The World’s Most Expensive Items
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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High-end doesn’t quite do justice to some of the world’s most expensive items. If you aren’t too stunned by the sticker price, these limited edition pieces offer the ultra-rich something extraordinary.
From a magnificent feat of automotive engineering to a sandwich that is dripping with opulence, our list of the world’s most expensive will leave you speechless.
World’s Most Expensive Car
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé defines luxury. Valued at a whopping $142 million, according to Guinness World Records, the 1955 ultra-rare automobile was one of two race car prototypes made at the time. It is named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the creator and chief engineer of the near one-of-a-kind legend. It was ahead of its time with a 5-gear transmission and 302 PS (222 kW), unheard of in 1955.
Despite being built to race, the car never saw a racetrack. Because of a shift in focus to passenger vehicles, the Coupé would be used as Uhlenhaut’s company car. It would become known as “the fastest race car to never compete in a race.” The auto was designed for speed, clocking in at 300 kilometers per hour.
While one remains on display at the company’s museum in Stuttgart, Germany, the other was sold to a private collector to establish a global scholarship program. The fund established by the sale of the record-selling vehicle will be used to support young people who are working toward a “more sustainable future.”
World’s Most Expensive Watch
If classic timepieces are more your style, consider the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime. The unparalleled watch sold for an astounding $31 million at a charity auction in 2019. The stainless steel Grandmaster Chime is noted for its 20 complications on two dials.
It also holds six unique patents. It was created to celebrate the heritage brand’s 175th anniversary in 2014. For craft watch connoisseurs, Patek Philippe is synonymous with unequaled quality and artistry. The family-owned manufacturer was founded in 1839 in Geneva and has produced some of the most iconic (and pricey) timepieces on the market.
World’s Most Expensive Sandwich
Perhaps you are a foodie interested in decadent indulgence. Consider Serendipity 3’s Quintessential Grilled Cheese, which holds the Guinness World Record title for the most expensive sandwich.
The New York phenomenon is served on champagne bread that is made with “Dom Perignon and edible gold flakes.” If that doesn’t make you drool, the French Pullman bread is then slathered with “white truffle butter and the very rare Caciocavallo Podolico cheese.” To top it off, patrons willing to pay the $214 price tag are served South African Lobster Tomato Bisque to dip it in.
World’s Most Expensive Sofa
Next, we have the world’s most expensive sofa, which appears to be more art than functional furniture. Priced at $409,000, Ron Arad’s Stainless Steel D sofa is sleek, stylish and breathtaking. While it seats two, it is likely not meant for lounging. The statement piece features mirror-polished stainless steel and oozes chicness.
Designed in 1995 by architect Ron Arad, the contemporary piece has been on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City for over a decade. Ron Arad is an Israeli designer and architect celebrated for his innovative furniture, installations and spaces.
World’s Most Expensive Hotel Room
If your travel accommodations need to include a marble bathroom with Hermès bath products, 12 bedrooms and the entire floor of a luxury hotel, look no further than the Royal Penthouse at the President Wilson Hotel. Located in Geneva, the room will only cost $80,000 per night.
In total, it has over 18,000 square feet, including a 2,500-square-foot living room with sweeping views of Lake Geneva. A billiards table, private gym, 103-inch plasma television and Steinway grand piano are just a few of the room amenities. The suite has hosted dignitaries as well as celebrities. It is fortified with bullet-proof glass to ensure the safety of heads of state staying in the extravagant penthouse.
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