The 1960s was a defining era for the automotive industry. This period witnessed not just the birth of some of the most iconic cars in history but also the emergence of vehicles that would set auction records decades later. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the world of the most expensive cars of the 1960s, exploring their design, performance, and the reasons behind their extraordinary values today.
1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO ($48.4 million)
The Ferrari 250 GTO is often at the top of any list of expensive classic cars. Produced between 1962 and 1964, this car is a true masterpiece. Its allure comes from its rarity, with only 36 units ever made, and its racing pedigree. The 250 GTO was designed to compete in GT racing, where it was immensely successful. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine, making it a powerhouse of its time.
Getting your hands on one of these was no small feat – you needed Enzo Ferrari’s personal nod of approval. It’s no wonder these limited-edition gems from the 60s have garnered so much fame, earning titles like “Greatest Ferrari of All Time” from Motor Trend Classic, “Hottest Car of All Time” by Popular Mechanics, and even a nomination for “Top Sports Car of All Time” by Sports Car International.
What’s really astonishing is that these Ferraris, now worth millions, were once sold for just four figures back in the 60s and 70s. It wasn’t until the classic car craze in the 80s and 90s that their value skyrocketed, cementing the 250 GTO as a quintessential Ferrari in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts. In a 2018 auction, a Ferrari 250 GTO sold for $48.4 million.
2. 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato ($21 million)
The 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato really stands out, even among other 60s Aston Martins. Sure, there was another Aston Martin from the same era that went for a higher price at auction, but that was a racing prototype, not something you’d typically find on the street. The DB4 GT Zagato, on the other hand, was a touch more accessible – though with only 20 units made, “accessible” is still pretty exclusive.
This car was seriously ahead of its curve. Not only could it zoom up to a whopping 153 miles per hour, but its design also had a futuristic edge, looking like something you’d expect to see on the road 30 or 40 years later. That forward-thinking design is part of what makes it a standout Aston Martin racer.
Pair that with its classic, sleek British design, and you’ve got a recipe for a highly coveted vehicle. It’s no surprise, then, that the Zagato was snapped up for a cool $21 million at a 2018 auction, thanks to its rare blend of speed, style, and scarcity.
3. 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C ($14.5 million)
The Ferrari 275 GTB/C was built with performance in mind. Unlike its GTB siblings, which were more road-focused, the GTB/C was designed for the track. It featured a lightweight body made of thin aluminum and a tuned V12 engine that was more potent and lighter than the standard version. This engine, combined with a more rigid chassis and reduced weight, made the 275 GTB/C a formidable competitor in racing.
One of the most striking aspects of the GTB/C is its design. It retained the beautiful and classic lines of the 275 GTB, a testament to the work of Pininfarina and Scaglietti, but also incorporated functional modifications for racing. These modifications included increased cooling and aerodynamic enhancements.
What makes the 275 GTB/C particularly special is its rarity. Ferrari produced only 12 of these cars, making them incredibly sought after by collectors. The combination of limited production, racing heritage, and the Ferrari brand’s prestige contribute to its high value in the classic car market. In a 2017 auction, one of these cars sold for $14.5 million.
4. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider ($27.5 million)
Dreaming of cruising like the stars from the Marilyn Monroe era but don’t have millions to spare? You might want to check out the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 S NART Spider.
This car isn’t just any old Ferrari from the 60s. It’s one of the most expensive vintage cars from that decade, decked out with special North American Racing Team (NART) modifications. In 2013, this stunning red convertible made headlines when it sold for over $27.5 million.
But here’s the heartwarming twist: this masterpiece of automotive art isn’t hidden away in some rich guy’s private collection. The buyer generously donated it to charity after purchasing it at the record-setting auction. So, it’s not just a symbol of luxury and speed but also of generosity and giving back.
5. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 ($3.8 million)
The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 is a dream car for anyone who loves the combination of street-legal capability and race-track performance. This classic ’60s gem isn’t just a pretty face with its classic racing lines; it also packs a punch with its powerful V8 engine. But owning one of these beauties comes at a significant cost in more ways than one.
First off, the price tag is a hefty one – we’re talking over $3.8 million. And to keep it running at its best, you’ll need 103 octane fuel. With only 20 made in 1967, this car is a rare and highly sought-after collector’s item among enthusiasts of American classic race cars.
What’s interesting is the shift in perception over time. When the 1969 model arrived, critics were more receptive than they had been a year earlier. General Motors had made some design tweaks to this third-generation Corvette, enhancing its appeal and proving that sometimes, a few changes can make a big difference.
