Octopus – $200 million

Owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Octopus is the world’s eighth largest yacht. The 414-foot yacht was first launched in 2003. The yacht has two helicopters, a submarine with room for ten men and seven boats. For those who’d like to see the ocean floor, the yacht even includes a remote controlled vehicle to do so.

Rising Sun – $200 million

Co-owned by Oracle’s Larry Ellison and media mogul David Geffen, Rising Sun is 453-feet and five stories of oceangoing luxury. It was built with one goal in mind—to exceed the size of Paul Allen’s Octopus, above. This pricey yacht has 8,000 feet of living space with onyx countertops and Jacuzzi bathrooms, a spa and sauna, a gym and even a private movie theatre with an enormous plasma screen.

Lady Moura – $210 million

This 344-foot mega-yacht is owned by billionaire Nasser Al-Rashid. It features a pool with retractable roof, a 75-foot dining table crafted by Viscount Linley and a helicopter. Lady Moura’s most remarkable feature, however, is the beach resort that slides out of one side of the boat. The mini resort features not only sand and deck chairs, but even includes palm trees for a truly authentic resort experience.

Dubai – $350 million

This costly yacht has gone by three names since its conception—Platinum 525, Golden Star and, most recently, Dubai. The Platinum 525 was commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei in 1996, but a lack of funds caused the project to be abandoned a scant couple of years later. In 2001, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then Crown Prince and now ruler of Dubai, took over the project and renamed it the Golden Star. Dubai is as expansive as it is expensive. The 525-foot yacht features an owner’s suite, five VIP suites and a number of guest bedrooms. The bridge features the captain’s quarters, an office and a lounge. The foyer and atrium connects each deck while lighting them from above via skylight. The luxury yacht is powered by four diesel engines with over 9,000 horsepower altogether.

Eclipse – $1.2 billion

Russian billionaire and Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich’s super-yacht will be a 560-foot monster requiring a minimum of 70 crewmembers and featuring eleven guests. Abramovich and his guests will be protected by a security system that uses laser bursts to foil digital paparazzi photography when activated, anti-bugging and anti-intruder systems and a missile detection system. They’ll also enjoy a swimming pool that can be drained and used as a dance floor, an additional swimming pool and an aquarium. The yacht holds two helicopters, three boats and a submarine.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – $112-150,000

This 520 horsepower beast is capable of handling even the most extreme conditions. The Cayenne Turbo S has a base MSRP of $112,000 and hit sales floors in 2003. But if you want it with all the amenities like colored Porsche crests on the wheels, the off-road tech package, and the 20-inch wheels and tires, you can expect a price tag of almost 150 grand! When off-road, the Cayenne Turbo S features a 2.4 inch suspension articulation for those pesky boulders or fallen trees as well as a unique “hill-descent mode” where the SUV can safely inch its way down a slippery slope at a set speed without assistance from the driver’s foot. This SUV will put your standard sports car to shame, running the coveted 0-60 miles per hour in an astounding 4.8 seconds.

Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris – around $300,000

Originally called the D12, the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris SSUV was introduced in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. Some of the standard features of the Spyker SSUV include: fulltime four-wheel drive, four doors (suicide configuration), carbon-ceramic matrix brakes, and all aluminum construction. While it was originally intended to have a Audi W12 engine, it is now believed to be fitted with a V8 by an unknown American company—hence the change from “D12″ to “D8.”

“Warrior One” Hummer H1 – $1.25 million

On January 20th of 2007, CNN auctioned off a Hummer used by journalists that were covering the war in Iraq. Proceeds from the auction were donated to the Fisher House Foundation. Dave Liniger, a Vietnam veteran and the founder of Re/Max International Inc., purchased the most expensive SUV ever sold at auction, bidding $1 million for the Hummer. Another bidder, Dave Ressler, contributed an additional $250,000 to benefit the charity. The Hummer H1 was the world’s most expensive SUV until it ended production in 2006.

Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition – $1.5 million

Perfect for the urban warrior, this bulletproof SUV is an upgrade from the original 8.1 liter GM V8-powered Dartz Kombat T98. Debuting at the 2010 Top Marques Monaco show, the most expensive SUV in the world will feature ruby red matte paint, gold-plated bulletproof windows, 22″ Kremlin Red Star bulletproof wheels, tungsten exhaust and a coating of kevlar. The badges and dials are made with white gold, diamonds and rubies. It also features a special Vertu mobile phone with an “alert” button and a Rogue Acoustic Audio System. Best of all, the interior is lined with whale penis leather!

