Record-Breaking Royalty – Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
On 5th May 2022, the two-seat Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sports racing car secured its place in history by becoming the most expensive car ever sold at auction. The car fetched an astronomical $US143m (£114.9m). The car was named after Mercedes legendary designer Rudolf Uhlenhaut and encapsulates the perfect blend of awe-inspiring performance and timeless beauty.
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe packs a 3.0 litre straight-8 engine and a robust yet lightweight body, being engineered to perfection in the mid-1950s. The car took part in the 1955 World Sportscar Championship but suffered a catastrophic crash and fire later that year.
The car’s remarkable features, and the fact that only two vehicles were ever produced, have contributed to its immense valuation, illustrating how vintage cars can transcend the realms of transportation and enter the sphere of high-end art.
Italian Stallion – Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO was manufactured between 1962 and 1964, and only 36 cars were made, making it an extremely coveted piece for collectors. The 250 GTO is the epitome of style and power and fetched an astounding $48.4m at an auction held on 26 August 2018. The car is revered as one of the most alluring and rare cars in the world and is the perfect illustration of the golden age of motoring.
The 250 GTO has repeatedly set price records at auction. When new, the car was sold for $18,000 in the USA and buyers had to be approved by Enzo Ferrari himself. This iconic car, with a 3.0 litre V12 and 296 horsepower, beautifully sculpted bodywork, and impressive performance, is not just an automotive marvel but a symbol of Italy’s rich motoring history. The fantastic prices it fetches at auctions is proof this car is a timeless classic.
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Racing Pedigree – Ferrari 335 S
With a remarkable racing pedigree and rarity, the Ferrari 335 S made quite a stir when it came to the auction block in Paris on 15th February 2016. Bidding was fierce, and the gavel finally fell at an astounding $35,730,510. The car’s strong provenance and participation in legendary races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as links to famous drivers such as Mike Hawthorn and Wolfgang von Trips adds to its allure.
Boasting a formidable 3.8 litre 360 horsepower V12 engine, the 335 S was a beast on the racetrack and reached top speeds of 186 mph. Only four cars were produced, further enhancing its desirability among collectors – and one was converted from a 315 S. The sky-high auction price reflects the true reverence accorded to this high-performance racing icon.
Legend of the Track – Mercedes-Benz W196
A grand piece of automotive history changed hands when the Mercedes-Benz W196 Formula One racing car crossed the auction block at Goodwood Festival of Speed on 12th July 2013. The sale concluded with a very hefty price of $29.6m, placing it among the ranks of the most expensive cars ever auctioned. The W196 is the stuff of legends, being the car driven by 5-time Formula One World Champion Juan Manual Fangio (claiming his second title).
The car won 9 of 12 races it entered and won the two world championships that it competed in. In 1954, the car represented the cutting-edge of technology. It was powered by a 2.5 litre straight-8 engine that used fuel injection and desmodromic valves and produced around 300 horsepower. Its streamlined bodywork was a novelty for Formula One cars and offered significant advantages on fast circuits. Its racing pedigree and historical significance undoubtedly contributed to its huge auction value. Like the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, the car was designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
Further Reading
You may also be interested in: Auto Elites – Discovering Some of the World’s Rarest and Most Extraordinary Cars
Italian Masterpiece – Ferrari 290 MM
Produced in 1956, the Ferrari 290 MM (Mille Miglia) was a sports racing car developed with the intent to win the Mille Miglia race, a gruelling 1,000-mile circuit through Italy. The car sold at auction on 10th December 2015 for an immense figure of $28.05m, highlighting the enormous respect collectors hold for the Ferrari marque. Only four cars were produced (with one being converted from an 860 Monza). This particular car (chassis number 0626) was designed for Argentinian racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio, which no doubt adds to its historical value.
The 3.5 litre V12 engine was developed by Ferrari’s chief engineer Aurelio Lampredi and produced 320 horsepower. Despite its racing roots, the car was painstakingly maintained and restored, keeping much of its originality intact.
At the time it was sold, it was the most expensive car sold that year and the third most expensive car ever at the time. Another 290 MM sold for $22m in 2018.
Spider’s Web of Desire – Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider
One of the most unique Ferrari models to hit the auction block is the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider. This jewel from Maranello sold for a jaw-dropping $27.5m on 17th August 2013. NART, or North American Racing Team, is a name that harks back to the golden age of racing – the 1960s.
The NART Spider is so unique because of its extreme rarity, with only 10 cars made. The specific model sold was owned by a single family since its initial purchase, making it a one-owner car – an incredibly rare circumstance for a car of this stature.
It’s powered by a 300 horsepower, 3.3 litre V12 engine, embodying the raw Ferrari power and elegance the brand is known for. With classic bodywork by Scaglietti draped in a gorgeous red hue, it’s no wonder the car is so coveted by collectors.
Further Reading
You may also be interested in: The Ferrari KC23 – A Masterpiece of Design and Engineering?
Sporty Splendour – Ferrari 410 Sport
Yet another Ferrari – is there a pattern forming here? The lustrous Ferrari 410 Sport claims a heritage that few cars can claim. Only four cars were produced between 1955 and 1956. The success of its successor, the Ferrari 375, in the Carrera Panamericana pushed Ferrari to design this model for the next marathon race. It sold for $23m in August 2014, securing it a place in the history books as one of the most expensive cars ever auctioned.
