Some classic cars were extraordinary in their heyday. They left indelible impressions on the automotive industry as pioneers of new trends or breakers of long-standing records. For these reasons, they are still valued in contemporary times, as reflected in their astronomical prices. Here are 15 classics commanding high price tags that many new cars can only dream of.

1962-1964 Ferrari 250 GTO – $70 million 

Engineered under the guidance of Giotto Bizzarrini and later Mauro Forghieri, the 250 GTO was designed primarily for racing and featured a 3.0-liter V12 engine. This potent power plant produced 300 horsepower, allowing the car to achieve up to 174 mph and accelerate to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds. The GTO’s lightweight construction, aluminum body, and tube-frame chassis contributed to its exceptional performance and handling.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – $3 million

A distinctive feature of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is its gullwing doors, which open upwards. The design was a solution to the high sills necessitated by the car’s lightweight tubular frame. It was propelled by a 3.0-liter straight-six engine with direct fuel injection, producing 215 horsepower and around 160 mph. 

1967 Shelby GT500 – $300,000

The 1967 Shelby GT500 was based on the Ford Mustang and displayed a powerful 7.0-liter Police Interceptor V8 engine, delivering approximately 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Unique specifications included a four-speed manual transmission, a robust suspension system for improved handling, and power-assisted front disc brakes. Its interior had a wood-rimmed steering wheel, unique instrumentation with a 140-mph speedometer, and a roll bar with inertia-reel harnesses.

1964 Aston Martin DB5 – $1.3 million 

This iconic automotive is celebrated for its elegant design and sophisticated engineering. It features a 4.0-liter inline-six engine capable of yielding 282 horsepower, allowing it to reach 145 mph and accelerate to 60 mph in 8 seconds. Complementing the engine was a five-speed ZF manual transmission, guaranteeing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The DB5 also had electric windows, reclining seats, and a fire extinguisher.

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Hemi – $1.4 million 

Featuring a prominent nose cone and an enormous rear wing, the Daytona was designed to dominate NASCAR tracks, and it succeeded, setting multiple speed records. Under its hood was a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine capable of 425 horsepower, 490 lb-ft of torque, and over 200 mph. Other features included a reinforced suspension system, heavy-duty brakes, and a four-speed manual transmission.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 – $3.8 million 

The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 had a 427 cubic inch V8 engine with a power rating of 430 horsepower. The powerhouse contained high-flow aluminum heads, an 850 CFM Holley four-barrel carburetor, and a high-performance camshaft. The car also had a heavy-duty suspension, a Positraction rear differential, and a Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher” four-speed manual transmission. Only 20 units were produced in 1967, making it one of the rarest Corvettes ever built. 

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic – $40 million 

The classic 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is distinguished by its teardrop shape, riveted aluminum build, and dorsal seam running from the front to the back. It was powered by a supercharged 3.3-liter inline-eight engine, producing around 210 horsepower, allowing it to reach up to 120 mph. Only four were built initially, and just two survive in their original form, making the Type 57SC extremely rare. 

1962 Ferrari 250 LM – $51.7 million

Produced in limited numbers in 1964, this mid-engine marvel was born out of Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing. Its sleek and aerodynamic design and potent V12 engine made it a formidable force on the track. The 250 LM had a 3.3-liter V12 engine producing around 320 horsepower, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It also features a lightweight structure, advanced suspension system, and precise steering system.

1967 Toyota 2000GT – $1 million 

An iconic Japanese sports car, the 1967 Toyota 2000GT was built in collaboration with Yamaha. It showcased flowing lines, pop-up headlights, and a distinctive long hood. The engine was a 2.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering exceptional output with 150 horsepower and 135 mph. As for the cabin, it was built with luxury and sportiness in mind, with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a stylish dashboard.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 – $4 million

What sets the GTB/4 apart is its advanced quad-cam V12 engine, a marvel of its time. The car delivers 300 horsepower and propels the car from a standstill to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Introduced at the 1966 Paris Motor Show, the 275 GTB/4 was the first Ferrari to feature this engine type. It also featured a dry-sump lubrication system and six Weber carburetors, giving it its effectiveness.

1970 Plymouth Hemi’ Cuda Convertible – $2.5 million

At the heart of the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible lies the legendary 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine, which released a thunderous 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft torque. This power source was merged with a four-speed manual transmission. Only 14 original Hemi Cuda Convertibles were produced, contributing to its exclusivity and desirability. Features such as its signature shaker hood scoop and aggressive styling make it a coveted gem.

1954 Oldsmobile F-88 Concept Car – $3.24 million 

Developed by General Motors, the F-88 showcased a sleek, futuristic design with a fiberglass structure, a hallmark of many concept cars of the era. Powered by a 324 cubic inch, 250 horsepower Rocket V8 engine, it was paired with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The F-88’s design included a wraparound windshield, bullet-shaped bumperettes, and a sporty two-seater layout. Only one remains.

1961 Jaguar E-Type – $300,000

This British sports car was renowned for its revolutionary design and effectiveness. Its sleek, aerodynamic body was inspired by the D-Type racing car and designed by Malcolm Sayer. The E-Type had a monocoque construction combined with a front subframe to support the engine, a design ahead of its time. Four-wheel disc brakes, separate front and rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering led to its exceptional output.

1966 Ford GT40 – $10 million 

The 1966 Ford GT40, famous for winning at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, terminated Ferrari’s dominance at the game. This car was powered by a mid-mounted 7.0-liter, 485 horsepower V8 engine with a four-speed manual transmission. The lightweight chassis and body, made from aluminum and fiberglass, were optimized for endurance racing. Next-generation engineering qualities included independent suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and a sophisticated fuel system.

1971 Lamborghini Miura SV – $3 million

As the final and most advanced version of the Miura series, the SV had significant enhancements over its predecessors. Featuring a 3.9-liter V12 engine capable of releasing 385 horsepower, the Lamborghini could reach 180 mph. The car also came with wider rear fenders to fit in larger wheels and tires, and its redesigned suspension and upgraded brakes contributed to its superior performance.