That is good, right?

A British transportation museum may have just purchased the world’s most expensive tires.

The Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum’s premier exhibit, a 1929 Leyland Lion bus, required new tires to make it roadworthy for the museum’s 50th anniversary. In order to replace the old and significantly cracked tires, the museum was eventually forced to order specialty tiles from America.

The Leyland Lion is the only surviving example of its model, the other three having been scrapped after serving as transport during World War II. This particular bus was used as a snowplow until it became the museum’s first acquisition around 1954.

The most expensive tires in the world cost the museum over $800 each. In comparison, normal bus tires cost around $250.

The Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, was originally approved by Czar Alexander II in the late 19th Century. Nowadays, it’s used for 30% of all Russian exports and a trip across the country can be made in as little as seven days. It’s also the route for the most expensive train ride in the world.

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express was unveiled by Britain’s Prince Michael of Kent in April 2007. The train’s Gold Class cabins are equipped with LCD screens, power showers, underfloor heating and individual air conditioning while chefs in the restaurant cars prepare the finest local cuisine. The Golden Eagle takes wealthy tourists and other travelers almost 6,000 miles in 15 days, with frequent stops for day trips.

The world’s most expensive train ride costs $22,195 for a single room or $15,795 per person for a twin cabin.

The most expensive driver’s license in the world isn’t some revenue-generator for a local government. In fact, the license allows you to drive all over the world—as long as you’re driving in a Formula One Grand Prix.

The FIA Super License is issued only to holders of Grade A competition licenses—and even then only if the driver also happens to be the reigning champion in a lesser motorsport or just has an extremely good track record. Fewer than fifty drivers hold the Super License and the price is determined by how many World Championship points the driver has earned.

This year, the price of the world’s most expensive driver’s license is set to rise to €10,400 plus €2,100 per point—US $13,718 and $2,770 respectively. The rate hike means that Lewis Hamilton, last year’s World Championship winner with 98 points, will have to pay $285,189 to renew his Super License this year. A newcomer with no points, on the other hand, would only have to pay the $13,718 to get their license.

The long anticipated Corvette ZR1 may finally see the light of day in 2009. First unveiled at the 12 Hours of Sebring race in 2005, the car was supposedly the result of GM CEO Rick Wagoner wondering what his Chevrolet designers could do for $100,000. The answer, of course, is the most powerful and most expensive Corvette in the world.

Equipped with a new LS9 engine,a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 that produces 620 horsepower (100 hp per liter) and 6500 RPMs, this costly Corvette is reportedly capable of top speeds over 200 mph and experts guess it will be able to do 0-60 in around 3.0 seconds. That’s .6 seconds faster than the Z06. It also features a number of carbon-fiber body parts and adjustable suspension.

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z1 was formally announced in December 2007. The world’s most expensive Corvette still has a sticker price of $100,000 and, for anyone who wants to pimp out this luxury sports car, chrome wheels and premium interior options are available.

1937 Bugatti Type 57S – $4.4 million

When relatives of the recently deceased and “eccentric” Dr. Harold Carr opened the garage he’d left to them in his will, they had no idea what to expect. Sure they’d heard that there might be a Bugatti in there, but that was just a bit of local legend. As it happened, there really was a Bugatti in there—and, when it went to auction at Bonham’s Retromobile car show in February of 2009, it sold for €3,417,500—around $4.4 million at the time.

This 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante was originally purchased by Earl Howe a month after it left the Bugatti works. Over the 8 years that he owned the car, Howe added new bumpers, a luggage rack and rearview mirrors. It was later brought up to SC specification with the addition of a Marshall K200 supercharger by its next owner, J P Tingay. Eventually, the car found its way into the hands of Lord Ridley, who held it for a year before selling it to Dr. Carr. Combine this pedigree with the fact that only seventeen Type 57S’s—a version of the Type 57 modified specifically for competitions—were produced and you have quite an expensive car.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder – $10.8 million

Sold in May 2008 at the RM Auctions/Sotheby’s Ferrari Legend and Passion auction, this Ferrari 250 GT was owned by former Magnificent Seven star James Coburn for twenty-five years. During that time, Coburn would test his skills against fellow enthusiasts Steve McQueen and James Garner. In fact, one of the latest lines of Ferraris, also designed by Pininfarina, has been named “California” in honor of Coburn’s car.

