If you have ever loved a vehicle, then you will understand why some will go to any extreme to own the automobile of their dreams. The most expensive cars in the world are also the most elusive. Their rarity, like the most pure diamond, makes them highly sought after. Understandably, the world’s most expensive cars are the ones no longer in production: they can only be found at auction houses. Here is a brief history of a few of the most expensive cars sold in recent times.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
When a family began to assess their late grandfather’s estate in 2014, they had no idea what treasures awaited them. Behind the rusty doors of a barn in Western France sat dozens of cars: Bugattis, Ferraris, Porsches, Jaguars, and Maseratis in varying conditions. Sold at auction, the family amassed a fortune, and one of the vehicles became the most expensive automobile sold at auction to date. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO brought in an extravagant $38,115,000 USD. Only 39 of this model were built by Ferrari, and this particular one is one of the best maintained and raced of them all, hence the appeal and high dollar mark.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196
Five time Formula One world champion Juan Manuel Fangio drove this vehicle, which helped boost the automobile’s appeal. It sold for $29,600,000 USD in 2013. The car sold in “authentic” condition, complete with visible blemishes and a thin layer of grime, preserved as it was on the race track.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
This Scottish blue colored vehicle, complete with crisp white stripes, sold for $21,780,000 USD in 2016 at a Sotheby’s auction in Monterey. It was the first production D-Type, and it won the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it a true collectors item.
1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring
This two-seater sold in 2016 at Sotheby’s auction and fetched a handsome $19,800,000 USD. Big and comfortable, this grand tourer comes with a 2.9 straight-eight engine with dual supercharging. This particular 8C is one of only 12 Touring Spiders to have ever existed, making it a very rare collectible.
Pagani Huayra BC
In 2017, the most expensive new car may be this model from Pagani. Named for the Incan God of the wind and car collector Benny Caiola (hence Huayra BC), there are only 20 vehicles available of this model. With a lighter weight and more aerodynamic styling, the lucky 20 car owners who were able to score one of these beauties paid $2.8 million USD apiece. That seems like a bargain compared to the auction prices listed above!
Bugatti Chiron
Similarly high prices and nearly as unobtainable is the Bugatti Chiron, which cost $2.7 million USD. Bugatti calls it “the world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production sports car”. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that?
If you could have the car of your dreams, which would it be? Are you ready to get behind the wheel of one of the world’s most expensive cars? Maybe you are not ready to spend this kind of money on a car? Try our list of the best super luxury cars for a slightly smaller price tag.
