What is the Most Expensive Car in the World?

 

We've all heard about cars that sell for millions of dollars, and annually prices seem to climb higher. Does a vehicle exist that's worth a thousand dollars? Not quite yet, because apparently, even the world's billionaires have budgets. But there is now a car worth an astounding $142.5 million.

Close your eyes. Try to imagine a car worth very much money. What are you picturing? Are there doors manufactured from gold? Can it grow wings and fly you to your destination? Regular Joes like us can only dream once we peek at a collection of 10 of the world's most exclusive (and costly) classic and late model cars. 

The Most Expensive Classic Cars

1. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Gullwing Uhlenhaut

In May 2022, a new record was set for the absolute most expensive car ever sold when a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Gullwing Uhlenhaut was sold at auction for $142.5 million. This extra-special Gullwing was designed by renowned engineer Rudi Uhlenhaut and is among only two prototype coupe versions of Mercedes'famed Silver Arrow 300 SLR race cars. Named because of its curved doors that open vertically to resemble a seagull's wings, this low-slung silver coupe features a powerful straight-eight engine keeping its racing roots and a magnesium alloy body. Sounds perfect for the kiddie carpool!

2. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO

The auction price of the Mercedes Gullwing surpassed the last high seller: a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for $70 million in 2018 by a German collector to WeatherTech founder David MacNeil. Only 36 of the coveted cars were made between 1962 and 1963, and at that time, they were the fastest in the world, with a high speed of 174 mph. If you can't be a battle car driver, owning this specific Ferrari could be the next best thing, as it won the Tour de France Automobile and also placed at Le Mans.

The Most Expensive Late Model Cars

1. Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

Manufactured in 2021 as a private commission (purportedly by celebrity power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce), Rolls-Royce's $28 million Boat Tail does not have golden doors or extendable wings. Still, the back of this nautically inspired car does open up to a 'hosting suite complete with a champagne cooler, sunshade, and storage for porcelain plates. If rolling up in this car doesn't impress your date, it may be time to call it quits.

2. Bugatti La Voiture Noire

Launched in 2019, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, or "the black car" in French, was built being an homage to a World War II-era Bugatti that has since vanished. Many speculate that when this missing car was found, it would become the most valuable vehicle in the world. Today's ode to that particular earlier Bugatti features a price point of $18.7 million. If you're not a history buff, that will sound steep to you, but the sleek black design and impressive performance metrics (1,500 hp and 0-60 in 2.4 seconds) are undeniably sexy.

3. Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita

If you're still not impressed by the options of the world's priciest cars, the CCXR Trevita may change your mind. This ultra-rare car has a unique diamond weave carbon fibre finish solution that sparkles when hit by the sunlight. The coating was so tough to utilize that manufacturing plans were changed, and only two of the cars were built from 2009 to 2010 at the cost of $4.8 million. Yet this vehicle is more about 'than 'show and has top speeds of over 250 mph.

4. Lamborghini Sián FKP 37

This is the most effective Lamborghini ever made. Need we say more? Well, we shall, since this sleek beauty is just a hybrid supercar with a V12 engine in conjunction with an electric boost from a supercapacitor system to deliver speeds above 220 mph. It's also completely customizable, from the exterior colours to the interiors and even the seats, with the option of a specially designed leather, crafted just for this car. Does that justify the $3.6 million sticker price? You decide.

5. Pagani Huarya

The limited edition Pagani Huayra BC Roadster is a relative bargain at a mere $3.5 million. Horacio Pagani, the man behind the masterpiece, stated, "Engaging in such a challenge, to make just 100 cars, has meant an extraordinary effort for a company like ours, from a technical and human point of view." The team at Huayra took six years to create this car, from concept to advertisement, and they believe they've created an industry leader in performance.

6. W Motors Lykan Hypersport

This vehicle is exclusive, and you can find only seven in existence. It is also one of many fastest cars, with an astounding acceleration of 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. And because no detail is overlooked concerning ultra-exclusive luxury performance cars, the designers put diamonds in the headlights! Better start saving if you want to purchase one—it'll set you back $3.4 million.

7. Aston Martin Valkyrie

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is another hypercar that sits atop lists of today's priciest vehicles, with a price that starts at $3 million. Its design is nothing in short supply of futuristic, and the carbon fibre exterior creates a fantastic weight-to-power ratio which allows this lightweight car to fly around corners. You can find plans to construct about 150 of the street-legal speedsters. Another 25 track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro models are likewise produced, costing $3.5 million each.

8. McLaren Speedtail

With a high speed clocked at over 250 mph and a price starting at $2.25 million, the McLaren Speedtail rounds out our tour of some of the most elite cars on the planet. Recent auctions have experienced Speedtails selling for around $3.3 million. This car is speedy. It's not even street legal, but if you can afford a Speedtail, you can probably afford the ticket price. Still, make sure you have access to a racetrack to help you relish it to the max.

When it Comes to Collectors, Money is No Object.

The priciest and most legendary cars have an emphasis on maximizing performance and aesthetics without regard to cost. The answers are undoubtedly impressive, with eye-popping prices to match. Whether deep-pocketed collectors are after having a storied history, bespoke styling, or out-of-this-world performance, they seem prepared to cover whatever it will take to obtain these rare and coveted works of automotive art.