4 Priciest Cars Owned by the Ultra-Rich
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Money is no object when the ultra-rich go car shopping. It’s not uncommon for them to purchase a car that’s more expensive than the average person’s home.
“Buying a seriously pricey car — $250,000 and up — can be a good investment, but it depends on the model and its potential for appreciation,” said Alex Jones, owner of Automobilia, based in West Haven, Connecticut. “For instance, limited edition cars like the Bugatti Veyron or vintage Ferraris have historically appreciated.”
However, he said other models might depreciate quickly, so potential owners need to conduct thorough research and possibly contact a car investment expert.
Of course, wealthy owners aren’t always thinking about the appreciation value when buying an expensive car.
“For the ultra-rich, the enjoyment and status symbol of owning such a vehicle can outweigh financial considerations,” said John Lin, owner of JB Motor Works in Philadelphia. “It’s more of a lifestyle investment.”
As to what they actually do with these cars, he said it varies.
“Some ultra-rich individuals add these cars to their collections and rarely drive them, preserving their condition and value,” he said. “Others enjoy driving their pricey cars regularly, especially if they appreciate the advanced engineering and performance.”
Either way, he said these pricey vehicles are often meticulously maintained.
“Maintenance for high-end cars is much more frequent, involved, and costly compared to regular vehicles,” he said. “I’d estimate yearly upkeep is at least 1%-2% of the car’s value, so a $500,000 car might have a $5,000-$10,000 maintenance budget,” he said.
Therefore, a car might have an outrageously expensive sticker price, but that’s just the beginning of the cost its owner will incur. Here’s a look at the four priciest cars owned by the ultra-rich, according to the Robb Report.
4. Bugatti Bolide
- Price: $4.3 million
Fast and furious, Bugatti introduced the Bolide concept in December 2020. Equipped with a W-16 engine that produces 1,578 horsepower, it has 1,180 pound-feet of torque and is available from 2,250 revolutions per minute.
Its compact, angular design gives it a look similar to the Batmobile, which could also be a selling point for wealthy car aficionados.
3. Bugatti Mistral
- Price: $5 million
Another from Bugatti, the Mistral is designed to be the fastest open-top production car in the world. The final W-16-powered car from the brand is so popular, all 99 models made have already sold out, according to Car and Driver.
Featuring a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, the car has a top speed of at least 260 miles per hour. Clearly, this car is a dream for any speed-loving billionaire.
2. Pagani Huayra Codalunga
- Price: $7 million
A restyled interpretation of a model that pays tribute to 1960s race cars, the Codalunga is a beauty. The design and build process took two years, with five total cars available for sale — and immediately sold — according to Barron’s.
Featuring a twin-turbo six-liter V-12 engine that produces 840 horsepower, this hypercar is made for speed.
1. Rolls-Royce Droptail
- Price: $30 million-plus
Inspired by classic yachts and hot rods, the Droptail is a seriously extravagant two-seat roadster. In total, Rolls-Royce will build four of them, each with the level of personalized customization you would expect for a car at this price point.
So far, three Droptails have made their debuts, including the La Rose Noire, the Amethyst and the Arcadia. These coach-built cars have V-12 engines, complete with an aluminum space frame chassis, wood trim and their own custom timepieces that also serve as a watch.
Photo disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only and may not reflect the exact car listed.
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