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I noticed? One of only two models of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was auctioned for 140 million Swiss francs.
140 million.
The car from 1955 is the most expensive car in history so far:
The fact that everything seems to be becoming more expensive also applies to cars sold at prestigious auctions. Surprisingly, this has only increased due to the Covid crisis. At the end of 2020, we were blown away by that milled old 1934 Bugatti Type 59which were traded for 11.5 million.
But you soon realize that those 11 million of 2020 are a no-brainer compared to the ten most expensive cars ever auctioned.
What these 10 cars have in common is that they are all racing and sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s and have an impeccable origin. In addition, only three brands are represented. One of them constitutes the absolute majority. Well, which one?
Ah, see for yourself! Here are the ten most expensive cars in world history:
1956 Ferrari 290mm
- $22,005,000
(Prices are shown in the currency paid at the time of purchase) - RM Sotheby’s, 2018
- Used as the official 1956-1957 Scuderia Ferrari business car. The last four prototypes were built, and only one of the three is still alive.
1956 Aston Martin DBR1
- $22,550,000
- RM Sotheby’s, 2017
- The first of only five DBR1s ever produced and the winner of the 1959 Nürburgring 1,000 km race. Driven by Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby and Jack Brabham, among others, it is also the sister car of the 1959 winner Le Mans.
1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale
- $26.4 million
- RM Sotheby’s, 2014
- The first of only three specialty 275 GTB/Cs ever built, making it even rarer than its 250 GTO siblings (see below; sorry for the spoiler). The first Ferrari to be fitted with a 3.3-liter Colombo V12 engine. and gray. More Ferraris should be gray.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB / 4*S NART Spider
Photo: rmsothebys
- $27.5 million
- RM Sotheby’s, 2013
- Commissioned by Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team (NART), only 10 convertible versions of the Ferrari 275 Coupe were built – 15 fewer than originally planned.
1956 Ferrari 290mm
- 28,050,000 dollars
- RM Sotheby’s, 2015
- one of only four 290mm ever made; It is fitted with a 3.5 liter V12 engine that produces 320 horsepower. This example was created by Juan Manuel Fangio (a name that appears frequently on this list). At the wheel of this car he took fourth place in the 1956 Millie Miglia. Fourth out of 426 participants.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R
- $29,600,000
- Bonham, 2013
- It is led by Juan Manuel Fangio, Hans Hermann and Karl Kling. Winner of the German and Swiss Grand Prix in 1954. Mercedes built a total of 14 W196 Formula 1 racing cars, of which only 10 remain today. Mercedes currently owns six of these cars.
1956 Ferrari 335S
- 32’100’000 Euro
- Artcurial, 2016
- One of a total of four 335 S cars. This example was built in 1957 in the 12 Hours of Sebring, Mille Miglia, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is powered by a 4.1-liter V12 engine with 400 horsepower, which reaches a top speed of 300 km/h. (when You are brave enough to do this.)
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO berlinetta
- 38,115000 dollars
- Bonham, 2014
- Nineteenth place out of a total of 36 GTOs was produced. In 1962, this car took second place in the Tour de France. It is equipped with a 3-liter Colombo V13 engine that produces around 300 horsepower. It was in the same family for 49 years before it was auctioned off by Bonhams in 2014.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
- 48405000 dollars
- RM Sotheby’s, 2018
- Oh – another GTO! This time is the third ever. A car that has raced all over the world – and won: including the Italian GT Championship in 1962 and class wins at Targo Florio in 1963 and 1964. This specimen was upgraded by vehicle maker Scaglietti during this period, both outside and under the hood . The most expensive car ever sold in history … until … well, until this:
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
- 143 million dollars
- RM Sotheby’s, 2022
- One of the two prototypes built at that time. It is named after its creator and chief engineer Rudolf Ullenhout. Sold May 5, 2022 as part of a secret auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in association with RM Sotheby’s. Among others, selected Mercedes-Benz customers and international car and art collectors were invited. The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé that was auctioned was part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public vehicle collection. Proceeds from the auction will be used to fund the worldwide scholarship programTo encourage a new generation to follow in the innovative footsteps of Rudolf Uhlenhaut and to develop remarkable new technologies, particularly for decarbonization and resource conservation” (Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes Benz Group AG).
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