For automotive enthusiasts and collectors, acquiring a classic or rare car at auction isn’t just about owning a piece of art—it’s about investment and legacy. The market for rare automobiles has grown exponentially, with record-breaking sales capturing the attention of buyers worldwide. Here’s a look at the five most expensive cars ever sold at auction, each of which represents a unique chapter in automotive history.
1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
- Auction: RM Sotheby’s, Stuttgart, 2022
- Price: £103 million (estimated)
This rare 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, one of only two in existence, was sold at an exclusive, invitation-only auction held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, achieving an astonishing price of £103 million. The opening bid alone surpassed the winning price for the second-highest, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Named after its creator and chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who once drove it to events across Europe, the car was retained by Mercedes since new, having covered a mere 3,756 miles over seven decades. Although neither 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was raced, they feature the upgraded 302 bhp 3.0-liter straight-eight engine from the legendary W196 R, a car that clinched two Grand Prix World Championships with Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel.
2. 1962 Ferrari 330 LM 250 GTO by Scaglietti
- Auction: RM Sotheby’s, New York, 2023
- Price: £39.9 million
In a remarkable third showing, yet another Ferrari 250 GTO took the stage at Sotheby’s 2023 New York auction, fetching a jaw-dropping price, albeit shy of its initial £46 million estimate. Its high value led to its listing in an art auction rather than an automotive one. The vehicle, chassis number 3,765, stands out as the only GTO Tipo raced by Scuderia Ferrari, driven by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it also secured a class win and second-place finish at the Nürburgring 1,000km in the same year. The car came to market after an impressive 38-year ownership tenure.
3. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti
- Auction Price: £32.2 million
- Auction Year: 2018 (RM Sotheby’s, Monterey)
Dubbed the “Mona Lisa of the car world,” the Ferrari 250 GTO is celebrated not only for its captivating design but also for its legendary racing heritage. This model, chassis number 3413 GT, has a distinguished history with multiple competitive wins. With only 36 GTOs ever produced, it’s no wonder this Ferrari set a record-breaking price at Monterey in 2018, a testament to the allure of its rarity, performance, and Ferrari’s timeless appeal.
4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
- Auction: Bonhams, The Quail, 2014
- Price: £29.5 million
In 2014, this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta became the world’s most expensive car sold at auction, a title it held for four years. Built specifically for the 1963 FIA World GT Championships, which it won, this model is among the best-preserved examples of Ferrari’s renowned 250 GTOs. With only 39 ever made, its combination of rarity and race-winning pedigree make it a prized possession.
5. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
- Auction: Artcurial, Paris, 2016
- Price: £27.4 million
The sensuous curves of the 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti embody an era of endurance racing at its finest. This model boasts an extensive racing history, having competed in legendary events like the Sebring 12 Hours, the Mille Miglia, and Le Mans. While exchange rate fluctuations affect its exact ranking among high-value auction sales, its storied past and competitive prowess secure its status as a worthy contender on this list.
Conclusion: Why Invest in Classic Cars?
For HNW individuals and collectors, owning a piece of automotive history is about more than exclusivity—it’s about passion, legacy, and long-term investment. The allure of these vehicles transcends time, as they represent milestones in engineering, design, and racing history. Here at Dorsia Finance Limited, we understand the value of exceptional vehicles and can assist clients in financing high-end automotive purchases, whether it’s a classic at auction or a modern supercar.
