15 Most Expensive European Sports Cars Ever Sold

When it comes to the world of luxury automobiles, European sports cars hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. These machines are not just about speed and design; they represent heritage, craftsmanship, and a passion for engineering excellence.

From iconic brands to breathtaking designs, these cars have made headlines for their record-breaking auction prices. You’ll discover rare models that have captured the imagination of car lovers around the globe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about what makes these cars so valuable, there’s plenty to appreciate in this fascinating automotive landscape.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe

A vintage silver Mercedes-Benz 300SL race car with red decals and the number "10" is seen driving past a crowd at a classic car event. The car features yellow-tinted headlights, a large front grille, and historic racing stickers on its body — Image Credit: Alexander Migl – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is a legendary vehicle in the world of sports cars. It was recently sold at auction for a stunning price of €135 million (about $143 million), making it the most expensive car ever sold.

This classic beauty is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-eight engine that produces around 300 horsepower. With its sleek design and racing heritage, the 300 SLR embodies the golden age of motorsport.

Known for its incredible performance and engineering, this car is a true collector’s item. Owning a piece of automotive history like the Uhlenhaut Coupe is a dream for many enthusiasts.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti

A classic Ferrari 250 GTO in dark blue with a white racing stripe is parked on a grassy field. The car features round headlights, a sleek aerodynamic body, chrome-rimmed wheels, and a wooden steering wheel. Another vintage black car is partially visible behind it — Image Credit:MrWalkr – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti is a true legend in the world of sports cars. Only 36 units were ever made, making it incredibly rare.

At auctions, this car has reached eye-popping prices. It sold for $48.4 million in 2018, becoming one of the most expensive cars ever auctioned. More recently, another model achieved a record $51.7 million in 2023.

This car doesn’t just look great; it’s a racing powerhouse. It has a rich history, including participation in famous races like Le Mans. Owning a 250 GTO is like holding a piece of automotive history.

1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale by Scaglietti

A classic red Ferrari 275 GTB is parked on a road with white markings. The car features a sleek, curvy design, round headlights, chrome bumpers, wire-spoke wheels, and cream-colored interior seats. A waterfront with boats and trees is visible in the background — Image Credit:Mr.choppers -CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale is a true gem in the world of sports cars. Only three of these models were built, making them incredibly rare.

Chassis 06701, the first of the trio, was completed in April 1965. It sold for an impressive $26.4 million at auction, highlighting its uniqueness and collector appeal.

Designed for the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car features lightweight aluminum bodywork by Scaglietti. Its combination of heritage and performance solidifies its status among the most expensive European cars ever sold.

1956 Aston Martin DBR1

Image Credit: Bring a Trailer.

The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 is a true classic in the world of sports cars. It made headlines when it sold for an impressive $22.5 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2019.

This car is also famous for winning the 1959 Nürburgring 1000km race. With its striking green color and unique design, it’s not just a racer but a piece of automotive art.

The DBR1 is highly sought after, marking its place as the most expensive British car ever sold at auction. Its rarity and racing pedigree make it a standout in any collection.

1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti

A classic red Ferrari race car with an open cockpit is displayed on a grassy field. The sleek body features wire-spoke wheels, a transparent windscreen, and Ferrari’s prancing horse emblem. Other vintage cars and spectators are visible in the background — Image Credit: Mr.choppers – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti is a legendary car. It raced in the hands of famous drivers like Sir Stirling Moss and Mike Hawthorn.

Recently, it sold for a staggering $35.8 million at an auction. This sale set records for being one of the highest prices ever paid for a car.

Only four of these models were ever made, making it extremely rare. The combination of its history and performance makes it a prized possession for collectors today.

1982 Porsche 956

A Porsche 956 race car in Rothmans livery is displayed at an auto show. The sleek white, blue, and red body features sponsor logos, a large rear wing, and a bubble canopy. Other vintage race cars and spectators surround the exhibition area — Image Credit:Thesupermat -CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1982 Porsche 956 is a legendary race car that set records on and off the track. It sold for an impressive $10,120,000 at an auction in 2015, making it one of the most expensive Porsches ever.

This car was designed to dominate endurance racing, including the famous Le Mans. With a powerful turbocharged flat-six engine, it boasts a maximum output of around 620 horsepower.

Only 10 of these incredible machines were built, adding to its rarity. If you’re a car enthusiast, owning or even seeing a 956 is a bucket-list experience you won’t forget.

1970 Porsche 917K

A Porsche 917K race car in iconic Gulf Oil livery, featuring a light blue and orange color scheme with the number "19," is displayed on gravel. It has a sleek aerodynamic design, large headlights, and a curved windshield, with spectators nearby — Image Credit: MrWalkr – CC BY-SA 4.0/ Wiki Commons.

The 1970 Porsche 917K is a legendary race car that has made waves in the automotive world. It was famously sold for an impressive $14,080,000, making it the most expensive Porsche ever sold at auction.

This model is known for its striking design and incredible performance during the 1970 Le Mans race. With its lightweight construction and powerful engine, it dominated the track. The car’s iconic Gulf livery adds to its allure, making it a true collector’s dream.

