If you are lucky enough to see even one in your life, consider it a complete success! These cars are so rare that winning the lottery seems almost trivial in comparison. For some, only a few copies exist and their owners watch over them as the apple of their eye. Fortunately, these 10 photos are there to delight the pupils of all those who will cross, if only fictitiously, their paths paved with gold.
1. PHANTOM CORSAIR (1938)
Nicknamed the “Car of Tomorrow” (the “car of the future” for non-Anglicists), this prototype concept car was produced in a single and small copy. The brainchild of designer Rust Heinz (yes like ketchup, Rust is the second son of the wealthy H.J Heinz of the ketchup empire) and coachbuilder Bohman & Schwartz, its atypical style is inspired by naval architecture. It is equipped with an original V8 Cord engine and develops 192 hp. Presented at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the Phantom Corsair was priced at $12,500 (a real fortune for the time, the current equivalent of 300,000 euros). Today, due to the exclusivity, some experts have estimated that it would easily cross the $10 million mark if it were put up for auction.
2.CAMARO ZL1 (1969)
Among the entire range of muscle cars offered by the American brand, the 1969 ZL1 is undoubtedly one of the rarest and one of the most desirable With only 69 examples produced, this little jewel of power occupies 2 places on the podium of the most expensive Camaros ever sold with respectively 720,000 euros and 610,000 euros.
3. THE FERRARI P4/P5 BY PININFARINA (2006)
With its only copy and its purchase price of 3.2 million euros, this exceptional supercar is built on the basis of a Ferrari Enzo.
Its owner, James Glikenhaus, an American film director, wanted it to have the same power as well, i.e. 660 hp. Just that.
4. THE MERCEDES-BENZ 540K SPEZIAL ROADSTER (1937)
Of the 25 copies of this sublime roadster manufactured by the famous German brand, only a few have been equipped with a space in the rear axle to fit a spare wheel. This Spezial Roadster was sold in 2011 for $9.68 million. Who says better ?
5. THE FERRARI 250 GTO (1962-1964)
For Motor Trend Classic magazine, it is the best Ferrari of all time. The Ferrari 250 GTO is THE reference car of the 60s which perfectly symbolizes the alliance of elegance and automotive performance. Produced in only 36 copies, the 250 GTO is the most expensive car in the world. Last June, a record non-auction sale reached 70 million euros.
6. THE BMW 507 (1956-1959)
When it comes to good taste, the BMW 507 is the icing on the cake. Produced in small series (257 copies), the Bavarian is a perfect cocktail of what all vintage car collectors are looking for. In March 2014, a factory model sold for 1.7 million euros at auction.
7. ASTON MARTIN DB4 GT (1959-1963)
Sporty evolution of the mythical DB4, the GT made its first appearance in 1959 when it won its first race at the International Trophy. Produced in only 75 units, the DB4 GT develops 302 hp thanks to its 6-cylinder in-line engine.
8. THE BUGATTI ROYALE TYPE 41 (1926-1931)
If you had to choose only one old car, it is likely that your choice will be the Bugatti Royale Type 41. This car is one of the most exceptional and luxurious ever designed by man. Whether from a historical point of view, rarity or value, the Type 41 Royale is an ideal automobile. There are 7 copies in the world + 2 exact replicas. In 1987, the fifth Bugatti Type 41 sold for $9,800,000 at Christie’s car auction. Suffice to say that its price now would defy all competition, it is still necessary that the happy owners want to part with it. Produced in only 36 copies, the SSK (for Super Sport Kurz) is one of the most expensive cars in the world. “Kurz” which means “short” in French, refers to the small size of the chassis which is that of a Mercedes S nevertheless shortened by 480 mm in order to make the car lighter and more agile for competition.
9. THE JAGUAR XJ13
Produced in a single and unique copy and having never participated in any competition, the XJ13 serves as a legend among collectors. In 1996, a purchase offer of almost 8 million euros was refused by the owners. Today, this price could soar if one day it were put up for sale.
