GT Mk IV

Make
Ford
Segment
Coupe

It's not uncommon for collectible car models to have obscene price tags. Extremely detailed scale models will often set you back hundreds of dollars, or, in some cases, thousands of dollars. This, however, is one of the most expensive and unusual car models we've seen yet. It's a 1:25 scale 2006 Ford GT made from real gold and it's currently available to bid for on Sotheby's auction site.

The starting bid is, wait for it...$25,000. The sale estimate is between $30,000 and $40,000. You could buy an actual car for that much money, so this is clearly aimed at hardcore collectors who have a lot of spare cash to burn.

To be fair, the model is exquisitely detailed. Assembled by Ahee Jewelers in Grosse Point, Michigan, the golden GT40 is made from numerous different custom 18-karat gold pieces, with an interior, engine bay, and front compartment.

Open the doors and you'll find a painstakingly detailed cabin complete with a steering wheel, pedals, and dashboard. The wheels are even wrapped in real rubber, and you can easily see the supercharged engine through the rear window frame. There's also exhaust pipes, a diffuser, and a license plate that reads "FORD 1." It measures just over seven inches long and weighs 3.25 pounds. You also get a specialized plastic case with a mirrored base for the car as part of the sale.

It's worth noting, however, that the model isn't in mint condition. The listing says there is some " minute surface scratching" and some wear at the point where the door hinges rub against the body of the car when opened. At the time of writing, the auction doesn't have any bids, but there are still four days left so it will be interesting to see if anyone takes the plunge on this pricey collectible.