12. Pontiac Catalina 421 “Swiss Cheese” – $1 Million
In the early 1960s, Pontiac realized that racing helps sell cars, and that famous Detroit’s mantra “Win on Sunday-Sell on Monday” really works. Pontiac was big in NASCAR in that period, but its drag racing reputation in the NHRA championship was slim. To do the latter, Pontiac’s engineers manufactured numerous aluminum parts like bumpers, fenders, hoods, and so on, saving 159 pounds from the heavy car (via Barrett-Jackson).
Moreover, the vehicle was nicknamed “Swiss Cheese” since they also drilled holes in the car’s frame to save a few more grams. With high compression 421 V8 engine and 410 HP, these Catalinas were lightning quick. Needles to say, “Swiss Cheese” Catalinas proved to be the fastest on the strips and won numerous races earning Pontiac some much-needed publicity. Today, prices for those valuable drag racing legends are close to $1 million.