Price: $51,705,000 (£41,455,000)

Breaking records at an RM Sotheby’s auction in New York, the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction is none other than another 250 GTO. The final price tag reached a staggering $51,705,000, although the identity of the buyer remains a mystery as the auction house declined to disclose this information.

This particular Ferrari is truly exceptional. Built in 1962, the GTO Tipo is a one-of-a-kind model, featuring a 4.0-litre engine from new – the only works model to do so. With Tipo 1962 coachwork, it is one of just 34 GTOs to possess this unique feature.

Adding to its allure is the car’s rich motorsport history. This GTO Tipo 1962 was the only one ever raced by Scuderia Ferrari and participated in prestigious events such as the 1962 Le Mans 24 Hours and the Sicilian Hillclimb Championship. Previous owners include a chairman of the Ferrari Club of America, further enhancing its pedigree.

While the final selling price set a new auction record, it fell short of RM Sotheby’s initial bid estimates of $60,000,000. Nonetheless, the seller undoubtedly made a substantial profit, having acquired the car for a mere $500,000 back in 1985 – equivalent to $1.4 million today.