For the most part, classic cars were garbage. But when you come across a limited run or one-off model, chances are good that it will be gorgeous and powerful. These vehicles competed on a different level with brands such as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Bugatti, making them for a select number of clients.
Most of these cars are hidden in garages, but some tend to come up for auction from time to time. 2022 saw the launch of some of the most beautiful models and some of the most expensive cars in the world. Here are the 10 most expensive cars sold at auction in 2022.
10/10 1954 Ferrari 375 America Vignale – $7.5 million
Today, there are many supercars that are extremely rare and produced in small numbers. Brands like Pagani, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, and Ferrari will make anything for a price. Some people deplore this practice, but it’s nothing new. Decades ago, Ferrari produced low-volume sports cars and one-off models that are now worth millions of dollars.
One great example of this is 375 America Vignale. A rare Ferrari and one of the most desirable cars. Under that hood is his powerful 4.5-liter V12 engine that produces around 295 horsepower. The engine was one of the biggest in his 1950s Ferraris, but also one of the most powerful.
9/10 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC Spider – $7.8 million
Like most Ferraris, the 500 TRC Spider is a rare example and one of the most beautiful race cars. This version was a driver-friendly and refined version of the 500 TR. It was in production for two years and the brand produced only 19 units. All were for individual customers.
It boasted a Scaglietti-style body with a wider cabin than its predecessor. The 500 TRC Spider also had a windscreen and working doors. Underneath the hood was an in-line four-cylinder engine with plenty of power on the track and on the road.
8/10 1924 Hispano Suiza H6C “Tulipwood” Torpedo – $9.2 million
In the early days, wooden carriages were not uncommon. Most craftsmen were famous for their horse-drawn carriages like wagons and coaches, so wood was an obvious choice. For those who ventured into making cars, they kept the same woodworking skills.
Even after metal became more popular, wood still had its admirers. Among the best models is this his H6C, which was also one of Hispano-Suiza’s most famous models. It was a luxurious, high-performance car with a stunning wooden bodywork. The H6C was equipped with his powerful and reliable 8.0-liter engine that produced around 195 horsepower.
7/10 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Competizione – $9.3 million
Like most Ferraris, the 250 GT SWB Competizione was a gorgeous model. It was one of the rare models without bad angles. Presented at the 1959 Paris Motor Show, the 250 GT SWB Competizione was considered aesthetically perfect by aficionados and quickly captured the world’s attention.
This model was frequently raced at the Goodwood Revival, Monteliers and Le Mans. The glamorous yellow paint complements the gorgeous design. Under that hood was his 3.0-liter V12 engine that produced 271 horsepower and he hit 7,000 rpm.
6/10 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special – $9.9 million
Presented at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, the 540 K was the brand’s flagship model. Mercedes-Benz made only on special order, following his eight-cylinder 500 K of the time. The 540 K helped maintain Mercedes’ reputation for being one of the fastest production cars in the world.
At launch, Mercedes named the 540 K a feat of racing car excellence and exquisite paintwork, exquisitely beautiful coachwork, the finest hardwoods and leathers, brightly polished metals, and superior comfort. said it helped. With only three of his cars in existence, this 540 K Spezial has never been restored and he has less than 13,000 miles on it, so the $9.9 million price tag is guaranteed.
5/10 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante – $10.3 million
The Type 57SC Atalante is one of the most popular Bugatti’s thanks to its low profile chassis, streamlined styling and supercharged engine. Giam Bugatti personally designed the Type 57SC Atalante as his two-seater sport his coupe.
This makes it one of the rarest Bugatti in the world. He was one of the finest French cars, competing with the Talbot Lago T150 C SS and the German-made Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial. Like its French brethren, the Bugatti looked spectacular, but was a little faster.
4/10 1937 Talbot Lago T150-C-SS Good Daw – $13.4 million
The T150 C SS is one of the most beautifully shaped coupés from the French carmaker Talbot-Lago. Like most of its competitors, the T150 C SS was a rolling sculpture. That’s thanks to its voluptuous teardrop shape. In the 1930s, the teardrop shape was synonymous with sophisticated vehicles.
It eventually became a trend-setting design, and most French manufacturers streamlined it.Today, the T150 C SS is one of the most-selling cars at auction events, with this model selling for 13 million. Auctioned for more than a dollar. The original bodywork and enveloping front guard make it stand out among other Good Do models.
3/10 2003 Ferrari 2003-GA F1 – $14.9 million
The Ferrari 2003 GA recently broke the record for the most expensive Formula 1 car ever, with a price tag of $14.9 million. It was in this car that Michael Schumacher won his F1 title for the sixth time. As well as being Michael’s car, it also received his GA suffix in honor of Fiat chief Gianni Agnelli, who died in 2003.
As you would expect from a vehicle of that price, Ferrari has kept the 2003 GA in pristine condition. It is also ready for the track, as recently evidenced by Mick Schumacher, son of Michael Schumacher.
2/10 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider – $21.7 million
The 410 Sport Spider is one of the most important exclusive Ferrari prototypes of the 1950s. Ferrari only built two units of his with 24 spark plug 4.9 liter V12s. This model was not only driven by Carroll Shelby, but as a driver he won the most races in his racing career.
This led to Carroll Shelby saying, “Mr. Ferrari told me this was the best Ferrari he had ever built. Joe Bonnier, Juan Manuel Fangio, Richie Ginther, Masten Drivers such as Gregory and Phil Hill also raced in 410 Sport Spiders.
1/10 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhrenhout Coupe – $143 million
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé broke the record for being the world’s most valuable car with a price tag of $143 million. In 2018 he took the crown from a Ferrari 250 GTO that sold for $48.4 million. This $90 million+ difference makes the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé a special Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Named after its creator, Rudolf Uhrenhout, the 300 SLR Uhrenhout Coupe is one of the finest examples of automotive engineering. At the time, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé was the fastest car in the world, with a top speed of 180 mph, and his large 3.0-liter inline-8 engine produced around 305 horsepower.