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There are only seven car brands on our list of the most expensive cars in the world, and while Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz dominate this list because of their Formula 1 racing pedigree and Mille Miglia dominance, there are a few Aston Martins, Alfa Romeos, and even modern-ish McLarens. The most expensive car in the world is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe museum piece that sold for €135,000,000. However, the second most expensive car in the world was sold as recently as February 2025, so there are still some needles in a haystack out there. With most cars on our list worth more than $30 million, it might be worth diving deep into the nearest barn to determine if that ageing mound is a hidden gem. Here are the most expensive cars in the world to get you drooling.
Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following:
- Most expensive car ever sold at auction: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
- Most expensive Ferrari: 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti
- Most expensive modern car: 1995 McLaren F1
Now you’ve read about our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.

1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe – €135,000,000
Sale price (2022): €135 million (~USD$143 million / ~AUD$217.7 million)
This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is an example of an amazing transformation from the toughest endurance racing car into the greatest prototype road car the world has ever seen. Widely regarded as the most beautiful car ever made, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe features a skeleton undoubtedly derived from a racing car, but with an uncompromised driving position, accessed via the innovative “gull-wing” doors. Its mechanical workings dominate its interior space, and the accelerator pedal is dressed in leather to reduce foot slippage while driving.
This specific edition was the creation of pioneering Mercedes-Benz designer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, earning this car its 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut Coupé’ name. When it was originally released, the vehicle was the fastest road-going car in the world and could reach speeds of up to 290 km/h, which is just absurd for the mid-1950s. This particular vehicle was restored by race preparation specialist, Tony Merrick, in 1988 and features a 3.0-litre, front-mounted, straight-eight engine, complete with twin exhausts that exit via side-mounted gills.
When it was prepped for sale in early 2022, the auction house confirmed that no other 300 SLR exists in private hands, meaning it was likely the last real opportunity to get behind the wheel of this true masterpiece of innovative 1950s motorsport engineering and technology. It hammered for €135 million (~USD$143 million / ~AUD$217.7 million) which makes it the most expensive car ever sold by a $83 million margin on second place.
- Brand: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé
- Chassis number: One of only two prototypes
- Engine: 3.0L straight-eight
- Top speed: 180 mph
- Notable achievements:
- Based on the W 196 R Grand Prix car, which won two World Championships
- Unique details: Rudolf Uhlenhaut created, considered to be the most beautiful car world

2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen – €51,155,000
Sale price (2025): €51,155,000 (~USD$52.5 million / ~AUD$85 million)
The latest entrant to our list of the most expensive cars in the world is another Uhlenhaut Mercedes-Benz. This 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen sold at RM Sotheby’s in early February 2025 for a staggering €51,155,000, and when paired with the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe in first place you have two of the most valuable cars in the world coming from the same era in motor-racing history, developed by the same man, Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Previously, the world’s most expensive cars have always been Ferraris of the 250 GTO, 330 LM, and 335 Scaglietti variety. However, it now seems like the Uhlenhaut has the world’s billionaires in a frenzy, and this Stromlinienwagen “Streamliner” bodied example is one of the best.
It’s a Formula 1 car of the era re-bodied with a curvy, slippery exterior made from Elektron magnesium alloy fenders that weighed just 88 pounds (40 kilograms). This body was used exclusively for high-speed races, and none were more memorable than the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Moza where Sir Sterling Moss set the fastest lap with an average speed of 215.7 km/h. Factory driver Juan Manuel Fangio would also win the 1954 Formula 1 championship for Mercedes-Benz and prevent Ferrari from the magical three-peat the year before Moss arrived at Stuttgart.
- Brand: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: W 196 R Stromlinienwagen
- Chassis number: 00009/54
- Engine: 2.5L straight-eight with desmodromic valves and direct fuel injection
- Horsepower: ~290 hp
- Notable achievements:
- Fastest lap: 1955 Italian Grand Prix (Stirling Moss)
- 1st place: 1955 Argentine Grand Prix (Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss)
- 1st, 2nd place: 1955 Belgian Grand Prix (Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss)
- 1st, 2nd place: 1955 Dutch Grand Prix (Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss)
- Other drivers: Karl Kling