1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa – $12.4 million

One of only twenty-two of its kind, chassis no. 0714TR features a distinctive pontoon-like design by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. The Ferrari 250 TR is famous for having won ten of the nineteen races in which they were driven between 1958 and 1961.

This particular TR won 4th place when driven by Piero Drogo in the 1000 km Buenos Aires in January of 1958. Drogo drove it one more time, in the Grand Prix of Cuba, before he sold it to American Alan Connell who drove it in nine races and spent most of that time in 1st or 2nd place in class. It featured in twelve more races between 1960 and 1963, making it one of the most raced Ferraris of all time.

It was sold at auction in Maranello, home of Carrozzeria Scaglietti and birthplace of the TR, for an impressive sum of €9,020,000.

1934 “Star of India” Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental – ???

Hans-Gunther Zach, owner of the Rolls-Royce museum in Germany, is selling off his entire collection–including the museum’s premiere acquisition, the Star of India.

This bespoke Rolls was one of 281 Continental Phantom II’s ever produced. Built for the Maharajah of Rajkot, one of its custom features is, among its 14 headlights, a pair that turns with the steering wheel. Also particular to the Star of India is its unique orange-over-aluminum color combination.

The Star of India is being auctioned alongside twenty-four other rare Rolls-Royces and another three Bentleys. If it sells as expected, it will become the world’s most expensive classic car.

Lew Racing proudly trumpets their Pro VT-1 as “the strongest 880 gram wheel set in the world PERIOD.” The laminate is created through a born and carbon combination process called DEX-LCM, developed by Lew Aerospace for the Department of Defense. Even the spokes are aerodynamic, using a NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) airfoil design. Despite weighing only 3 grams apiece, the Pro VT-1’s spokes are actually stronger than those of a normal bicycle wheel.

An 8-spoke version of the VT-1 was ridden to 4th place by French cyclist Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli in the 2008 Olympics. While this set could only support a rider up to 165 lbs, a standard set of Pro VT-1 wheels can support up to 185 lbs.

The world’s most expensive bicycle wheels can be purchased for $5,495. The wheels can be customized, however, up to $15,292. Options include the ability to support up to 500 lbs and an extended 4 year warranty.

Based on the military’s HMMWV, or Humvee, the Hummer brand proved popular in the States. In the heyday of Hummer fever, it not only invaded the links but also produced a pricey golf cart. That’s right; the favored gas guzzler of football players everywhere is also the world’s most expensive golf cart.

Licensed by General Motors, the Hummer H2 body kit is built over a 3.75 hp aluminum club car chassis. The electric cart is an NEV capable of speeds up to 20 mph and includes headlights, turn signals and brake lights. As for convenience, the cart also includes a cooler under the hood, storage under the seat, a tinted windshield, fog lights, glove boxes, a fold-down tailgate and, of course, drink holders. It’s stamped with H2 logos on the sides and rear bumper and has another pair of bumpers embroidered into the seats. It even has the option of either a carbon fiber or wood grain dashboard.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the most expensive golf cart in the world if it were cheap. The Hummer H2 golf cart is priced at $19,999. At least you won’t have to buy gas for it!

This stunningly accurate replica of the Ferrari Testarossa is nine feet long and hand-built. It features a 5hp Briggs & Stratton engine, an automatic transmission with two speeds and reverse and an electronic ignition. The kart weighs 615 lb and is capable of speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

The luxury go-kart also includes a functional CD player, retractable headlights and all the other lights and signals of a real Testarossa. It’s pimped out with adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The steering wheel even features a working horn because, hey, every parent loves toys that make noise.

At $50,000, the world’s most expensive go-kart is priced perfectly for the financially savvy child, whether they want to drive it alone or get together with some friends and practice for a future career as Nick Hogan’s cellmate.

Created as part of a secret project in the 1980s, the expensive plane is a design executed with the Soviet Union in mind. The Northrop Grumman ATB (Advanced Technology Bomber) was designated the B-2 Spirit after it was chosen over a Lockheed/Rockwell design in 1981. The stealthy bomber was meant to be able to penetrate even the most impregnable anti-aircraft defenses.

The project didn’t turn out quite as expected, though. A redesign from high-altitude to low-altitude mission profile added two years and $1 billion to the project’s cost, bringing the total expenditure up to a reported $23 billion. Furthermore, the dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted in the production being limited to 20 planes—21 if you count an upgraded test bomber.

