From Dream Cars To Million-Dollar Machines: The Most Expensive Ferraris Ever Sold

Think of the most expensive cars, and chances are you’ll immediately envision a Ferrari. From the unmistakable roar of the engine to the breathtaking acceleration—I bet you are getting a thrill just thinking about it. Since roaring onto the scene in 1939, the Italian luxury car brand has gifted the world with engineering marvels, from the edgy 1956 Ferrari 290 MM to the iconic 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO.

For many luxury car enthusiasts, owning a Ferrari is the ultimate dream come true. But for collectors, Ferraris transcend the realm of dreams and enter the realm of auctions, where they fetch astronomical prices. So when you hear of a Ferrari going under the hammer, you know it is going to be a showstopper.

The 11 Most Expensive Ferraris Ever Sold

11. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $22 million

Entering production in 1956, the classic Ferrari 290 MM blends supersonic acceleration with aesthetics straight out of a sci-fi flick. This model started as a factory race car, driven by some of the most prominent drivers in the 1950s international racing scene. Legends such as Wolfgang von Trips, Sir Stirling Moss, Olivier Gendebien, Peter Collins, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Phil Hill all had stints behind the wheel.

With a limited production run of just four cars, one of these cars ignited an extended bidding contest between three collectors at the renowned RM Sotheby’s—entering the ranks of the most expensive Ferraris ever sold at auction.

10. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C – $26.4 million

As the first Ferrari car to have a transaxle gearbox and independent rear suspensions, the Ferrari 275 GTB/C was a superb evolution of the front-engined 250 GTO. The model was hand-built in a lightweight tube-frame chassis wrapped in alloy body panels, with power coming from a 3.3-liter V-12 engine. 

Only three 275 GTB/C Speciales were assembled to contest the 1965 sale at the RM Auctions event—one of which holds a record that remains unbroken at Le Mans after half a century.

9. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider – $27.5 million

The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider is nothing short of automotive divinity. In the charged atmosphere at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auctions, a record-high sum of money changed hands in exchange for this one of only ten Italian luxury cars ever produced.

The Ferrari price tag blew away expectations and caused a major hubbub even in a room bursting with car collectors ready to spend millions on rolling sculpture.

8. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $28 million

The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM was built for Formula One racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio to race in the 1956 Mille Miglia with the sole purpose of securing the World Sportscar Championship.

According to RM Sotheby’s, enthusiast Temple Buell purchased it in 1957 and continued to enter it into races with Gregory and Jo Bonnier behind the wheel. The car was one of only four 290 MMs to be made and has never crashed in its racing career that went on until 1964.

7. 1967 Ferrari 412 P Berlinetta – $30.2 million

The 412 P cars represented the absolute zenith in a meeting of minds between purpose in design and stunning aesthetics—before aerodynamic structures saw car bodies conform to what became the angular ‘wedge’ era.

The car sold at the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction and is by far the most expensive one sold at the 2023 Monterey/Pebble Beach car auction series.

6. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti

The Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti looks incredible and is equally as insane as the other four models produced in the late 1950s. The car has many more prestigious races to its name, including the Venezuela Grand Prix and Swedish Grand Prix in 1957. It has also seen more extensive celebrity race drivers, including Wolfgang von Trips, Maurice Trintignant, and Peter Collins.

Because of its well-documented past and racing history, the 335 S was in a unique position to see a world-record sale price in the auto auction from Artcurial.

5. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $38.1 million

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO looks as much like a science fiction spaceship as a supercar. It drew intense international interest, breaking the record of the most valuable car sold at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Auction in Bonham.

Less than 40 Ferrari 250 GTOs were built, including a blue steel and red Ferrari. As you can imagine, a limited-production Ferrari from the ’60s is going to earn quite a bit of attention, let alone fetch hefty prices.

4. 1957 Ferrari 335S – $35.8 million

One of the rarest Ferraris in existence has set the record for the most costly racing car ever auctioned. Moss won the 1958 Cuba Grand Prix with this 1957 Ferrari 335S, and it is one of the cars with Stirling Moss’s history to flirt with the “most expensive” title.

Adding to its rarity, only four of the 1957 Ferrari 335S were ever crafted, hence the feverish excitement at the Artcurial auction of the Retromobile classic car show in Paris. Besides, this one had been in the hands of a private French collector for more than 40 years.

3. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $48.4 million

In the 1960s, less than 40 Ferrari 250 GTOs were made, and buyers had to get personal approval from Enzo Ferrari. Of course, as with every Ferrari, limited production often means an extreme sticker price. So, it was certainly amazing to see a 250 GTO set a record price as it drove across the Sotheby’s RM auction block.

Further elements that emphasized its uniqueness include receiving a slew of modern accolades for being the top sports car of all time, the hottest car of all time, and the greatest Ferrari of all time.

2. 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti – $51.7 million

Enter the realm of Ferrari legends, and sitting on its throne is the 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti. Every curve, every twist, every roar of its engine is a testament to his vision. Much of its existence can be attributed to Tipo 1962 coachwork, and it is still the only example originally equipped with a 4-liter engine.

Now publicly offered for the first time in 38 years, RM Sotheby’s promoted the car in a stand-alone sale during its marquee auctions of fine art. Two bidders drove the price of the bright red Ferrari with a storied history now making this truly remarkable GTO nothing short of a legend.

1. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – $70 million

Some Ferrari buyers want the ultimate in exclusivity, and those with deep enough pockets can have their wishes granted. Today, car enthusiasts globally tip their hats to Sergio Scaglietti for gifting the world with a machine that seamlessly marries art with adrenaline. While the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO had its variants, only 36 were ever built, and it is extremely rare for any owner to part with one at any price.

Chances are you have never heard of David MacNeil, but the WeatherTech founder is the new de France-winning 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO owner after parting with a whopping $70 million. Given its pristine condition, this most expensive Ferrari car is still predicted to sell for nine figures within the next few years.

Most expensive Ferraris ever sold summary

Here’s a summary list of the most expensive Ferraris ever sold:

1. 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – $70 million
2. 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti – $51.7 million
3. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $48.4 million
4. 1957 Ferrari 335S – $35.8 million
5. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $38.1 million
6. 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti
7. 1967 Ferrari 412 P Berlinetta – $30.2 million
8. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $28 million
9. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider – $27.5 million
10. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C – $26.4 million
11. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – $22 million

Which one is your favorite?

Frequently asked questions about the most expensive Ferraris