Back in 1960 and 1970, muscle cars took the automotive industry by storm. Being bold and powerful muscle cars were loved by many gearheads. They were used either for street racing or simply cruising around the neighborhood. There's no doubt that muscle cars were the dream ride of every enthusiast.

With that being said, the love for classic muscle cars has not faded over time. With their price tags having increased exponentially over the years, we can all agree that old is gold.

While most cars tend to depreciate as they age, a handful of muscle cars have seen their value appreciate and they at times sell of a princely amount during auctions. The most expensive muscle cars ever sold at auction is a quite exquisite club.

10 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000 – $13.75 Million

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When it comes to the history of American muscle cars, the Shelby Cobra has a long and illustrious reputation on how it changed the muscle car industry. Owning an original Shelby Cobra is quite a dream for many muscle car enthusiasts.

RELATED: Shelby Cobra CSX2000 Bondurant Tribute 289 In Focus

Via Washington Times

The 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000 made history in August 2016 after it was auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey at a staggering price of $13.75 million. This made it the most expensive American muscle car ever sold at auction after it dethroned the 1968 Ford GT40.

9 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype – $7 Million

Via: Mecum Auctions

The 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype was Ford’s first entry car in Le Mans. This car has been driven by legendary racing drivers such as Bob Bondurant, Chris Amon, and Bruce McLaren. And it was raced in competitions such as the Daytona, Nassau, Sebring, and Le Mans.

Via Mecum Auctions

This car featured a lightweight steel monocoque with a double A-arm suspension. And an all-aluminum 4.2-liter engine that is paired to a Colotti gearbox. The engine of the 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype is rated at 350 horses. In 2014 at the Huston Mecum auction the 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype was auctioned at a jaw-dropping price of $7 million.

8 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” - $5,115,000

Via: HotCars

When it comes to rare gems the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” tops the charts since it is one of the rarest Cobra that exists. This beauty is the only surviving Super Snake out of the two that were ever built.

Via WorthPoint

Interestingly, the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” is not just unique, but also it was driven by Carroll Shelby himself. It was in Scottsdale, Arizona where this baby was sold for $5.115 million at the Barret- Jackson auction.

7 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible - $3.5 Million

Via: Mecum Auctions

From being one of the fastest and most desirable Plymouth muscle cars, the 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible remains the most expensive Plymouth convertible sold at auction. The rarity and its exclusivity served as a springboard during its auction in June 2014 whereby it was auctioned at a hefty sum of $3.5 million.

Via: Mecum Auctions

Furthermore, being a matching numbers car, the 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible is the only surviving convertible that still retains all its original parts. And under its hood sits the original Hemi -426 V8 engine that is paired to a 4-speed manual transmission with the original Hurst shifter.

6 1967 L88 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible - $3.2 Million

Via: No Car No Fun

When it comes to the most recognizable American muscle cars, the Chevy Corvette tops the list. And it's also one of the favorite muscle cars among gearheads. The design and powerful performance of the 1967 L88 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible helped it hold its value quite well over the years.

Via Mecum Auctions

The 1967 L88 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is quite an influential achievement in the history books of Corvette. This monstrous beauty managed a spectacular time of 11.1 seconds on the quarter-mile. At the Mecum Dallas auction in 2013, this masterpiece was sold for $3.2 million.

5 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake: $2,200,000

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The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake was a one-off project built by Carroll Shelby as a test platform for Goodyear and its Thunderbolt tire. The power output of this beauty was rated at 520 ponies, and it boasted a top speed of 170 mph.

Via: Mecum Auctions

In January 2019, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake became the most expensive Mustang ever sold at auction. When it was auctioned for a hefty price of $2,200,000. Interestingly, this beauty had been previously sold for 1.3million in 2013. The appreciation value of this car was approximate $150,000 per year.

4 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car - $3.3 Million

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The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car was one of the two cars that were built, but no production plans were ever drawn up. However, these two rides stand as testaments to Harley Earl’s vision of Pontiac’s high-speed vehicles.

Via: Reddit

This pony from the Ron Pratte collection was sold for a jaw-dropping price of $3.3 million. The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car featured additional gauges such as a compass, clock, and manifold pressure. On the inside of this ride, the shifter mimicked an aircraft’s, landing gear lever that rounded out the aviation influence.

3 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6- $1,242,000

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RELATED: The Hidden Truth Behind The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Back in the day, Chevrolet had to make 50 units of the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 to make this car eligible for NHRA Super Stock Racing. However, there are some claims that only 20 units of the Chevelle SS 454 LS6 convertibles were assembled.

Via: Mecum Auctions

In 2006, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 changed owners for a sum of $1.2 million. Well, we can all agree that it was an unthinkable amount for a Chevelle at that time. However, 3 years down the line the value of the car depreciated, and it was sold for $264, 000 which frankly was a more realistic price tag.

2 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500R ‘Eleanor’- $1,000,000

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The 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500R ‘Eleanor’ is another classic Mustang that gained its popularity thanks to its appearance in a movie. This beauty is one of the remaining surviving Mustangs that was used in the movie, ‘’Gone in 60 seconds’’.

RELATED: 10 Things We Just Learned About The Eleanor Mustang From Gone In 60 Seconds

Via YouTube

The 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500R ‘Eleanor’ was powered by a 351 cubic-inch V8 engine that was paired to a four-speed manual transmission. The power output of this car was rated at 400 horsepower. During its auction, this car commanded a price tag of $1 million since it was the actual car that was driven by Nicolas Cage in the movie.

1 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1- $1,094,500

Via HotCars

Needless to say, that the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 still ticks many boxes in most collector’s hearts. Furthermore, this pony’s engine remains to be one of the most powerful engines that Chevrolet placed in a production car.

Via: Mecum Auctions

This pony was powered by a 327ci V8 engine which generated 430 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, only 69 units of this car were assembled by Chevrolet. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 managed to command a staggering price of $1,094,500 since it was fully restored by one of the original ZL1 engine builders Barry Burstein.

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