What’s The Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold? Top Auction Sales
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Always the main question is : what’s the most expensive cars ever sold in America?
Each year, the automobile auction market soars as gearheads and investors view collectible cars as works of art. Auction houses like R.M Sotheby’s, Barrett-Jackson, Bring a Trailer, Bonhams, and Artcurial see record-breaking sales. In 2022, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe set a new record, fetching $142.8 million as the world’s most expensive car sold at auction.
Though only one American model ranks among the top twenty most expensive auction cars, several high-end American classics have seen significant value appreciation. We’ve compiled a list of the most expensive American cars sold at auction. Here’s the 10 most expensive cars ever sold in America:
1. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake It Was Sold For $5.5 Million
The CSX3015 is the last surviving Cobra 427 Super Snake built by Shelby American and was once a prized piece in Carroll Shelby’s collection. Dubbed the ‘Cobra to End All Cobras,’ this 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake features a 7.0-liter twin-turbo Ford V-8, delivering 800hp and 462lb-ft of torque.
With a flawless history and an unbroken chain of ownership, the CSX3015 stands out among Cobras. In 2021, it fetched an astonishing $5.5 million at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale.
2. 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster It Was Sold For $5.94 Million
The 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster, serial number CSX3178, was a prized gem in Carroll Shelby’s collection. One of only five originally finished in Charcoal Gray, CSX3178 features a big-block 427 with dual quads and a Toploader four-speed manual transmission. Though modified by Shelby before his death, the Legendary Motorcar Company meticulously restored CSX3178 to its 1965 specifications.
In 2021, the iconic 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster made headlines by fetching $5,940,000 at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction. This legendary muscle car, continues to capture the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
3. 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype It Was Sold For $7 Million
After a challenging 1964 season, Ford tasked Shelby American with retuning two GT40 prototypes for 1965. The GT/104 factory team car made racing history at the 1965 Daytona Continental, securing a third-place finish as the second GT40 to achieve a podium finish.
Despite mixed results at Sebring, Monza, and Nürburgring, the ultra-rare GT/104 remains highly valuable as the second-oldest GT40 chassis. In 2014, the restored 1964 Ford GT40 prototype (GT/104) fetched an impressive $7,000,000 at a Mecum auction in Houston, Texas.
4. 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe It Was Sold For $7.25 Million
Although the Shelby Cobra Roadster had already proven itself, the Shelby Daytona sports car was the turning point for Shelby American, putting the U.S. at the forefront of endurance motorsports. With Bob Bondurant behind the wheel, the Shelby Daytona CSX2601 secured a historic victory in the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship GT class. This iconic race car, renowned for its speed and engineering, played a pivotal role in cementing Shelby’s legacy in endurance racing.
The CSX2601 is one of six Shelby Daytona Coupes hand-built by Carroll Shelby to compete against Ferrari in the GT class at the 12 Heures du Reims F.I.A Championships. In 2009, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 sold for $7,250,000 at Mecum’s Monterey Auction, setting a record for the highest auction price for an American car.
5. 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype It Was Sold For $7.65 Million
Before the official production run of the iconic GT40, Ford created twelve prototypes; seven hardtops and five roadsters. Chassis number GT/108 stands out as the first of five roadsters crafted at the Ford Advanced Vehicle plant and the eighth of twelve prototypes. This iconic GT40 model is pivotal in the history of Ford’s racing legacy and showcases early innovations in high-performance design.
The white GT/108 initially served the Shelby Cobra team for promotional and exhibition purposes, later becoming the development basis for the J and X series of the Mark IV iteration. Notably, GT/108 is the only prototype Henry Ford II rode in, with Carroll Shelby at the wheel. Given its significant provenance, it’s no surprise that the 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype sold for an impressive $7,650,000 in 2019 through RM Sotheby’s at the Monterey Conference Center.
6. 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II It Was Sold For $9.795 Million
In 1966, Ford humiliated Ferrari with a historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a trio of GT40 Mk IIs taking the podium. Originally built as a GT40 Mk I, Shelby American converted chassis P/1016 to Mk II specifications, featuring a 427 big block, reinforced frame, and revised fiberglass bodywork.
Chassis P/1016 holds significant provenance as the third-placed Mk II in this iconic race and is one of only eight GT40 Mk II examples built. Presented in its signature gold livery with pink highlights, the 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II P/1016 sold for an astonishing $9,795,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction in 2018.
7. 1931 Duesenberg Model J Coupe It Was Sold For $10.34 Million
The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Coupe epitomizes the elegance of the 1930s with its exquisite coach-built body and bespoke features. Chassis 2478 is a unique long-wheelbase model crafted by Murphy with stunning two-door coupe bodywork. As one of the most elegant classic American automobiles, this one-of-a-kind Duesenberg crossed the Gooding & Company auction block in 2011, fetching an impressive $10,340,000.
8. 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage It Was Sold For $11 Million
The 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage, chassis P/1074, has an intriguing history starting with its JWAE Mirage roots as a GT40-based racing prototype. The iconic powder blue and marigold Mirage won its debut race at Spa in 1967, followed by victories at Karlskoga, Skarpnack, and Montlhery. Later, it was converted into the Group 4 GT40, winning at Monza and placing second at Watkins Glen in 1968.
Beyond racing, this GT40 served as a camera car for Steve McQueen’s 1971 film, Le Mans. Its storied career explains why it sold for $11,000,000 at the 2012 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, making it the most expensive Ford ever sold.
9. 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra Roadster It Was Sold For $13.75 Million
In 2016, the 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra Roadster, CSX 2000, set a record as the most expensive Shelby, selling for $13,750,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction. The CSX 2000 prototype, the first car built by Carroll Shelby, was extensively used for development, promotion, and high-speed driver training.
With its 260hp 4.3-liter OHV V-8 engine and lightweight aluminum construction, this Cobra Roadster served as a key press car to captivate audiences. Its unique history and significance make the CSX 2000 one of the most important classic cars in American automotive history.
10. 1935 Duesenberg SSJ It Was Sold For $22 Million
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ, chassis J-563, is a rare gem with only two built on a unique short-wheelbase chassis, featuring a 400hp supercharged twin-cam inline eight-cylinder engine. Following its ownership by Gary Cooper, the SSJ passed through illustrious hands like Briggs Cunningham and Miles Collier.
As one of the rarest and most significant Duesenberg models, the well-preserved, unrestored 1935 SSJ set a record at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach auction in 2018, selling for an astounding $22,000,000. This distinction makes the Duesenberg SSJ, chassis J-563, the most valuable pre-war car and the highest-priced American car ever sold at a public auction. Its unique history and exceptional provenance set it apart in the world of collectible automobiles.
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