The question seems straightforward, but like with most things, it may be tricky. Are we solely talking about new automobiles, or should we consider antiques that have appreciated in value over time? Do we consider special-edition models with a limited production run, or possibly even one-of-a-kind models? See? Is it really that simple?
Before we get into the astronomical figures, let’s take a step back and put things into context. The average transaction price for a new automobile in the summer of 2023 will be roughly $48,000. That’s over $10,000 higher than the price of a new automobile in 2019 before the epidemic. What does it get you today? With a few choices, you can acquire a midrange Ford F-150, a Kia Telluride, or a Ford Mustang GT. Not bad considering these options are among the finest in their respective classifications.
At the absolute bottom of the price range is the Nissan Sentra, which costs just $15,580. Sure, there are a few outliers, such as the Changli Nemica, which can be acquired from Alibaba for about $1,000 to begin with, but there are a slew of hidden fees, including delivery.
The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is the most costly automobile available today.
The cost is $28 million.
Outside of the historic automobile industry, the most costly new vehicle is the $28 million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail. It’s the first model to be released by the company’s new Coachbuild division, which caters to the profanely affluent. For example, the first Boat Tail contract was for a pearl magnate. It’s unclear where the other two cases will wind up, but they’re unlikely to stay hidden for long.
That’s because the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is a one-of-a-kind four-seat convertible. The back-end style is influenced by high-end yachts and powerboats, with operated butterfly panels revealing a storage space that can be custom built to match the demands of its clients. The first Boat Tail comes with a set of exclusive picnic accessories, including a power-deployed parasol. That begs the question of how the other two Boat Tails will be furnished. A mobile observatory for astronomy? A portable bounce house? What are rocket launchers? It’s mind-boggling, all for the price of 1,797 Nissan Sentras.
With such a small production run, it’s feasible that the Boat Tail may one day outperform the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe Prototype at auction. Isn’t it true that the affluent keep growing richer? It’s also worth mentioning that it’s not unusual for some of the world’s wealthiest collectors to strike unpublicized transactions. It’s certainly feasible that the costs we’ve discussed here are far lower than these private-party deals. At the very least, we now know what to do with any future Powerball victories.
The most expensive automobile ever auctioned off was a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300.
The cost is $142 million.
Let’s begin with the most expensive automobile ever sold at auction. In 2022, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe Prototype was sold for $142 million. Mercedes-Benz sold it in a private auction held at the carmaker’s museum in Stuttgart, Germany, on behalf of RM Sotheby’s. It’s one of two prototypes built, with the other being kept by Mercedes. For the time being, the new owner’s identity is unknown, but we do know what Mercedes did with part of the money. Some of the proceeds were used to create a scholarship for students studying environmental science and decarbonization.
