10 Most Expensive Classic Cars Ever Sold At Auction

Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Bugatti, to mention a few, are some of the most well-known automobile brands that draw larger crowds every year and are the subject of fiercely contested auctions.

- Aparajit Shastri

These automobiles are selling more often and all over the world as a result of auction houses going global. What vehicles perform the best at the very top end of the spectrum? The top 10 most expensive historic automobiles ever sold at auction are shown here (please note that all dollar amounts include the buyer's premium).

1956 FERRARI 290 MM BY SCAGLIETTI: $22,005,000

Due to its long list of notable drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio, as well as its speed and racing victories, the Ferrari 290 MM is one of the most sought-after vehicles worldwide among collectors. It was the tenth item on our list when RM Sotheby’s LA sold it for $22,005,000 at the Petersen Automotive Museum auction in 2018.

1956 ASTON MARTIN DBR1: $22,550,000

This 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 was the first in a batch of five, and RM Sotheby’s called it one of the most significant prototypes in the company’s history. The vehicle holds both the record for the most expensive British vehicle ever sold at auction and the record price for an Aston Martin sold at auction. A very happy collector purchased the 1959 1000KM Nürburgring champion for $22,555,000.

1964 FERRARI 275 GTB/C SPECIALE BY SCAGLIETTI: $26,400,000

The opportunity to buy this 1964 Ferrari 275 CTB/Speciale was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, according to RM Sotheby’s. The car earned $26,400,000 in August 2014 and is not only a top-performing racecar but also the first Berlinetta in a limited series of three. This particular specimen was an unusual sale because the other two automobiles were treasured by private collectors who had no intention of selling them.