5 of the most expensive cars for auction right now

Didn’t get your name on the waiting list for the best new supercars in time? Don’t panic, sometimes the greatest treasures are to be unearthed at auction – especially when it comes to rare classic cars and motorbikes in almost pristine condition. For those willing to invest, we’ve rounded up the best (and most expensive) lots to bid for now.

1991 Ferrari F1-91 Single-Seater

It’s not everyday you get the chance to buy your own Formula 1 car and this one comes with quite a provenance. Built as the third of five cars for the 1991 season, it was raced by both Alain Prost and Jean Alesi with its greatest result being a third place podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. Since then it has made appearances at many famous tracks and car shows including the Nurburgring, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Donington and Hockenheim.

1991 Ferrari F1-91 Single-Seater

£260,000-510,000

Bonhams: The Willi Balz Collection Public Tender Sale

Until September 27

Prefer your vehicles with two wheels? Bonham’s Autumn Stafford Sale is offering the rare opportunity to own an iconic 1924 Croft-Cameron Super Eight motorbike in excellent condition. A true collector’s item, no motorcycle enthusiast should pass up the chance to add this jewel to their crown.

1924 Croft-Cameron 996CC Super Eight

£160,000-200,000

Bonhams: The Autumn Stafford Sale

October 16, Stafford

If you have a soft spot for vintage car gatherings than Bonham’s unique London to Brighton Run auction is for you. The annual Run, which was founded in 1896 to celebrate the raising of the speed limit to 12mph, is open to any car built before 1905 making it one of the greatest car spectacles of the modern era. Book your place in this year’s event with this stunning 1904 Aster 16/20 HP which has been kept in almost mint condition.

1904 Aster 16/20 HP

£230,000-270,000

Bonhams: London to Brighton Run Sale, Veteran Motor Cars and Related Automobilia

November 4, London

The ultimate collector’s car, this 1930 Deusenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton has been owned by just one family for the last 54 years and is one of only three Murphy Dual-Cowl Phaetons in existence. Having been previously owned by Duesenberg historian Raymond Wolff, the love that has been showered on her is obvious and she retains her original chassis, body, firewall and engine.

1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton by Murphy

$1,600,000-2,000,000

RM Sotheby’s: Hershey

October 6-7, Pennsylvania

The American equivalent of a classic Bugatti or Bentley, the 1935 Auburn speedster was designed by Gordon Buehrig and considered quite audacious at the time thanks to its curvaceous lines and elegant rear design which earned it the nickname ‘the boattail’. This particular model is considered one of the finest Auburn speedsters in the world and has been thoroughly authenticated and cared for by her current owners.

1935 Auburn Eight Supercharged Speedster

$900,000-1,200,000

RM Sotheby’s: Hershey

October 6-7, Pennsylvania