What’s The Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold? Top Auction Sales
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 continue to shatter records, with rare American classics commanding millions. In 2022, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe set a new global record, fetching $142.8 million. While no American car has yet reached such heights, several iconic models have achieved staggering prices, cementing their status as automotive legends.
Key Takeaways:
- The most expensive American cars sold at auction have fetched millions due to rarity, historical significance, and provenance.
- The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ leads the list at $22 million.
- Shelby Cobras, Ford GT40s, and Duesenbergs dominate high-value sales.
What’s the most expensive cars ever sold? Here’s a look at the 10 American cars sold at auction, showcasing their history, significance, and the stories behind their record-breaking sales.
Contents
1. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake – $5.5 Million
Auction House: Barrett-Jackson
Year Sold: 2021
The 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake, CSX3015, is the last surviving Super Snake and features a 7.0-liter twin-turbo Ford V-8 producing 800hp. Once owned by Carroll Shelby, it sold for $5.5 million at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction in 2021.
2. 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster – $5.94 Million
Auction House: Mecum
Year Sold: 2021
The 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster, CSX3178, is one of only five originally finished in Charcoal Gray. Restored to its 1965 specifications, this iconic muscle car sold for $5.94 million at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction in 2021.
3. 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype – $7 Million
Auction House: Mecum
Year Sold: 2014
The 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype, GT/104, is the second-oldest GT40 chassis and played a key role in Ford’s early racing efforts. It achieved a third-place finish at the 1965 Daytona Continental. In 2014, GT/104 sold for $7 million at Mecum’s Houston auction.
4. 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe – $7.25 Million
Auction House: Mecum
Year Sold: 2009
The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe, CSX2601, is one of only six ever built. It secured a historic victory in the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship GT class, cementing Shelby’s legacy in endurance racing.
In 2009, CSX2601 sold for $7.25 million at Mecum’s Monterey auction, setting a record for the highest auction price for an American car at the time.
5. 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype – $7.65 Million
Auction House: R.M. Sotheby’s
Year Sold: 2019
The 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, chassis GT/108, is one of only five roadsters built during Ford’s early development phase. Notably, it’s the only prototype that Henry Ford II rode in, with Carroll Shelby at the wheel. In 2019, GT/108 sold for $7.65 million at R.M. Sotheby’s Monterey auction.
6. 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II – $9.795 Million
Auction House: R.M. Sotheby’s
Year Sold: 2018
The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II, chassis P/1016, played a pivotal role in Ford’s historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ending Ferrari’s dominance. Originally a GT40 Mk I, it was converted to Mk II specifications with a 427 big block and reinforced frame. In 2018, this legendary racer sold for $9.795 million at R.M. Sotheby’s Monterey auction.
7. 1931 Duesenberg Model J Coupe – $10.34 Million
Auction House: Gooding & Company
Year Sold: 2011
The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Coupe, chassis 2478, is a long-wheelbase model with exquisite coach-built bodywork by Murphy. Its elegant design and bespoke features make it one of the most desirable pre-war American cars.
In 2011, this Duesenberg sold for $10.34 million at Gooding & Company’s auction, highlighting its status as a timeless classic.
8. 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage – $11 Million
Auction House: R.M. Sotheby’s
Year Sold: 2012
Chassis P/1074 was originally a JW Automotive Mirage prototype, later converted into a Group 4 GT40. It competed at Spa, Karlskoga, and Montlhéry, and famously served as a camera car for Steve McQueen’s Le Mans (1971).
Selling for $11 million at R.M. Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2012, this became the most expensive Ford ever sold at auction.
Why It’s Valuable:
Factory race car with Gulf livery.
Direct connection to Steve McQueen & Le Mans film.
Proven race-winning history.
9. 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra Roadster – $13.75 Million
Auction House: R.M. Sotheby’s\
Year Sold: 2016
The 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra, chassis CSX 2000, is the first-ever Cobra built by Carroll Shelby. This prototype featured an aluminum body and a 260hp 4.3L OHV V-8, and was used extensively for promotion, development, and driver training.
At R.M. Sotheby’s 2016 Monterey auction, CSX 2000 sold for $13.75 million, making it the most expensive Shelby ever sold.
Why It’s Valuable:
First Cobra prototype built by Shelby.
Historically significant for American performance cars.
One-of-one with direct Shelby ownership.
10. 1935 Duesenberg SSJ – $22 Million
Auction House: Gooding & Company
Year Sold: 2018
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ, chassis J-563, is one of only two ever built on a unique short-wheelbase platform. Its supercharged, twin-cam 400hp inline-eight made it one of the fastest pre-war cars. Originally owned by Hollywood legend Gary Cooper, the SSJ later became part of the collections of Briggs Cunningham and Miles Collier.
In 2018, this unrestored masterpiece shattered records, selling for $22 million at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach auction, making it the most expensive pre-war car ever sold and the highest-priced American car at auction.
Why It’s Valuable:
Ultra-rare, only two exist.
Celebrity provenance (Gary Cooper).
Historically significant pre-war American luxury car.
Why Collectible American Cars Are Worth Millions
Collectible American cars aren’t just vehicles—they’re pieces of cultural and motorsport history. Their values are influenced by:
Rarity: Low production numbers and unique configurations.
Provenance: Celebrity ownership or factory race history.
Significance: Cars that changed the industry (e.g., the first Shelby Cobra).
Market Trends: Investment-grade vehicles often appreciate in value.
Classic car values have surged due to high-net-worth collectors and investment funds recognizing their financial potential. Experts from Hagerty and R.M. Sotheby’s note that historically significant American cars continue to appreciate, making them blue-chip investments.
Call To Action
Interested in owning a piece of automotive history? Explore upcoming auctions at R.M. Sotheby’s, Barrett-Jackson, and Gooding & Company, or visit their websites to learn more about these iconic models.
What’s the Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold At Auction?
The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ holds the record as the most expensive car ever sold at auction, fetching $22 million at Gooding & Company in 2018. Its rarity, Hollywood provenance, and powerful supercharged engine make it a collector’s dream.
Want To Own A Piece Of Automotive History?
Interested in acquiring your own classic investment? Check out upcoming auctions at R.M. Sotheby’s, Barrett-Jackson, and Gooding & Company, or visit their websites to explore these legendary machines.
Sources:
Hagerty Collector Car Market Trends
R.M. Sotheby’s Auction Results
Barrett-Jackson Official Website
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