A car is classified as rare depending on a variety of things, one of which is the number of production prototypes or first units made, for example, the Bugatti Kellner coupe was only made into six copies. The rarity of a car can also be established as a result of it being in a famous film or from winning a notable race like the LeMans. Special model vehicles made by manufacturers can also be included in the rare car category, like the Shelby Mustang. Rare cars have been stored as collectibles by those lucky enough to pay the massive price tag attached to these scarce items.
Cars of yesteryear can also be included in the rare car category; though they might have been in mass production. The fact remains that only a handful of these cars are left today and because of this, they can be considered rare. One such example is the 1908 Crane-Simplex 50 Speedcar Roadster. What makes a car unique is it being the only one ever built in its model, such is the case for the Phantom Corsair; its developer Rust Heinz died tragically, leaving the prototype as the only model ever built.
But it's one thing to read about these cars. It's another thing to identify them. Can you name these rare cars with a hint?
Produced in 1961, this exotic Italian car is rare... very rare. Only 55 were ever made.
Ferrari 250 GT California SWB Spider
Not only incredibly beautiful, the Ferrari 250 GT California SWB Spider will set you back around $17 million or maybe more. That's the price one recently sold for in an auction.
Floyd Mayweather used to own one of only two of these Swedish sportscars. He recently put his up for auction.
Volvo V90
Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita
Only two Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita were ever built. Interestingly, it is made out of a special carbon fiber that shines like millions of diamonds when hit by light.
Built in 1963, this American marque was extremely popular. Only nine survive today, however.
Ford Mustang
Chrysler Turbine
The Chrysler Turbine was actually powered by a gas turbine engine. Fifty five were made and after testing by both Chrysler and members of the public, all were reclaimed and destroyed. Except nine.
Built in limited numbers in 2013, this super car is the most expensive on the planet.
Ferrari Dino
Fiat 500
Alfa Romeo 4C
Lamborghini Veneno
The limited edition Lamborghini Veneno, released in 2013, costs $4.5 million, making it the most expensive production car in the world. Only 5 were built.
This classic American race car from the '60's dominated the LeMans 24 race, winning it four years in a row.
Ford GT40
The GT40 dominated LeMans in the mid to late '60s. In fact, in their first attempt at the classic endurance race in 1966, the team finished in 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Introduced in 1958, this vehicle was EXPENSIVE! In fact, it would cost you more than the most expensive Rolls Royce of that time.
Eldorado Brougham
Known as 'America's Dream Car', the Eldorado Brougham priced itself out of the market in the 1950s. That doesn't mean they are not in demand today, especially thanks to their incredible looks.
Built by one of America's oldest car manufacturers, this vehicle was the first mass produced car in the world.
Frisbee
Oldsmobile Curved Dash
Many people think the Ford Model T was the first mass produced car in the world. It was, in fact, the Oldsmobile Curved Dash which was built between 1901 and 1907.
Just 69 units of this particular model of a famous '60s muscle car were ever built.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
The Camaro marque from Chevrolet is one of the most revered muscle car names around the world. In 1969, the company produced just 69 units of the ZL-1. In 2012, a collector paid $450,000 for one for his garage.
Just 55 examples of this '60s muscle car exist today.
Chevrolet El Camino
Ford Galaxie
Plymouth R023 GTX
Plymouth took their regular GTX muscle car, removed as much weight as possible and smacked a legendary Hemi engine into it. And so the R023 GTX was born.
This luxury car, built in 1929 cost $25,000 at the time. Only 200 were built.
Stanley
Pierce Arrow
Duesenberg Model J
The Duesenberg Model J was essentially an American attempt to build a luxury car similar to the Rolls Royce. Looking for one today? You would need at least $2 million dollars to buy it.
Although 4,400 examples of this vehicle were produced in the early 1930s, finding one today in pristine condition will set you back a cool $400,000.
Cord L-29 Cabriolet
Built in the early '30s, the Cord L-29 Cabriolet was the first American vehicle with front-wheel drive. This vehicle was the brainchild of Carl Van Ranst but by 1932, they had been discontinued.
This two-door car, produced by the a division of Ford, was a real looker for its time.
Mercury Coupe
Now a favorite of hot rodders, the two-door coupe from Mercury just has that look about it. It all stems from the grill, which really gives the coupe an aggressive stance.
Only six examples of this French vehicle were ever made.
Bugatti Type 41 Royale Kellner Coupe
Built in the early 1930s, only six examples of the Bugatti Type 41 were ever made, with three sold to the public. Today, these vehicles are estimated in value at around $10 million! Interestingly, they were powered by a 12.7-liter straight eight engine.
This Spanish manufacturer claimed that this model was the fastest production car in the world in the early 1950s.
Pegaso Z-102
Built by Spanish automobile manufacturer, Pegaso, the Z-102 was able to reach over 120mph in the early 1950s. This made it the fastest production car in the world. With its beautiful lines and rich pedigree, a Z-102 is valued at over $1 million today.
Built in the '50s, this famous Italian marque built only 34 examples of this sleek beauty.
Fiat Multipla
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
Not only beautiful to look at, the 250 Testa Rossa notched up race track wins all over the world. With only 34 ever built, these cars are now valued at close to $40 million!
A combined effort between two companies, one British and the other Italian, produced this beauty.
Jaguar XJ
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato was a collaboration between the British sports car manufacturer and the Italian coachworks company. Only 19 models were made and so far, only one has ever come up for auction; it sold for just over $14 million.
This company is perhaps more famous for their vehicle used extensively in World War II by American armed forces. They did, however, make a beautiful civilian version beforehand.
Willys Coupe
Produced by Willys, around 20,000 examples of the coupe were made. Although that may seem a lot, they are fairly rare today and will set you back close to $100,000.
In 1912, if you wanted something equally as good at home, on the track, as well as the road, this was your best bet.
Standard Electric
Mercer 35R Raceabout
Only 12 Mercer 35R Raceabouts were ever produced. Back in 1910, it would have cost you $2,250 but nowadays, significantly more, that's if one comes to auction.
One of the most unique looking cars ever designed, only one prototype was ever made as sadly, its designer died before it even went into production.
Chevrolet Bel Air
Ford Thunderbird
Phantom Corsair
The prototype of the Phantom Corsair cost a lot of money to design and build in 1938. In fact, convert it into today's equivalent and you are looking at around $370,000. After the death of designer Rust Heinz, the project never got off the ground and the prototype now is housed at the National Automobile Museum.