Muscle cars embody the essence of American automotive power and style, boasting high-performance engines, bold designs, and a deep-rooted legacy.
Some models distinguish themselves not only by their sheer speed and horsepower but also by their rarity and historical significance.
From the legendary Shelby to the iconic Hemi Challenger and other revered classics, certain muscle cars command jaw-dropping prices at auction. Below are some of the most expensive muscle cars ever sold.
1. 1962 Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000
$13.75 Million
A classic blue sports car is showcased in a showroom, featuring wire-spoke wheels and a convertible top.
A signboard next to the vehicle provides details, while the background displays large text reading “FIRST COBRA CSX2000” alongside vintage car-related memorabilia.
As the very first Cobra ever produced, the 1962 Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000 was Carroll Shelby’s groundbreaking attempt at merging American muscle with British engineering.
With a lightweight AC Ace body paired with a Ford V8 engine, this prototype redefined performance vehicles and paved the way for future generations of high-powered sports cars.
In 2016, this historic model fetched an astonishing $13.75 million at auction, setting a record at the time as the most expensive American car ever sold.
2. 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible
$3.5 Million
A yellow vintage convertible muscle car is parked on a road, framed by trees in the background. It showcases round headlights, a hood scoop, and black accents, with its top down.
The 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible stands as one of the rarest and most sought-after muscle cars ever produced.
With only 11 units manufactured that year and just two four-speed versions sold in the U.S., its exclusivity adds to its legendary status.
In 2014, this rare ‘Cuda made history at Mecum Auctions, commanding an incredible $3.5 million far exceeding previous sales of similar models and setting a new benchmark for classic muscle car values.
Also Read: 10 Classic Cars That Were Once Cheap But Are Now Worth Millions
3. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 ‘Super Snake’
$5.5 Million
A classic blue Shelby Cobra is displayed indoors with its hood open, showcasing the engine. The car features Goodyear tires and a glossy finish, while black and white photographs adorn the wall behind it.
The 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” is an iconic muscle car and the only remaining example of its kind.
Initially built in 1965 as a factory 427 competition model, it was later modified in 1967 with dual Paxton superchargers on its 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing immense power through a three-speed automatic transmission.
This one-of-a-kind Cobra, known as CSX 3015, still retains its original engine, body panels, and other key components, further enhancing its rarity and value. It has repeatedly set records at auction, selling for $5.5 million in both 2007 and 2021, as well as $5.1 million in 2015.
4. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88
$3.85 Million
A blue vintage racing car, marked with a bold number 7 on its side, is parked outdoors on pavement. It is adorned with numerous sponsor decals and boasts a sleek design. In the background, trees and distant mountains stand beneath a clear sky.
Corvettes are known for their flashy appeal and high price tags, but the metallic purple, attention-grabbing modern models speeding down highways today don’t come close to being the most valuable ‘Vettes ever sold.
To find those, you have to travel back to the 1960s. The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 is widely regarded as the ultimate Corvette, often considered the crown jewel of the lineup.
Designed as a race car that was still street-legal, it packs a 7.0-liter 427 V8 engine, officially rated at 430 horsepower but capable of producing up to 574 horsepower in reality.
With only 20 units ever built and just 16 known to still exist, the L88 remains one of the rarest and most coveted Corvettes.
Among them, the red-on-red 1967 L88 the only one of its kind in that color combination set a record as the most expensive Corvette ever sold, commanding an astounding $3.85 million at auction in 2014.
5. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6
$1.2 Million
A red classic muscle car with black racing stripes on the hood is parked on a paved road. It features chrome bumpers, round headlights, and “SS” badging on both the grille and side. The car is surrounded by lush grass and greenery.
The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 stands as Chevrolet’s most valuable and high-performance muscle car, with the convertible variant being the rarest and most sought-after.
While Chevrolet never officially disclosed exact production numbers, experts estimate that fewer than 20 LS6-equipped convertibles remain today. Powered by a 454 cubic-inch V8 engine officially rated at 450 horsepower, the LS6 was a true performance beast.
Due to the lack of detailed factory records, counterfeit models are common, making proper documentation crucial for authentication.
Genuine LS6 convertibles typically command between $150,000 and $200,000, but certain standout models such as the Ray Allen Truppi-Kling race car have reached an astounding $1.2 million at auction.
6. 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible
$1.1 Million
A vintage orange convertible sports car, believed to be a Pontiac GTO, is parked on a paved surface. It features a black interior, distinctive hood scoops, chrome accents, and sporty decals. A brick wall serves as the backdrop.
The connection between this car’s nickname, “The Judge,” and its staggering auction price is almost too perfect. Serendipity, right?
The 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible fetched an impressive $1.1 million at Mecum Auctions, largely due to its extreme rarity Pontiac produced only seven automatic versions.
Initially built as a factory exhibition car, it was later sold to a private collector. Out of the 40,149 GTOs manufactured in 1970, just 168 were Judge convertibles, and only 17 came equipped with the powerful 370-horsepower Ram Air IV V8 engine.
7. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
$1.1 Million
A sleek black muscle car with its hood open sits on a grassy field, showcasing its gleaming exterior and classic design.
Several other vehicles can be seen in the background, while people stroll around under a bright sky, surrounded by trees.
The year 1969 was a defining moment for the Camaro, with standout models like the Z/28, ZL-1, and SS making waves among enthusiasts.
However, the ZL-1 stands out as one of the rarest and most desirable versions, as Chevrolet produced only 69 units.
This exclusivity has made the ZL-1 incredibly valuable, fetching an impressive $1,094,500 at auction.
The car perfectly blends the striking design of the 1969 Camaro with the high-performance 427-cubic-inch ZL-1 big-block engine, engineered specifically for racing.
8. 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 ‘Bullitt’
$3.4 Million
A dark green classic American muscle car is parked on a rocky terrain near the edge of a cliff. Its vintage design is enhanced by chrome accents and black racing wheels, giving it a timeless and bold appearance.
The legendary 1968 Ford Mustang GT390, made famous by its thrilling car chase in the film Bullitt, was auctioned for a record-breaking $3.4 million. This was an astonishing increase from its original $3,500 price tag.
Following its time on set, the Mustang changed hands multiple times, beginning with a Warner Bros employee before landing with a detective, who eventually sold it to Robert Kiernan in 1974 for $6,000.
The vehicle remained with the Kiernan family for four decades before undergoing restoration to bring it back to its original state.
This sale officially made it the most expensive Mustang ever sold. However, when it comes to iconic movie cars, James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 still surpasses it, holding a record price of $4.5 million.
9. 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra
$5.49 Million
A striking red convertible sports car sits on an expansive, cracked desert landscape. The sun casts long shadows across the terrain, while mountains rise in the distance beneath a clear blue sky.
A 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra, once owned by Carroll Shelby himself, was sold for an impressive $5.49 million at Mecum Auctions.
Shelby retained ownership of the car from the moment it rolled off the assembly line in March 1966 until his passing in 2012.
Originally finished in Carbon Grey, the Cobra later underwent multiple repaints first in blue with a gold nose and then in its current red hue.
Always in pursuit of greater performance, Shelby upgraded the car with a 427-cubic inch V8 engine featuring aluminum heads, paired with an automatic transmission for optimal power delivery.
10. 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible
$1.65 Million
A classic green convertible with a black hood stripe and chrome accents is parked on a paved surface. In the background, trees and grass stretch under a clear sky, adding to the car’s timeless appeal.
The 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible is an exceptionally rare muscle car, with only nine units produced that year.
As with most high-performance classics made in such limited numbers, this powerhouse commands an impressive price, selling for a staggering $1.65 million at auction.
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