Reports on the cost of a single B-2 bomber vary from $737 million to $2.2 billion, but the most often cited figure for the most expensive aircraft in the world is $1.3 billion.

In 2005, New Jersey had the most expensive auto insurance in the nation. The average insurance expenditure, at the time, was $1,184. Considering that this was actually 3.1% less than the average expenditure in 2004, New Jersey residents may have been happy to pay the country’s most expensive premiums.

In second place, DC was only $2 behind New Jersey at $1,182. New York took third place with a $1,122 average.

Dodge Ram

Of course, the amount you pay for insurance depends substantially on the vehicle you’re insuring. If you plan to own a Dodge Ram pickup truck, for instance, you can expect a hole in your wallet just as big as your vehicle. Owners pay an average premium of $1,336 for insurance. The high insurance payments on these trucks are due to the fact that they are, apparently, prone to both property damage and bodily injury.

The most expensive auto insurance in the world, though, comes from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s old neighborhood. Islington, a north London neighborhood, may have a few wealthy areas but it also has a car theft rate two and a half times England’s national average. This accounts for a phenomenal average premium of £745/month. In the US, that would be nearly $1,500!

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One of the world’s most prestigious car auctions has produced some very impressive figures this year. Part of the famed Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance, Gooding & Company’s auction has set several world records since its inception in 1990. Now it has hosted the auction of the most expensive car ever sold in the US.

The Concourse d’Elegance was started in 1950 and has since become the world’s premier auto show. Other events include the Tour d’Elegance—a “driving event,” not a race—and an exhibition by the Automotive Fine Arts Society. Of course, the main event is the Concourse d’Elegance itself, in which the best cars in the world are judged for historical accuracy, technical merit and style.

The auction, which follows the main event, was expanded this year to two days. The final tally added up to $64.2 million–$4.2 million more than last year’s auction. Among the expensive autos sold at this exclusive auction were a collection of twelve Bugatti cars sold for $15 million, a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB “California” Spider for $3.63 million and three cars from Oprah Winfrey’s personal collection for $716,000.

Then, of course, there’s the most expensive car in the world. A 1937 Bugatti Type 37SC Atalante Coupe, the production year marks it as one of the original cars produced under the Bugatti name. The original company was founded in 1909 and closed its doors in 1963, sold for its production of airplane parts rather than automobiles. The Bugatti name was eventually reunited with the automobile industry, however, and now graces a limited line of luxury autos from Volkswagen AG.

The most expensive car ever sold in the US was auctioned for $7.92 million. It wasn’t the most expensive car in the world, however. That honor belongs to a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder sold for $10.9 million.

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Well, now it does.

Saeed Khouri, a businessman from a wealthy Abu Dhabi family, recently purchased a license plate emblazoned with the number one from an auction that sold around ninety other vanity plates. The auction brought in $24 million which, ironically enough, will benefit a rehabilitation center for victims of traffic accidents. $14 million of that came from the sale of the ‘1’ plate.

Comparatively, only $6.2 million was paid for the ‘5’ plate. That price was almost ten times as much as the former most expensive license plate, ‘M1’, which fetched about $660,000 in Yorkshire, Northern England.

Reporters asked Talal Khouri if the number ‘5′ had any special or sentimental meaning to him. “The number does not mean anything to me. I will keep it and after my death it will be re-auctioned and probably raise more money that will again be given to charity and humanitarian work,” he added.

The owner of the current most expensive license plate, on the other hand, was not so humble. He reportedly said of the purchase, “I bought it because it’s the best number. I bought it because I want to be the best in the world.”

Unlike standard license plates in the UAE, these vanity plates include only a single Western digit and no Arabic letters or numerals.

Most Expensive License Plates in the US

The world’s most expensive license plates may have been issued in Abu Dhabi, but that doesn’t mean they get to have all the fun. While the UAE’s wealthy seek the prestige of affixing a license plate with a low number to the back of a luxury auto, the most expensive license plates in the United States are more likely to end up in the collections of license plate enthusiasts.

License plate collectors in the US are similar to stamp and coin collectors in that they’re interested not in how fashionable a plate will look on their car but rather in the scarcity and history of a plate. For example, Mississippi’s oldest license plates come from 1912—a time when that state was the poorest in the nation. Now, a 1912 Mississippi license plate is the third most expensive in the US at $35,000. Strangely enough, there are more surviving 1912 plates than 1913 plates. That’s why the second most expensive plate is a 1913 Mississippi plate that sold for $50,000.

