When it comes to automobiles, some are worth more than just the latest base of trim options, performance statistics, exterior design, and interior finishes. There are those vehicles of legend, art, and aspiration that break bidding wars, set sales ordinances, and make international headlines. Here are the stories and details behind the most expensive cars ever sold at auction.
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spider – $27.5 Million
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spider holds the unique distinction of having the biggest sale price in the car auction market to date. The twenty-seven and a half million sale of this classic beauty made international headlines back in 2013, when it was sold at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Ferrari 275 was designed by Pininfarina and was originally going to be ordered by American entrepreneur and race car driver Eddie Smith, who wanted an open-top version of the classic Ferrari. However, it turned into more after legendary racing team North American Racing Team (NART) president Luigi Chinetti placed an order for Ferraris for a specific “yellow-blue” color combination with the NART logo on the hood. However, only ten were ever produced.
The 1970 Porsche 917K – $14 Million
If there’s ever been a car that has become iconic, it’s the 1970 Porsche 917K. Not only was it an integral part of the Porsche racing heritage, but it also was the real star of the action movie Le Mans—starring Steve McQueen. During a famed auction at the Gulf, Richard Mille and LM Experimental sale of the very chassis driven by McQueen in the movie, resulted in the most expensive Porsche to be auctioned off, selling for $14 million.
Under the hood, the 917K was powered by a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine that was capable of producing over 600 horsepower. This engine was further enhanced by twin air pumps, as well as a series of fine tuning options to squeeze every bit of horsepower and torque from it.
The 1997 McLaren F1 “LM-Specification” – $13.75 Million
Built in 1997, the McLaren F1 is arguably one of the best cars ever produced. It went on to become the world’s first modern supercar, with many of its innovations and technologies carrying through to the cars today.
At the same auction, a 1997 McLaren F1 with the exclusive LM-Specification, finished in orange and black, sold for $13.75 million, making it one of the most expensive cars ever to sell at auction. The LM-Specification was only available to the McLaren F1 GTR LeMans racecar, and featured carbon-fiber bodywork, improved suspension, and aerodynamics that enabled the F1 to take pole at LeMans.
The 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider Scaglietti – $9.17 Million
The story behind the 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider Scaglietti was nothing short of incredible. It was part of the Ferrari-Maserati North American Racing Team and was the very first Ferrari to wear both the Scuderia Ferrari badge and the badge of Factory-Sponsored Team. In 1955, it achieved the title of “Champion of the Year” at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring race.
At the 2014 Gooding & Company auction, the 750 Monza Spider Scaglietti became the highest-priced postwar car, despite its age, winning bids of $9.17 million.
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz W196 – $29.6 Million
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz W196 is one of the most significant racing cars ever produced. It was equipped with a two-stage eight-cylinder engine, 4-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, an illuminated cockpit, and an adjustable suspension. This is what made it a highly competitive vehicle and ultimately earned it numerous racing wins.
At an auction hosted by Bonhams in the U.K. back in 2013, the rare W196 sold for an astounding $29.6 million. This made it the most expensive Mercedes-Benz ever sold, beating out its “$20 million” predecessor, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R, which sold for its $20 million estimate at a 2011 Auction.
The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM – $17.6 Million
The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is a “Grand Tourer”, which was Ferrari’s first ever production mid-engined car. It was notable for its engine, which was a 3.3-liter 12-cylinder capable of producing an impressive 280 horsepower. This sought-after model won its category at the 1965 24 Hours of LeMans and was later retired at the end of 1966.
Due to its storied history and accolades, the Ferrari 250 LM contributed to the Italian brand’s legacy as one of the world’s most sought-after and prestigious car manufacturers. In 2015, it sold for $17.6 million at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey, California, making it one of the most expensive cars to be sold at auction.
These pieces of history set the benchmark for the auction car world. Whether it’s the pioneering mid-engined designs of the Ferrari 250 LM to the “yellow-blue” of the rare NART Spider, these cars are some of the most sought-after and valuable vehicles ever produced. It goes to show that with quality, passion, and a little bit of luck, one can make history at auctions and have the bragging rights to owning one of the world’s most incredible machines.