6. 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra ($13.7 million)
The 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra is more than just a car; it’s a piece of American automotive history. Shelby has always been synonymous with top-tier car manufacturing in the U.S., and it’s no wonder the Shelby Cobra ranks as one of the 60s’ most expensive vintage cars. The real jewel, though, was Carroll Shelby’s personal 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra.
Shelby, the legend behind the company, kept this particular car until he passed away. Afterward, it went under the hammer for a jaw-dropping $13.7 million. The story and personal connection to Shelby are what sent its value soaring. While a typical Shelby Cobra from the same year might set you back a still-hefty (but comparatively more manageable) $179,000, the unique history of Shelby’s own car made it fetch such a high price at auction.
7. 1968 Ford GT40 ($11 million)
The Ford GT40’s origin story is as dramatic as it is legendary, stemming from what can only be described as motorsport’s most infamous grudge. The Ford GT40 was born out of a rivalry with Ferrari.
The tale begins with lengthy negotiations in 1963 between Ford and Enzo Ferrari. The automotive world was abuzz with the prospect of these two giants collaborating to produce both road cars and racing machines. However, in a surprising twist, Enzo Ferrari abruptly backed out at the last minute, leaving Ford more determined than ever to prove itself.
In response to this snub, Ford embarked on a mission to create a car that could defeat Ferrari at the most prestigious endurance race of them all, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And win it did, four times consecutively from 1966 to 1969. This American-built car, with its mid-engine layout and sleek design, became a legend in the racing world. This led to the birth of the Ford GT40, a vehicle that would not only challenge Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing but also carve out its own legendary status.
The GT40’s value today is not just in its race-winning history but also in its rarity and significance in American automotive history. Original GT40s can command prices upwards of $11 million.
8. 1966 Lamborghini Miura ($1 million)
The 1967 Lamborghini Miura is a shining star among the classic cars of the 1960s, renowned for its groundbreaking design and engineering. Produced from 1966 to 1973, the Miura is a rare gem, with only 800 units ever built, and it’s estimated that fewer than half of these are still in existence today. This scarcity, combined with its revolutionary features, makes the Miura one of the most valuable vintage cars on the market.
The heart of the Miura’s uniqueness lies in its engine. Equipped with a 3.9L V12 engine, the Miura boasted an impressive 345 horsepower, placing it among the fastest in its class during its heyday. However, what really set it apart was its configuration – the Miura was one of the first cars to adopt a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. This innovative design contributed to its incredible speed and agility, as well as a comfortable driving experience.
The Miura’s V12 engine was not just powerful but also technologically advanced for its time. It featured three double overhead camshafts and was capable of generating 350 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque at 5500 rpm. The car’s lightweight nature, owing to its aluminum body with strategic steel reinforcements in areas like the doors, hood, and trunk lid, further enhanced its performance.
9. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder ($18 million)
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is a dream car for many affluent collectors, especially since getting your hands on a 60s Ferrari GTO at auction is quite unlikely. This particular model of the Ferrari 250 GT has made headlines for fetching an astounding price at an auction – over $18 million!
The story behind this record-breaking California Spyder is as fascinating as its price tag. For years, the car lay forgotten in a barn until it was discovered during a clear-out. Imagine the surprise and delight of the two brothers who stumbled upon it, only to later realize they had found one of the world’s rarest vintage cars. The moment of uncovering such a treasure must have been nothing short of exhilarating.
It’s interesting to note, however, that this staggering auction price isn’t a massive outlier for the Ferrari 250 GTs from the 1960s. Typically, these cars tend to fetch around $16 million at auctions. So, while the barn-find Spyder did break records, its sale price isn’t too far off from what you might expect for such a rare and coveted vehicle. This just goes to show the enduring allure and value of classic Ferraris in the collector’s market.
10. 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe ($7.25 million)
The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe is a prime example of the amazing American muscle cars that Shelby produced in the 60s. This beast of a race car, with its powerful engine and eye-catching blue paint job, really made its mark, especially when it zoomed past a Ferrari on Daytona Beach. It was a true showcase of the engineering prowess of that era.
With just six of these coupes ever made, they were super exclusive from the get-go, instantly snagging the status of collectors’ items. They’re among the priciest American cars of the 60s, fetching around $7.25 million each. Talk about a high-value classic!
Conclusion
The 1960s were a golden age for cars, producing vehicles that were aesthetically beautiful and technologically advanced for their time. The most expensive cars from this era, like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Aston Martin DB5, Jaguar E-Type, Ford GT40, and Lamborghini Miura, are much more than just vehicles. They are pieces of history, representing the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering of their time. Today, they are coveted by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, not only for their beauty and performance but for their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of automotive excellence. The astronomical prices these cars fetch at auctions are a testament to their enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of classic cars.