The Most Expensive Cars in the World: Record Prices and Auction Bids

Aston Martin DBR1. €20,400,000

The top ten most expensive auction sales are dominated by eight Ferraris and two Mercedes-Benz models. But what about other brands? The most expensive non-Ferrari, non-Mercedes car is the Aston Martin DBR1, which ranks 12th on the all-time auction record list as of 2024. It also holds the title of the most expensive British car ever sold. In 2017, one of only five ever built was auctioned for $22.5 million.

Some experts consider the DBR1 to be the most important car in Aston Martin’s history. The car in the photo is the very first DBR1, driven by legendary figures like Carroll Shelby, Jack Brabham, and Stirling Moss. In 1959, this very example secured a victory at the Nürburgring 1000 km race and went on to win the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. That year, two DBR1s made it to the podium—the winning car was driven by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby, while the runner-up was piloted by Maurice Trintignant and Paul Frère in another DBR1.

Originally equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-six engine, the DBR1 was later upgraded to 3.0 liters. Weighing just 800 kg (1,764 lbs) and producing 254 hp, this lightweight endurance racer was built for speed and agility.