The 2024 auction season was nothing short of electrifying as collectors shelled out staggering fortunes for some of the planet’s rarest and most coveted cars. These were rolling masterpieces, each carrying a legacy of speed, innovation, and prestige. For some, these cars are investments; for others, they’re the ultimate symbol of status. Here’s a look at the most talked-about, record-shattering sales of the year.

1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider: $17,875,000

When it comes to classic Ferraris, few are as revered as the 250 GT SWB California Spider. This particular 1963 model set a record at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction, marking the first time the company crossed the $10 million threshold. It’s a textbook example of what collectors crave—rarity, provenance, and undeniable beauty.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider: $17,055,000

If one California Spider fetching a fortune wasn’t enough, another, the very first 1960 model ever built, followed suit at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale. Equipped with a competition-spec engine and factory hardtop, it’s a car that perfectly blends Ferrari’s race heritage with grand touring luxury. That combination? A guaranteed magnet for high-rolling collectors.

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring: $14,030,000

A tribute to pre-war engineering, the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring achieved $14,030,000 at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction. One of only five long-chassis versions known to exist, its rarity and elegance enthralled collectors. The car was stolen from a trailer in 2022 but was later recovered.

1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider: $12,985,000

The 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider garnered $12,985,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale. This prototype for the iconic 410 Sport series holds a special place in Ferrari’s racing legacy. Carroll Shelby secured his first of many victories in a Ferrari with this car at the 1956 Palm Springs Road Races.

1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP ‘Roi Des Belges’: $12,105,000

Old money loves old cars, and this 1903 Mercedes-Simplex proved it by setting a record for pre-1930 automobiles at Gooding’s Amelia Island event. The only pre-WWII car to break $10 million in 2024, this was the luxury car of its time. Owning it today is like having a piece of automotive royalty in your garage.

Unique 2014 Pagani Zonda LM Roadster: $11,086,250

The one-of-a-kind 2014 Pagani Zonda LM Roadster was acquired for $11,086,250 at RM Sotheby’s Dubai auction. It is the third-highest-priced 21st-century car ever sold at a public auction. As a bespoke commissioned creation, it stands as a pinnacle of modern hypercar artistry.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione: $11,003,281

Achieving €10,158,125 ($11,003,281) at RM Sotheby’s Paris sale, the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione carries a storied racing history, including a notable performance at the 12 Hours of Sebring. ​It excelled as a grand tourer, circuit racer, hill climb champion, and road-race powerhouse.

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing: $9,355,000

An unrestored 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing surprised many by selling for $9,355,000 at RM Sotheby’s Los Angeles auction. It sat untouched in a barn for 47 years after having been rescued from a junkyard. Eventually, its untouched condition and rarity made it a coveted piece among enthusiasts.

1979 Ferrari 312 T4 Formula 1 Car: $8,245,201

This 1979 Ferrari 312 T4, driven by Jody Scheckter during his championship-winning season, was bought at RM Sotheby’s Monaco auction for €7,655,000 ($8,245,201). It was Ferrari’s first ground-effect Formula 1 car, built to counter the trend-setting Lotus machines that dethroned Ferrari in 1978.

1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight: $7,865,000

The 1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight, one of only ten factory competition versions, achieved $7,865,000 at Mecum’s Monterey auction. Its racing pedigree and originality made it a standout. ​After all, this high-performance race car took the top spot at Le Mans in both 1968 and 1969.

1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion: $7,045,000

At the Broad Arrow Auctions’ Monterey event, a rare 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion sold for $7,045,000. One of only nine customer GT1s produced, this ride is an ultra-rare, highly sought-after race car capable of hitting 205 miles per hour with its twin-turbocharged, water-cooled engine.

1966 Ford GT40 MkI Road Car: $6,930,000

Famous for its restoration by RUF Automobiles and its pristine condition, the 1966 Ford GT40 MkI Road Car stands as one of the best-preserved GT40s. It’s even the first Ford GT40 road car to arrive in the United Kingdom. ​No wonder it fetched $6,930,000 at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction.

1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis ‘Special Cabriolet’: $6,605,000

This 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis ‘Special Cabriolet’ achieved $6,605,000 at Gooding & Company’s auction. Its rarity (one of only four with this coachwork) and its impeccable restoration contributed to its high sale price. ​It also has a 3.3-liter straight-eight engine, delivering 170 horsepower.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB: $6,009,451

Finished in the unique Blu Tigullio with a red-leather interior, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB’s distinctive color combination and history made it a collector’s dream. This ride, designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, sold for $6,009,451 at Artcurial’s Monaco sale.

1972 Lamborghini Miura SV: $4,900,000

This 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV sold for $4,900,000 at auction, featuring its original matching-numbers engine and expert restoration. One of approximately 150 produced between 1971 and 1973, it remains an icon of automotive history, pioneering the rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that redefined high-performance road cars for future generations.

2001 Ferrari Enzo: $4,510,000

The 2001 Ferrari Enzo was sold for $4,510,000 at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction. As one of only 400 units produced, the Enzo represents Ferrari’s early 2000s pinnacle of design and performance. Its V12 engine and F1-inspired technology make it a sought-after collector’s item.

1967 Ford GT40 ‘Hostage Car’: $4,405,000

Nicknamed the “Hostage Car” for its storied past with Swiss dealer Scuderia Filipinetti, this 1967 Ford GT40 fetched $4,405,000 at Broad Arrow Auctions’ Amelia Island sale. Once a road car, it now holds an FIA Historic Technical Passport, granting it entry into some of the world’s most prestigious racing events.

2017 Pagani Huayra BC: $4,336,250

A 2017 Pagani Huayra BC achieved $4,336,250 at RM Sotheby’s Dubai auction. As one of only 20 produced, the BC variant focuses on track performance. Upgraded to Pacchetto Tempesta specifications, it boasts enhanced aerodynamics and increased power from its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine.

2022 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport: $4,100,000

Selling for $4,100,000 on Bring a Trailer, this 2022 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport set a record-breaking online auction price. One of just 60 units, the Pur Sport prioritizes handling and agility, powered by an 8.0-liter W16 engine with 1,500 horsepower. Its low mileage and pristine condition added to its appeal.

2018 Bugatti Chiron: $3,075,000

Another ride acquired through Bring a Trailer was this exposed blue carbon-fiber 2018 Bugatti Chiron. With only 1,900 miles, this Chiron, originally priced at over $3.5 million, offers 1,500 horsepower from its quad-turbocharged W16 engine, representing the pinnacle of modern hypercar engineering.