The racing pedigree of the 410 Sport is underscored by its powerful 5.0 litre V12 engine that produces 370 horsepower designed by Aurelio Lampredi. All four cars bear the suffix “CM” in their serial numbers which stands for Carrera Messicana – the name of the intended race. The Carrera Messicana was a border-to-border race in Mexico, but was cancelled after the 1955 Le Mans disaster
British Racing Beauty – Aston Martin DBR1
History was made in August 2017 when the gavel fell on the Aston Martin DBR1. The iconic British racing car was sold for an unprecedented $22.55m, which made it the most expensive British racing car ever sold at auction at that time. The DBR1 symbolises British engineering prowess and the spirit of competition that pervades the world of motorsport. The car won six World Sports Car Championships, which was a record for any car in the 1950s.
The Aston, driven by racing legends such as Carroll Shelby and Stirling Moss, earned its place in history by winning the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. Beyond its racing success, the DBR1 stands out as a paragon of mid-century design, one which was an evolved form of the Aston Martin DB3S. Its elegant and slender bodywork and the intoxicating growl of its straight-6 engine are reminders of classic motorsports.
Unravelling the Price Tags – What Makes These Cars So Expensive?
People spend ludicrous sums of money on cars, but these sums aren’t arbitrary. The prices these cars command is influenced by a constellation of factors, each playing their part in catapulting these cars into the realms of stratospheric pricing seen here. Not all these cars were created equal, so understanding the factors that elevate a vehicle’s value gives some insight into the world of elite car collectors.
Rarity & Desirability
Desirability and rarity are at the forefront of value determination. The fewer examples of a particular car model, the more coveted it tends to be among car collectors. Additionally, nostalgia, aesthetic design, and the emotional connection a car elicits can contribute to the car’s worth. Nostalgia and emotional connections are usually associated with the era a buyer identifies with.
Sports cars & Roadsters
Car types are also part of the equation. Sports cars and roadsters will normally fetch higher prices because of their exciting or luxury appeal.
Got a Full Service History?
By the same token, high auction values aren’t just a factor of rarity and external appeal. The condition of the car, evidence of meticulous restoration, and its documented history also play a crucial role in increasing its value. Winning prestigious auto shows or having a significant motorsport history can significantly increase the car’s cost and desirability.
Famous Names
Furthermore, cars associated with famous names or storied racing teams can also fetch higher prices because of their historical significance. The combination of these factors creates a unique story for each car, with its own unique value.
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Almost There – Honourable Mentions Beyond the Podium
The realm of luxury and prestigious car auctions is filled with numerous other esteemed contenders. These remarkable machines have earned their rightful place in the history books for their staggering price tags and captivating narratives. Now we cast the spotlight on some of these exceptional vehicles, each with historical significance and value. These cars are outside the top 10, but still sold for a considerable amount of money (note: they aren’t sequential either, other cars occupy spots in between them).
Jaguar D-Type
Date: 19 August 2016
Price: $21,780,000
The Jaguar D-Type is a symbol of British automotive engineering – a masterpiece that roars with history. The car is known for its victories at Le Mans. The sleek design and advanced technology for its time make it a gem in any collection.
McLaren F1
Date: 14 August 2021
Price: $20,465,000
Another icon in British auto engineering is the much sought-after McLaren F1, and even today holds the title of the world’s fastest naturally aspirated car ever built. Its uniqueness lies in its central driving position, groundbreaking design, and extraordinary performance.
Porsche 917K
Date: 19 August 2017
Price: $14,080,000
The Porsche 917k is a star on the screen as well as the track. The car shot to fame after it featured in Steve McQueen’s “Le Mans”. It has a potent flat-12 engine and features iconic Gulf livery that make it unmistakable in presence.
Shelby 260 Cobra (AKA AC Cobra)
Date: 19 August 2016
Price: $13,750,000
The embodiment of the American muscle car – the Shelby 260 Cobra displays both power and beauty. AC Cars manufactured the Cobra from 1962-1967 with just under 1,000 cars produced. They featured Ford V8 engines and were made intermittently in the UK and the USA.
Ford GT40
Date: 17 August 2012
Price: $11,000,000
The Ford GT40 was born to rival Ferrari, and its multiple victories at Le Mans etched it into motor racing folklore. The famed rivalry backstory and high-performance specs stir both nostalgia and demand.
Bugatti Type 55
Date: 21 August 2016
Price: $10,400,000
The Bugatti Type 55 blends high performance with luxurious design and is one of the first grand touring cars. The vehicle’s rarity, combined with captivating art-deco style, has seen this vintage car fetch eye-watering sums at auction.
Batmobile
Date: 19 January 2013
Price: $4,620,000
No ordinary car – the Batmobile has become a pop culture icon. Once a Lincoln Futura concept car, this vehicle’s transformation into the iconic Batmobile solidified its place in pop culture history. It was auctioned in 2013 for over four-and-a-half million dollars.
Top Brands – Who Dominates the Auction Block?
You might have noticed a pattern forming – Ferraris dominate the list. While researching this topic, it became obvious that some car brands dominated the top spots in car auctions. Using a reference list of the top 215 car prices fetched at auctions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_expensive_cars_sold_at_auction), here’s a breakdown of cars by brand:
| Brand | No. cars in top 215 |
| Ferrari | 103 |
| Mercedes | 14 |
| Bugatti | 11 |
| Porsche | 10 |
| Aston Martin | 9 |
| Alfa Romeo | 9 |
| McLaren | 8 |
| Jaguar | 7 |
| Bentley | 6 |
With a staggering 103 cars auctioned, the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer dwarfs the next closest contender – Mercedes-Benz – with its 14 cars.
This Ferrari-dominated landscape shows the appeal of the prancing horse emblem and the value we collectively place on the brand. Ferrari’s rich racing pedigree and reputation for sleek designs and high-performance makes the brand a magnet for high-net-worth collectors. The brand’s commitment to exclusivity and limited production numbers adds a sense of rarity, luxury, and prestige.