In 2021, one of the world’s most expensive car events – the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este – blew out the candles on its 90th birthday cake. Launched in 1929 and revived in the 1990s the elite event sees the owners of the globe’s most sought-after vintage vehicles gather on the shores of Lake Como to celebrate the charisma of collectable cars.
Prizes are handed out in classes such as ‘From Manhattan to Mayfair: The Golden Age of Motoring’, and the benchmark is set for what qualifies as the most superior set of wheels in the world. Here are a few of the most expensive fancy cars to keep an eye out for if you want to be a contender in the future event.
1. Ferrari 250 GTO
The original buyers of Ferrari 250 GTOs had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari before they were given the green light to purchase the car. Only 36 models were ever made and, of those, only a handful had series two bodywork. A product of the 1960s, each car had Monroe curves and most came with Ferrari’s trademark lipstick red paintwork. In June 2018 a 1964 version of the car was rumoured to have reached $70 million at private action, making it the most expensive classic car in the world sold privately. Two months later, chassis number 3413 sold for $48.4 million at a public auction.
2. Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti
Reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres an hour, 1957/58 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scagliettis were the car of choice for some of the world’s greatest historical racing drivers. Only four were ever produced, though, so they’re rare as four-leaf clovers. That’s not to say they never come up for sale, though. In 2016 a 1957 scalietti sold for $32 million euros at an auction in Paris.
3. Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is regarded as one of the costliest cars in the world. Coming from Rolls-Royce Coachbuild, it was inspired by everything nautical. It includes Caleidolegno veneer on its “Aft Deck,” wrap-around windscreen and so many other nautical touches. In the rear is an area that opens up to reveal a hosting suite that includes everything you need for an al fresco dining experience. Rolls-Royce Coachbuild also included two BOVET 1822 reversible timepieces that can be used as dashboard clocks. Rolls-Royce also recently debuted the Boat Tail for the first first time at the Concours d-Eleganza Villa d’Este.
4. Bugatti La Voiture Noire
This breathtaking exclusive one-off Bugatti was inspired by the legendary Type 57 Atlantic of Bugatti’s earlier history. Bugatti sought to recreate the sophistication and mysticism of the Atlantic, but most importantly, the legend of the perfect car. With features that echo the Atlantic of old like six tailpipes and a dorsal seam across the middle, La Voiture Noire is unique to its core.
5. Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita
Underneath the lustrous finish lies a 4.8-liter, dual-supercharged V8 with a total output of 1,004 hp and 797 lb-ft, which means it should have little to no trouble overtaking semis on the freeway. The car’s specifications — in both performance and price — are nearly comical at this point, and just three were ever made.
6. Lamborghini Veneno
The car is absolutely stunning from every angle, and to this day, we’re not convinced it isn’t an alien spacecraft surveying our planet for eventual takeover. It just doesn’t seem real. The only thing more remarkable than the look is the price — a whopping $4.5 million.
