The 15 most expensive cars at the Pebble Beach auctions

By Greg MacLeman
Auctions
 | 22 Aug 2017

Monterey Car Week and the Pebble Beach auctions have become synonymous with astronomical prices and new world records, and this year was no different. Among the incredible results were the most valuable Porsche and British cars ever sold at auction – smashing previous records set by a 1982 Porsche 956, which achieved $10,120,000 in 2015, and $21,780,000 paid for a 1955 Jaguar D-type in 2016 – with a fistful classics getting away for more than five million dollars across the main auctions from Gooding & Co, RM Sotheby’s and Bonhams. 

We’ve rounded up the 15 most expensive classic cars sold at this year’s Car Week. 

1. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 – $22,550,000 (£17,585,000)

The first of five DBR1s and the winner of the 1959 Nurburgring 1000KM; sister car to the 1959 Le Mans winner. Raced in period by luminaries such as Roy Salvadori, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Carroll Shelby, it is one of the most significant models in the firm’s history. A new world record for a British car sold at auction. 

 

2. 1995 McLaren F1 – $15,620,000 (£12,180,000)

The first McLaren F1 to be imported to the United States and offered for sale by its original owner. With values shooting through the roof in recent years, this was always destined to be a big sale. It became the most expensive of its type ever sold at auction. 

 

3. 1966 Ferrari 275GTB/C – $14,520,000 (£11,330,000)

One of just 12 GTB/Cs ever built and the ultimate evolution of the single cam Ferrari Berlinetta. The car was raced in Italy between 1966 and 1970, racking up numerous class and overall wins. Complete with an extensive history file, original tool roll and books, the matching numbers car was fully restored by Motion Products Inc, later picking up an award at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. 

 

4. 1970 Porsche 917K – $14,080,000 (£10,980,000)

Formerly the property of race ace Jo Siffert, this 917K boasts period race history as well as being featured extensively in the Steve McQueen film Le Mans. Since then it has been the subject of an extensive restoration, while its history has been documented by author Walter Näher. 

 

5. 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta – $8,305,000 (£6,475,000)

As well as being Ferrari Classiche certified, this 250GT starred on Ferrari’s own stand at Pebble Beach. It has been in the care of Ferrari collectors Charles Betz and Fred Peters for nearly 40 years, and has picked up numerous awards including a Platinum Award at last year’s Cavellino Classic, as well as being a two-times veteran of the Colorado Grand.

 

6. 1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT prototype – $6,765,000 (£5,275,000)

A one-off Aston Martin design project that led to the development of the DB4GT, this remarkable car offered an opportunity to acquire a true one-of-a-kind. It came complete with its original delivery engine and had been fully researched by marque historian Stephen Archer.

 

7. 1955 Ferrari 121LM Spider by Scaglietti – $5,720,000 (£4,460,000)

Only four 121LMs were ever built, and this car is the third. It was campaigned by Scuderia Ferrari at both the 1955 Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in later life was owned and enjoyed by two California-based enthusiasts for nearly 40 years. The auction marked the first time it had come to market in 20 years. 

 

8. 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupé – $5,335,000 (£4,160,000)

Fans of rare GTs were drawn to this magnificent 410 Superamerica – one of just 12 Series III cars produced. Formerly owned by Peter van Gerbig and George and Rosella Wamser.

 

9. 1959 Ferrari 250GT Series 1 Cabriolet – $4,840,000 (£3,775,000)

The last of only 40 Series I Pinin Farina Cabriolets built, this fine Ferrari was owned by marque historian Hilary A. Raab Jr for more than 35 years. Very correct and boasting a recent cosmetic restoration, it fell just short of it’s lower pre-sale estimate of $5,000,000.

 

10. 1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export Uovo by Fontana – $4,510,000 (£3,520,000)

This beautiful 166MM is the only featuring this striking Fontana coachwork, and was specially designed by Franco Reggiani for Count Giannino Marzotto. It was highly competitive in both Europe and North America, but had been tucked away in a private collection for the past 30 years and rarely seen in public. 

 

11. 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Berlinetta – $4,400,000 (£3,430,000)

One of the most beautiful post-war cars for sale in Monterey, this A6G/54 Berlinetta sports stunning Zagato coachwork, and in fact is the last of 21 Zagato-bodied examples built. It was delivered new to San Francisco and was campaigned in numerous sports car races, and was eventually restored by marque specialist Quality Cars of Vigonza, Italy. 

 

12. 1954 Ferrari 500/735 Mondial Spider by Pinin Farina – $3,850,000 (£3,000,000)

Born a 500 Mondial in 1954, the 12th of a total of 13 Pinin Farina Spiders ever built was fitted with a 735 2.9-litre engine before leaving the factory, adding a litre of displacement and around 75bhp. The car was raced extensively in California during the 1950s and had been with the same owner for nearly two decades.

 

13. 1965 Ferrari 275GTB/6C Alloy by Scaglietti – $3,575,000 (£2,790,000)

This factory alloy-bodied 275 has a well-known ownership history and benefits from a recent restoration. But before that took place, the consignor drove the car on several events, including the Tour Auto Optic 2000 in 2013 and 2014 and several rallies in South America. 

 

14. 1970 Porsche 908/03 – $3,575,000 (£2,790,000)

One of a number of competition cars on offer in Monterey, this 908 finished second overall at the 1970 Nurburgring 1000KM driven by Hans Hermann and Richard Attwood. The car was one of three factory development cars made available for public sale. Following a recent restoration, the 908 finished first in class at the Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance at Schloss Dyck. 

 

15. 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari – $3,520,000 (£2,745,000)

As close to a new car as you’re likely to find at the Monterey Car Week actions, this two-year-old LaFerrari has covered less than 200 miles in the care of one owner. One of just 500 worldwide and 120 US market cars. 

Profile picture for user Greg MacLeman
Greg MacLeman

Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC