Welcome to the world of luxury, speed, and unparalleled craftsmanship. When it comes to the pinnacle of automotive excellence, few brands can match the allure and prestige of Ferrari. This iconic Italian manufacturer has been producing some of the world’s most desirable and expensive cars for over seven decades, each model a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance, design, and exclusivity. In this article, we will take you on a thrilling ride through the most expensive Ferrari models ever sold. From the vintage classics that dominated the racing circuits of the 1960s to the modern masterpieces that represent cutting edge of automotive technology, these are the cars that have defined and redefined what it means to be a luxury sports car. So buckle up, because this journey, much like the cars we’re about to explore, promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. And if you’re interested in luxury beyond the automotive world, don’t miss our article on top luxury brands. Let’s get started!
The Most Expensive Ferrari Cars
10. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $17 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is a sports car that was produced by Ferrari in 1961. It is powered by a 3.0 L Tipo 168/61 V12 engine, which can produce 280 PS at 7000 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door spider body style designed by Pininfarina and Scaglietti.
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It was one of the most successful cars in the GT category, and it was one of the 56 SWB California Spider cars ever built, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferrari models.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $15 million to $17 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider at a public auction was $17 million by RM Sotheby’s in New York in 2016.
9. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione – $18 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione is a sports car that was produced by Ferrari in 1959. It is powered by a 3.0 L Tipo 128F V12 engine, which can produce 280 PS at 7000 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door spider body style designed by Pininfarina and Scaglietti.
The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It was one of the most successful cars in the GT category, and it was one of the 50 LWB California Spider Competizione cars ever built, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferrari models.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $15 million to $18 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione at a public auction was $18 million by Gooding & Company in Pebble Beach in 2016.
8. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM Scaglietti – $22 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM Scaglietti is a sports racing car that was produced by Ferrari in 1956. It is powered by a 3.5 L Tipo 130 V12 engine, which can produce 320 PS at 7200 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door spider body style designed by Scaglietti.
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM Scaglietti holds a significant place in racing history. It was one of the most successful cars in the World Sportscar Championship, winning the 1956 Mille Miglia, the 1956 Swedish Grand Prix, and the 1957 Buenos Aires 1000km. The car was driven by some of the most legendary drivers of all time, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, and Peter Collins.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM Scaglietti is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $20 million to $22 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1956 Ferrari 290 MM Scaglietti at a public auction was $22 million by RM Sotheby’s in New York in 2015.
7. 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider – $23 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider is a sports racing car that was produced by Ferrari in 1955. It is powered by a 5.0 L Tipo 126 V12 engine, which can produce 380 PS at 6300 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door spider body style designed by Scaglietti.
The 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It was one of the most successful cars in the World Sportscar Championship, and it was one of the four 410 Sport Spider cars ever built, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferrari models.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $20 million to $23 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider at a public auction was $23 million by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey in 2012.
6. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale – $26.4 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale is a grand tourer car that was produced by Ferrari in 1964. It is powered by a 3.3 L Tipo 213 V12 engine, which can produce 320 PS at 7500 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door berlinetta body style designed by Pininfarina and Scaglietti.
The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It was one of the most successful cars in the GT category, and it was one of the three 275 GTB/C Speciale cars ever built, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferrari models.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $20 million to $26.4 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale at a public auction was $26.4 million by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey in 2014.
5. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4S ‘NART Spider’ – $27.5 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4S ‘NART Spider’ is a grand tourer car that was produced by Ferrari from 1966 to 1968. It is powered by a 3.3 L Tipo 213/Comp. V12 engine, which can produce 300 PS at 8000 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door spider body style designed by Scaglietti.
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4S ‘NART Spider’ holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It was one of the most successful cars in the GT category, and it was the only Ferrari model to be featured in the 1968 film “The Thomas Crown Affair”. Only 10 cars were manufactured, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferrari models.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4S ‘NART Spider’ is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $20 million to $27.5 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4S ‘NART Spider’ at a public auction was $27.5 million by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey in 2013.
4. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti – $28 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti is a sports racing car that was produced by Ferrari in 1956. It is powered by a 3.5 L Tipo 130 V12 engine, which can produce 320 PS at 7200 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door spider body style designed by Scaglietti.
