This past weekend saw the 2016 Pebble Beach Auctions, where fortunes were swapped and keys to opulent collector cars changed well-moisturized hands. In sales last week, the California auctions pulled in $345 million, although that was well below Hagerty’s count of $396 million from the 2015 auctions.
To satisfy my own curiosity, and to fully understand exactly how far away I am from ever buying one of these cars, I asked Hagerty for a list of the top 10 highest sellers from the auctions. Hagerty responded, and also noted that there could be some post-block transactions that might happen after the final preliminary results were listed.
But, come on, how many impromptu $5 million-plus transactions happen on the daily?
(Also note that the numbers below include buyer’s premiums.)
1. 1955 Jaguar D-Type Roadster (RM Sotheby’s) sold for $21,780,000
This is the overall winner of the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven to victory by Ecurie Ecosse. It has 250 HP, a 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine with three Weber 45 DCO3 carburetors and a four-speed manual. It’s now the most expensive British car ever sold at auction. Also, tailfin!
2. 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider (RM Sotheby’s) sold for $19,800,000
One of the pre-war Italian beauties, up there with the Bugattis, the Mercedes-Benz 540 Ks and the Duesenbergs.
3. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California LWB Alloy Spider (Gooding & Company) sold for $18,150,000
This is one of nine alloy-bodied LWB California Spiders, leaving the factory with competition features.
4. 1962 Shelby Cobra 260 Roadster (RM Sotheby’s) sold for $13,750,000
This was the first Shelby Cobra ever built. This past weekend, it became the most expensive American car ever sold at auction.
5. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Competizione Coupe (Gooding & Company) sold for $13,500,000
This beautiful Ferrari coupe was the 7th overall winner at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Ed Hugus and Augie Pabst.
6. 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Roadster (Gooding & Company) sold for $11,990,000
This late-production third-series Monza was raced between 1933 and 1950. In total, about 190 examples of this car were built.
7. 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster (Gooding & Company) sold for $10,400,00
This beautiful thing was designed by Ettore Bugatti’s son, Jean Bugatti. It’s also somewhat haughtily known as “a Type 51 Grand Prix wearing an evening gown.” I rolled my eyes a little bit after reading that.
8. 1956 Ferrari 250 GT TdF Coupe (RM Sotheby’s) sold for $5,7200,00
This Ferrari competed in both the 1956 Mille Miglia and the 1959 Tour de France.
9. 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Berlinetta (Gooding & Company) sold for $5,445,000
This car was driven at the 1950 Mille Miglia by Nuccio Bertone.
10. 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider (RM Sotheby’s) sold for $5,225,000
This Ferrari racer won first place at the 1955 12 Hours of Sebring, but was later classified as second place. It has been driven by Phil Hill, Carroll Shelby and Jim Hall. I have not driven it, in case you are curious.