Counting down 2025’s biggest-selling cars at auction
There has been much talk of easing prices in the classic car market in 2025, yet the auction world has witnessed impressive sales.
The highest-selling car of 2025 sold for three times what 2024’s best-selling auction car achieved.
Much less surprising is that 14 of the top 25 cars sold at auction in 2025 are Ferraris, with McLaren accounting for three places in this list, and Ford and Mercedes each claiming two spots.
US-based sales don’t dominate as much as they have in previous years, with Europe holding its own and the Middle East emerging as a popular new auction destination.
All prices are from Glenmarch for cars sold at auction, and quoted in US$ and GBP£
25. 2024 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ($6,631,240/£4,975,750)
This Ferrari Daytona SP3 was delivered new to The Tailored for Speed Collection in 2024 and was specified with a custom Rosso Deborah red exterior.
Inside, the SP3 is finished in Blu Elettrico Alcantara and there are four-point harnesses as a nod to the racing inspiration for this car.
As part of Ferrari’s Icona Series and one of just 600 cars in this run, the Daytona SP3 came with a unique specification, which includes carbonfibre targa roof panels and bodykit.
This was reflected in the price paid for the SP3 at the RM Sotheby’s Tailored For Speed Collection sale in Zurich, Switzerland, in October, and the car came with all of its Ferrari manuals, books, luggage set and Classiche certificate.
24. 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta ($6,715,000/£5,038,600)
Modern Ferraris have become a fixture at the upper end of classic car auctions and the 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is a prime example of this trend.
Sold by RM Sotheby’s at its Monterey auction in August, the LaFerrari Aperta is one of 217 made to this specification.
It was finished in Nero Daytona black with the interior in complementary Nero leather with Rosso highlights, and it has a removable carbonfibre hardtop as part of the Aperta kit.
Delivered new to the USA, this LaFerrari had covered fewer than 2300 miles at the time of the sale, and came with the original digital window sticker and all service records.
23. 1966 Ford GT40 ($7,040,000/£5,282,500)
Ford only built 31 roadgoing GT40s and Mecum’s example at its Kissimmee sale in January was sold new in the UK as the first road-car model, delivered in March 1966.
Although a road car, this example was subsequently raced in the 1970s through to the 1990s, before being restored to its original state.
It comes with a 289cu in V8 engine built by Mathwall Engineering and a spare motor that has been with the car most of its life.
This GT40 has a history file from marque expert Ronnie Spain and still has its original body tub, transmission and body panels. All of that helped achieve a strong price.
22. 1957 Ferrari 250GT LWB California Spider Prototipo ($7,265,000/£5,451,300)
This 1957 Ferrari 250GT Long Wheelbase California Spider caused quite a stir when it came to auction in August with Gooding Christie’s, because it was the prototype for this model.
With its position as the first of its kind, this 250GT Spider was used for the launch pictures by Ferrari and it was then delivered to its first owner and racing driver, George Arents.
Later in its life, the 250GT LWB California Spider Prototipo was restored and scored first in class at Pebble Beach, as well as other concours wins at Amelia Island and Rosso 70 Maranello.
The car was sold with all of its tools, books and a Ferrari Classiche certificate, plus a Massini report to confirm its provenance and importance.
21. 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider ($7,550,000/£5,665,100)
Selling in the same Gooding Christie’s auction in August as the 250GT LWB California Spider Prototipo could have been tricky for this later 1961 250GT SWB California Spider. However, the later car sold for $285,000 (£214,00) more.
It might have helped that this SWB model is the only example believed to have been sold new in Nocciola gold over Tobacco leather, and it was previously owned by singer and actor Antonio Ciacco, better known as Little Tony.
The Ferrari appeared in several films with the actor and came to auction complete with its original chassis, body and drivetrain, as well as its Ferrari Classiche certificate and a Massini report.
20. 2027 McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar Team car ($7,598,750/£5,701,700)
The 2027 McLaren auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in December is, surprisingly, not unique in this list as a car being sold before it’s even been built.
