10 vintage cars that are worth a fortune today
In cars, the vast majority of people value speed, reliability, luxury and exquisite design. And cars are a confirmation of status and solvency. Over the 128 years of automotive history, many luxury cars have been created, and some of the vintage models have survived to this day and are worth a fortune.
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1. Alfa Romeo Tipo B, 1932, $5.6 million
The car, made in 1932 to participate in the Grand Prix, became the prototype of the first racing cars. Thanks to the 2.6-liter 8-cylinder engine with 260 hp. with., as well as improved aerodynamics, Tipo B won as many as 26 races between 1932 and 1935.
2. Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK, 1929, $7.4 million
The classic racing roadster was nicknamed SSK (Super Sport Kurz) because of its shorter wheelbase than the previous model. It was the last car that the legendary carmaker Ferdinand Porsche designed for Mercedes. Under the hood of the SSK was a monstrous power (300 hp) giant 7.1-liter engine, thanks to which the car developed a speed of 200 km / h. For much of the 1930s, SSK dominated virtually every Grand Prix.
3. Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, 1965, $7.7 million
The dream of any urban playboy, the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is one of the few American cars that were considered worthy rivals to Ferrari in the GT class. Powerful 430 hp V8 engine. With. and a speed of 320 km / h allowed him to win Le Mans in 1964 and the World Automobile Manufacturers Championship in 1965. The last of the true classics of American cars was sold for a record $7.7 million.
4. Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, 1961, $8.6 million
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder is a remake of the award-winning 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. The new Spyder features a sleeker body, a much more efficient chassis and a powerful 3.0-litre V12 engine. This car became notable for the fact that it was very often filmed in Hollywood films. With its design and superb handling, the Spyder has become an object of desire for car enthusiasts around the world.
5. Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, 1947, $9 million
Before Ferdinand Porsche started building his own cars, he designed the engine for this 5.2 meter beast. The 5.4-liter engine, streamlined body, silver paint finish and aristocratic appearance have made the 540K Special Roadster a favorite among aristocrats, businessmen and stage and screen stars. The two-door convertible, which epitomized the opulence of pre-war automobiles, featured superb handling at high speeds, a rarity even among luxury cars in the 1940s.
6. Bugatti Royale Type 41 Kellner Coupe, 1931, $9.8 million
The story goes that Ettore Bugatti wanted to create a car so luxurious that only royalty could own it. Ettore managed to realize his dream, and the car became the most luxurious car ever to be sold. At the same time, its 12.7-liter engine allowed Bugatti to be one of the most powerful road cars in the world. In total, six copies of the "royal" car were built.
7. Duesenberg Model J, 1931, $10.3 million
Developed during the Great Depression by the American company Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, the Model J is a prime example of American innovation and luxury. Model J was designed specifically to be the most stylish, fastest, biggest and most expensive car in the United States. One of its owners was the Spanish king Alfonso XIII and several leading businessmen of that time.
8. Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1957, $27.5 million
As many car enthusiasts assure, the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is much more than just a powerful and stylish car. It represents an entire generation of sports cars that have become the favorite toys of the rich and famous. Now such cars are sold for $12 million, and the price of perfectly preserved specimens reaches $27 million.
9. Mercedes W196R, 1954, $29.6 million
The Mercedes W196R, also known as the "Silver Arrow", came in second on the list due to its rarity and resulting huge demand among wealthy collectors. Of the 10 cars in existence today, only one is privately owned, while the rest are either owned by Mercedes-Benz or car museums. The Silver Arrow dominated 1954 and 1955 Formula One racing.
10. Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, 1937, $40 million
When the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic was in development, few thought that only four cars would be built. Today, only two such cars remain, one of which is the property of the famous fashion designer Ralph Lauren and exhibited in Paris, and the other belongs to an unknown collector and is on display at the Mullin Automobile Museum in the American city of Oxnard.