Classic Cars Can Sell for Big Bucks
Retro cars can sell for big money at auction, folks. You need deep pockets to compete! And that's especially true if you're interested in American models. Some of those vehicles are worth an absolute fortune. So with that in mind, we're going to run down a list of the most expensive classic motors to come out of the U.S. right here.
30. 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible
To kick things off, let's focus on this 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible. It has a four-speed manual transmission, making it something of a rarity in America. Only two Hemi Cuda Convertibles had that feature! In the end, this classic car was sold by Mecum in 2014 for a whopping $3.5 million.
29. 1967 Ford GT40 Mk1
Another rare find, this 1967 Ford GT40 Mk1 was built for road-use only along with 30 others. It was also utilized as a promotional car by Ford back in the day. In terms of the specs, it has a five-speed gearbox and a powerful V8 engine. Nice! It ultimately sold for $3.52 million in 2014.
28. 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible
We don't blame anyone for gawking at classic Duesenbergs. They're gorgeous cars! And this 1931 Model J Convertible is no different. Keen-eyed movie fans might recognize this particular vehicle. It popped up in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and several other 1960s features. As for its value, it was bought for $3.52 million in 2015.
27. 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible
We should probably give you a heads-up, folks — you're going to see plenty more Duesenbergs on this list! Here's another one. This 1930 Model J Convertible is a stunning motor, lovingly restored over a period of two-plus decades. In the end, it was sold for $3.525 million at a 2022 auction.
26. 1934 Packard Twelve 1108 Sport Sedan
How's this for a rarity? This 1934 Packard Twelve 1108 Sport Sedan is part of a very exclusive club. Only three of them were built with the Dietrich-style exterior that had polished belt molding. Did that have an effect on its value? You bet! It sold for $3.63 million in 2015.
25. 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Town Car
This 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Town Car has quite the history. It was commissioned to be built for Hollywood star Mae West, until she backed out. Businesswoman Ethel Mars then stepped in to save the project. Thank goodness she did! It's a beautiful motor. And it was bought for $3.63 million in 2015.
24. 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
Equipped with a powerful V12 engine, this 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow is an absolutely gorgeous beast. Only five of them were ever built, and this one is thought to be the car that appeared at the World's Fair in 1933. It sold for $3.74 million at a 2015 auction.
23. 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt
One of the most iconic movie vehicles in history, this is the 1968 Ford Mustang that was used in Bullitt. Yes, Steve McQueen did indeed drive this beauty! So you won't be surprised to hear that it's worth a fortune. Someone bought it via Mecum for $3.74 million in 2020.
22. 1966 AAR Eagle Mk1 Weslake
Is this 1966 AAR Eagle Mk1 Weslake the most beautiful Formula One car from that era? It's got to be in the running! One thing is for sure, though — it's extremely valuable. It was sold for $3.74 million back in 2013.
21. 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible
There's no other way of saying it, folks — this 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible is a jaw-dropper. It was fully restored in 2012 after years of work. So how much did this stunner sell for at auction, then? Well, someone splashed $3.745 million on it in 2018.
20. 1933 Duesenberg Model J Coupe Convertible
Once owned by Hollywood star Marie Dressler, this 1933 Duesenberg Model J Coupe Convertible just oozes class. You could stare at it for hours! As for its value, it sold for big bucks at a 2018 auction. Yep, a buyer spent $3.85 million to get their hands on it.
19. 1965 Shelby GT350R Prototype
Aiming to put the latest Mustang on the racetrack, Ford asked Carroll Shelby to cook something up. And this was the result — the 1965 Shelby GT350R Prototype. Unsurprisingly, this motor was highly coveted in the following years, and that's reflected in its value. It sold for $3.85 million in 2020.
18. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88
Want to know why this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 is so coveted? Only 20 of them were ever built. But that's not all. None of those other cars had a red exterior and interior. So it's a super rare version of an already rare model! It sold for $3.85 million in 2014.
17. 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible
No folks, your eyes aren't deceiving you — this is the second 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible to make this list. But it's much more valuable than the first. Yep, this pristine classic sold for an eye-watering $3.965 million at a 2021 auction. Impressive stuff, right?