This unusual lot at the firm’s Abu Dhabi sale offered the chance to become the first owner of a McLaren United AS LMDh Hypercar ahead of it going into its debut race season in 2027.
It is the first McLaren set to compete at Le Mans since the F1 GTR and the new owner’s name will be inscribed on the chassis tag.
As well as buying the twin-turbo-V6-powered racing car, the successful bidder also received VIP tickets to the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours and the Indianapolis 500, plus tickets to all the 2027 rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
19. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64 ($7,705,000/£5,781,440)
The Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64 was General Motors’ first purpose-built racing car and competed at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours.
A personal project of Corvette designer Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Project XP-64 has a lightweight and aerodynamic body, which was made from magnesium.
As well as being the first Corvette to be called a Super Sport, it also tested an early fuel-injection system on its 283cu in V8.
The Corvette SS Project XP-64 came to the RM Sotheby’s Miami sale in February from the collection of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, in ready-to-run condition.
18. 1973 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona Competizione Series III ($8,145,000/£6,111,600)
Few Ferraris exert quite as much presence as the 365GTB/4 Daytona and this competition model found favour to sell just above its considerably lower estimate at Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach sale back in August.
One of 15 Daytona Competiziones built by the factory, this example is one of only five Series III cars produced.
Its racing past includes entries at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1973 and 1974, and a second overall finish and first in class at the 1979 Daytona round-the-clock enduro.
Later in its life, the car underwent a complete restoration and was being sold with a large history file, tools and books.
The car had only two previous owners from 1983 up to its sale at this 2025 auction, plus it won the Enzo Ferrari Trophy at Pebble Beach in 2024.
17. 1908 Mercedes 17.3-Litre 150 HP ‘Brookland’ Semmering Rennwagen ($8,255,000/£6,194,100)
Built by Mercedes to compete in the Semmering Hill Climb, this 1908 car is unique and came to auction from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection.
The car won the Semmering Hill Climb in 1908 and 1909, as well as coming home third in the Champion du Monde event in October 1909 with Camille Jenatzy driving.
As one of the most significant pre-First World War Mercedes, this 17.3-litre car generated a lot of interest at February’s RM Sotheby’s auction in Miami.
It’s the oldest car in this list by some margin, but its impeccable history from new and impressive competition record helped it to a strong hammer price.
16. 2020 Bugatti Divo ($8,557,500/£6,421,100)
The seller of this 2020 Bugatti Divo took the gamble of putting it to auction with no reserve, but the bet paid off with a final price of more than $8.5 million (£6.4 million).
Helping the Bugatti at Bonhams|Cars’ The Quail Auction in Carmel, USA, in August was the fact it’s one of only 40 made in total.
This 21st-century, 1479bhp Bugatti hypercar also came with fewer than 800 miles on the clock from new.
It had been displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum prior to sale and was sitting on aftermarket wheels, but the originals were included.
15. 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni ($8,783,000/£6,588,800)
Never publicly offered for sale before coming to Broad Arrow’s Villa d’Este auction in May, this 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa kicked up plenty of pre-sale interest.
Further drawing in keen Ferrari collectors was that this car came with its original body, chassis, five-speed gearbox and 2-litre V12.
With documentation from Marcel Masssini to verify its history, this 166 Spyder Corsa was regarded as possibly the most original early Ferrari still in existence.
Its competition history includes the Targa Florio and two Mille Miglias, as well as Formula Two and hillclimbs in period.
14. 1995 Ferrari F50 ($9,245,000/£6,937,000)
The Ferrari F50 has shifted from being the least-loved Ferrari F model to a staple of high-end auctions.
This Giallo Modena yellow example consigned to the RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale in August was one of just two such cars sold in the USA when new.
Ordered new by Ralph Lauren, the fashion designer kept it for eight years and it arrived at auction with only one other owner to its name.
With fewer than 5400 miles on the clock, the F50 was sold with Ferrari Classiche certification and had benefitted from a recent service, new fuel bladder, tyres and brakes.
This F50 also came with all of its original tools, luggage and manuals, and its removable hardtop with its flight-case carrier.
=12. 1959 Ferrari 250GT LWB California Spider Competizione ($9,465,000/£7,102,000)
Even within the rarefied world of the Ferrari 250GT California Spider, there are some examples that stand out more than others. This 1959 LWB Competizione model is just such a car.
One of only eight built to 250GT LWB California Spider Competizione specification with an aluminium body, it finished fifth overall at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It was raced extensively by its first keeper, Bob Grossman, and was sold at Broad Arrow’s Amelia Island auction in March in its original silver livery.
Adding to its racing lustre, this was also the first California Spider to be fitted with the outside-plug Type 128 F engine in competition trim.
=12. 1955 Ferrari 375MM Berlinetta ($9,465,000/£7,102,000)
Selling for close to its upper estimate, this Ferrari 375MM Berlinetta attracted keen bidding thanks to its good looks and impressive history.
Built when new for favoured Ferrari customer Alfredo Ducato, the car won first in class at the 1956 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Until this sale, this 375MM had only three owners from new and was being sold from the Fred Leydorf Collection, where it had resided since 1969.
This matching-numbers car crossed the block with its original build sheets, spares and Massini report.
11. 2006 Pagani Zonda Riviera ($10,130,000/£7,601,000)
No two Pagani Zondas are alike, but the 2006 Riviera sold by RM Sotheby’s in Abu Dhabi in December stood out for its factory UNICO makeover.
When this car was returned to the Pagani factory, it had a roof-mounted scoop added, along with a central carbonfibre fin, a new bonnet and a 760-style rear wing.
It was also repainted pearl white with blue accents at this time, plus there’s a matching leather, Alcantara and carbonfibre interior.
Having started life as a Zonda F, this example is now unique as the Zonda Riviera, which helped it become the most expensive Zonda coupé ever to sell at auction.
10. 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto ($11,005,000/£8,257,600)
A Ferrari F40 is considered a cornerstone of most serious car collections, so this F40 LM with uprated 750bhp engine was always going to generate a lot of buyer interest.
The tuning work was instigated by French Ferrari importer Daniel Marin and gained factory approval, resulting in 19 LMs being made.
The intention was to run the F40 LM at Le Mans, which necessitated larger brakes, wider wheels, a lower ride height and revised bodywork with fared-in headlights.
The F40 LM that went under the hammer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale in August was the 14th of the 19 produced and was given Ferrari Classiche certification in 2009, followed by a refresh in June 2025.
9. 2026 McLaren MCL40A Formula 1 Team car ($11,480,000/£8,614,000)
Here is the second car in this list to be sold before it has even left the factory or turned a wheel. This lot offered the chance to own a 2026 McLaren MCL40A Formula 1 Team car.
Offered at the RM Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi sale in December, the F1 car had yet to be unveiled to the public at the time of the auction – hence a 2025-spec car is pictured.
The 2026 racer will have a 1.6-litre V6 and hybrid power, supplied by Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains.
Included in the sale is an invitation to the McLaren Technology Centre, plus hospitality at two Grands Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500.
The winning bidder will also eventually receive the car itself, as driven by Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, early in 2028.
8. 1966 Ford GT40 MkII ($13,205,000/£9,908,370)
Another prominent car from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection to be sold, this 1966 Ford GT40 MkII is one of just eight built.
It has a complete history from new, which includes competing at the 1966 Sebring 12 Hours and at Le Mans in the same year, though it retired after only three hours.
This GT40 then spent two years touring European motor shows before being donated to the museum in March 1968.
A restoration was carried out in 2011 to 1966 Le Mans specification and it was presented for sale in superb, ready-to-use condition.
7. 2001 Ferrari F2001 ($18,605,000/£13,957,000)
Described as the ‘crown jewel’ of Michael-Schumacher-era Ferrari Formula One cars, this F2001 is the chassis the German used to win the 2001 Monaco Grand Prix and secure the world drivers’ championship.
Schumacher put the car on pole for the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2001 and went on to win that race and the title, as well as the constructors’ championship for Ferrari.
