The most expensive cars ever sold at auction

The Bugatti Royale is without doubt one of the most opulent cars the world has ever seen – and only six were built. Its huge 12.7-litre engine was originally meant for use in aircraft

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1: 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe
Price: £4.7 million

The Bugatti Royale is without doubt one of the most opulent cars the world has ever seen – and only six were built. Its huge 12.7-litre engine was originally meant for use in aircraft and it is one of the largest ever fitted into a car. The Bugatti Royale is a hugely imposing vehicle, with a length of over fifteen feet.

This example was sold in 1987 during a Christie’s auction at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

2: 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa
Price £4.6 million

This car was the last front-engined Ferrari to win at the Le Mans 24-hour race, at the hands of racing drivers Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien in 1962.

It was sold in 2007 during an Italian car auction of 33 Ferrari road and racing cars. At the same auction a steering wheel used by Formula One ace Michael Schumacher fetched £43,000.

3: 1929 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK
Price: £4.2 million

The Mercedes-Benz SSK was one of the most successful sports cars of its day, convincingly dominating the German Grand Prix.

Thirty three were built but few remain, and this example was sold for over £4 million at a Bonhams auction in Sussex in 2004.

4: 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster
Price: £3.9 million

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone’s Mercedes Special Roadster is the world’s finest example of the 5.4-litre sports car – and went under the hammer for £3.9 million at RM Auctions in Battersea Park, London 31 October 2007.

The Mercedes Special Roadster was the fastest car of its day, with a top speed of 105mph.

5: 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyager
Price: £3.6 million

The second Bugatti Royale in the list belonged to Bill Harrah – the owner of a 1,400 strong car collection.

It was sold in 1986 in Reno, USA during an event called “Evening Royale”.

6. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Price: £3.1 million

This beautiful Ferrari was sold at a Las Vegas car auction in 1991 and marks the last time a Ferrari GTO was offered for sale. Experts believe the Ferrari GTO, of which 39 exist, could break all records if on sale today as it is regarded as the most desirable model of Ferrari ever built.

7. 1953 Ferrari 340/375 M Berlinetta Competizione
Price: £2.9 million

The rare Ferrari 340/375 is a pure racing car, designed to compete at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. It took the victory in 1954, powered by an exquisite 4.9-litre V12 engine.

This example sold during the same auction as the 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM on this list.

8. 1930 Bentley Speed Six
Price: £2.8 million

During the 1920s Bentley was hugely successful at Le Mans, winning in 1924 and from 1927 to 1930. This factory racing car is seen as the best surviving example of these cars, and its Christie’s auction price makes it the most expensive British car ever sold.

9. 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster
Price: £2.5 million

Duesenbergs are widely regarded as the greatest American classic cars, and this Speedster was built to set land-speed records – making it even more special.

Its Developer, Ab Jenkins drove it at more than 135mph over 24 hours in his finest land speed endeavour, at the infamous Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA. It was sold in 2004 at a car auction in Pebble Beach, California.

10. 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900
Price: £2.3 million

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 was a lightweight sports car which saw great success in the Mille Miglia Italian endurance race, taking the first three positions in 1936.

At its Pebble Beach sale in 1999 auction house Christie’s produced a 45-page book detailing the remarkable car.

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