Classically Expensive Cars

With Summer just around the bend I’m reminded that there’s no better feeling than driving along with the windows down, or the roof if you’re lucky enough to have a convertible, with the wind blowing back your hair while the sun hangs heavy in the sky reminding you that life is good.

Normally I’d write about something that’s within most people’s budget but perhaps it was the burst of sunshine that blinded me this morning that set me off on a fantasy trip. Rather than looking for details of bargain cars I thought I’d look at some of the more expensive pre-owned vehicles you might buy, assuming money was no object.

Make no mistake these aren’t just any old cars, these are lovingly cared for classic auto-mobiles that you won’t be using to nip down to Tesco to pick up a pint of milk but it’s highly likely that if you did own one of them you’d take them out onto the open road on a blissfully sunny day and enjoy the thrill they’ll bring you.

In third spot as most expensive car sold at auction we have The von Krieger 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster. In 2012 this beauty sold for $11,770,000, a double world record for a Mercedes-Benz and a pre-war car at auction.

It will come as no surprise that the number 2 and number 1 spots are held by the Italians. The second most expensive car sold at auction is The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, it had held the coveted number 1 spot since 2009 after selling for cool $12,200,000. One of just 22 cars produced between 1957 and 1958 it’s amazing race history ensured it was leader of the pack but it wasn’t enough to stop it being bumped from pole position, by none other than its predecessor!

Yes, in 2011 the Ferrari was beaten by The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype. Testa Rossa 0666 which was the first car built in 1957 sold for a staggering $16,390,000. It had an eight-year international racing history at premier venues and was driven by some of the greatest names in motor sport. I only hope it’s being driven under a hot, blistering sun every now and then and not parked up in an air-conditioned showroom.

Of course you’d assume that the buyers of these beautiful machines have the resources to maintain them. Regardless of the cost of your car you’ll want to ensure you have roadside protection and adequate classic car insurance. The last thing you’d want is to be standing by the side of the road hoping someone will stop to give them a lift to the nearest garage!