Sold by RM Sotheby’s in Monaco back in May, the F2001 chassis 211 was due to have new fuel tanks fitted at the Ferrari factory to bring it to running condition, with the cost already covered by the seller.
6. 2025 Gordon Murray Automotive S1 LM ($20,630,000/£15,479,700)
The crossover between classic cars and modern hypercars at auction is perfectly captured by the 2025 Gordon Murray Automotive S1 LM.
Sold by RM Sotheby’s at its Las Vegas sale in November, the GMA S1 LM marks the 30th anniversary of the McLaren F1 winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.
The S1 LM comes with a 4.3-litre Cosworth V12 engine producing more than 700bhp at 12,100rpm and weighs less than one tonne.
Only five S1 LMs will be built and this example gave buyers the chance to be first in the queue prior to the car being completed.
5. 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider Competizione ($25,305,000/£18,987,600)
The fourth Ferrari 250GT California Spider to feature in this list, this example is the hugely desirable short-wheelbase Competizione model.
Sold by Gooding Christie’s for $5 million (£3.76 million) above estimate, it’s testament to how differences in specification can affect price.
One of just two alloy-bodied, competition-spec SWB California Spiders, this one was delivered new to gentleman racer Ernst Lautenschlager in Grigio Argento with covered headlights, a hardtop, an external fuel filler and a blue interior.
Today it retains its original chassis, body, engine, gearbox and differential, and it went under the hammer with its Ferrari Classiche certificate and a Marcel Massini report.
4. 1994 McLaren F1 ($25,317,500/£18,997,000)
This McLaren F1 was the most expensive car sold at the RM Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi sale in early December.
It was the 14th of 64 roadgoing F1s made and was delivered new to the Brunei royal family.
It was originally painted in Titanium Yellow with a black interior, but the exterior was changed to Ibis White during a 2007 rebuild at the McLaren factory. It also had a High Downforce Kit and LM-spec interior added at the same time.
Complete with its original tool chest, this F1 was sold with 13,711 miles on the clock from new.
3. 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’ ($26,000,000/£19,509,000)
Ferrari only built 599 Daytona SP3s as part of its Icona Series, but then it built this ‘Tailor Made’ car as a plus-one.
As a unique car created to raise money for charity, it has a fittingly one-off specification with a two-tone exterior.
The interior is upholstered in Q-Cycle, a material produced from recycled tyres, and features contrasting yellow seatbelts and stitched headrest logos.
Powered by a 6.5-litre V12 and capable of 0-62mph in 2.85 secs, this Daytona SP3 Tailor Made was sold by RM Sotheby’s to raise money for The Ferrari Foundation to help with educational initiatives.
2. 1964 Ferrari 250LM ($40,610,000/£30,464,700)
If you ever wanted to own an important Ferrari racing car, this 250LM sold by RM Sotheby’s in Paris fits the bill perfectly.
At the time of its sale in February 2025, it was the only Ferrari to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a private entry – a few months later in June, Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye and Phil Hanson drove the Ferrari 499P for customer team AF Corse to victory at the latest edition of the round-the-clock race.
This is also the only Enzo-Ferrari-era car to compete in six 24-hour events: three runnings each of Le Mans and Daytona.
Just as impressive as its racing history is that this 1964 250LM retains its original engine and gearbox, and it came to sale in very original, preserved condition.
Sold from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection, it was accompanied by documentation from its Le Mans entries, service records and a Massini report.
1. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Stromlinienwagen ($59,558,200/£44,679,550)
The top-selling car of 2025 is the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Stromlinienwagen, which crossed the block with RM Sotheby’s during a dedicated sale of the car in Stuttgart, in February.
The W196R achieved three times as much as 2024’s top seller, a 1963 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider.
Such a high price is explained by this being the first-ever time a W196R with streamliner bodywork has been offered for private ownership, because it came from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection.
This car was donated to the museum in 1965 by Mercedes-Benz and spent 59 years in its care.
One of four W196Rs with the streamlined bodywork, this car was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix and by Stirling Moss in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
It was sold with the caveat that it will need recommissioning before being started or driven.