Are you intrigued by the rarest cars on the market? Maybe you already have a collection and want to add a car with incalculable value to the mix. Rare classic cars are hard to come by (for obvious reasons), but understanding what makes them rare can help you unearth diamonds that are hiding in the rough (aka online marketplaces or even junkyards).
The Allure of Rare Classic Cars
Rare classic cars often represent a bygone era of automotive design and engineering, featuring details and innovations that have been lost in modern-day car manufacturing.
Exclusivity plays a major role in the allure of rare classic cars. Because only a handful were made, and even fewer have survived the passage of time in good condition, owning one sets a collector apart. The hunt for these cars, whether through auctions, private sales, or serendipitous discoveries in old barns, adds to the excitement and mystique.
Another aspect of these classic cars’ appeal is the craftsmanship involved. Unlike mass-produced modern vehicles, these cars were often handmade or produced with a high level of attention to detail.
The materials used, the design aesthetics, and the engineering solutions often reflect the best of what was available at the time. This level of craftsmanship ensures that each car has its own personality and quirks, making the experience of owning and driving one a unique adventure.
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
This gem of an automobile was the product of a collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato, a renowned Italian coachbuilder. Born from the desire to forge a car that could dominate on the racetrack and captivate on the street, this model represents a specialized evolution of the standard DB4.
With a lighter body that danced along the curves of the world’s most renowned circuits and an engine tuned to perfection, this car carved its place in the pantheon of automotive history. The tale of the DB4 GT Zagato intertwines power, elegance, and rarity, which is why it is the most expensive British car to exist today.
Quick Facts about the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
- Average Starting Price: $2.8m
- Year of Release: 1960
- Top Speed: 154 mph
- # of Vehicles Produced: 19
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
From the stable of German engineering prowess, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe fuses racetrack legacy with road-worthy elegance.
Inside this masterpiece is an engine capable of propelling it to over 180 mph, a figure that, in the mid-1950s, set the standard for what a production car could achieve, making it the world’s fastest production car of its time. The first car was sold at an auction for $142 million, and the second is preserved at a museum.
Quick Facts about the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
- Average Starting Price: $143 Million
- Year of Release: 1955
- Top Speed: 180 mph
- # of Vehicles Produced: 2
Porsche 916
The Porsche 916, affectionately known as “Brutus,” is an extremely rare car. Under its hood is a powerful 2.9-liter RSR factory racing engine.
Back in the day, this car was not just about power; it was about a tailored experience, as evidenced by the custom interior created specifically for the daughter of Porsche’s then-president.
Quick Facts about the Porsche 916
- Average Starting Price: $1,094,000
- Year of Release: 1971
- Top Speed: 145 mph
- # of Vehicles Produced: Only 11 prototypes exist
Ferrari 250 GTO
Despite its brief production period from 1962 to 1964, the 250 GTO’s influence has endured far beyond its conception. Not one car is unaccounted for, with millionaires such as David MacNeil and Gianni Bulgari owning one of these rare beauties.
Quick Facts about the Ferrari 250 GTO
- Average Starting Price: $51.7m
- Year of Release: 1962
- Top Speed: 174 mph
- # of Vehicles Produced: 36 units
Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype
Crafted by the legendary Shelby American team, the Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype was a symbol of American ingenuity and racing ambition.
Its open-top design and lightweight build were engineered with a single purpose: to conquer the race tracks of the world. This ambition was realized when one of the only four GT40 Roadster Prototypes ever made took to the prestigious Le Mans circuit, etching its name into the annals of racing history.
Quick Facts on the Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype
- Average Starting Price: $7m
- Year of Release: 1965
- Top Speed: Uncertain
- # of Vehicles Produced: From the 12 GT prototypes made, only 5 of them were roadsters.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Prototipo
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Prototipo is an embodiment of Italian finesse, a rare jewel that marries racing heritage with avant-garde craftsmanship. It stands as one of the most exclusive vehicles of its time, with its 2.0-liter V8 engine propelling it to 60 mph in a breath-taking 5.5 seconds.
