Car auctions have become a popular destination for car enthusiasts and collectors alike. With the rise of online auctions, people from all over the world can now bid on rare and unique cars. Over the years, some of these auctions have made headlines with their record-breaking sales. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable car auction records and the stories behind them.
1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
In 2018, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO became the most expensive car ever sold at auction. The car, which was owned by former Microsoft executive Greg Whitten, sold for a whopping $48.4 million at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction. The Ferrari 250 GTO is considered one of the most desirable and rarest cars in the world, with only 36 ever built. This particular car had a racing pedigree and was considered one of the best examples of the model.
2. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti was sold for $35.7 million at the Artcurial auction in Paris in 2016. The car was originally owned by the Scuderia Ferrari racing team and was driven by some of the most famous racing drivers of the time, including Mike Hawthorn and Peter Collins. The car had been hidden away in a private collection for many years, and its sale broke the record for the most expensive car ever sold in Europe.
3. 1963 Aston Martin DP215
The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 was sold for $21.5 million at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2018. The car was one of only three ever built and was considered the most advanced of its time. It was designed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race but never got the chance to do so. The car had been in the same family for over 40 years before being sold at auction.
4. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1
The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 sold for $22.5 million at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2017. The car was driven by racing legend Carroll Shelby in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans race, where it finished first. The car had been in the same collection for over 16 years before being sold at auction.
5. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R sold for $29.6 million at the Bonhams auction in 2013. The car was driven by five-time Formula One World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio during the 1954 and 1955 racing seasons. The car was considered revolutionary for its time, with features such as a fuel-injected engine and a streamlined body. The car had been in the same private collection for over 30 years before being sold at auction.
These are just a few examples of the many record-breaking car auctions that have taken place over the years. Each of these cars has a unique story and history, which has contributed to their high value. Car auctions continue to be a popular destination for car enthusiasts and collectors, and it’s likely that we’ll see many more record-breaking sales in the years to come.