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM holds a significant place in racing history. It was one of the most successful cars in the World Sportscar Championship, winning the 1956 Mille Miglia, the 1956 Swedish Grand Prix, and the 1957 Buenos Aires 1000km. The car was driven by some of the most legendary drivers of all time, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, and Peter Collins.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $20 million to $28 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti at a public auction was $28 million by RM Sotheby’s in New York in 2015.
3. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport by Scaglietti – $35.7 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport by Scaglietti is a sports racing car that was produced by Ferrari in 1957. It is powered by a 4.0 L Tipo 141 V12 engine, which can produce 390 PS at 7400 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door spider body style designed by Scaglietti.
The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport holds a significant place in racing history. It was one of the most successful cars in the World Sportscar Championship, winning the 1957 Mille Miglia, the 1957 6 Hours of Kristianstad, and the 1958 Cuban Grand Prix. The car was driven by some of the most legendary drivers of all time, including Wolfgang von Trips, Peter Collins, and Mike Hawthorn.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport by Scaglietti is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $20 million to $35.7 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport by Scaglietti at a public auction was $35.7 million by Artcurial in Paris in 2016.
2. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti – $48.4 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti is another variant of the Ferrari 250 GTO. It features a 3.0 L V12 engine that produces 300 hp and can reach a top speed of 174 mph. The car has a distinctive long nose, a lower roofline, and a smaller rear window, giving it a more aerodynamic and streamlined shape.
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti is one of the most successful and celebrated racing cars of all time. It won numerous prestigious events in the 1960s, such as the Tour de France Automobile, the Targa Florio, and the Nürburgring 1000 km. The car was driven by some of the most legendary drivers of all time, such as Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, and John Surtees.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The current value of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti is hard to estimate, as it depends on various factors such as condition, history, originality, and market demand. However, based on some recent sales and valuations, it is safe to say that it is one of the most expensive cars in the world. In August 2014, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta was sold at a Bonhams auction for $38.11 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold at auction at that time.
1. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – $70 Million
Features & Historical Significance
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is a grand tourer car that was produced by Ferrari from 1962 to 1964. It is powered by a 3.0 L Tipo 168/62 V12 engine, which can produce 300 PS at 7500 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door berlinetta body style designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and Sergio Scaglietti.
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO holds a significant place in racing history. It was one of the most successful cars in the GT category, winning the World Manufacturer’s Championship in 1962 and 1963. The car was driven by some of the most legendary drivers of all time, including Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, and Peter Collins. Only 36 cars were manufactured, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferrari models.
Current Value and Notable Sales
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with prices ranging from $10 million to $70 million depending on the condition, history, originality, and market demand. The highest price ever paid for a car at a public auction was $48.4 million for a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey in 2018. In a private sale, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO was reportedly sold for $70 million in 2018.
Honorable Mentions
While the aforementioned models represent the pinnacle of Ferrari’s value in the collector’s market, there are several other models that, while not reaching the astronomical prices of the top-tier models, still command impressive sums and are worth mentioning.
2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The LaFerrari Aperta is a hybrid sports car that was produced by Ferrari in 2017. It is powered by a 6.3 L F140FE V12 engine and a KERS unit, which together can produce 963 PS. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door roadster body style designed by Flavio Manzoni.
2015 Ferrari FXX K
The FXX K is a high-performance limited production track day car manufactured by Ferrari. The name ‘FXX K’ is actually an acronym: ‘FXX’ refers to Ferrari’s research and development program, and ‘K’ refers to the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used for maximizing performance.
2005 Ferrari Enzo
Named after the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, this car was built in 2002 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fiber body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Only 400 were ever made, making it one of the rarest models.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale is a sports car that was produced by Ferrari in 1961. It is powered by a 3.0 L Tipo 168/61 V12 engine, which can produce 280 PS at 7000 rpm. The car is known for its impressive performance and stunning design, featuring a 2-door berlinetta body style designed by Pininfarina and Scaglietti.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve taken a journey through the most expensive Ferrari models ever sold. From the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, which holds the title for the most expensive car ever sold at auction, to the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, each of these cars represents a unique piece of Ferrari’s illustrious history.
The enduring appeal and value of Ferrari cars lie not only in their performance but also in their rarity, design, and the brand’s racing heritage. These factors combine to make Ferrari cars some of the most sought-after vehicles in the world, both for car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether it’s a classic model from the 1960s or a modern hypercar, the prancing horse emblem represents a pinnacle of automotive achievement that continues to captivate and inspire.
For those interested in exploring more about luxury cars, you might find our article on Expensive Maserati Cars intriguing.
