Car Auctions: 5 of the Priciest Muscle Cars Ever to Sell at Auction
Some classic muscle cars are too rare, precious, and exclusive to sell on a used car lot. Instead, many of these ultra-rare and unique muscle cars sell at car auctions. Check out some of the priciest muscle cars ever to sell at a car auction, including a 1965 Shelby GT350R and a 1970 Dodge Challenger.
- 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
- 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390
- 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible
- 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T
- 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona
What is the most expensive muscle car sold at auction?
With labels like “The Flying Mustang” and “The Ken Miles R-Model,” it’s no wonder this 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R takes the crown. Complete with its Wimbledon White and blue stripes, the classic fastback looks a lot like the GT350s of the day. However, this is the first R-Model, a vehicle that the incomparable Ken Miles drove extensively. According to Mecum, the mighty Mustang had more than 10 first-place finishes in the 1965 SCCA racing season.
Moreover, it’s the very first Shelby to win a race. However, in addition to its many tangible awards, it’s a physical representation of the racing tenacity of Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby. As a result, this 1965 Shelby GT350R sold for a jaw-dropping $4 million at a Mecum car auction.
How much did the Bullitt Mustang sell for at auction?
Perhaps the most famous movie car of all time, one of the 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastbacks from the 1968 film Bullitt demanded a premium at auction. Specifically, the dark green movie star car sold for $3.7 million at the 2020 Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Florida. While that is a monumental amount of money, the rugged fastback is a piece of American muscle car and Hollywood history.
If you don’t see its value, I implore you to watch the car chase from the film Bullitt, which pitted the GT 390 against a Dodge Charger in a chase scene scored only by engine noise and tire squeal. The green fastback is more than a car that grabbed big money at auction; it has inspired three generations of Ford Mustang Bullitt homage cars.
How much is a Hemi Cuda worth?
A Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda is a sought-after muscle car, and the money it demands at car auctions clearly indicates that fact. For instance, two of the most expensive muscle cars sold at auction are Hemi ‘Cudas. The first is a 1971 convertible, which sold for $3.5 million. According to Motor Authority, the convertible muscle car is documented as the only numbers-matching Hemi ‘Cuda convertible in the world with a four-speed transmission.
Moreover, a 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible sold for $2.7 million at a car auction in Kissimmee, Florida, in 2016. Complete with bright yellow paintwork, a silver shaker, and a wood-handled pistol grip shifter, the Plymouth muscle car is a sight. Of course, a car that sells for that much has to be exclusive; this ‘Cuda is one of just five 1970 models.
How much is a 1970 Hemi Challenger?
Is there anything more far out than a bright Plum Crazy Purple Mopar? Whoever bought this 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T convertible certainly thought not. The drop-top 1970 Hemi Challenger sold for $1.4 million at a car auction.
Like the other ultra-rare and expensive auction champions, this is a rare vehicle. Specifically, this 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T is one of just five.
How much did a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona sell for at a car auction?
When muscle car fans are asked to picture a crazy racer Mopar from the 1960s, the Dodge Daytona has to be the image. Complete with a massive wing and shark-ish nose, the Dodge designed the Daytona to race in NASCAR, and it didn’t disappoint. This 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona didn’t disappoint at a car auction, either. The green four-speed manual Daytona with a 426 V8 sold for $1.3 million.
What’s the most expensive car you’ve seen at auction? Tell us in the comments below!
