Most cars depreciate over time, sharply losing value as soon as they leave the dealer’s parking lot. However, the price of some models skyrocket over time to incredible heights. These are rare and iconic cars, often from the racing world. Such cars are usually taken from private collections and auctioned off by reputable auction houses, but there are also cases when treasures are accidentally found in abandoned barns. Modern powerful hypercars, which are valued at several million dollars, are far from the most expensive cars in the auto industry. Here are some of the most expensive cars in auction history.

Ferrari

The undoubted leader in the ranking of the most expensive cars sold under the hammer was the Berlinetta Ferrari 250 GTO, which rolled off the assembly line in 1962. In 2018, a buyer laid out a fabulous amount for this model– USD 48.4 million. Today, supercars are the dream of many car enthusiasts. For those who dream of having such a driving experience, there are car rental service options for the rental of supercars and other luxury vehicles. When it comes to luxury, it’s impossible not to think of the luxury capital of the world— Dubai. It is here that guests of the metropolis, as well as expats and permanent residents, can enjoy the unique experience of driving a wide variety of luxury cars thanks to cars for hire. Such a car rental service is often affordable, so tourists can afford to contact the service of Ferrari rent Dubai for at least a day.

McLaren

Although the record didn’t last more than 50 years, a McLaren F1 LM was sold for an equally outrageous sum. One of five race vehicles made specifically for Le Mans is the F1 LM-spec. The vehicle’s 6.1-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine produces 680 horsepower, and an aerodynamic body package with a sizable rear wing is used to embellish the body. A 25-year-old vehicle with chassis number 018 sold for $19.8 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2019.

Mercedes-Benz

A 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 racing car, which was sold with Bonhams on July 12, 2013, broke numerous records simultaneously. The car went under the hammer for the most money ever paid for a vehicle in the history of Bonhams, the most money ever paid for a Formula 1 car, and the most money ever paid for a Mercedes (GPB 19.6 million). The unusual car was introduced in 1954. Juan Manuel Fangio, an Argentine racer, won the Swiss Grand Prix in this vehicle, giving him an early shot at his second career championship. The Mercedes-Benz W196 was outfitted with the most advanced technology available at the time: it had a revolutionary braking system, an aluminum chassis, and a 2.5-liter engine with direct fuel injection. Just compare the modern Mercedes Benz G-Class and this legend— there are decades between them. The Mercedes-Benz W196 had been sitting in a garage for the past 30 years. In addition, it was not carefully restored to keep the original dings and scrapes that it had sustained during the races. 

Alfa Romeo

The Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo and the Touring coachbuilder collaborated to create the vintage Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta. At one point, the Berlinetta, one of the most stunning vehicles ever made, held the record for being the quickest production vehicle with a 2.9-liter eight-cylinder engine. The model was only produced in five pieces, and the sample with lot number 412024 was sold in 2019 for $18.9 million during an Artcurial auction.

Aston Martin

The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 is the final racing vehicle the Aston Martin Racing Department produced for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. The DP215 was the first vehicle in the history of the race to reach speeds of more than 300 km/h, but this is not its only distinguishing feature. Its transmission eventually failed, forcing it to withdraw from the race. Racing “Aston” fetched $21 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2018.

Bugatti

The luxury pre-war coupe Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic from 1936 is one of three that have survived to the 21st century and one of four released. The blue-painted French legend was sold in 2010 for a record $30 million to the Mullin Automobile Museum in California, which already had several luxury Bugattis in its collection. Prior to this, the car belonged to a certain Dr. Peter Williamson, who bought it in 1971. In 2003, Williamson entered the Pebble Beach Contest of Elegance with the Atlantic. As one might guess, the vintage Bugatti with a 213-horsepower 3.3 engine became its star: the car was awarded first place.