The most expensive license plate in the US is one of only four 1921 Alaska plates known to have survived since the time before the territory was officially a state. The plate’s rarity can be attributed to the fact that, in those days, Alaska just didn’t have the roads to support a lot of cars and even getting the auto to Alaska was an expensive undertaking. This particular license plate was sold in 2000 in a Wendy’s parking lot in Maine for the hefty sum of $60,000.

To commemorate their 40th anniversary, as well as their 4 billionth car, Hot Wheels commissioned jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills to coat an 18k white gold casting of their Custom Otto with over 2,700 blue, white and black diamonds. While even the tires are set with them, diamonds aren’t the only precious stone used in the costly 1:64 scale car. Its tail lights are actually rubies.

Underneath the hood of the car, the familiar Hot Wheels logo is also given the diamond treatment.

The most expensive toy car in the world is valued at $140,000. 98 Degrees’ Nick Lachey had the privilege of not only unveiling the car, but also choosing which charity the car’s sale would benefit. The actor/singer chose Big Brother Big Sister and the auction will happen later this year.

While the world’s most expensive toy car is worth ten times as much as the previously mentioned Type C, that car may still be the world’s most expensive pedal car. Built at a 1:2 scale, the car can accommodate a driver up to just under four and a half feet tall. It was made to commemorate the Type C car that dominated auto racing back in 1936, when Audi was known as Auto Union. Like a full-sized Audi race car, the space frame and body are made from aluminum paneling. It also features a hydraulic dual-disc brake, seven-speed hub gear and leather upholstery.

The expensive pedal car was unveiled to a rapt audience at the Paris Motor Show in 2006 and had a limited run of 999 models.

(via True Cruise)

Project Genesis isn’t Royal Caribbean International’s first enormous cruise ship. Their last endeavor, Freedom of the Seas, also broke records with its ability to carry over 4,000 passengers and its weight in excess of 150,000 tons.

Project Genesis will, of course, break both records. The 1,180 foot long ship will weigh 220,000 tons and carry a maximum of 6,400 passengers and 2,100 crew members. The ship is so big, in fact, that it will have a common area, as large as a football field, called Central Park. Central Park’s piazza will even host street performers and live concerts. Additionally, the park will be surrounded by a variety of restaurants, including fine dining at 150 Central Park, Italian cuisine at Giovanni’s Table and steakhouse fare at Royal Caribbean’s own Chops Grille.

The ship will also include a number of bars ranging from wine bars to the impressive Rising Tide bar—an engineering marvel that actually moves through three decks from Central Park to the public spaces below.

Norway’s Aker Yards is handling the construction of the ship. Their price for building the most expensive cruise ship in the world: $1.24 billion!

Currently, the most expensive airport is Hong Kong International Airport, located on Chek Lap Kok island in (surprisingly enough) Hong Kong. With over 47 million passengers in 2007, HKIA is also one of the world’s busiest airports. Passengers may fly in or out via a number of airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express, Air Hong Kong and many others with “Hong Kong” in their names. For its $20 billion construction, the airport was awarded a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Unfortunately for HKIA, it will soon lose that place.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the new record-breaking aerotropolis is being constructed in Dubai. Dubai World Central International, being constructed south of Dubai near Jebel Ali, will cost $33 billion for its infrastructure alone. The plans call for an airfield that can accommodate the latest superjumbo jets, hotels, shopping malls, two 18-hole golf courses and a residential city that can house 750,000 people. Of course, this sort of project takes a lot of time to complete and DWC is no exception. It isn’t expected to be operational until 2017. By that time, yet another record-breaking airport project may be started.

Other aerotropolises include Brisbane Airport in Australia, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia and at least five within the continental United States.

When BMW introduced their Street Carver in 2001, they proved that they could make skateboards with the same precision engineering as their automobiles. The Street Carver is heavier than most skateboards with its cast-aluminum truck assemblies, wood and fiberglass deck and 110mm wheels. The most notable features of the board, though, are the pendulum arms that work against each other to provide you with a much more stable ride. At $500, the Street Carver was also the world’s most expensive skateboard at the time.

Exkate X-24

Nowadays that title rightly belongs to the Exkate X-24. The evolution of this product began when Louis Finkle, an electronics enthusiast, spent five years creating an electric skateboard with a wireless remote that actually uses the rider’s own body to send signals to the board. Since then, Exkate has made a name for themselves with many permutations of the original electric skateboard.

