2025 was a huge year for car auctions, with collectors spending extraordinary sums on some of the rarest and most important cars ever built. From historic racing legends to ultra rare modern supercars, these vehicles attracted global attention when they went under the hammer. Here are the most expensive cars sold at public auction in 2025, how much they sold for and why each one mattered.
1954 Mercedes Benz W196R Streamliner
Sold for £43 million in January
The most expensive car sold at auction in 2025 was the Mercedes Benz W196R Streamliner. This Formula 1 car raced in the 1950s and was driven by some of the biggest names in motorsport history. Only a small number were ever built and even fewer survive today. Its importance to Grand Prix racing history made it hugely desirable to collectors.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM
Sold for £36 million in February
Second on the list was the Ferrari 250 LM, a legendary racing car best known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965. It was the last Ferrari to achieve an outright win at Le Mans and remains one of the most important cars the brand has ever built. Its racing success and rarity pushed the price well beyond most other classic Ferraris.
2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made
Sold for £21 million in August
This modern Ferrari became one of the most expensive new cars ever sold at auction. The Daytona SP3 Tailor Made was a one off model created for a charity sale. Demand was extremely high, with bidders driving the price far beyond its original list value thanks to its exclusivity and Ferrari’s strong collector appeal.
1994 McLaren F1
Sold for £20 million in March
The McLaren F1 is widely regarded as one of the greatest road cars ever made. With just over 100 built, any example is rare, but this 1994 model achieved a record price for a British car at auction. Its central driving position, lightweight design and legendary performance continue to attract serious collectors.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione
Sold for £19 million in May
This Ferrari combined stunning design with genuine racing history. The California Spider is already one of the most valuable classic cars in the world, but the Competizione version was built specifically for motorsport. Its beauty, rarity and competition pedigree helped secure its place among the biggest sales of the year.
2026 Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM
Sold for £18 million in June
One of the newest cars on the list was the Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM. Built in extremely small numbers, buyers were offered more than just the finished car. The winning bidder also gained the chance to be involved in the build process, adding to its appeal and pushing the price into eight figures.
2001 Ferrari F2001
Sold for £15 million in April
This Ferrari Formula 1 car raced during a championship winning season and represents one of the most successful periods in the sport. Cars from this era are rarely sold at public auction, and demand from collectors who value true race history helped drive its price to a very high level.
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
Sold for £14 million in January
The Ford GT40 Mk II is one of the most famous racing cars ever built. Created to defeat Ferrari at Le Mans, it played a key role in one of motorsport’s greatest rivalries. Its history and racing pedigree ensured it attracted strong interest when it went under the hammer.
2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A
Sold for £13 million in July
One of the most unusual cars on the list was the McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A. The car had not yet raced at the time of sale, with the buyer set to receive it in the future. Its uniqueness and connection to modern Formula 1 helped push the price to remarkable levels.
1993 Ferrari F40 LM
Sold for £9 million in February 2025
Rounding out the list was the Ferrari F40 LM, a lighter and more powerful version of the iconic F40. Built for racing rather than the road, it is far rarer than the standard model. Its motorsport focus and limited numbers made it highly attractive to collectors.
