What is the rarest car in the world?

Pinpointing the single "rarest car in the world" is difficult because rarity can be defined in several ways (number of units produced, surviving examples, unique features, etc.) and there's no central, universally agreed-upon registry. However, several contenders consistently appear at the top of such lists:

Several models frequently cited as among the rarest include:

• 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic: Only three are believed to have ever been built, and two survive. These are considered among the most valuable and desirable classic cars globally, each worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Their rarity and breathtaking design make them strong candidates for the title of rarest.

• Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahnkurier: A highly customized and rare version of the already exclusive Mercedes-Benz 540K, with only a few examples believed to exist. The extensive modifications and their unique history contribute to their extreme rarity.

• Ferrari 250 GTO: While more examples exist than the cars mentioned above, only 36 were ever built. Each is exceptionally valuable and highly sought after, making them among the rarest and most expensive Ferraris in existence. The number produced, combined with their performance and history, makes them incredibly rare.

• Rolls-Royce Sweptail: This is a one-off, bespoke Rolls-Royce created specifically for a single client. Its uniqueness, handcrafted nature, and the fact that only one exists makes it exceptionally rare. However, note that "one-of-a-kind" cars exist for many manufacturers, meaning the rarity is absolute but not necessarily comparable to a model of which only a few were made.

It's important to note:

• Verification is challenging: Confirming the exact number of surviving examples for some of these cars is difficult due to private ownership and lack of complete records.
• "Rarest" is subjective: The title depends on the criteria used (total number produced, surviving examples, unique features, etc.).

Therefore, rather than naming one single "rarest car," it's more accurate to say that several models, like the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, compete for that title based on various definitions of rarity.