3. 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti – USD$51,705,000
Sale price (2023): USD$51.7 million (~€47.4 million / ~AUD$79.1 million)
The most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction is this 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti which fetched USD$51.7 million back in November 2023. While its provenance is certainly nothing to scoff at, with entries in the Le Mans 24 Hours and Nürburgring 1000 KM, it never finished at Le Mans and you have to wonder how much more it would be worth with race results. There are more sought-after examples of Ferrari 250 GTOs out there, and the next time one hits the auction block we’d expect it to fetch more than $50 million. The question is whether or not the ‘GTO guys’ are willing to part with their cars.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti
- Chassis number: 3765 LM
- Engine: 4.0L V12, 3.0L (128LM/63 specification engine) in the car today
- Horsepower: ~390 hp in 4.0-litre specification
- Notable achievements:
- 1st place: 1965 Coppa FISA, Monza
- 2nd place: 1962 1000 km Nürburgring (Willy Mairesse/Mike Parkes)
- 3rd place: 1965 Mugello Grand Prix
- 4th place: 1965 Coppa Inter-Europa, Monza
- DNF: 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans (Mike Parkes/Lorenzo Bandini)
- Drivers: Mike Parkes, Lorenzo Bandini

4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti – $48,405,000
Sale price (2018): USD$48.4 million (~€44.4 million / ~AUD$73.8 million)
Here’s another Ferrari 250 GTO that sold for a cool $48,405,00 back in 2018. This particular car is considered by marque experts to be one of the most authentic and original of all GTO examples and is very likely a more valuable example today than other GTOs on this list. Most importantly, this car has the motor to match the iconic look, with over 15 class and overall wins during the 1962–1965 seasons. It’s just one of four Ferrari 250 GTOs upgraded by Scaglietti with the 1964-style Series II body and just one of seven to ever receive this more aggressive and successful coachwork.
The coachwork, which was innovative for the time, featured an extended, lowered nose, and a steeper windshield to reduce drag while maximizing downforce. Under the hood, the vehicle houses a 3.0-litre short-block Colombo V12, which in tipo 168/62 Competizione form featured six carburettors and larger valves. The third of only 36 GTOs built – this model was driven by Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi to victory in the 1962 Italian GT Championship.
Previously owned by Greg Whitten, Chief Software Architect at Microsoft, the car was purchased by American businessman, Harry Yeaggi. Most recently, he showed the car at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2022.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti
- Chassis number: 3413 GT
- Engine: 3.0L V12
- Horsepower: ~300 hp
- Notable achievements:
- Winner of the 1962 Italian GT Championship (Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi)
- 1st in class in 1963 and 1964 Targa Florio
- Over 15 class and overall wins (1962–1965)
- Drivers: Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi, Gianni Bulgari, Maurizio Grana

5. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $38,115,000
Sale price (2014): USD$38,115,000 (~€22.8 million / ~AUD$62.2 million)
When this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold at auction in California in 2014 for $38,115,000 it became the most expensive car ever sold. However, prices have sky-rocketed since then, and the Ferrari GTO has been the subject of intense international interest. “It’s been a genuine privilege to represent this outstanding car and we are delighted with today’s results,” said Robert Brooks, Chairman of Bonhams at the time. “We’ve always maintained that we would exceed the current world record and that the car would bring between $30-$40-million and today the GTO did just that.” He was right.
This particular car does not have the richest heritage or provenance. However, it had no trouble surpassing the $30 million mark, and would likely fetch upwards of $45 million would it be sound again.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
- Chassis number: 3851 GT
- Engine: 3.0L V12
- Horsepower: Approximately 300 hp
- Notable achievements:
- Raced in the 1962 Tour de France Automobile, finishing second overall
- Competed in various races during the 1962 and 1963 seasons
- Drivers: Jo Schlesser, Henri Oreiller

6. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti – USD$35.7 Million
Sale price (2016): €32,075,200 (approx. USD$35.7 million at the time)
When you’re bored of 250 GTOs the next logical step is a 1957 Ferrari 335 Scaglietti or maybe a 335 Sport converted model like the one we have here. Unless you can’t tell by now, it’s near impossible to narrow down the entire provenance of these Ferraris because they were raced, modified, crashed, and tinkered with more than any other $35 million car in existence. However, that’s all part of the game for Ferrari collectors, and this 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti has a storied past that includes a 1957 entry into the 24h Le Mans, 2nd in the Mille Miglia, 2nd at 1,000km Caracas (GP Venezuela) driven by Mike Hawthorn, and 1st in GP Cuba with Sir Sterling Moss behind the wheel. Today, it sits in the esteemed garage of collector Brian Ross.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
- Chassis number: 0626, 0656, and 0674
- Engine: 4.1L V12
- Horsepower: Approximately 400 hp
- Notable achievements:
- 1957 Sebring 12 Hours: Driven by Peter Collins and Maurice Trintignant to 6th overall
- 1957 Mille Miglia: Piloted by Wolfgang von Trips to secure 2nd place
- 1957 24 Hours of Le Mans: First lap with an average speed over 200 km/h
- 1958 Cuban Grand Prix: Claimed victory driven by Sir Stirling Moss
- Drivers: Peter Collins, Maurice Trintignant, Wolfgang von Trips, Mike Hawthorn, Sir Stirling Moss.

7. 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta Body by Fantuzzi – USD$30,255,000
Sale price (2023): USD$30,255,000 (~€27.7 million / ~AUD$46.8 million)
While it never saw top-tier results in any of the world’s leading racing events such as Le Mans, this 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta Body by Fantuzzi did compete at the 1967 Le Mans 24-Hours, Paris 1000 Kilometers, and Brands Hatch 6-Hour race in the UK so it’s not without racing history. The value lies in its meticulous restoration and list of owners, which includes Bruce McCaw, Anthony Bamford, and now Francois Perrodo.
“This is truly a collector’s dream of the ultimate sports-prototype Ferrari to own – from its eye-catching colour scheme, stunning aesthetics, and purpose in design that define Ferrari’s artistry during this pivotal time in their history,” said Rupert Banner, Global Head of Specialists at Bonhams Cars. “Thanks to the long lineage of custodians and recent thorough restoration, this sports race car is road registered and routinely exercised and ready for shows or tours.”
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta
- Chassis number: 0854
- Engine: 4.0L V12
- Horsepower: Approximately 420 hp
- Notable achievements:
- 3rd place: 1967 1000 km Spa (Bianchi/Attwood)
- 7th place: 1967 BOAC 500, Brands Hatch (Piper/Attwood)
- 5th place: 1967 1000 km Paris, Montlhéry (Piper/Siffert)
- 1st place: 1968 200 Miles Norisring (Piper)
- 1st place: 1968 Solituderennen, Hockenheim (Piper)
- Drivers: Richard Attwood, Lucien Bianchi, Piers Courage, Jo Siffert, David Piper.

8. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 – $29,600,000
Sale price (2013): £19,601,500 (approximately $29.6 million USD at the time)
When it was sold in 2013 this 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 became one of the most expensive cars ever sold. The car is internationally acclaimed, as the ex-Juan Manuell Fangio, Hans Herrmann, Karl Kling, German and Swiss Grand Prix winning Formula 1 racing car that is very similar to the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen that sold in 2025, minus the Streamliner bodywork. With this amount of success in racing, we can understand why this car is now a monument of not only mechanical expertise but to modern Germany’s resurgence. According to Bonhams, this specific vehicle is the only surviving Mercedes-Benz W196 to have won not just one World Championship-qualifying Grand Prix race, but two.
“It is the first open-wheel version of the landmark W196 design ever to have won a race, and it is the actual car in which Fangio clinched the second of his five Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship titles,” Bonhams wrote. “It is to be offered in remarkably unspoiled, almost ‘barn-find’ condition – its super-sophisticated mechanicals believed to be complete and runnable after proper preparation – and it is a Grand Prix car in whose presence enthusiasts simply stand and stare…”
- Brand: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 Racing Single-Seater
- Chassis number: 196 010 00006/54
- Engine: 2.5L straight-eight
- Horsepower: Approximately 290 hp
- Notable achievements:
- 1st place: 1954 German Grand Prix (Juan Manuel Fangio)
- 1st place: 1954 Swiss Grand Prix (Juan Manuel Fangio)
- Drivers: Juan Manuel Fangio, Hans Herrmann, Karl Kling

9. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $28,050,000
Sale price (2015): USD$28,050,000 (~€25.7 million / ~AUD$42.7 million)
The Ferrari 290 MM is an irrefutable piece of automotive history in its own right, but this particular chassis number (no. 0626) features an extensive and documented racing history, which makes it one of the most expensive cars ever sold. With the great Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel, the car finished 4th in the 1956 Mille Miglia which is a feat in its own right. There were 6 deaths and 14 serious injuries during the race which was marred by heavy rain.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti
- Chassis number: 0626
- Engine: 3.5L V12
- Horsepower: ~320 hp
- Notable achievements:
- 1st place: 1957 1000 km Buenos Aires (Gregory/Musso/Castellotti)
- 2nd place: 1957 Grand Prix of Portugal, Boavista (Masten Gregory)
- 2nd place: 1957 Grand Prix du R.A.C.B., Spa (Masten Gregory)
- 2nd place: 1956 Swedish Grand Prix, Kristianstad (von Trips/Collins)
- 4th place: 1956 Mille Miglia (Juan Manuel Fangio)
- Drivers: Juan Manuel Fangio

10. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider – $27,500,000
Sale price (2013): USD$27,500,000 (~€24.9 million / ~AUD$41.9 million)
Number eight of only 10 highly desirable N.A.R.T Spiders ever built, this 1967 Ferrari 257 could even be seen as a steal when it sold for $27,500,000 in 2013. The car itself features a 300 bhp 3,286 cc four overhead-camshaft V12 engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel upper and lower wishbone independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and tubular steel frame. Impressively, it was owned by National Wholesale’s Eddie Smith from new until he died 2007, and even Ralph Lauren flew in to drive it once.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider by Scaglietti
- Chassis number: 10709
- Engine: 3.3L V12
- Horsepower: ~300 hp
- Unique details: One of only 10 N.A.R.T. Spiders ever built
- Ownership: Single-owner from new, Eddie Smith Sr.

11. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale – $26,400,000
Sale price (2014): USD$26,400,000 (~€24 million / ~AUD$40.3 million)
The first of only three Works Berlinetta Competizione cars built, the 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale is rarer than its 250 GTO siblings. While the model has superb historic racing and rallying history, this particular car was sold new to Pietro Ferraro of Trieste, Italy, in May of 1965, and he never intended to use it in racing. Instead, the original matching-numbers vehicle sat in his collection for years before passing through the garages of some of the world’s greatest collectors, Christopher Cox, David Scaife, and Brandon Wang. Today, it’s in the hands of Leslie Wexner, who purchased the car for an absolute steal back in 2014. It could be valued upwards of $100 million should he choose to sell it, there’s only two others in existence, and they will likely never be sold, according to RM Sotheby’s.
“Chassis 06885 has been owned since 1970 by noted enthusiast Preston Henn, who has clearly stated that he intends to continue enjoying the jewel of his collection, which some enthusiasts speculate may be the first motor car of any kind to sell for the magic “nine-figure” mark, should it ever become available. The third and final car of the series, chassis 07185, is also part of a prominent private collection and is likewise very unlikely to be sold in the near future,” the listing reads.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale by Scaglietti
- Chassis number: 06701
- Engine: 3.3L V12 (Type 213/Comp)
- Horsepower: ~320 hp
- Unique details: One of only three Works Berlinetta Competizione cars built

12. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 – $22,550,000
Sale price (2017): USD$22,550,000 (~€20.5 million / ~AUD$34.4 million)
About time we welcomed an Aston Martin to the list of the most expensive cars ever sold! This car is the first of five DBR1s and was the Winner of the 1959 Nürburgring 1000 KM, raced by Roy Salvadori, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, and Carroll Shelby. The unique model is fitted with the correct reproduction engine for racing and is offered with the original maintained by Aston Martin specialist R.S. Williams.
According to Sotheby’s, for the 1956 season, the vehicle was mated to a 2,493-cc RB6 engine (RDP5053/1) with 212 bhp at 7,000 rpm. On its 24-hour debut, DBR1/1 ran well for 20 hours until running its bearings; 2nd place at both the British Empire Trophy and Easter Goodwood meetings followed early in 1957. It went through several different owners since then, however, everything on the inside remains almost perfectly era-authentic. Arguably the most important Aston Martin ever built, the DBR1 is worth every penny.
- Brand: Aston Martin
- Model: 1956 Aston Martin DBR1
- Chassis number: DBR1/1
- Engine: 2.5L straight-six
- Horsepower: ~250 hp
- Notable achievements:
- 1st place: 1959 1000 km Nürburgring
- Sister car to 1959 Le Mans winner
- Drivers: Roy Salvadori, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Carroll Shelby

13. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $22,005,000
Sale price (2018): USD$22,005,000 (~€20 million / ~AUD$33.5 million)
Raced as an official Scuderia Ferrari Works car for the 1956 and 1957 seasons, the 1956 Ferrari 290 MM has been the means for various podium winnings. Not only did the car succeed on the tracks, but it is also sought after due to its rarity, the final of four examples built and among only three surviving examples, no doubt a huge contributing factor towards its epic sale in 2018 of $22,005,000. It has been expertly restored and is Ferrari Classiche certified, with matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and original body.
- Brand: Ferrari
- Model: 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti
- Chassis number: 0628
- Engine: 3.5L V12
- Horsepower: ~320 hp
- Notable achievements:
- 2nd place: 1956 Mille Miglia (Peter Collins/Louis Klemantaski)
- 3rd place: 1956 Targa Florio (Hans Herrmann/Olivier Gendebien)
- 2nd place: 1956 Supercortemaggiore, Monza (Peter Collins/Mike Hawthorn)
- 1st place: 1957 Nassau Trophy Race (Stirling Moss)
- 1st place: 1957 Memorial Race, Nassau (Stirling Moss)
- Drivers: Peter Collins, Stirling Moss

14. 1935 Duesenberg SSJ – $22,000,000
Sale price (2018): USD$22,000,000 (~€20 million / ~AUD$33.5 million)
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ is one of only two SSJs ever built, which is just one reason why it sold for an astonishing $22,000,000 at auction. The car boasts an impressive Short-Wheelbase Chassis and Supercharged, Twin-Carb Engine, all nicely secured within a sporting open coachwork designed by J. Herbert Newport Jr. This car is the real deal – unrestored condition, retaining its original Chassis, Engine, and Bodywork- just what we like to see.
- Brand: Duesenberg
- Model: 1935 Duesenberg SSJ
- Chassis number: 2594
- Engine: Supercharged 420 CID DOHC 32-valve inline 8-cylinder with twin carburettors
- Horsepower: 400 hp at 5,000 RPM
- Notable achievements:
- One of only two SSJs built
- Originally delivered to Hollywood legend Gary Cooper
- Ownership: Briggs Cunningham and Miles Collier since 1949

15. 1955 Jaguar D-Type – $21,780,000
Sale price (2016): USD$21,780,000 (~€19.8 million / ~AUD$33.3 million)
A Jaguar like no other, the 1955 D-Type is worth the $21,780,000 it sold for, and some. The car is truly legendary, the overall winner of the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, raced by Ecurie Ecosse and the only Le Mans-winning C- or D-Type that has survived intact and remained essentially original to its winning form. One of the most valuable Jaguars in the world, it features a 250 bhp, 3,442 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with three Weber 45 DCO3 carburettors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle trailing links and transverse torsion bar, and four-wheel disc brakes.
- Brand: Jaguar
- Model: 1955 Jaguar D-Type
- Chassis number: XKD 501
- Engine: 3.4L DOHC inline six-cylinder
- Horsepower: ~250 hp
- Notable achievements:
- 1st place: 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans (Ecurie Ecosse)
- 2nd place: 1955 Goodwood 9 Hours
- Drivers: Ron Flockhart, Ninian Sanderson

16. 1963 Aston Martin DP215 – $21,455,000
Sale price (2018): USD$21,455,000 (~€19.5 million / ~A$32.8 million)
The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 is one of the most significant one-off Works Aston Martin, also making it one of the most expensive cars ever sold. The car is fitted with its original engine and correct-type five-speed gearbox, held together by a 1963 Works-built Hiduminium body. The fast-as-ever car clocked at 198.6 mph on the Mulsanne Straight and has been restored expertly, with the help of the car’s original designer.
- Brand: Aston Martin
- Model: 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype
- Chassis number: DP215
- Engine: 4.0L inline-six (Engine No. 400/215/01)
- Horsepower: ~323 hp
- Notable achievements:
- Clocked at 198.6 mph on the Mulsanne Straight, 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Drivers: Lucien Bianchi, Phil Hill

