The automobile market has been divided into affordable and expensive, rare and common since the early days of their production. In the early 1900’s when Ford first introduced the assembly line for the T model, revolutionising how the public were able to buy and use vehicles, there were automakers like Rolls-Royce and Chrysler that were developing luxurious and up-market cars for the wealthy. Over the years this has resulted in cars that have increased in value over the years, with rare cars becoming collectible with an ever-growing price tag. Rare and expensive cars have become prized possessions as opposed to convenience vehicles. We here at Cheringham Wedding Cars consider ourselves to be intense car-lovers, we know that each car provides a unique driving experience, whether you’re behind the wheel or a passenger.
In this post we have put together 10 of the most rare and expensive cars in the world right now. From your classic Ferrari’s to Mclarens and Bugattis, these vehicles are every car lover’s dream come true.
- 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO is arguably one of the most expensive cars in the world, it is currently valued at a staggering $70 million. We first saw this car launch in 1962 and only 39 models were ever made. Among the circles of rare cars it is said that Enzo Ferrari himself had to pre-approve those worthy enough to own one. This vehicle puts the meaning of the words expensive and rare to the test. This is a rare car that some of us could only ever dream of seeing with our own eyes let alone owning one.
- 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing
The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is one of the most iconic vehicles on this list. Mercedes have launched a myriad of cars since the 1950s, when the Gullwing was first manufactured, but the Gullwing continues to be the most expensive Mercedes ever built. The 300SL Gullwing is considered a real collectors item, a two-seater gem with one-of-a-kind vertically opening doors, it has been considered by many as the pinnacle of Grand Prix cruisers.
- 1970 Porsche 917
Differing from its elegant and luxurious competitors, the Porsche 917 is one of the most successful race and performance cars to have ever graced the track. The 917 became the most talked about Porsche ever made when it took the win at Le Mans in 1970, the same year it was manufactured. The 917’s success at Le Mans made it a true collectors item, and with just a handful of the models left in existence, the Porsche 917 is currently valued at $16 million.
- 1996 Vector M12
The Vector M12 is less popular than its fellow competitors on this list. But this isn’t a popularity contest, it’s a discussion of rarity and expense, and the Vector certainly falls into those categories. The M12 was one of the most powerful cars of the 90’s, its sleek and streamlined frame meant that its 500bhp engine could comfortably get to 60mph in under 5 seconds. However, issues with Vectors parent company meant that it was swiftly withdrawn from the market, making it one of the rarest vehicles to date, so rare that it’s almost forgotten.
- 1964 Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 is perhaps the most sought after Ford vehicle and it’s evident why. In 1966, just two years after it was manufactured it took Ferrari’s reigning crown at 24 hours at Le Mans. This defeat bought the GT40 a lot of attention from around the globe. However, the GT40 wasn’t just a performance car, it had a sharp and sleek design that took the American muscle car culture of the 60’s by storm. The GT40 was as impressive off the track as it was on it, a show-stopping car that could do both and inspired a generation of drivers and car enthusiasts. Today, GT40 is valued at around $7 million.
- 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California SWB Spider
The 250 GT California SWB Spider is the epitome of the luxury Italian lifestyle, the classic Grand Prix two-seater boasts the italian dream of La Dolce Vita. This Ferrari was designed to catch eyes and turn heads, and that’s exactly what it’s done. The model was designed with the Amalfi Coast in mind, sporting luxury with a 3.0 engine the 250 GT California SWB Spider really is the car of dreams. It’s also one of the rarest cars in the world, with only 16 models having ever been built. The Ferrari 250 GT California SWB Spider comes in at $17 million.
- 1995 McLaren F1 LM
The McLaren F1 stole the hearts of car enthusiasts with its futuristic design and bold bodywork. McLaren took a unique approach with the model, the F1 has aero-vents, dampers and a never-before-seen 3 seat cockpit. This new take on performance engineering launched McLaren into the mainstream of race and track car manufacturers. The F1 took the 90’s by storm and was the epitome of modern supercars. Today the F1 is valued at a gigantic £19.8 million.
- 1951 Jaguar C-Type
The C-Type is often forgotten about in the shadow of its successor the Jaguar E-Type. However, the C-Type was the benchmark of automotive excellence in the 50’s. It has a sleek and smooth design, with classic convertible features, it was the defining British automotive of the 50’s. It is believed to be the rarest Jaguar in existence with only 53 models ever built, the C-Type is an eternal classic in our eyes!
- 2019 Bugatti La Voiture Noire
The Bugatti La Voiture Noire bears a striking resemblance to the designs of a certain Batman comic vehicle. Created to celebrate the 110th Anniversary of Bugatti, the La Voiture Noire is literally one of a kind with only one model in existence. It boasts of ultimate wealth and luxury, and for that reason alone it deserves a place on our list of the rarest and most expensive cars in the world. The bodywork of the work is a unique combination of futuristic features and French elegance, an iconic model that is bound to only increase in value with time.
- 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
Aston Martins are renowned for their expensive and collectable vehicles, however, there is one that stands out above the rest. The DB4 GT Zagato was refined by Italian stylists and coach-builders, giving the engine extra power on the road. This model is extremely hard to come by and is currently valued at $14.3 million. The DB4 GT Zagato has the classic elements of an Aston Martin, with a hint of Italian flare and exceptional speed and acceleration.