If you’re a fan of classic cars, you know that rarity often drives up their value—but some auction prices are downright shocking. In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 rare classic cars that surprised everyone with the staggering amounts they sold for. From iconic models to hidden gems, these cars made waves in the auction world, proving that automotive history can be worth a fortune.
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1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Ferraris ever built, the 250 GTO is famous for its stunning design, impeccable performance, and racing pedigree. Only 36 were ever produced, making it one of the most sought-after cars in history. When one sold for $48.4 million at Sotheby’s in 2018, it became the most expensive car ever sold at auction, reflecting its rarity and importance in automotive history.
1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
Known for its powerful V12 engine and striking bodywork, the 335 Sport Scaglietti is an iconic race car that dominated tracks in the late 1950s. This particular model achieved a surprising $35.7 million at Artcurial in 2016, thanks to its rare status and history in major competitions like the Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
1963 Aston Martin DP215
This unique Aston Martin prototype was designed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it an important piece of racing history. With its distinctive aerodynamic shape and powerful performance, it became a collector’s dream. The DP215 sold for $21.5 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2018, largely due to its rarity and unmatched provenance.
1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta
The short-wheelbase (SWB) Berlinetta is celebrated for its mix of elegance and speed, making it a favorite among collectors. With its strong racing history and beautifully sculpted design, this car fetched $18.9 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2021, proving its status as one of Ferrari’s finest creations.
1956 Aston Martin DBR1
As one of the most successful Aston Martin race cars, the DBR1 was built to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the race in 1959. The car’s legendary status and rarity (only five were made) helped it achieve $22.5 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2017, making it one of the most valuable British cars ever sold.
1935 Duesenberg SSJ
Known for its powerful engine and luxurious design, the Duesenberg SSJ was a favorite among Hollywood stars. Only two SSJs were ever built, one of which belonged to actor Gary Cooper. Its rarity and glamorous history led to a surprising $22 million auction price at Gooding & Company in 2018.
1964 Ford GT40 Prototype
The GT40 is one of Ford’s most famous race cars, designed to take on Ferrari at Le Mans. This particular prototype was a test car for the racing program, making it an important piece of automotive history. When it sold for $7 million at Mecum in 2021, its value was driven by its unique status and legendary racing heritage.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196
The W196 is a legendary Formula 1 car, driven to victory by Juan Manuel Fangio. Its streamlined body and cutting-edge technology made it a marvel of engineering. When one sold for $29.6 million at Bonhams in 2013, it set a record for the most expensive car sold at auction at that time, due to its racing pedigree and historic significance.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider
One of only 10 NART Spiders ever produced, this car was commissioned by Ferrari’s North American importer. Its rarity and open-top design make it highly desirable among collectors. This particular model sold for $27.5 million at RM Auctions in 2013, a testament to its exclusivity and elegance.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
The Jaguar D-Type is celebrated for its iconic design and racing success, including victories at Le Mans. With its sleek aerodynamics and historic race wins, it’s a collector’s dream. One example fetched $21.78 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2016, making it one of the most expensive British cars ever sold.
1962 Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000
This was the very first Shelby Cobra ever built, making it a piece of American automotive history. It introduced the world to Carroll Shelby’s vision of an American sports car. Its sale at $13.75 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2016 reflected its legendary status and unparalleled significance.
1967 Ferrari 330 P4
The Ferrari 330 P4 is one of the most famous racing Ferraris, known for its aerodynamic design and V12 engine. It dominated endurance races in the late 1960s. When one sold for $9 million at RM Auctions in 2009, its value reflected its incredible racing history and limited production.
1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
With only two surviving examples, the Bugatti Atlantic is one of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. Its iconic Art Deco design and engineering excellence made it a prized possession, with an estimated private sale of $40 million in 2010.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB
The short-wheelbase version of the Ferrari 250 GT is renowned for its perfect balance of power and design. Its racing success and rarity drove its value to $9.5 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2020, making it a highly coveted model.
1957 Maserati 450S
This Maserati race car, built for endurance racing, featured a powerful V8 engine and lightweight design. Its racing pedigree and rarity helped it achieve $10.5 million at RM Auctions in 2014, making it one of the most valuable Maserati models ever sold.
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider
The Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider is a rare racing car designed for the lower displacement category. Its lightweight body and nimble handling helped it secure victories in numerous races. When it sold for $4.2 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2020, its value was a reflection of its racing success and rarity.
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB
The Ferrari 275 GTB is a classic example of Ferrari’s engineering and design prowess. With its powerful V12 engine and striking lines, it became a collector’s favorite. This model sold for $3.08 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2020, thanks to its iconic status and limited production.
1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe
The Bugatti Royale is one of the most extravagant cars ever built, with only six made. Known for its massive size and luxury, it fetched $9.8 million at Christie’s in 1987, setting a record at the time. Its rarity and opulence continue to make it a highly sought-after car.
1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza
This Alfa Romeo is a legendary race car, known for its victories in Grand Prix races during the 1930s. Its speed, engineering, and rarity helped it sell for $11.8 million at Gooding & Company in 2010, cementing its place as one of the most valuable pre-war cars.
1965 Shelby GT350R
The Shelby GT350R is a high-performance version of the iconic Mustang, built for racing. Its raw power and racing success made it a collector’s favorite, selling for $3.85 million at Mecum Auctions in 2020, driven by its rarity and significance in American motorsports.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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