The most impressive of these, of course, is the X-24. Not only is it capable of reaching twenty miles per hour in only four seconds, it can also accommodate a 275 pound rider. The battery charge lasts for roughly ten miles and can be charged around 400 times. The electronic skateboard can even break from twenty miles per hour in only thirty feet.

When it was available, the X-24 could be purchased for just under $1,000. While it’s currently out of stock, a newer model of the most expensive skateboard in the world will be available sometime this year.

The Spirit of Ecstasy, known in the US as The Flying Lady, has a tangled history. Originally commissioned as a personal emblem for Lord John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu’s Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, the sculptor, Charles Sykes, chose Lord Montagu’s secret love, Eleanor Velasco Thornton, as a model for the mascot. He dubbed the resulting ornament “The Whisper.”

When Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, concerned that the fashionable personal emblems of the day were inappropriate for such a prestigious vehicle, set out to create their own mascot, they turned to Sykes to sculpt an emblem that embodied the grace and beauty of the Rolls-Royce. Once again he used Ms. Thornton as the model for his Spirit of Speed, which he later referred to as the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The rights to the Spirit of Ecstasy have changed hands over the years. At one point they were purchased, along with rights to the shape of the Rolls-Royce radiator grill and even some Bentley components, by Volkswagen. Having only wanted the Bentley rights in the first place, they eventually reached a deal with BMW, who owned the rights to build Rolls-Royce cars, which allowed the familiar hood ornament and grill to be reunited with the luxurious car.

This year, designer Jean Kemanjian created a special version of the Spirit of Ecstasy for Manhattan Motorcars to show off at the New York Auto Show. Made of platinum and other rare metals, the figurine is completely coated in 150 carats of high-quality (VVS1) diamonds. While it’s valued at $200,000, it’s not for sale. Even so, it can certainly be called the most expensive hood ornament in the world.

Enter Swizöl International, a Switzerland-based company that specializes in handmade car care products. Their cheapest wax, “Onyx,” is priced at $95. It only goes uphill from there. Their costliest standard wax, “Mystery,” can be purchased for $555. Those prices don’t include the over $40 pretreatment required before applying any of their pricey waxes.

Their waxes reach such high prices because, unlike other brands, they’re made of 30% to over 60% carnauba. This allows Swizöls waxes to achieve an unrivaled level of hardness and transparency. Further, the waxes are infused with essential oils to make your car smell as good as it looks.

I called “Mystery” their most expensive standard wax for a reason, though. Each year, only a very few can get their hands on the most expensive car wax in the world. Swizöl’s “Divine” wax is specially formulated for the owner’s car based on the color and the paint used. It’s so exclusive that it even comes with a hand-engraved plaque bearing the owner’s name and the serial number, as well as a certificate of authenticity.

This elite wax costs a pretty penny at a little over $2,800.

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While the RA:1K is highly customizable, the majority of systems will be installed with nine or ten drivers—four tweeters, four mid-range drivers and one or two subwoofers. These will be supported with up to six amplifiers capable of delivering extraordinarily clear sound at equally extraordinary volumes (0.0008% harmonic distortion at 100 watts and a signal-to-noise ratio higher than 115dB). All of these features will ensure that your car stereo will sound better than it ever has.

Drivers used in the RA:1K

Additionally, the central amp will include a cellular connection allowing Rogue technicians to remotely tune the system or even disable it if it’s stolen. The system can even diagnose itself and, if necessary, automatically request that a service appointment be scheduled.

The most basic version of the most expensive car audio system can be purchased for $72,000, but a serious audiophile can spend over $300,000 on all the bells and whistles that may be included.

Prior to the unveiling of the Rogue Acoustics Audio System, Critical Mass’ CES5.1 Electrostatic Surround Sound System was the most expensive car audio system available. It was lauded for the twelve relatively small electrostatic speakers included in the system; such speakers are normally quite large. In fact, the system outfitted four seats with independent left, right and center drivers while a single pair of rear speakers and a UL12 subwoofer dominated the back of the car. Only ten of these systems were made and they were priced at $259,000.

Jim Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 – $5 million

It may look classic, but this expensive Ferrari is all modern. From the Pininfarina redesigned body to the 20” tires, this car was rebuilt using state-of-the-art automotive technology. Of course, a car like this couldn’t have anything less than a luxurious interior and this car delivers that with a custom-made layered fabric. Furthermore, lest you think this car is any less a Ferrari after such an extensive overhaul, the car has been given Ferrari’s official seal of approval and is allowed to proudly wear the Ferrari badge.

