Ferrari has produced some of the world's most coveted vehicles. Let's look at some of the most expensive Ferrari models ever sold.
From auction block record-breakers to limited edition masterpieces, we'll explore what makes the most expensive Ferrari models so special and so dearly priced. Whether it's the allure of owning a piece of racing history or the prestige of having a rare work of automotive art parked in the garage, the Ferraris we're about to discover embody the ultimate in luxury and performance.
Four of the most expensive Ferrari models of all time.
The most expensive Ferrari models and the price they were sold for.
1963 Ferrari 250 GTO - $70 million
In 2018, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO became the most expensive Ferrari model ever sold when David MacNeil, CEO of WeatherTech, bought it for $70 million in a private sale. The 250 GTO, already a crown jewel among collectors for its beauty, racing heritage, and scarcity, became even more legendary with this sale. Only 36 units of the 250 GTO were ever produced, emphasizing this masterpiece's exclusivity.
At the heart of the 250 GTO beats a V12 engine, a marvel of engineering capable of producing approximately 300 horsepower. This powerplant, designed with advanced for the time technology and a deep understanding of aerodynamics, allowed the car to reach top speeds of over 170 mph—a staggering figure for the early 1960s. The engine's robust sound, characterized by a deep, throaty roar, is as much a part of its identity as its iconic silhouette.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $51 Million
The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO set a public sales record at Sotheby's in 2023 when it sold for $51 million, making it one of the most expensive Ferrari models ever. This vehicle stands out for being the only GTO equipped with an enlarged 4.0-liter version of the iconic Colombo V-12 engine, a powerhouse it utilized during its early racing career. It secured a class victory at the 1962 Nurburgring 1000, a prestigious feat that paved its way to competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans within the same year. Behind the wheel, drivers Lorenzo Bandini and Mike Parkes showcased their capabilities on the world stage, demonstrating the car's exceptional performance and engineering.
1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti -$36 million
With only 4 units ever produced, the exclusivity of the 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti was highlighted when it sold for $36 million in 2016. With its 4.1-liter V12 engine, this beauty was built to conquer the track, participating in storied races like the Mille Miglia and Le Mans. This formidable engine delivered an impressive 400 horsepower, allowing the car to achieve a top speed of 190 miles per hour—a type of power that was unheard of at the time.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider - $27.5 million
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider sold for a staggering $27.5 million at auction in 2013, a price that reflects its unique blend of beauty, exclusivity, and cinematic fame. The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spider blends Italian artistry with American audacity. Conceived by Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari's North American distributor, this model was intended to capture the hearts (and wallets) of the American elite. With only ten units ever produced, its rarity is unquestionable. Its appearance in "The Thomas Crown Affair" added to its allure, making it a star both on the screen and the road.
Each of these models tells a story of innovation, performance, and luxury. They are symbols of a legacy that continues to influence the automotive world. The astronomical prices they command at auctions are a testament to their timeless allure, craftsmanship, and the emotional connection they forge with those lucky enough to experience them.
Ferrari continues to create cars that inspire dreams and desire, but these four models hold a special place in the history of the prancing horse, representing the most expensive Ferrari models ever sold, and the enduring legacy of one of the world's most prestigious automotive brands.