Bargain Hunt's record-breaking eight-figure sale which left BBC expert gobsmacked

Bargain Hunt expert Charlie Ross reminisced about one of his most triumphant moments as an auctioneer, where he was involved with the sale of a record-breaking car. A stunning Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Coupe went under the hammer in 2011 and commanded an eye-watering $10.34million with Charlie clinching the sale with a decisive strike of his gavel. At the time, this represented the most expensive motor vehicle ever sold at auction.

Reflecting on the remarkable sale, the BBC auctioneer explained: "A magnificent car that cost $17,000 - that at a time when a Ford Model T cost $100. And I was the lucky auctioneer that put it under the hammer in 2011.

"I don't think I've ever witnessed a car turn so many heads! And you can see why. Let me set the picture for you; huge marquee, 2000 people, a row of telephone bidders waiting to bid," he revealed to Bargain Hunt viewers. "Duesenberg has sold for $1million, $2million, I think the most expensive Duesenberg had been over $4million. This [car] was expected to make more," he hinted.

Footage was then broadcast of the auction which took place at Pebble Beach by auction house Gooding & Company and Charlie could be heard declaring: "Put me in at $3million - thank you! $3million I'm bid. Straight in.

"The bids start at $3million, $4million, $5million and go quite quickly," he revealed to viewers at home.

"Then suddenly $7million, $7.5million, $8million, $8.5million. And suddenly it's racing away.

"$9.1million! $9.2million! $9.3million - why not!" Charlie shouted in the auction room. "Sold!" Charlie boomed and slammed the hammer down. "$9.4million.

"And the place erupts! Huge cheering and then of course, add the buyer's premium of 10 percent and you get a published price of $10.34million and to this day, it's the most expensive American car ever sold at auction."

While the Duesenberg Model J Long-Wheelbase Coupe held the title of the priciest car for 2011, one might wonder what astronomical sums cars sold after that have fetched.

According to Top Classic Car Auctions, a mere 52 cars have been auctioned off for more than $10million in public sales, with Ferrari reigning as the most expensive car brand, particularly its 250 models.

In 2018, auction house RM Sotheby's sold a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO for an eye-watering $48,405,000.