Call it inflation, but 2025 saw some of the craziest and rarest vehicles ever produced trade hands for record prices. To no surprise, ultra-rare Ferrari models litter our top ten list. However, the most expensive car deal of the year was not a Ferrari at all.
Among these ten amazing vehicles, we have a price range of $11 million on the low end to an astonishing $59.7 million selling price for our number one spot. Curious to know which vehicles made the cut and why they are worth these eye-popping price points? Stick around as we break down each of the most expensive car deals of 2025.
Models are listed in ascending order based on price, from the lowest auction sale to the highest.
10
1993 Ferrari F40 LM By Michelotto
Auction Sale Price: $11,005,000
The front 3/4 view of a red 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
If a Ferrari F40 is the “cheapest” car on our list, you know you are in for a treat. Yet, this isn’t just some regular F40. This is a 1993 F40 LM by Michelotto, an ultra-rare racing-spec variant that saw 19 examples produced. Giuliano Michelotto was a key figure in Ferrari’s racing success in the late 20th century, and the F40 LM was one of his many successful exploits.
1993 Ferrari F40 LM By Michelotto rear 3/4 shotCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
This specific example, number 14 of 19, is built to the GTC specification, intended for use in the European FIA-GT series. The result is 760 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, almost 300 horsepower more than stock. The GTC specification is the most powerful version of the Ferrari F40 produced, making the F40 LM by Michelotto one of the rarest and most desirable variants of the iconic F40 model.
9
2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A
Auction Sale Price: $11,480,000
The front 3/4 view of an orange 2025 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL39.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Want to own one of the most successful racing cars ever produced? Understandable. But what about buying a racing car that doesn’t even exist yet? The 2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A is the yet-to-be-unveiled racing car for McLaren’s 2026 Formula 1 season, and it was sold in December 2025, sight unseen, for over $11 million. This is a world first, as no one, not even the winning bidder, knows any details about their $11 million purchase other than it will be delivered to them by the beginning of Q1 2028.
2025 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL39 driving on trackCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
In the meantime, McLaren provides a 2025 specification non-running show car for display. Once you do receive the 2026 Formula 1 car, it can be used, but only on designated demo runs and track days. This includes a full team of McLaren Racing engineers and mechanics to ensure no issues with operation. A dedicated crew of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrain engineers that will also be in support regarding the power unit. Buying a multi-million dollar future race car blind may sound crazy, but we are only scratching the surface.
8
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
Auction Sale Price: $13,205,000
The front 3/4 view of bronze 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Some cars are just too special and too rare to be driven on the street, even if it were legal. The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II is, surely, one of those cars. Only eight, yes, eight, Ford GT40 Mk IIs were ever built. Few vehicles in history are as historical and meaningful as this American legend. This specific example is chassis number P/1032. It is one of three Holman-Moody GT40 Mk IIs entered at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, specified as the #4 car driven by Mark Donohue and Paul Hawkins.
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II P/1032 chassis driving on trackCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
After it retired from racing, this example was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in March 1968. It was completely restored to its original Le Mans configuration in 2011 and was last displayed outside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum at the 2011 Concours d’Elegance of America. The P/1032 is one of the most well-documented GT40 Mk II models in existence, with known ownership details since it was new in 1965. This rare American superstar never crashed and only raced twice at Sebring and Le Mans. This particular Ford GT40 remains one of the cleanest examples of an iconic American race car that put Ferrari and European rivals on notice.
7
2001 Ferrari F2001
Auction Sale Price: $18,616,029
The front 3/4 view of a red 2001 Ferrari F2001.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Michael Schumacher. Ever heard of him? This is his “crown jewel” Formula 1 car from the 2001 Formula 1 season, aptly dubbed the 2001 Ferrari F2001. This particular example, chassis number 211, is the only Ferrari chassis raced by Schumacher when he won the iconic Monaco Grand Prix and the Formula 1 World Championship in the same season. It is also the last Ferrari Formula 1 car to have won Monaco in a championship-winning season.
RM Sotheby’s. 2001 Ferrari F2001. Michael Schumacher. Formula 1Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Schumacher would also win the 2001 Hungarian Grand Prix in this car, securing his fourth Driver’s Championship while also giving Ferrari a Constructor’s World Championship. The 2001 Ferrari F2001 211 also secured Ferrari’s back-to-back titles for the first time in the Italian brand’s prestigious history. Fittingly, chassis number 211 was procured at a standalone auction at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, the first of its kind. As far as Formula 1 lore is concerned, few cars provide the same level of allure and pedigree as the 2001 Ferrari F2001.
6
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM
Auction Sale Price: $20,630,000
The front 3/4 view of a silver Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
If you want to talk about “one-of-one” vehicles, the Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM is a truly extraordinary example. The S1 LM was sold at auction in November 2025 at the Wynn Hotel against the backdrop of the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. The S1 LM auction was also simultaneously an unveiling, as this is the first vehicle produced by Gordon Murray’s Special Vehicles Division. Just like its predecessor, the McLaren F1 LM, five S1 LM models will eventually be produced as the ultimate expression of driving excellence.
Gordon Murray S1 LM rear shotCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
The lucky few who claim these five will gain priority access to all future GMA and GMSV vehicles. Compared to the GMA T.50, the British brand claims the S1 LM provides a “deeper emotional connection”. Part of the perks package of the S1 LM includes the owner participating in final development test drives, providing personal feedback to further optimize the final experience. You don’t just own the car, you are a direct part of its creation.
