Could a Ferrari Beat the Mercedes-Benz Uhlenhaut as the Most Expensive Car Ever Sold?
Introduction
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé holds the record as the most expensive car ever sold at auction, fetching $142 million in 2022. Recently, reports suggest that the Mercedes-Benz Stromlinienwagen was auctioned, making it the second most expensive car ever sold.
This raises the question: Could a Ferrari beat both of these legendary Mercedes in an auction? The most likely contender is the Ferrari 250 GTO (1962)—the most sought-after and valuable Ferrari in history. But is it enough to dethrone Mercedes?
1. The Ferrari 250 GTO – The Strongest Contender
The Ferrari 250 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) is the most valuable Ferrari ever sold. It has everything necessary to break the auction record.
Why the Ferrari 250 GTO Could Beat the Uhlenhaut Record
• Extreme Rarity – Only 36 units were built between 1962-1964.
• Legendary Racing Pedigree – Wins include Le Mans, Tour de France, and endurance races.
• Historical Significance – Considered the ultimate front-engine GT race car.
• Collector Appeal – Billionaire collectors consider it the Holy Grail of Ferraris.
2. Ferrari 250 GTO Auction & Private Sale Records
Year | Price | Sale Type | Chassis Number | Auction House / Seller |
2014 | $38 million | Auction | 3851GT | Bonhams, Pebble Beach |
2018 | $48.4 million | Auction | 3413GT | RM Sotheby’s |
2018 | $70 million | Private Sale | 4153GT | David MacNeil (WeatherTech Founder) |
The 2018 private sale of chassis 4153GT for $70 million was nearly double the previous auction record. If a perfectly documented, race-winning Ferrari 250 GTO comes to auction, it could potentially surpass $100 million.
3. What Could Push a Ferrari Past the $142 Million Record?
1. The Right Chassis Number and Racing History
A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO with a strong racing pedigree (Le Mans, Tour de France, or Targa Florio wins) could command a much higher price.
The best candidate would be a factory-raced, championship-winning chassis, preferably with original components and low ownership history.
2. Limited Market Supply
With only 36 units built, the 250 GTO is far rarer than most ultra-expensive Ferraris. Owners rarely sell them, and when they do, each sale increases the perceived value of the next one.
3. Growing Demand from Billionaire Collectors
The growing collector market in the Middle East, China, and Silicon Valley is driving Ferrari prices higher.
If a Saudi royal family member, a major tech billionaire, or a high-profile investor enters the bidding, a new record is almost inevitable.
4. Ferrari’s Market Appeal vs. Mercedes-Benz
While Mercedes-Benz is a legendary brand, Ferrari has unmatched motorsport heritage and cultural significance in the collector world.
Historically, Ferrari models dominate the list of the most expensive auction sales, making it the most likely manufacturer to break the record.
4. Other Ferraris That Could Challenge the Record
Aside from the 250 GTO, other ultra-rare Ferraris could potentially reach $100 million in the right circumstances.
Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti (1957)
• Previous Auction Record: $35.7 million (2016, Artcurial)
• Potential Future Value: Over $50 million
• Why? One of Ferrari’s most famous Le Mans race cars with very limited production.
Ferrari 290 MM (1956)
• Previous Auction Record: $28 million (2015, RM Sotheby’s)
• Potential Future Value: Over $50 million
• Why? Built for Juan Manuel Fangio, making it one of Ferrari’s most historically significant race cars.
Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale (1964)
• Previous Auction Record: $26.4 million (2014, RM Sotheby’s)
• Potential Future Value: Over $40 million
• Why? Considered the successor to the 250 GTO, with ultra-rare aluminum bodywork and racing history.
Ferrari 412P (1967)
• Previous Sale Price: $30.3 million (2023, Bonhams)
• Potential Future Value: Over $50 million
• Why? Ferrari’s ultra-rare prototype race cars are highly valued, and a factory 330 P4 or 412P with significant history could break records.
5. Will a Ferrari Break the $142 Million Uhlenhaut Record?
• If a Ferrari 250 GTO with perfect provenance is auctioned, it has a strong chance of breaking the $142 million record.
• Ferrari already holds most of the top auction price records, so it is only a matter of time before another model challenges Mercedes-Benz.
• The next major Ferrari GTO auction (likely between 2025-2030) could push past $150 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold.
Conclusion
The Ferrari 250 GTO remains the most likely car to dethrone the Mercedes-Benz Uhlenhaut Coupe. Its rarity, racing history, and collector demand position it as the ultimate automotive investment.
If the right 250 GTO with a championship-winning pedigree is put up for sale, it could exceed $150 million and reclaim Ferrari’s dominance at the top of the auction world.
Other Ferraris, such as the 335 S Spider, 290 MM, and 275 GTB/C Speciale, could surpass $50 million, but the 250 GTO remains the only Ferrari with the potential to reach $150 million or more.
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