Jump directly to the content
LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

The top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction – and the British motors that made the list

From a Ferrari that has starred alongside Steve McQueen to an Aston Martin driven by Stirling Moss, these are the vintage cars to attract the biggest selling prices when they went under the hammer

WHEN it comes to classic car auctions, these are the best of the best.

Vintage motors will always fetch a hefty sum at auction, but there are a select few that boast enormous price tags.

This 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for £52million as the most expensive classic car in the world, but it sold privately rather than going to auction
11
This 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for £52million as the most expensive classic car in the world, but it sold privately rather than going to auctionCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Whether they are mint-condition former racers or simply icons of their brand's history, these cars are the most expensive to go under the hammer.

From Ferrari to Jaguar, these classics are unfortunately out of reach for the majority of motorists.

But for the very wealthy, these are the top 10 cars they have splashed their money on at auction.

1. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962) - £29.1milllion

The 1962 Berlinetta takes top spot after selling at a 2014 Bonhams auction. It was originally built to race in the 1963 FIA World GT Championships
11
The 1962 Berlinetta takes top spot after selling at a 2014 Bonhams auction. It was originally built to race in the 1963 FIA World GT Championships

2. Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti (1957) - £26.7million

This 335 has raced everywhere from Mille Miglia to Le Mans. It was sold in 2016 in Paris
11
This 335 has raced everywhere from Mille Miglia to Le Mans. It was sold in 2016 in ParisCredit: Reuters

3. Mercedes-Benz W196 (1954) - £22.1million

The only Mercedes on the list, the W196 was driven by five-time F1 world champion Juan Manuel Fangio
11
The only Mercedes on the list, the W196 was driven by five-time F1 world champion Juan Manuel FangioCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

4. Ferrari 290 MM (1956) - £20.9million

The 1956 MM was also raced by Fangio. It went under the hammer in New York in 2015 as the most expensive car ever to sell in the city
11
The 1956 MM was also raced by Fangio. It went under the hammer in New York in 2015 as the most expensive car ever to sell in the cityCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

5. Ferrari 275 GTB/4S NART Spider (1967) - £20.6million

One of just 10 in the world, this Ferrari sold in 2013 to take top spot. It has appeared alongside Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair
11
One of just 10 in the world, this Ferrari sold in 2013 to take top spot. It has appeared alongside Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown AffairCredit: Darin Schnabel ©2013 Courtesy of RM Auctions
Jay Kay takes us for a spin in his Ferrari 275 GTB

6. Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale Scaglietti (1964) - £19.7million

This special edition is one of only three to exist. It was the first ever Ferrari to feature independent rear suspension
11
This special edition is one of only three to exist. It was the first ever Ferrari to feature independent rear suspensionCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

7. Aston Martin DBR1 (1956) - £17.5million

Aston Martin's DBR1 is the most expensive British car ever sold. It was raced at the 1959 Nurburgring by Sir Stirling Moss
11
Aston Martin's DBR1 is the most expensive British car ever sold. It was raced at the 1959 Nurburgring by Sir Stirling MossCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

8. Jaguar D-Type (1955) - £16.2million

A 2016 auction saw this car briefly hold the title as Britain's most expensive car. It won the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans
11
A 2016 auction saw this car briefly hold the title as Britain's most expensive car. It won the 1956 24 Hours of Le MansCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

More classic motors up for sale

Best used cars to buy: Discover which motor will suit YOU best
motor match

Best used cars to buy: Discover which motor will suit YOU best

Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert
FIRST WHEELS

Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert

I drove a now-discontinued motor, here's how to get your hands on it
CHEAP THRILLS

I drove a now-discontinued motor, here's how to get your hands on it

I'm a used car expert, I drove the most popular car on Sun Motors right now
driven choice

I'm a used car expert, I drove the most popular car on Sun Motors right now

9. Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider (1939) - £14.8million

The oldest car on the list, it holds its incredible value for being the 'ultimate Italian grand tourer'
11
The oldest car on the list, it holds its incredible value for being the 'ultimate Italian grand tourer'Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

10. Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (1961) - £13.8million

This flashy motor sat in a small exhibition for years before it went to auction in 2015, attracting a hefty sum
11
This flashy motor sat in a small exhibition for years before it went to auction in 2015, attracting a hefty sum
Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU