Records are meant to be broken and in the world of classic cars and tons of money, the records fall quickly. For a spell this 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic was thought to be the most expensive car. It is owned by Rob Walton (yes of the Wal-Mart Walton’s) and allegedly sold for $40 million dollars in 2010.
1936 Bugatti
We had the chance to see it up close and in person at a local Concours show and it certainly was a classic. But like we say, records fall fast around classic cars. It had the reputation as being the most expensive car ever sold. It is a ‘reported” price as it was a private sale and not subject to any public certification or event. A co-owner is listed as Peter Mullin who runs the Mullin Automotive Museum. It is a featured car at the museum when not in shows.
1963 Ferrari 250 GTO
Earlier this year that record for most expensive car was shattered, again “reportedly”, when a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $70 million in a private sale. It was bought by David McNeal who founded WeatherTech- the rubber mat company. This Ferrari has a great racing pedigree, including coming in fourth at 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1963 and won the Tour de France course in 1964.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Next up? Potentially this red 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO . It is offered up at the Monterrey Auction by RM Sotheby’s with an estimated price tag of between $60-45million, which is quite a range. Now auction houses are now for hyperbole but they probably have nailed the low end for this Ferrari.
Only 36 GTO’s were built, so this becomes a pretty exclusive car. It also has a good racing pedigree and was one of four upgraded by Scaglietti with the Series II coachwork, which features a wider aerodynamic body. the new bodywork lowered the car, crafted a better balanced car and allowed for better handling on the road courses. Interestingly the original engine was removed from the car and preserved with a different 250 GT block presently in the car. So an owner could drive the red racer and still have the original engine for history and originality.
Will it exceed $60 Million? Hard to say but the scarcity of the Ferrari’s suggest that some company stock might be sold off to allow for a new car in somebody’s stable.
Some photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s