How Much Would You Pay?
So, you think you're a true F1 fan? Well, you might be hard-pressed to reach this level of fandom. As one of the oldest and most celebrated motorsports in history, it's no surprise that some fans of the iconic racing series will put up staggering amounts of money to get a piece of the action. Not just coveted for their rarity, these remarkable relics of the past take us back to the sport's most memorable eras. Let’s explore the 20 most expensive Formula 1 cars ever sold and what made them so great in the first place.
1. Schumacher's 1997 Ferrari F310B Runner-Up Machine
Valued at more than $800,000, Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F310B played a massive role in Ferrari's resurgence during the late 1990s. While it narrowly missed out on the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in 1997, the car celebrated the leadership of Jean Todt and technical director Ross Brawn.
2. 1985 Ferrari 156/85's Turbocharged Power
In the mid-1980s, the Ferrari 156/85 represented the height of Ferrari's turbocharged era in Formula 1. Equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing over 850 hp, it was a beast of its time. This iconic car is valued at more than $1 million.
3. Schumacher's 1991 Jordan 191 Debut
Schumacher's brief but impactful Jordan 191 drive at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix introduced the world to his immense talent. The car's historical importance has made it a sought-after collector's item, with private sales in the 2020s valuing it at approximately $1.6 million.
4. Graham Hill's Winner 1968 Lotus 49B
With values reaching approximately $1.07 million, the Lotus 49B, driven by Graham Hill, was a revolutionary car that utilized the iconic Cosworth DFV engine as a structural component of its chassis. Hill's mastery of the 49B helped him secure the 1968 Drivers' Championship.
5. The 1984 Toleman TG184 Rookie Glory
Despite Toleman's modest resources, the TG184 etched its place in Formula 1 history during Ayrton Senna's rookie season in 1984. It was underpowered compared to its rivals but featured an innovative carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and turbocharged Hart engine. Rumored private sales have valued it at approximately $1.6 million.
6. Schumacher's Legacy With 2000 Ferrari F1-2000
After a 21-year drought, the Ferrari F1-2000 brought Michael Schumacher his first championship with the team. Equipped with Ferrari's iconic V10 engine, it set the tone for his domination in the following years. While auction prices vary, the F1-2000 is frequently valued at around $1.804 million.
7. Vettel's 2010 Red Bull RB6
The Red Bull RB6 marked Sebastian Vettel's first World Drivers' Championship in 2010. The price tag of an estimated $2 million makes it a prized collectible representing the dawn of Vettel's reign. The car secured nine wins and 15 pole positions during the 2010 season.
8. 2007 Ferrari F2007 Räikkönen’s Title Clincher
The Ferrari F2007's 2.4-litre V8 engine and refined aerodynamics made it a dominant force during the 2007 season. It shone in the season finale when Kimi Räikkönen overcame a points deficit to clinch the Drivers' Championship. It's a valuable collector's item, with an estimated price of $2.3 million.
9. A Ground-Effect Trailblazer 1981 Williams FW07C
The Williams FW07C stands as a pivotal car in Formula 1's ground-effect era. An evolution of the FW07 design, the FW07C utilized advanced aerodynamics to generate immense downforce. Its Ford Cosworth DFV engine provided reliable power, and it was rumored to be valued at more than $2 million.
David Merrett from Daventry, England on Wikimedia
10. Sharknose 1963 Ferrari 156 F1
While the car's original "sharknose" design debuted in 1961, the 1963 Ferrari 156 F1 reflected evolutionary changes that adapted to the evolving regulations of Formula 1. Piloted during the John Surtees era, this V6-powered machine maintained Ferrari's competitiveness and has an estimated value of $2.7 million.
11. 2004 Ferrari F2004 Schumacher's Crown Jewel
With rumored private sales averaging $3.2 million, the Ferrari F2004 is often considered the most dominant F1 car in history. Piloted by Michael Schumacher, it won an astounding 15 out of 18 races in 2004. Its V10 engine and aerodynamic perfection set a benchmark in F1 design.
12. 1992 Williams FW14B's Active Suspension
Nigel Mansell's Williams FW14B redefined what was possible in Formula 1 with its advanced active suspension system. This innovation gave the car unmatched cornering ability, and he dominated the 1992 season. It was auctioned at Goodwood for $3.37 million.
The original uploader was Stahlkocher at German Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
13. The 1970 Ferrari 312B Masterpiece
In the early 1970s, Jacky Ickx drove the groundbreaking Ferrari 312B. It featured Ferrari's revolutionary flat-12 engine, which provided exceptional power. The 312B achieved notable success, including victories at the Austrian and Canadian Grand Prix. In 2017, it sold at a Monaco auction for $4.51 million.
John Chapman (Pyrope) on Wikimedia
14. Senna's Monaco 1993 McLaren MP4/8
The McLaren MP4/8 is forever tied to Ayrton Senna's legendary win at the 1993 Monaco Grand Prix. When it sold at Bonhams in 2018 for $4.79 million, it became an iconic piece of memorabilia for fans of the late, great Senna.
15. 1978 Lotus 79's Ground-Effect Champion
Mario Andretti's championship victory in 1978 solidified the car's place in history. The Lotus 79 is often regarded as one of the most dominant cars in F1 history. Its pioneering ground-effect design created immense downforce, and it was estimated to sell for $6.5 million to $9.5 million.
Martin Lee from London, UK on Wikimedia
16. 1975 Ferrari 312T Lauda's Championship
The Ferrari 312T, driven by Niki Lauda, is a landmark in F1 engineering and design. Famous for its transverse gearbox, which improved weight distribution, the 312T powered Lauda to his first World Championship in 1975. While exact sale details remain private, its value is estimated to be around $6 million.
Fotocolors CEVENINI on Wikimedia
17. 2002 Ferrari F2002 Unstoppable Brilliance
The Ferrari F2002, driven by Michael Schumacher, is often considered one of the most dominant F1 cars of all time. With Schumacher at the wheel, it became a championship-winning machine. Sold by RM Sotheby's in 2019 for $6.643 million, the F2002 remains proof of Ferrari's golden era.
18. Hamilton's Era With 2010 McLaren MP4-25
Known for its aerodynamic superiority, Lewis Hamilton's McLaren MP4-25 was a critical contributor to his success in the 2010 season. When it was auctioned at RM Sotheby's in 2021 for $6.6 million, it became the first car from Hamilton's illustrious career to achieve such a high price.
slitz from Portugal on Wikimedia
19. Schumacher's 2001 Ferrari F2001 Dominance Redefined
Michael Schumacher piloted the Ferrari F2001 to one of his most remarkable World Championship victories. This car represents Ferrari's peak performance during their early 2000s reign. It famously secured Schumacher's championship in the 2001 season and, in 2017, fetched $7.504 million at RM Sotheby's.
Peter Wright from United Kingdom on Wikimedia
20. Fangio's Masterpiece 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R
Driven by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R is an icon of Formula 1 history. This car controlled the mid-1950s F1 seasons and was instrumental in Fangio securing his second World Championship. It was sold at Bonhams' Goodwood auction in 2013 for almost $29.6 million.
