The Extravagance of a $20 Million McLaren F1 and Other Remarkable Collector Cars at Pebble Beach

While some of the purchases were justifiable, others seemed questionable, like the case of a Ferrari Dino fetching a higher price than a Lamborghini Countach—the original one, not the newer Aventador. We have compiled a selection of both types here, some of which may garner your sympathy for the buyers, while others may make you roll your eyes before moving to another discussion at the exclusive club.

If you were to spend $400,000 on a 160-horsepower car from Japan, people would likely consider you eccentric. However, invest the same amount in a Porsche, and suddenly it becomes a wise financial choice, an asset that appreciates, and an all-around sound investment. Although it retains its original matching numbers and has low mileage, it reveals when someone has never contemplated how they would spend a million dollars as if it were not a common occurrence.

The reasoning behind the record-breaking sale of this McLaren F1 boils down to a simple fact. It is the sole example of the finest road vehicle in history to be painted brown at the factory, and it has only covered a mere 240 miles. It has probably travelled more miles on cargo planes and trailers than on its own wheels. I have certainly walked my dog farther than that within just this year.

Chances are this situation will remain the same, as an individual willing to invest twenty million dollars in an immaculate, one-of-a-kind car will likely prefer it to remain in its pristine condition.

If you manage to articulate that title without pausing for breath, the U.S. Olympic swimming squad might want a chat. This model was among merely 50 elongated-wheelbase editions of the 250 GT California Spider, approximately 10 of which were engineered for racing purposes, featuring lightweight bodywork, an enlarged fuel tank, a differential with limited-slip functionality, and more finely tuned powerplants. At a price tag nearing $11 million, one might anticipate that this vehicle had secured victories at Le Mans or similar events, but in reality, it only clinched class triumphs at a few Italian hill climb competitions.

This scenario might not persist if the new owner opts to partake in vintage racing and compete closely with other high-value classic cars, although it’s best not to hold your breath.

Being one of the most legendary vehicles in the history of Grand Prix racing, this Type 35 is inevitably among the most expensive, particularly if it was factory-operated, secured victories in two races in 1929, and later possessed by Louis Chiron himself. Indeed, that Chiron. Nonetheless, picture handing over that payment only to lean in towards the seller and inquire, “excuse me, how does one operate an unsynchronized gearbox?”

That refers to the 250F model by Maserati, whose most acclaimed Grand Prix racer was recreated at half size featuring a Benelli motorcycle engine, sequential five-speed gearbox, and four-wheel disc brakes. At full throttle, it supposedly reaches a maximum speed of 50 mph, a velocity most parents would vehemently oppose their children attaining in the open environment.

F40 models frequently appear in various rankings of the finest Ferraris in history; hence, it’s not surprising that a unit with barely 2,500 miles would fetch nearly three million. Contemplate for a moment that the successful bidder might not have had, though, and question whether you would expend that amount on an F40 or opt for a more contemporary alternative. A Chiron, perhaps? Undoubtedly, in many aspects, it surpasses the former vehicle manifold.

Do you have a tip or query for the author? Contact them here: james@thedrive.com