James Coburn’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder – $10,894,900

Sold in May 2008 at the RM Auctions/Sotheby’s Ferrari Legend and Passion auction, the Ferrari 250 GT owned by the former Magnificent Seven star was, like Glickenhaus’ P4/5, designed by Pininfarina. In fact, the latest line of Ferraris, also designed by Pininfarina, has been named “California” in honor of Coburn’s car.

Ferrari 250 GTO – ?????

Thirty-six of these cars were produced from 1962 to 1964 and each was sold for $18,000 to a customer hand-picked by North American Ferrari dealer Luigi Chinetti or Ferrari himself. Since then, the 250 GTO has attained legendary status. A glut of replicas gave rise to the saying that, “Of the 36 which have been built, all 3000+ of them are still running.” In 1991, a Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $5.5 million—the highest sale GTO sale on record. Rumor has it, though, that a 250 GTO was sold to a Japanese collector for $15 million. If this is true, it’d make the GTO the world’s most expensive Ferrari.

Able to carry eighteen fishing passengers and ten non-fishing passengers, the Atmosphere has, even at its maximum occupancy, more crew members than passengers. This is necessary, of course, when your ship can deploy a small fleet of custom Jetboats and a Bell 407 helicopter. Passengers on this expensive fishing trip are housed in cabins that are tasteful, comfortable and safe.

As if that wasn’t enough, guests on the Atmosphere can take advantage of a Spa service that offers massages, thalassotherapy and a sauna; a Chilean gourmet nouvelle cuisine and a souvenir gift shop.

It may not be a relaxing day by the lake, but the most expensive fishing trip in the world certainly sounds like a pleasant way to spend your time. Who knows, you may even catch something.

Aurumania’s Gold Bike Crystal edition

Aurumania’s Gold Bike Crystal edition is almost entirely plated with 24 karat gold—even the spokes. The seat is a Brooks saddle made of the finest leather while the handlebars have grips made with hand-sewn, chocolate brown leather. Even the numbered badge is made of leather. Of course, the bike isn’t called “Crystal edition” for nothing. It’s decorated with over 600 Swarovski crystals—including the Aurmania name written in Braille along the crossbar.

The world’s most expensive bicycle is a limited edition item—only ten will be made. They can be purchased and delivered to anywhere in the world for €80,000 (US $114,464).

7-Diamond

The former most expensive bicycle in the world, 7-Diamond, was sold to an anonymous buyer at the Lance Armstrong Foundation Gala in 2005. Studded with seven 1-carat Gemesis man-made diamonds and 300 white diamonds, the gold-plated bike commemorated Armstrong’s victory over seven Tour de France events. The expensive bike, a joint effort between Trek Bikes, Nike, jeweler Alan Friedman and artist Lenny Futura, was valued at $60,000 USD at the time of sale and was purchased for $75,000.

So what exactly makes this the most expensive toy car? For starters, the car is built at a 1:2 scale. This means it can accommodate drivers up to just under four and a half feet tall. Like a full-sized Audi race car, the space frame and body are made from aluminum paneling. It also features a hydraulic dual-disc brake, seven-speed hub gear and leather upholstery.

The expensive pedal car was unveiled to a rapt audience at the Paris Motor Show in 2006 and has a limited run of 999 models. It can be ordered from your local Audi importer.

Composed of seven LED lights, the Betty burns at about 1,400 lumens. Depending on the wattage used, the light may run for over 300 hours without the need to recharge. The most expensive bike light is so bright, in fact, that it needs the wind produced by biking to prevent itself from overheating. If you’re not going fast enough, the Betty will dim in order to stay cool.

LED lights like the Betty are quickly dominating the market for bicycle lighting. Other expensive LED bike lights include Princeton Tec’s Switchback ($389) and Light & Motion’s Stella ($299).

The plane on which these expensive tickets will be used is a double-decker airliner with four engines. The A380 can carry up to 853 passengers in economy configuration or 525 in the usual three-class configuration. These accommodations, eclipsing those of Boeing’s 747, have earned the airliner classification as a superjumbo plane.

The Airbus A380

While the world’s most expensive airline tickets are being auctioned off in 2007, the plane’s first flight was actually in 2005. During its test flight from Toulouse, France, the plane was flown by only six people. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft toured Southeast Asia and Australia for additional testing and promotional purposes.