Owning a piece of racing history like the 917K is not just about performance; it’s also about its rich legacy in motorsport.

1962 Ferrari 330 LM

The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM is a true gem in the world of sports cars. Known for its sleek design and impressive performance, this model has become a favorite among collectors.

In November 2023, it made headlines when it sold for a staggering $51.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction. This sale set a record for the Ferrari marque, showcasing its iconic status in automotive history.

With its rich racing pedigree, including participation in the Le Mans, the 330 LM combines beauty and speed. It’s no wonder this car is often referred to as the holy grail for collectors.

1957 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta

The 1957 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta is a stunning example of Italian automotive design. With a V8 engine, it delivers both style and performance that you won’t forget.

This model was sold for $18,563,605 at an auction in Paris in 2019. Its advanced engineering and classic lines make it a coveted piece for collectors.

You’ll appreciate how the 8C 2900B blends luxury with racing pedigree. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of history that stands out in any collection.

1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante

Vintage light blue Bugatti classic car with curved bodywork, displayed on grassy field at a car show. Gleaming chrome details, wire-spoke wheels, and multiple people in the background near a shoreline — Image Credit:Rex Gray – CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante is a true automotive icon. Only 42 units were ever produced, making it one of the rarest sports cars around.

In 2023, a model sold for an impressive $10,345,000, reflecting its status as one of the most desirable Bugattis. The craftsmanship and elegance of this grand tourer are unmatched, capturing the essence of luxury and performance.

With a supercharged 3.3-liter inline-eight engine, it combines power with breathtaking design. If you ever come across one, you’re looking at a piece of history that stands tall in the world of elite automobiles.

1953 Jaguar C-Type Works

Classic black vintage racing Jaguar sports car with racing number 18, featuring wire-spoke wheels, positioned on gravel or sand at an event. Sleek curved bodywork, prominent grille, and another green racing car partially visible in background — Image Credit: MrWalkr – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1953 Jaguar C-Type is a classic that racing enthusiasts adore. With its sleek design and powerful engine, it combines elegance and performance.

You’ll find a 3.4-liter inline-six engine that produces around 220 bhp. This beauty hit the track and made a name for itself at events like Le Mans.

In recent years, the C-Type has fetched impressive prices at auctions, with estimates exceeding £7 million. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates historic sports cars.

1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider

Vibrant red vintage classic car displayed at an indoor motor show. Sleek, open-top design with wire-spoke wheels, positioned in front of exhibition booths. People walking around, with "Fuchs Motorrad" sign visible in background — Image Credit: Charles – CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider is a standout in the world of European sports cars. Its sleek design and powerful performance make it highly coveted.

Only about 32 of these 2.9 chassis were ever produced. When one sold for $19.8 million at a 2016 auction, it set a record for pre-war cars.

Considered by many as one of the ultimate Italian sports cars, it features stunning open bodywork crafted by Touring. This gorgeous machine combines elegance with racing pedigree, making it a true classic.

1955 Jaguar D-Type

Sleek black vintage racing car with number 9, parked in a workshop. Reflective bodywork shows detailed curves, with license plate 207RW. Brick walls, blue mesh shelving, and various mechanical equipment visible in background — Image Credit: Calreyn88 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1955 Jaguar D-Type is a real gem in the world of sports cars. It’s famous for its sleek design and impressive racing pedigree, winning at Le Mans in 1956.

In recent years, this beauty has fetched some jaw-dropping prices. One sold for $23.2 million at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey. Another example went for about $21.8 million, showcasing its growing value and desirability among collectors.

With only a handful made, owning a D-Type is like holding a piece of racing history. It combines art and engineering in a way few cars can match.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C

Silver Ferrari racing car with number 19, displayed in a modern white exhibition space. Sleek vintage design with wire-spoke wheels, racing decals, and a minimalist interior. Blurred figures of visitors visible in the background — Image Credit:Ank Kumar – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C is a true classic and a gem in the sports car world. You’re looking at one of the last racing GT models built by Ferrari’s competition department.

This beauty boasts a 3.3-liter V12 engine, producing around 320 horsepower. It’s known for its lightweight design and sleek lines, contributing to its racing success.

At auctions, the 275 GTB/C has fetched impressive prices. One example sold for $14.5 million at Gooding and Company in 2017. If you appreciate rare cars, this model is a standout.

1963 Aston Martin DP215

Vintage green Aston Martin racing car with white circular emblem, parked on grassy field. Sleek aerodynamic body, wire-spoke wheels, license plate XMO 88 visible. Blurred figures and another vehicle in background suggest an automotive event — Image Credit:Redsimon – CC BY 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 is a stunning example of British engineering. This car was built as a competition prototype and is known for its impressive performance.

You might be intrigued to learn that it sold for an astounding $21,455,000 at the RM Sotheby’s auction in 2018. This price made it one of the most expensive cars ever sold.

With a top speed exceeding 180 mph, it’s as comfortable on the track as it is on the road. The DP215 is not just a piece of automotive history; it’s a blend of beauty and speed.

Steel Horse Rides