Sold! The Most Expensive and Legendary Cars Ever to Cross the Auction Block

The world of high-end car auctions is a rarefied atmosphere where history, art, and engineering converge to achieve staggering prices. These are not just cars; they are cultural artifacts, each with a unique story of racing glory, iconic ownership, or groundbreaking design. When the gavel falls at auctions held by houses like RM Sotheby's and Gooding & Company, records are often shattered, with prices soaring into the tens of millions. While the prancing horse of Ferrari frequently dominates the list, other legendary marques like Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin have also claimed their spots in the pantheon of automotive auction royalty. This is a look at the most expensive and legendary vehicles ever to be sold under the bright lights of the auction stage.

Record-Breaking Auction Sales

The following cars represent the pinnacle of automotive collecting, where unparalleled provenance and rarity command prices that are as breathtaking as their performance.

1. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut Coupé'

Sold in 2022 for an astonishing $142 million in a private auction held by RM Sotheby's, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR is not just the most expensive car ever sold at auction—it's one of the most expensive objects ever sold. One of only two ever built, this car was the personal vehicle of its creator, Mercedes' legendary chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Based on the dominant W196 Grand Prix car, the Uhlenhaut Coupé was a road-legal race car capable of nearly 180 mph. Its sale shattered the previous record, with all proceeds donated to establish the Mercedes-Benz Fund, a global scholarship program.

2. Ferrari 250 GTO

The Ferrari 250 GTO is often regarded as the holy grail of classic cars, and its auction prices reflect that status. In 2018, a 1962 model sold for $48.4 million at an RM Sotheby's auction in Monterey. This particular car was instrumental in helping Ferrari win the 1964 International GT constructors’ championship. With only 36 ever produced, the 250 GTO represents the zenith of Ferrari's front-engine racing GTs, combining a glorious V12 engine with a perfectly sculpted Scaglietti body. Its unmatched racing pedigree and stunning beauty make it a cornerstone of any world-class collection.

3. Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti

Another titan of the Ferrari racing legacy, a 1957 335 Sport Scaglietti, fetched $35.7 million at an Artcurial auction in 2016. This car was a factory race car piloted by the greatest drivers of its era, including Peter Collins, Maurice Trintignant, and Wolfgang von Trips. It competed in the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Mille Miglia, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, cementing its place in motorsports history. Its powerful 4.1-litre V12 and formidable racing history make it one of the most significant and valuable racing Ferraris in existence.



4. Mercedes-Benz W196

In 2013, a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 was sold by Bonhams for $29.6 million. This was no ordinary W196; it was the very car driven to victory by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1954 German and Swiss Grands Prix. As the first open-wheel Silver Arrow to win a Formula 1 race after World War II, its historical importance cannot be overstated. The car was sold in "as-raced" condition, retaining the patina and battle scars from its championship-winning season, adding to its incredible authenticity and value.

5. Ferrari 290 MM

A 1956 Ferrari 290 MM, built for Juan Manuel Fangio to race in the Mille Miglia, was sold by RM Sotheby's for $28 million in 2015. As one of only four 290 MMs ever built, this car was a purpose-built weapon for Ferrari's assault on the World Sportscar Championship. It was never crashed during its racing career, a remarkable feat for a car of its era, and was piloted by a roster of legendary drivers. Its combination of Fangio provenance, extreme rarity, and historical significance makes it a true blue-chip collector car.

Summary of Top Auction Cars

The following table summarizes the key details of the most expensive cars ever sold at public auction.

Car Year Sale Price Auction House & Year
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut Coupé' 1955 $142 Million RM Sotheby's (Private), 2022
Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 $48.4 Million RM Sotheby's, 2018
Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti 1957 $35.7 Million Artcurial, 2016
Mercedes-Benz W196 1954 $29.6 Million Bonhams, 2013
Ferrari 290 MM 1956 $28 Million RM Sotheby's, 2015

Key Takeaways