16. 1950 GM Futurliner
This 1950 GM Futurliner is a very rare breed. Only three of the original 12 vehicles have survived with their old layout — and this is one of them. It was put up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in 2015, where someone splashed $4 million to buy it.
15. 1934 Packard Twelve Individual Custom Convertible Victoria
An undeniable stunner, this 1934 Packard Twelve Individual Custom Convertible Victoria still has the power to grab your attention. Speaking of power, it's equipped with a V12 engine as well. In total, this classic motor was sold for a jaw-dropping $4.13 million at a 2022 auction.
14. 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 Works
Was this 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 Works pristine when it went up for auction? No. Did the condition hurt its value? That's a no, too! It showed that the car had been put through its paces on the racetrack. A buyer spent $4.13 million to get their hands on it in 2021.
13. 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe
Equipped with the car's original body, this 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe is a very stylish motor. It must've been so cool to drive back in the day! As for its value, it went up for auction via RM Sotheby's in 2015. It got sold for $4.18 million.
12. 1966 Ford GT40 Mk1
Why does this 1966 Ford GT40 Mk1 stand out from the crowd? Well, not only was it the first roadgoing GT40 to hit America, but it had features that no other version shared. We're talking luggage boxes, air conditioning — that kind of stuff. The car sold for $4.4 million in 2016.
11. 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible
This 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible is rare for a couple of reasons. It's one of only three versions to have a semi-automatic folding top. In addition to that, it was made to carry a supercharged engine — unlike the other two. With that in mind, it sold for $4.51 million in 2013.
10. 1965 Batmobile
Here's a car you're sure to recognize, folks! The original 1965 Batmobile is one of television's most famous motors, starring in the '60s Batman show. It went up for auction in 2013. And yes, it fetched a huge price. The final number? $4.62 million.
9. 1935 Duesenberg Model J Convertible
To say that this 1935 Duesenberg Model J Convertible was in great condition when it went up for auction would be a major understatement. It looked perfect! And that definitely influenced the price. Yep, it sold for a whopping $4.68 million in 2022.
8. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
Not all classic cars are sold with their original engine intact. But that wasn't the case here! This 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake still had its twin superchargers under the hood. A buyer splashed $5.5 million on it at auction in 2021.
7. 1929 Duesenberg Model J
Sporting a "Disappearing Top" Torpedo Convertible Coupe body, this 1929 Duesenberg Model J is very special. No more than 25 of them were built in that style. It looks amazing, right? As for its value, the car sold for $5.725 million back in 2021.
6. 1965 Shelby Cobra 427
This 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 is a cool car in its own right. But here's an amazing detail — it actually belonged to Carroll Shelby himself! It was his personal motor. Knowing that, you won't be shocked to hear that it fetched a massive number at auction. It sold for $5.94 million in 2021.
5. 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype
This 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype certainly doesn't look bad for its age. You'd never know that it's the second-oldest GT40 around! As such, it was highly coveted when it went up for auction in 2014. The car fetched $7 million in the end.
4. 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype
How many cars can say they've been driven by the likes of Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, and Jim Clark? Well, this 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype certainly can! It's an amazing vehicle. And boy, did it sell for big bucks back in 2019. A buyer parted with $7.65 million to get it.
3. 1966 Ford GT40 MkII
Another rare motor, this 1966 Ford GT40 MkII is one of only eight ever built. It was an excellent racer in its heyday. Now, though? It's insanely valuable! The car went up for auction in 2018, and subsequently fetched a mind-blowing $9.795 milllion. Wow.
2. 1962 Shelby Cobra
We can only imagine how excited people were when this 1962 Shelby Cobra was put up for auction. After all, it's the very first one. So how much did it sell for back in 2016? Well, the winning bid came to $13.75 million.
1. 1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ
To round everything off, let's focus on this 1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ now. Just two of these cars were built with an engine that could hit 400 horsepower — and this is one of them. It went on to fetch a gob-smacking $22 million at a 2018 auction.
