The world of classic cars is a mysterious and exclusive one, where only the very wealthy can afford to play. And when it comes to the most expensive cars in the world, the prices are truly astronomical.

Here is a list of the top 5 most expensive cars ever sold:

1. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé

   (2022): $142.5 million (£114.4 million)

   

   This rare and exclusive car is one of only two ever made. It was designed as a road-going version of the W 196 R grand prix car, and it is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-eight engine that can reach speeds of up to 180 mph. The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé was sold at auction in May 2022, setting a new world record for the most expensive car ever sold.

2. Ferrari 250 GTO

   (2018): $70 million (£52.3 million)

   

   One of the most classical and in-demand cars in the world, the Ferrari 250 GTO, was produced in limited numbers between 1962 and 1964, and it is a highly successful racing car, having won numerous races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 250 GTO is also known for its elegant and timeless design.

3. Ferrari 250 GTO

   (2014): $38.1 million (£30.7 million)

   

   Another 250 GTO, this car is also one of the most valuable and desirable classic cars in the world. It has a long and illustrious racing history, and it is said to be one of the best-preserved examples of the model.

4. Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti

   (2016): $35.7 million (£28.8 million)

   

   This Ferrari is a rare and important racing car. It was one of only two built, and it was raced by some of the greatest drivers of the era, including Peter Collins and Wolfgang von Trips. The 335 Sport Scaglietti is a highly desirable car, and it fetched a record price when it was sold at auction in 2016.

5. Mercedes-Benz W196

   (2013): $29.6 million (£23.8 million)

   

   This Mercedes Grand Prix car is one of the most important and successful racing cars of all time. It was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, who won the world championship in it in 1954. The W196 is a highly prized collector’s item, and it set a record price when it was sold at auction in 2013.

These are just some examples of the most high-priced cars in the world. The prices of these cars are truly staggering, but they are a testament to the rarity and desirability of these classic vehicles.

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The luxury carmaker announced last year that it will launch 15 new models over the next four years. The first will be the Purosangue, a hybrid SUV that will debut later this year.

The engine hasn’t slowed down yet. Even Audi’s representatives, his employer at the time, advised Frederic Vasseur to accept the offer of leading a rival Formula 1 team. Ferrari is not a company you turn down when it comes calling. That’s what happens when one of the world’s most famous luxury brands calls you.

Besides racing, it offers consumer vehicles that are status symbols. Their vehicles range in power from 612 to over 1,000 horsepower and in price from about $225,000 to $2.3 million. After some research, it may be necessary to reverse the idea that a recession in the U.S. would stifle growth for the carmaker.

Global reach

Because Ferrari has such a global reach, even if the U.S. economy goes into recession, it can remain on top of things. In the chart, the majority of regions are the EMEA band (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). As an Italian company, it is not surprising that it does the majority of its business in Europe.

Although the company’s growth outside of EMEA has been more robust than within, it has been protected from a North American slowdown some. The European economy has been sluggish for years and Ferrari has grown sales almost three times faster than the GDP of the European Union (EU). This isn’t a perfect apples-to-apples comparison, but it shows that the company isn’t as dependent on economic output as it seems.

Recession-proof

The Great Recession also affected the world’s automotive industry between 2007 and 2009, with global sales falling 11% according to the International Energy Agency. However, few customers have given up on their Ferrari orders due to the usual waiting list of a year or more – some custom models take up to five years to produce.

In 2008, Ferrari’s shipments grew by 2% and dropped by only 5% in 2009. That was during the worst recession in history. In an interview at the time, a company executive pointed out the investment properties of the vehicles — older cars can sell for tens of millions of dollars — and implied that customers who relied on Wall Street bonuses for luxury purchases did not have “serious money” like its typical customers.

Stimulate demand, but never give in

In November, the company stopped accepting orders for the Purosangue because the SUV is sold out for the next two years. CEO Benedetto Vigna did not say how many of the white-hot SUVs would eventually be produced. In the meantime, Ferrari has promised to always build one car less than demand. That should protect Ferrari’s brand while keeping sales and profits predictable for the next few years.

Somewhat surprisingly for a company selling 12-cylinder, 1,000-horsepower vehicles, Ferrari also has embraced the EV trend, another potential headwind.

Ferrari says it will launch its first all-electric supercar by 2025 and 80% of its vehicles will be electrified by 2030 — pure electric or hybrid.

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