People flock to vintage auto shows because of the timeless beauty and artful power of featured vehicles. It’s no wonder that most classic cars fetch exorbitantly high prices on the market, especially ones that are exceedingly rare or unique. Here’s a closer look at some of the most expensive classic specimens auctioned off in 2019.  

The Most High-Priced Vintage Cars of the Year

1. 1994 McLaren® F1 “LM-Specification”

Sold for $19,805,000 at RM Sotheby®’s Monterey car week, this vintage beauty is one of only two supercars upgraded to LM specifications by McLaren. The special upgrade made the vehicle similar to a Le Mans car, fitted with an unlimited GTR racing engine with up to 680 horsepower and an extra-high downforce kit—including front fender vents and rear wing—for improved aerodynamic effect.

2. 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta  

Coming in at a close second, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta went for $19,256,750 during the 2019 Artcurial Motorcars® Paris Rétromobile.

The 80-year-old classic car, with chassis number 412024, is a rare species of the beautiful Berlinetta coachwork from Touring, an Italian coachbuilder. It perfectly embodies the elegance of pre-war production, having won the highest honors at the distinguished Concours d’Elégances®.   

3. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider 

Ferrari® vehicles—an auto show staple—nearly always fetch a hefty sum. This is especially true when it’s a rare vintage like the 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider. Barely missing the $10 million mark at $9,905,000 at the Gooding & Company® auction, this iconic model is one of the 50 long-wheelbase iterations of the California Spider. The particular vehicle sold had covered headlights and competed in multiple race events.

4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta  

A contrast to its older cousin, this classic car features a short wheelbase and the direct predecessor of the legendary 250 GT of Ferrari. Its steel body was the handiwork of Scaglietti and one of only 40 produced for top clientele. Bought for the price at $8,145,000, this exact vehicle ran in a couple of circuits and racked up the highest awards in prestigious auto shows.

5. 1965 Ford® GT40 Roadster Prototype 

Among the rarest and closest to the original of the iconic GT40 roadster, this prototype was built for testing and development under Shelby American®. Legendary drivers Ken Miles, Carroll Shelby, and Jim Clark drove this particular vehicle on racetracks. Having retained its original form, it’s no wonder that it fetched $7,650,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey car week event.

Ready to see more antique cars on display? Head over to the Charlotte AutoFair in Mecklenburg County, NC. This four-day auto show—held every spring and fall—has attracted thousands of sellers, car exhibit participants, and enthusiasts throughout the country for over three decades. Learn more about the biannual vintage auto show online or call (704) 841-1990 if you’d like to attend or show off your own beautiful car.