Boeing has its own superjumbo offering in the works—the 787 Dreamliner. Unfortunately for them, while both companies have been dogged with delays to their superjumbo craft, the Dreamliner won’t be entering service until 2008.

As the motorcycle progressed, the engines and frames became bigger, sleeker, faster and more powerful, resulting in the high-tech and expensive motorcycles of today. If you can afford one, a custom motorcycle built to your exact specifications is within reach.

Currently, the most expensive motorcycles in production are fetching in between $100,000 and $200,000 US. While researching expensive motorcycles, we found 4 bikes that dominate all others in performance, appearance…and cost.

The fourth most expensive motorcycle we found is the new MV Agusta F4 CC created by Claudio Castiglioni, the motorcycle company’s director. He wanted to create a spectacular motorcycle that met strategic marketing needs while also being something truly special and unique. The expensive motorcycle bearing his very own initials “CC” has a top speed of 315 kph (195 mph), 1078 cc’s and a 198 hp engine. Each bike will boast a platinum plate located near the top of the steering column showing the model number from 1 to 100, making this motorcycle all the more special to its owners. This Italian dream costs 100,000 Euros ($133,745US).

MV Agusta F4 CC

Next on our list is the MTT Turbine Superbike costing $150,000 (111,000 Euros). Not only is this motorcycle expensive, its also extremely fast. The Superbike is the Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Powerful Motorcycle Ever to Enter Series Production”. The turbine engine in this one is made by Rolls Royce and is capable of over 300hp. The motorcycle also boasts carbon fiber fairings, a rear mounted camera with LCD color display, forward-and rear-looking radar detector with laser scrambler, one touch “Smart Start” ignition, and many other cool gadgets. This bike seams to be pretty popular in Hollywood. It starred in the movie “Torque” and even Jay Leno owns one!

MTT Turbine Superbike

The Macchia Nera Concept Bike is near the top of the list of most expensive motorcycles at 150,000 Euros ($201,000). Built around a Ducati 998RS engine, its Italian designers and engineers set out to create an extremely high tech and expensive motorcycle that would be thought of as “the ultimate track bike” that is “simply beautiful and beautifully simple”. The Testastretta engine is fitted with lightweight metals and alloys like titanium and aluminum making it very lightweight. The view from the side of the Macchia Nera shows exposed belts and engine components, giving its design a minimalist feel while still being aesthetically pleasing. We should add that this bike is a one of a kind and not in produced for retail at this point, but if you have an extra 150,000 Euros ($201,000) laying around for an expensive toy, your dream might come true.

Macchia Nera Concept Bike

The most expensive motorcycle in production will cost you at least $250,000. The production is limited to a few hundred models, so you better place your order. The Dodge Tomahawk V10 superbike boasts 8.3 liter engine (505 cubic inch), and the 10 cylinders can bring the bike to a maximum speed of almost 400 mph. The 1500lb bike has an independent 4 wheel suspension and can reach 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds.

Dodge Tomahawk

Technological advances and industry firsts help make this hybrid car expensive. The engine will be the world’s first full hybrid V8 powertrain engine. Other specs include full-time all-wheel drive, 430 horsepower, and an extremely low emission rating that puts other hybrids to shame.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system found in the LS 600h L claims to be the automotive industry’s most advanced gas-electric hybrid system developed to date, providing power and performance comparable to modern 12-cylinder engines while still delivering best-in-V8-class fuel efficiency. The LS 600h L will also be the world’s first vehicle to be equipped with LED headlamps for night and low-beam use.

The expensive hybrid car also boasts cutting edge safety features like three on-board cameras monitoring everything from obstacles in the road, to the direction the driver’s head is turned. The price tag on these cars will not be cheap, and the Lexus are expected to retail for $104,000 base MSRP when it reaches dealers in June.

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The most expensive shift knob will certainly gain you a lot of attention, maybe even a shattered window from a break-in attempt. If you can afford this expensive shift knob then you can probably also afford some nice window tinting.

So, how much is it worth, you may ask? The Bentley Gear Shift Knob is approximately worth $150,000 and features 30 carats of diamonds, and 10 ounces of 18-carat white gold. Just to give you an example of how ridiculous this shift knob really is, the Bentley Continental GT costs $165,000. How could anyone justify the purchase of a diamond encrusted gear shift knob!?

The LP Wheel Group (IcedOutEmz) designed the expensive shift knob and owner Tony Lee reports that they have not found a buyer yet.