As automobiles quickly replaced animal-drawn carriages, certain vehicles have become rare and valuable – the Ferrari 250 GTO being one such car, selling at auction for an unprecedented $70 Million price in 2018.
What defines a rare vehicle? Limited production runs, internationally-acclaimed ownership, and unique features are just some of the criteria that define a rarity of any given car.
1. Bugatti Type 41 Royale Kellner
At its heart, the Royale is an engineering masterpiece with its massive 12.7-litre (770 cu in) inline eight-cylinder engine designed by Jean Bugatti himself – its overhead camshaft design has been widely lauded as one of the most stunning automotive engines ever constructed.
Ettore Bugatti had originally intended to sell Royales exclusively to royalty; this did not occur, so in order to use up his remaining 23 engines he assembled them onto a rail car and they went on to set average speed records.
This car, chassis number 41121, was first purchased by Dr Josef Fuchs in 1931 and later passed to Briggs Cunningham – an American gentleman racer and Le Mans contender – after fleeing Germany during WWII.
2. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
Attracting desire in a world that values exclusivity, few objects of desire rival the sheer rarity of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. One of two ever produced, it sold for 135 Million euros in 2022 from Mercedes.
Rudolf Uhlenhaut, Mercedes-Benz’s head of motorsport, designed and first built the W 126 as a racing car to compete in long distance events like Mille Miglia. Utilizing leftover ‘development mules’ it stands as an iconic example of midcentury engineering brilliance.
Uhlenhaut would drive his blue interior model himself, though always fitted it with an exhaust silencer due to its incessant mechanical noises. Its price tag demonstrates both its legendary status and unique history.
3. Ford GT40 Prototype
Ford GT40 Prototypes are rare sight, reflecting their value as one recently sold for an astounding $143 Million.
You’re observing chassis GT/105 here – one of five factory prototypes built in 1964 that played an instrumental role in Ford’s eventual Le Mans victory, as its presence suggested that increased displacement may be key for success at Circuit de la Sarthe.
Carroll Shelby later modified this car into the GT/103 and GT/104 cars that won Le Mans in 1965. Today, these iconic automobiles remain collectors’ items that rarely hit auction blocks but instead find new homes at events where their value increases exponentially.
4. Icona Vulcano Titanium
Inspired by the world’s fastest plane, the Blackbird SR-71, Icona’s Vulcano Titanium is a one-off creation inspired by it. The naked titanium body resembles sculpture and displays over 10,000 hours of handcrafted work in pure form. Its strongly sculpted side and voluptuous shapes help remove hot air from its engine while simultaneously decreasing air turbulence caused by wheels.
The Vulcano’s front-mounted paddle train and short-ratio manual gearbox combine to deliver 670 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque directly to its rear wheels, enabling it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, reaching top speeds of 220mph before stopping with ease using Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.
5. Aston Martin DBR1
Aston Martin became synonymous with excellence through its legendary DB5, but their true racing credentials came alive with the DBR1. Only five were built between 1956 and ’58 to compete under new rules that permitted sports cars based on production vehicles to win endurance race series world championships.
Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori famously won Le Mans in DBR1/4s while Sir Stirling Moss won the Nurburgring 1,000 Kilometer in DBR1/2s – this car’s legacy, together with its stunning condition have cemented its place as an icon.
This Aston has an exquisite sculpted look, which collectors will drool over. As the first DBR1 to ever be offered for public auction, its sale could fetch well over $20 Million at public auction when it hits the market in 2017. That is serious money!
6. Mercedes-Benz S-Type 26/180 Sports Tourer
Mercedes-Benz S-Type 26/180 Sports Tourer stands out as being so extraordinary it was delivered new to Tuxedo Park! Only 25 were manufactured, of which six remain today – an eye-catching pre-war masterpiece which stands out.
Rarity is what gives these cars their value among collectors, and collectors will go to great lengths to acquire one – as evidenced by high-profile owners shelling out millions for vehicles like the Ferrari 250 GTO and Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe.
These cars stand as testaments to both exclusivity and ground-breaking engineering.
7. Bugatti La Voiture Noire
French luxury automaker Bugatti is known for creating extravagant vehicles that seamlessly combine beauty and power into one extravagant package. Their latest hypercar, the $12.5 million La Voiture Noire, embodies this concept perfectly; taking design cues from Jean Bugatti (founder Ettore’s son)’s all-black Type 57SC Atlantic line from 1934.
La Voiture Noire stands as an example of groundbreaking engineering and unparalleled elegance – drawing attention from car collectors and enthusiasts around the globe for being both unique and exclusive. Producing only one unit makes its uniqueness all the more alluring for car collectors and enthusiasts.
8. Dodge Coronet
The Dodge Coronet is one of the rarest muscle cars ever created. First introduced as a luxury vehicle in 1949, this full-size car eventually featured big-block engines producing over 340 horsepower – and ultimately transformed it into one of the earliest muscle cars ever created.
This green convertible from 1966 stands out as especially rare due to its numbers-matching 426 Hemi engine and four-speed manual transmission. Be it driving on the highway or attending classic car events, this green beauty will turn heads wherever it travels.
Conclusion
These rare vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering, design, and history. Their rarity, unique features, and incredible legacies make them treasures for collectors and enthusiasts alike, showcasing how the world of automobiles continues to captivate and inspire.
