Top 10 most expensive movie cars ever sold at auction
One car went for a whopping $17.1 million
10. Ford Mustang (1967)
Film: Gone in 60 Seconds
Sold for: $1 million
In the 2000 movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," Nicolas Cage was behind the wheel of a special car called the Eleanor Mustang. This unique ride, made just for the movie, became famous and eventually sold at an auction for a cool $1 million. Its hefty price tag? It's all because it's the last one left that still runs from the movie set.
9. Duesenberg Model J Murphy SWB Convertible Coupe (1929)
Film: The Gay Divorcee
Sold for: $2.37 million
In the 1934 film "The Gay Divorcee," starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, there was a special car that caught everyone's eye. Fast forward to 2013, and that same car sold for a whopping $2.37 million! Interestingly, it wasn't just a prop - Ginger Rogers, one of the stars, actually owned it in real life. And get this: there were only a few of its kind ever made, making it even more exclusive.
8. Ferrari 750 Monza Spider (1955)
Film: On the Beach
Sold for: $2.5 million
Back in 1959, Fred Astaire cruised in style in the iconic Ferrari 750 Monza Spider for the memorable movie "On the Beach," which snagged an Academy Award. Flash forward to 2011, and this same car, one of the few left from the film's Grand Prix scenes, fetched a cool $2.5 million at auction.
7. Mercedes Benz S 26/180 Boattail Speedster (1928)
Film: Sylvia Scarlett
Sold for: $3.7 million
Back in 1935, the spotlight shone on this car in the Katharine Hepburn flick "Sylvia Scarlett." But that's not all; it had some serious history even before that. The Marx brothers once owned it and even wagered with a Hollywood agent to prove whose wheels were the fastest. Fast forward to 2010, and this piece of cinematic and celebrity history sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $3.7 million.
6. Ford Mustang GT390 (1968)
Film: Bullitt
Sold for: $3.71 million
Pulled off the auction block for a hefty $3.71 million in 2020, this car stole the show in the 1968 classic "Bullitt," starring Steve McQueen. Yep, it's the very car he tore through the streets in during that unforgettable chase scene. Here's the kicker: it's the sole surviving stunt car from the film. The other, a Mustang, met its end in the line of duty.
5. Batmobile (1966)
Film: Batman
Sold for: $4.62 million
You can't miss it - the iconic Batmobile from the 1966 Batman TV series takes the fourth spot on our list. It went under the hammer in 2013, fetching a whopping $4.62 million. Believe it or not, this famous ride was transformed from a Lincoln Futura in just 15 days, all on a tight budget of $15,000.
4. 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta (1954)
Film: La Fortuna di Essere Donna
Sold for: $4.62 million
In the 1956 Italian film "La Fortuna di Essere Donna," there's a standout: a rare racing car that shared the screen with Sophia Loren. Fast forward to 2010, and this piece of cinematic history zoomed off the auction block in California for a jaw-dropping $4.62 million. What makes it so special? Well, it's one of just seven ever produced, adding to its allure and value.
3. Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta (1956)
Film: The Love Bug
Sold for: $6.71 million
This classic ride made waves when it hit the auction block in 2012, fetching a whopping $6.71 million. You might remember it from the 1968 Disney comedy "The Love Bug," where it shared the screen with the beloved Volkswagen Beetle, Herbie. What sets it apart? Well, only nine of these beauties were ever crafted by the renowned Italian manufacturer Ferrari.
2. Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe (1965)
Film: Redline 7000
Sold for: $7.25 million
Taking the silver medal is the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe, a star in the 1965 Howard Hawks film "Redline 7000," and it went for a cool $7.25 million in 2009. Originally, it was one of just six cars made for the F.I.A. World Manufacturers Championship before Paramount Pictures got its hands on it on lease.
1. Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (1961)
Film: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Sold for: $17.1 million
Back in 2016, collectors went wild, shelling out a staggering $17.1 million for this prized possession. It clinched the title of the priciest movie car ever sold at auction. What's all the fuss about? Well, it's not just any car. It stole the spotlight in the Academy Award-winning 1963 film "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow," alongside the iconic Sophia Loren. And get this: there are only 37 of its kind in existence, adding to its allure.