While most cars are mass-produced, a select few are so rare and unique that they’re stashed away in museums or owned by the ultra-wealthy. From classic collectibles to outlandishly unique designs, here’s a rundown of 13 of the rarest cars of all time, each with its own fascinating backstory and jaw-dropping features.
13. The Leyat Hélica: A Car with Aviation Dreams
French inventor Marcel Leyat created the Leyat Hélica, a car powered by a front-mounted propeller, in the early 1900s. Leyat, an aviator, believed traditional cars were too bulky and inefficient, so he designed a vehicle that borrowed principles from airplane design. However, the Hélica’s propeller didn’t quite work as intended—it blocked the driver’s view and created hazardous wind conditions. With only 30 ever built and just 23 sold, it remains a quirky relic of early automotive experimentation.
12. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: The Iconic Collector’s Dream – Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, launched in 1952, is instantly recognizable by its unique upward-opening doors that resemble a seagull’s wings. Only 29 aluminum-bodied models were made, making this car an absolute rarity.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: The Iconic Collector’s Dream – Interior
Powered by a 3.0L engine, the Gullwing could hit 60 mph in under 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 mph. Today, this beauty can fetch up to $6.8 million at auction—a testament to its enduring allure.
11. Honda Dream 2: Solar Power Pioneer
The Honda Dream 2, a solar-powered car built for the 1996 World Solar Challenge, looks like something out of the future with its solar panel-covered, turtle-like design.
This one-of-a-kind vehicle, built from lightweight carbon fiber, could reach an average speed of 56 mph, proving the potential of renewable energy in automotive design. It’s a rare piece that exemplifies innovation and environmental responsibility.
10. Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Special: A Concept with Lasting Influence – Exterior
Designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, the Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Special debuted at the 1968 Geneva Show with a sleek design and a distinctive rear window revealing its powerful V12 engine.
Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Special: A Concept with Lasting Influence – Interior
Although it never went into production, the P5’s design influenced future Ferrari models. Weighing under 1500 lbs and capable of hitting 186 mph, it remains a significant piece of Ferrari history despite mixed reviews at its release.
9. Jaguar XK120C: Racing Royalty
Also known as the Jaguar C-Type, the XK120C made a splash at the 1951 Le Mans race with its lightweight aluminum body and tubular frame. Only 53 of these track-focused speedsters were made, making them incredibly rare. Capable of reaching 140 mph, the C-Type’s legacy on the racing circuit has turned it into a highly prized collector’s item, with some fetching over $1.3 million.
8. Robo Racer: Autonomous Innovation
The Robo Racer, designed by Tron: Legacy’s Daniel Simon, was built for RoboRace, the first-ever autonomous vehicle racing series. Its futuristic teardrop design was packed with AI sensors and radar. Although RoboRace was short-lived, this AI-powered car is a milestone in the evolution of autonomous driving and remains a rare piece of motorsport history.
7. Bugatti Royale: The Height of Opulence – Exterior
Built between 1927 and 1933, only six units of the Bugatti Royale were produced, with the prototype lost in an accident. Weighing a massive 7,000 lbs, this car was a symbol of luxury during the Great Depression, selling for what would now be over half a million dollars.
Bugatti Royale: The Height of Opulence – Interior
Each of the remaining models is either displayed in museums or owned by high-profile collectors, representing the peak of automotive luxury from its era.
6. Lamborghini Veneno: A Modern Supercar Classic – Exterior
The Lamborghini Veneno, released in 2013 to mark Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary, features a 6.5L engine capable of 220 mph and 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds.
Lamborghini Veneno: A Modern Supercar Classic – Interior
With just 13 units made, each sold for €3 million, the Veneno combines extreme performance with striking design. Its rarity and high price have already solidified its place as a modern-day legend.
5. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe: Priceless Engineering – Exterior
With only two ever made, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe set a record as the most expensive car ever sold, fetching $147 million in 2022. This two-seater can reach 180 mph and has a design that echoes the iconic Gullwing.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe: Priceless Engineering – Interior
The second model resides in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, preserving its place as a marvel of engineering.
4. The Batmobile: Superhero Status
A working replica of the Batmobile from Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, this car captures the essence of the legendary superhero ride. Built from carbon fiber and fiberglass and powered by a Ford F350 Raptor engine, it even spits fire from its exhaust. While not road-legal in many places, it’s a piece of Hollywood magic that car enthusiasts and Batman fans alike can appreciate.
3. The Wienermobile: An American Icon – Exterior
Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile, a whimsical 27-foot hot dog on wheels, has delighted Americans since the Great Depression. With only six on the road today, powered by a 6L V8 engine, it’s an instantly recognizable piece of Americana.
The Wienermobile: An American Icon – Interior
Specially trained “Hot Doggers” drive these unique vehicles, which embody the fun and quirky side of automotive design.
2. Captain Nemo’s Car: Nautical Meets Cinematic
Captain Nemo’s six-wheel Nautilus Car, from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, is an impressive blend of art and engineering. Originally a Land Rover fire truck, it was transformed into a cinematic showpiece. Only two were built, one of which sold at auction for $40,000. Too wide for regular roads, it’s a rare film prop that captures the imagination.
1. Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake: Power Personified – Exterior
With only two ever produced, the Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake is known as the “Cobra to end all Cobras.” Powered by a 7L engine, it reaches speeds over 200 mph.
Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake: Power Personified – Exterior
Only one model remains today, making it one of the most coveted cars for collectors and a piece of high-octane history. With its lightweight aluminum body and extreme power, it’s not just a car—it’s a legend.
