations; the vehicle was sold in August 2023.
1957 Ferrari 335 S — $35,750,000 (Artcurial, 2016)
There are cars built by Ferrari and those that raced for the Italian marque. Regarding the latter, the 1957 335 S may be the best example. While it may not be the marque’s most valuable racer – having been sold by Artcurial for $35.75 million – it is the model that enabled the Prancing Horse to win the Constructor’s World Championship in 1957. The car also finished second at the final Mille Miglia. During that successful season, Ferrari’s finest drivers, including Peter Collins, Wolfgang von Trips, and Luigi Musso, piloted the cars.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti — $36,345,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2025)
Car collectors share a passion for post-war Ferrari race cars. Of the 25 cars on this list, 13 are Prancing Horses, and 11 were built for competition. It is, however, difficult to match the racing pedigree of the 250 LM, which sold for over $36 million in early February. A part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection, the car represents the only privateer-entered vehicle to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s also the only Prancing Horse to compete in six 24-hour races during Enzo Ferrari’s eponymous company’s run. Coupled with a stunning body designed by Scaglietti and a number-matching 3.0-liter V-12 and gearbox, it is not surprising the car achieved such a high price.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO — $38,115,000 (Bonhams, 2014)
While it’s hard to pinpoint the most iconic Ferrari of all time, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is a strong contender. There are only 36 examples of this street-legal race car, powered by a 3.0-liter V-12, and all somehow survive to this day. The particular example, chassis No. 3851GT, was owned by Fabrizio Violati for 49 years. Violati actually entered it in races. Though high expectations surrounded the car when Bonhams put it up for bid in 2014, its $38.12 million sale was still stunning.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO — $48,405,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2018)
It was fitting that Violati’s Ferrari 250 GTO’s reign was ended by another 250 GTO. Another example sold by RM Sotheby’s for $48.41 million four years after the heavily raced Ferrari. The two coupés are difficult to differentiate, though the more expensive model that came off the production line was the third and overwhelmingly original; it still retains over 95 percent of its factory parts. This is why someone was willing to pay an additional $10 million for it.
1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO – $51,705,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2023)
This list demonstrates the strong appeal of Ferrari among collectors. At the top of the Prancing Horses is the 250 GTO. This example, powered a V-12, may not lay claim to a stellar competitive career. However, the car, which won its class at the Nürburgring 1,000 Km in 1962, was one of only two raced by Scuderia Ferrari, the marque’s in-house team. Its accolades on the classic car show circuit during the decades following its initial run earned it a price of $51.7 million in the fall of 2023. Despite this figure, it would be unsurprising if this price is surpassed in the next four to five years.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen — $52,960,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2025)
The list is dominated by Ferraris, though the top two spots feature Silver Arrows. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is not one to be overlooked. The curvaceous speed machine is one of only 14 W 196 R race cars that were built, only 10 of which survived their time on the rack. The Stromlinienwagen model, where the wheels are covered to improve top-speed capabilities, accounted for four of those. Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, two of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, also drove this car. Originally part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection, it was the first offered for private ownership, which goes a long way to explain the $53 million sale price.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe” — $142,000,000 (2022)
Records are meant to be broken. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe,” which sold for $142 million in 2022, broke the previous mark four years after the Ferrari 250 GTO became the most expensive car when it sold for $48.41 million. Its sum, which went to the Mercedes-Benz Fund, a global scholarship program to assist young people working to create a more sustainable world, exceeded the previous high by $93.59 million. The silver prototype racer is the most expensive car in history. While this sum is still shocking, those familiar with the car, designed to race in the 1955 Carrera Panamericana, know the silver speed machine is more than deserving of its spot on this list. It may also hold its title longer than the previous record holder did.