5
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione
Auction Sale Price: $25,305,000
The front 3/4 view of a silver 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione.Courtesy of Gooding Christie’s
As if the cars on our list couldn’t get more exclusive, there is the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione. This example, dubbed 2383 GT, is just one of two alloy-bodied, competition-specification SWB California Spiders. The 2383 GT first belonged to gentleman racer Ernst Lautenschlager before being sold to a Ferrari collector. Since 1968, the 2383 GT has been the cornerstone of several major Ferrari collections. This example retains the original chassis, body, engine, gearbox, and differential and is Ferrari Classiche certified.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione front driving shotCourtesy of Gooding Christie’s
At last year’s Pebble Beach Auctions, the 2383 GT set the record as the most valuable car to ever be auctioned by Gooding Company. Not just that, but also the highest price for a Ferrari 250 GT California Spider to date by a margin of almost $7 million. The founder of Gooding Christie described chassis 2383 GT as one of the most special cars he has ever seen and offered at auction. The third highest-priced vehicle at the same auction was also a $7,550,000 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, but a relatively less rare non-Competizione model.
4
1994 McLaren F1
Auction Sale Price: $25,317,500
The front 3/4 view of a white 1994 McLaren F1.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
For many car enthusiasts, the McLaren F1 is considered the absolute pinnacle of automotive expression. This white 1994 example is the 14th of 64 road-specification F1 models produced, originally built and delivered to the royal family of Brunei. By 2006, this McLaren F1 had only racked up 3,224 miles and was purchased by a new collector who brought the car back to McLaren for a rebuild. Thus, in 2007, chassis number 14 was rebuilt by McLaren, changing its color to its current Ibis White livery.
1994 McLaren F1 rear 3/4 shotCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
It was further revised by McLaren with the High-Downforce Kit and LM-specification interior, the last of only eight F1 models that gained the High-Downforce Kit later down the line. This 2007 update exceeded $500,000 in costs. A notable detail is that one of the original door sills had been signed by Michael Schumacher two days after his first race for Ferrari. Yet, following the repaint, the car received another signature by then-rookie Sir Lewis Hamilton. The signature on the left-hand side luggage compartment is still present today. In 2018, chassis 14 had a major engine-out service, which totaled over $50,000 in maintenance costs. This McLaren F1 has seen 13,711 miles as of 2025 and is still a guaranteed showstopper, no matter the prestige of the event.
3
2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’
Auction Sale Price: $26,000,000
The front 3/4 view of a yellow 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is the third of Ferrari’s Icona Series, which had a planned run of 599 examples, plus this unique one-off Tailor Made car. Even though the entire allocation was sold out before production even began, Ferrari added a single additional car: the ‘Tailor Made’ variant. This one-of-one Ferrari Daytona SP3 was created specifically for a charity auction, where all proceeds benefit The Ferrari Foundation, which focuses on future education initiatives.
2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ rear shotCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
The striking two-tone livery of this specific example features a crazy combination of Giallo Modena paint and exposed carbon fiber, not grey paint as it may seem from afar. This livery integrates the first-ever full-body-length Ferrari logotype found in a Ferrari road car. Other notable features include the Q-Cycle fabric upholstery, which is produced from recycled tires, and the exclusive Maranello Clutch, a carbon fiber clutch bag that is lined with the same Q-Cycle fabric as the interior. As far as 21st-century Ferraris go, this ‘Tailor Made’ Daytona SP3 is as exclusive and coveted as it gets.
2
1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti
Auction Sale Price: $40,616,016
1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti front 3/4 shotCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
The runner-up on our list sold for an astonishing $14,616,016 more than the third-place spot, and rightfully so. The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti is, simply put, the most important Ferrari 250 LM ever built. This example, chassis 5893, is the sixth of 32 examples produced and the overall winner of the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chassis 5893 was driven at this historic Le Mans race by a private team called North American Racing Team (NART), led by Luigi Chinetti.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM by ScagliettiCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Chinetti was one of the most important figures in establishing Ferrari’s presence within the United States during the more formative years of the 1960s. Chinetti and NART’s victory in 1965 would help seal a record six consecutive Ferrari victories at Le Mans. NART would also define more history as the only non-factory Ferrari team to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall. Yet, Chassis 5893’s exploits wouldn’t stop there, as it would further compete three times at Le Mans and another three times at the 24 Hours of Daytona. After completing the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1970, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum purchased the vehicle from Chinetti Motors and has been carefully maintaining the historic vehicle for 54 years. 54 years, but now it’s moved on to a new home. Simply put, this Ferrari 250 LM is among the most legendary racing cars ever produced and the absolute pinnacle of Ferrari racing lore.
1
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen
Auction Sale Price: $59,562,324
The front 3/4 view of a silver 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen.Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, up until recently, possessed some of the rarest and most historic vehicles ever produced. Another one of their recently sold collection items is the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, which was donated to the museum in 1965 by Mercedes-Benz. After 59 years of care and consideration, the Midwest museum finally let this iconic Mercedes go for the price of just shy of $60 million. This example, known as Chassis 00009/54, is one of four known complete examples of the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R in its gorgeous factory-built Stromlinienwagen coachwork.
1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R StromlinienwagenCourtesy of RM Sotheby’s
This example was the first W 196 R model ever offered for private ownership. Its historic relevance is second to none, as it was driven by five-time Formula 1 World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix. This same car was piloted by racing legend Sir Stirling Moss at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, where he achieved the fastest lap. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is still as drop-dead gorgeous as it was over half a century ago, and its charm has only grown with age. As far as a definitive piece at the center of the most elite car collections on Earth, few vehicles can compare in quality to Chassis 00009/54.
Sources: Gooding & Company, Christie’s, RM Sotheby’s
