When Carl Benz gained the patent for the world’s first gasoline-powered car in January 1886, not even he could have imagined the impact the motor vehicle would go on to have on the world.
Today’s car collectors are looking for connections. An opportunity to connect with the story of automobiles throughout history and the journeys that have made car brands part of the fabric of our culture. A unique car is not just about the design specs or the driving experience it offers - it is an opportunity to drive the next chapter of an ongoing story.
Car enthusiasts have various motivations for collecting cars, ranging from a love of a certain manufacturer to the status owning a unique or rare vehicle affords them. What makes a vehicle collectible is hard to define, but often it’s a collection of design, performance, and an element of exclusivity. All of these factors tend to be true about the world’s most collectible cars, so let’s take a closer look at a few of them.
Jaguar E-Type Series 1
When a car becomes one of the automotive symbols of a decade you know the manufacturers did something right. The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 was first unveiled in 1961 and continued production until 1968, securing many compliments and a place in pop culture along the way. It looks so good that even Enzo Ferrari is said to have called it “the most beautiful car ever made”. Apart from its looks, its 3.8-litre inline-six engine, which later became a 4.2-litre unit, is capable of hitting a top speed of 150mph. The Series 1 is now extremely sought after by car collectors, with well-looked-after examples fetching more than $200,000.
Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most iconic Ferrari models of all time. It boasts a 3.0-litre V12 engine and can reach speeds of up to 170mph. Just 36 were ever manufactured between 1962 and 1964, making this a truly desirable car for collectors. Such is the demand for the model, a 250 GTO holds the honour of being the most expensive Ferrari ever sold. The lucky buyer splashed out $70 million at a private sale in June 2018, which is considerably more than its original sale price of $18,000. However, those original buyers did have to receive personal approval from Enzo Ferrari.
McLaren F1
When working on the McLaren F1, designer Gordon Murray set the intention of reaching new standards for a road car. Its enduring popularity suggests he succeeded. When it was launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 was cutting-edge in a number of ways. From its central driving position to its carbon fibre monocoque chassis, it introduced elements never previously seen in road cars. But one of the true stand-out elements was the 6.1-litre V12 engine, producing 618 horsepower, and capable of a top speed of 240 mph. For the next 10 years, it would be the fastest production car in the world. With just 64 road cars ever made the McLaren F1 is rare, and the model has sold for more than $20 million in recent years.
Ferrari F40
Launched in 1987, the Ferrari F40 was the last model to receive personal approval from Enzo Ferrari before his death. For some car collectors, this only adds to the appeal of what is now one of the best-loved Ferraris in history. Released to celebrate the brand’s 40th birthday, it features a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This power allows for a top speed of 201 mph and makes it capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.2 seconds. Although less luxurious than some other Ferrari models, this was a deliberate move to allow the F40 to more than make up for it with the gains in terms of performance. This iconic vehicle is among the many Ferraris that supercar enthusiasts would love to add to their collections.
Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
A car that ticks all the boxes in terms of what collectors look for is the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. Unfortunately, it will be out of reach for the vast majority, as only four of this iconic car and style icon were ever made between 1936 and 1938. With a 3.3-litre inline-eight engine, the Atlantic is sometimes considered the first supercar. Three are known to still exist.
Fashion design Ralph Lauren owns the last one ever made, buying it in 1988. His car, #57591 was originally bought by R.B. Pope of London and came in a Dark Sapphire Blue. Paul Russel led the restoration project after Lauren’s purchase and used as many original elements as possible, including original tan goatskin upholstery. Today, the striking car has a black finish. One of the other Type 57SC Atlantics still in existence was owned by Peter Williamson and auctioned in May 2010. The exact price is unknown, but it was thought to have sold for around $40 million. It was on display in the Mullin Automotive Museum until founder Peter Mullin’s death.
Some objects have an indescribable allure that draws collectors to them and for these cars, there is an eternal piece of history on those four wheels that makes the prospect even more enticing. The collectors can become part of that history, adding their own chapter to a high-octane journey that has new things to discover at every turn.
