Car auctions are the scene of a buying frenzy that grabs the wealthiest enthusiasts . Classic cars are indeed sold at exorbitant prices. The proof in this list which reveals the records of recent years.
Auction: definition
The concept is very simple: assign a lot put up for sale to the highest bidder. The auctions, in other words the increase in the prices offered, are limited in time. After the time limit, the best offer results in an auction .
What is a car auction?
This form of auction is dedicated exclusively to the automotive world. Collector cars, sometimes rare, are put up for sale. Each lot is subject to a detailed description. From the moment the auctions are opened, they climb regularly according to pre-established levels.
In the case of online auctions, auctions may remain open from 48 hours to 15 days, the closing date being systematically specified. Community members view bids placed, allowing them to bid a higher price or opt out of the race .
Car auction: top 25 of the most expensive cars
Before presenting the 25 cars that sold for the most expensive auctions in the world, we wanted to remind you that this system is not reserved for the elite. Indeed, individuals from all walks of life can also give in to the trend! More and more people find their happiness on automobile auction sites such as for example. What if you took the plunge too?
1/ Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti (1962)
The last record was recorded in 2018. Auction fees included, this little gem found a buyer for the astronomical amount of $48,400,000.
2/ Ferrari 250 GTO (chassis 3851GT)
In second place is another Ferrari 250 GTO sold in 2014 for some $38,115,000. At the time, it was the most expensive collector ‘s car ever sold.
3/ Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti (1957)
At the 2016 Retromobile show, this Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti was sold for the staggering amount of $35,730,000.
4/ Mercedes-Benz W 196 R (1954)
The first German on the podium has proven itself on the circuits. It was thanks to her that the Argentinian driver Juan Manuel Fangio won the German Grand Prix in 1954. Nicknamed the Silver Arrow, the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R traded in 2013 for the price of 31,600,000 $. It thus finds its place among the most expensive cars having been the subject of a sale between individuals over the last few years.
5/ Ferrari 290MM by Scaglietti (1956)
We return to Ferrari with a 290 MM which performed well in the 1956 Mille Miglia. Juan Manuel Fangio’s former circuit companion changed hands in 2015, in New York, at a price of $28,050,000.
6/ Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Nart Spider (1967)
Bought new in 1967, the beauty only changed hands in 2013, when it was sold at auction for the insane price of $27,500,000.
7/ Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale (1964)
Ferrari only produced the 275 GTB/C Speciale in three copies. One of them sold at auction for $26,400,000.
8/ Aston Martin DBR1 (1956)
The first Englishwoman in the ranking has a good track record. Driven by driving aces like Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby, it is often considered by Aston Martin enthusiasts as the holy grail. Moreover, a collector did not hesitate to pay $22,550,000 to buy it in 2017.
9/ Ferrari 290MM (1956)
In turn driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, Peter Collins and other racing prodigies such as Stirling Moss, this jewel which ran from the Swedish Grand Prix to the 12 Hours of Sebring, passing through the 1,000 km of Buenos Aires was awarded for $22,005,000.
10/ Duesenberg SSJ ex-Gary Cooper (1935)
Tenth place is occupied by an American once owned by actor Gary Cooper. In addition to its remarkable mechanics, the celebrity of its former owner contributed to the skyrocketing auction which finally stopped at $22,000,000.
11/ Jaguar D-Type (1955)
In 2016, the champion of the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans found herself at Monterey Classic Week where she seduced an enthusiast who paid $21,780,000 to acquire her.
Equipped with a V8 engine and two superchargers, this pre-war model is one of the sportiest of its generation. It was sold for $19,800,000.
It was during the 2019 Retromobile sale that this Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B sporting a sublime Touring Berlinetta body was sold for $19,000,000. Remember that this model has only been produced in five copies.
It was during the 2015 edition of the Retromobile show that $18,454,000 was paid for the acquisition at auction of this Ferrari. Admittedly, its state of conservation is far from being exemplary. However, it has
15/ Ferrari 375 Plus Spider Competizione
16/ Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti (1964)
The first 250 LM in our ranking sold in August 2015 for $17,600,000 in the United States.
This copy fully deserves its place in the ranking with a hammer price of $16,830,000.
Easily identifiable by its shark-inspired front end, this unique example designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro was sold at auction for the impressive sum of $16,500,000.
19/ Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (1957)
The counters quickly went crazy at the presentation of this Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa at Pebble Beach in 2011. The sale was made for $16,390,000.