17. 1995 McLaren F1 – $20,465,000
Sale price (2021): USD$20,465,000 million (~€million / ~AUD$million)
Estimated to sell for $5,000,000 less than its actual selling price, the 1995 McLaren F1 is a car that continuously outperforms itself. One of only 64 examples built, the car is visually spectacular, with a singular colour scheme of Creighton brown with light tan and Brazilian brown upholstery. It was sold in exceptional condition and offers a 6,064 CC S70/2 DOHC V-12 engine, 6-speed manual transaxle, 4-wheel ventilated Brembo disc brakes and 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.
- Brand: McLaren
- Model: 1995 McLaren F1
- Chassis number: 029
- Engine: 6.1L S70/2 DOHC V12
- Horsepower: 627 hp at 7,500 RPM
- Notable achievements: One of only 64 road-going McLaren F1s produced
- Unique details: Creighton Brown exterior, Light Tan and Brazilian Brown interior, less than 390 km

18. 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ – $19,805,000
Sale price (2019): USD$19,805,000 (~€18 million / ~AUD$30.3 million)
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, the McLaren F1 is a supercar that knows no critic. The car is known for its aesthetic appeal, combined with technical austerity and impressive competition record. The car is equipped with an unrestricted GTR racing engine and Extra-High Downforce Kit and is by far one of the most celebrated modern production sports cars.
- Brand: McLaren
- Model: 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’
- Chassis number: SA9AB5AC1R1048018
- Engine: 6.1L V12 (unrestricted GTR racing engine)
- Horsepower: 680 hp
- Notable achievements: One of only two McLaren F1s modified to LM specifications by the factory
- Unique details: Extra-High Downforce Kit, less than 21,500 km on the odometer

19. 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider – $19,800,000
Sale price (2016): USD$19,800,000 (~€17.9 million / ~AUD$30.3 million)
If you’re a dedicated fan of Italian sports cars, this one is sure to tickle your fancy. Often regarded as the Italian equivalent of the Bugatti Atlantic, this car is one of approximately 12 extant Touring Spiders and the first “Immortal 2.9” to be offered at public auction this century. Its unique features include a double-wishbone independent front suspension with coil springs over dampers and hydraulic friction dampers.
- Brand: Alfa Romeo
- Model: 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring
- Chassis number: 412041
- Engine: 2.9L DOHC inline-eight with dual Roots-type superchargers
- Horsepower: 180 hp
- Notable achievements:
- One of approximately 12 Touring Spiders extant
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance award-winning restoration

20. 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta – $18,997,883
Sale price (2019): USD$18,997,883 million (~€million / ~AUD$million)
One of the most exclusive Alfa Romeo cars to ever exist and one of the most expensive cars ever sold, racking in just under a cool $19,000,000 at its sale in 2019. With less than 50 examples produced, only five of them are of the legendary form of the Touring Berlinetta- which makes this one of the rarest cars in the world.
- Brand: Alfa Romeo
- Model: 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta
- Chassis number: 412024
- Engine: 2.9L supercharged inline-eight
- Horsepower: Approximately 180 hp
- Notable achievements:
- One of only five Touring Berlinettas built
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance award winner
Other Very Expensive Cars That Sold at High Prices
- 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – USD$70,000,000: Every car on the list above is sold at a public auction. However, the vast majority of the world’s most expensive cars change hands privately, and you’ll notice that there are no Bugatti’s on the list above. One of the most famous examples of this is this pristine 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO which was rumoured to have sold for $70 million, making it the most expensive 250 GTO in the world. The famed car won the Tour de France the year after it was built and got its record price tag through never having crashed in its 55-year lifespan. It has a colourful racing history, having competed in the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hours, Angolan Grand Prix and others, which makes this car’s uncrushed status all the more remarkable. Ferrari restoration specialist DK Engineering restored the car in the 1990s. However, the new owner American businessman David MacNeil bought the car from German racing driver Christian Glaesel.
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