In terms of global economics, 2022 was a chaotic year. Geo-political turmoil, supply chain issues and low growth combined to hit millions of people in the wallet and in this landscape, very few industries are thriving.
One of the exceptions is the classic car sector, which has seen soaring demand for vehicles and record sums splashed out on luxury models. To prove it, here are five of the most expensive cars sold at auction in 2022…
1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT (£1.74 million)
There are a number of reasons why this model is highly desirable; it was the first in a long line of 250 GT cars, which are the manufacturer’s most successful. Plus, only 34 were ever made. In August, one of them — which had been exhibited at the 1956 Brussels Motor Show — sold for just over $2 million at auction. It was the very last 250 Europa GT built and still has its original chassis, engine, body, suspension and brakes.
1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante (£2 million)
When this Art Deco masterpiece rolled off the production line 84 years ago, it didn’t just look good; the Type 57 could hit a top speed of 120mph and smashed countless world records. It even won the Le Mans 24 Hours races of 1937 and 1939.
Given that only 17 were ever built, it’s remarkable that one remains in near-perfect condition. The grand old motor in question had a single previous owner, who apparently stored it in the heated garage of his chateau. Auctioneers Bonhams described it as “a stunningly original car, with great measures taken to preserve its original finishes.”
No wonder it sold for an undisclosed amount in excess of $2 million when it went under the hammer in August.
1957 BMW 507 (£1.93 million)
In May, a blue Series II BMW 507 was driven out of its Philadelphia shed for the first time in 43 years. It had been bought by its owner as a spare in case his other 507 didn’t start — why stop at one expensive sports car when you can have two, right? Apparently, it started like a dream even after all those years of gathering dust, so it’s no wonder it fetched a princely sum at auction — $2.3 million (£1.93 million) to be exact.
2014 Ferrari LaFerrari (£2.2 million)
Technically, this supercar isn’t a classic; it only rolled off the production line eight years ago. But given that it’s a Ferrari, and only 499 units were ever made, the vehicle is coveted by collectors — although, as you might expect, you’d need very deep pockets to be able to afford one. Earlier this year, a Ferrari LaFerrari with a fancy new Giallo Modena (yellow) paint job and less than 1,000km on the clock sold for a record €2.5 million (£2.2 million) at auction in Paris.
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (£3.4 million)
As rarities go, this two-door coupe is right up there. Only 90 were ever built, but the few that made it out of the Porsche factory soon became legendary for their performance on the track, winning dozens of races worldwide and helping elevate the German manufacturer’s motorsport status throughout the 1950s.
To add to the 550 Spyder’s mystique, Hollywood icon James Dean was driving one when he was involved in a fatal crash on a California highway in 1955. So when they appear on the market, they tend to sell for big money.
And that was proven in March this year as a restored model from 1955 changed hands for a whopping $4.1 million (£3.4 million).
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