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The most expensive classic cars in 2012

The 10 record cars

As we already saw in our article about the most valuable cars in the world, the sky's the limit when it comes to wealthy enthusiasts spending their pocket money on some old, shiny metal.

And clearly, with the economic crisis it is not just the classic fans investing in collectibles anymore, but it is also a new kind of buyer looking for a safe investment that isn't traded at the volatile stock markets. Cars, especially if painted in Ferrari's red are one way to escape the market turmoil.

The trend has continued in 2012 and once again, auctions have outbid one another with record-breaking results:

10. 625 Ferrari TRC

The tenth most expensive classic to be sold in 2012 was a 625 Ferrari TRC with an auction price of $6.527.000. Only two cars of this kind were made, which may explain this extremely high result.

9. Ferrari 250 GT

On ninth position we find a Ferrari 250 GT, which received a bid of $6.600.000 from a wealthy Ferrari enthusiast.

8. Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione

Another Ferrari comes eighth on this list. $6.710.000 were offered for a 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione dating from 1956. The car had been a successful racer at the Tour de France, which was not only held for bicycles back then but also for cars.

7. Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Double Pullman Limousine - The Corgi

With a bid of $7.343.000 at an auction in Britain, this Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost made it into the top ten for 2012. This 101-year-old model, also designated "The Corgi" was the inspiration for a toy car by Corgi Toys.

6. Bentley 4½ Litre Birkin Blower

Dating from 1929, from the days of the legendary Bentley Boys, this Bikin Blower - named after driver Henry Tom Birkin - set a record auction price of $7.867.000.

5. Ferrari 410S

With its sleek body designed by Carozzeria Scaglietti, a twelve cylinder engine and 340hp, this Ferrari 410S from 1955 seduced a buyer into paying an amazing $8.250.000.

4. Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider

Another record car, another Ferrari: This Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider obtained a bid of $8.580.000, which makes it the fourth most expensive classic in 2012.

3. Ford GT40 Mirage

This 1968 Ford GT/Mirage sold for $11 million at RM's Monterey auction on August 18, 2012. It was the most an American car has ever sold for at auction. This GT40 was part of the first three cars to be painted with the blue and orange Gulf livery. It started as a Mirage, which was a company built more aerodynamic bodies for GT40s and were among the first to use carbon fiber. It was also the camera car for the film Le Mans.

2. Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider

Second place goes to another Ferrari 250 GT California Spider, this one however with a long wheelbase layout. Dating from 1960, this car obtained a bid of $11.275.000.

1. Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster

However, the first place goes to a Mercedes 540K Special Roadster that was sold in 2012 at a Pebble Beach auction for the exorbitantg sum of $11.770.000. The car had passed the last 40 years standing in a garage until it found a new, well-funded owner.