The Stradale’s prowess was not confined to power alone; its six-speed Colotti manual gearbox was a marvel of transmission technology for its era. Enshrouded in an aerodynamic body designed by Franco Scaglione, the 33 Stradale cuts through the air with the grace.
Quick Facts on the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Prototipo
- Average Starting Price: $10m
- Year of Release: 1967
- Top Speed: 161 mph
- # of Vehicles Produced: 12
BMW 507
The BMW 507 has secured its place as one of the rarest BMW models in history. Its convertible body was the epitome of post-war elegance, setting a benchmark for luxury vehicles brand-wide. The BMW 507 influenced BMW’s design language for generations to come. Yet, this icon was not without its trials and tribulations.
The high production costs of the BMW 507 brought the company to the brink of financial ruin, signaling the impact a single model could have on an entire company’s fate. But now it’s worth millions. Also, a fun fact: one owner of this classic was none other than Elvis!
Quick Facts on the BMW 507
- Average Starting Price: $2.1m
- Year of Release: 1956
- # of Vehicles Produced: 252 units
Chrysler Norseman Concept
The Chrysler Norseman Concept represented a significant leap forward in automotive design, but it was lost to the depths of the ocean before its grand unveiling. Designed by the visionary Virgil Exner, it was a four-seat fastback coupe featuring futuristic elements like a power sliding glass panel sunroof and hidden automatic headlights.
It was a car that could have set new standards for design and engineering, powered by a robust 331 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi engine. Tragically, the Norseman Concept’s fate was sealed in the sinking of the SS Andrea Doria, denying the public a chance to witness this innovative marvel.
Quick Facts on the Chrysler Norseman Concept
- Average Starting Price: Unavailable
- Year of Release: 1956
- Top Speed: Unknown
- # of Vehicles Produced: Only 1
Jaguar XKSS
In an act of ingenuity, Jaguar transformed the remaining unsold D-Types into road-going versions, thus birthing the XKSS, one of the most sought-after classic cars of all time. However, fate intervened when a factory fire destroyed nine of the chassis, further cementing the XKSS’s scarcity and desirability.
The XKSS was alluring not just to private collectors but also to Hollywood royalty. Steve McQueen, the King of Cool himself, owned an XKSS, which he affectionately dubbed the “Green Rat.”
Quick Facts on the Jaguar XKSS
- Average Starting Price: $12m
- Year of Release: 1957
- Top Speed: 150 mph
- # of Vehicles Produced: 16
Lamborghini Miura SVJ
The Lamborghini Miura SVJ is a car that commands attention. It is a rare variant of the already iconic Miura that pushed the boundaries of performance and design. With just a handful of these vehicles in existence, each SVJ is a masterwork of automotive artistry, boasting upgrades inspired by the original Jota. The custom modifications on these cars include:
- Dry-sump lubrication system
- Enhanced engine performance
- Upgraded suspension and brakes
- Aerodynamic enhancements
Perhaps the most intriguing of these is the mystery SVJ from 1972, rumored to be one of the closest builds to the original Jota, its legendary status only enhanced by its enigmatic history and presence in private collections.
Quick Facts About the Lamborghini Miura SVJ
- Average Starting Price: $3.6 m
- Year of Release: 1972
- Top Speed: 180 mph
- # of Vehicles Produced: 3
Summary
When it comes to expensive cars that are as rare as these, ensure you store them in a safe, climate-controlled space (which should be a give-in). Do check out local traditional storage facilities near you. Or, if you’re looking for a trustworthy storage option at half price, check out peer-to-peer car storage marketplaces like Neighbor. Here, you’ll be able to find secure spots perfect for long-term classic car storage (whether you own one vehicle or a collection of these rare gems).
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some of the Rarest Classic Cars?
It’s hard to name just one rare classic, but some of the top ones are:
- Ferrari 250 GT
- Ford GT40
- Porsche 916
- Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
What Is the Number 1 Rarest Car?
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, with only 2 ever built, can be considered as the rarest car out there.
What Is the Most Exotic Car Ever?
The Rolls Royce Boat Tail is a handmade convertible car shaped like a J-class Yacht. It is considered the holy grail of exotic cars and costs a whopping $28 million.
