The 5 Most Expensive Cars Sold in 2015
5. 1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight – $13,200,000
One of only three C-Types produced in 1953, this particular example finished 4th overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and now holds the venerable title of most expensive Jaguar ever sold at auction.
The C-Type is very close relative of the Jaguar XK120 roadster, modified for competition. Three special examples of the C-Type were built by Jaguar specifically for the 1953 Le Mans race, featuring a host of weight-saving components versus the standard C-Type, thus the “Works Lightweight” designation (a “works” team is one that is sponsored and supported by a manufacturer).
4. 1998 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ – $13,750,000
The phrase “this is no ordinary McLaren F1” might sound asinine, but I assure you, the 63rd and second-to-last road-going F1 example built is worth a couple hundred words worth of reading.
This F1 grew up in McLaren’s factory in Woking, where it was upgraded by McLaren’s Special Operations division. It is one of only two examples with a complete with LM-spec engine swap imbued with 680hp. It also features the Extra High Downforce Package—an amalgam of functional aero parts—and an updated interior featuring magnolia leather and alcantara and a helicopter-grade car-to-car radio and intercom system.
If you’re still not convinced this is the perfect McLaren F1 to own, Gordon Murray offers his personal stamp of approval in the form of his signature on the transmission tunnel.
3. 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – $14,300,000
It may sound derogatory to reference a vehicle in terms of its competition, but when that competitor happens to be the Ferrari 250 GTO, arguably the most legendary classic sports car currently in existence, I think it’s apt.
The DB4GT was a sportier version of the DB4, noted for its available 3.8-liter, 302-hp engine. Initially created to challenge Ferrari’s 250, Aston Martin turned to Zagato for help when they realized the DB4GT in its current form was no match for the Italians. And thus 19 examples of the DB4 Zagato were produced in a joint effort between Aston Martin and Italian coach builder Zagato. Many recognize the DB4 Zagato as the firm’s greatest design ever.
2. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM Coupe by Scaglietti – $17,600,000
Our Le Mans history lesson continues after a brief intermission with this mid-engined sports prototype from Maranello, touted as one of the greatest Ferraris of all time. Chassis no. 6105 was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s as part of “The Pinnacle Portfolio” back in August at Monterey Car Week; the single-owner collection is the most valuable ever sold at auction and includes three cars on this list alone.
The 23rd of 32 instances ever produced shown here is “considered one of the very best in existence” by RM Sotheby’s. And although this 250 LM Coupe did have a successful racing career, it never actually placed at Le Mans. Another example of the 250 LM, chassis no. 5893, took first place at Le Mans in 1965. The associated bragging rights have catapulted the value of the 250 LM Coupe to truly bull-ish prices.
1. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti – $28,050,000
All of the cars featured in this article have rich histories, but the pedigree of this 290 MM is impeccable—it holds a significant place in the history of the automobile and also bears the fingerprints of the most successful F1 driver ever in terms of winning percentage: Juan Manuel Fangio.
This particular chassis was driven by the five-time World Champion in the 1956 running of the Mille Miglia to a 4th place finish, ensuring that it would be coveted and pampered by car collectors the world over for the rest of its existence.
The 1950’s sports-prototype Ferraris are highly desired as they come from what collectors consider the Golden Age of the Scuderia’s factory racing efforts, overseen at the time by Enzo Ferrari himself. It’s widely stated that Enzo cared only about winning races and little about selling road cars, but perhaps he would have taken some solace in knowing that his creations are now routinely fetching exorbitant sums on money on the open market—confirming that his machines truly are the greatest pieces of automotive engineering man has built, even some 60 years later.
