Ferrari, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo are among the most expensive cars ever sold – but which classic motorsports brand came out on top?
Ferrari takes a total of five spots in RM Sotheby’s chart of the priciest sales on record – but which classic motor claimed the top spot, with a price tag of US$48 million?
Not all cars are created equally. Some have intrinsic historic value while others have value thrust upon them by virtue of who drove it or what the car “achieved”. Either way, when coveted cars go up for auction, there is a flurry of activity and a gaggle of buyers lined up to pay extraordinary amounts for them. We spoke to RM Sotheby's, one of the world’s foremost classic car auctioneers, about the top 10 most expensive cars they have ever sold at auction – with prices beginning just shy of US$20 million, and spiralling to more than double that.
They are, in reverse order:
10. 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring
The Italian equivalent of the Bugatti Atlantic, this is considered to be the ultimate Italian sports car of its generation. One of around 12 extant Touring Spiders, it is also just one of 32 with the 2.9 chassis making it extremely rare and sought after. Sold in 2016 for US$19,800,000.
9. 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’
One of only two examples modified by the factory to LM specifications, this 1994 McLaren F1 is equipped with unrestricted GTR racing engine and an extra-high downforce kit. One of only 64 road cars built, it was regularly serviced by McLaren Special Operations. Sold in 2019 for US$19,805,000.
8. 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype