The Most Expensive Prize Ever Won On The Price Is Right Is An Eye-Popper
There's been a lot of game shows to come out over the years, but when it comes to lavish prizes and cash hauls, few have managed to even come close to the undisputed king of competitive daytime programming — "The Price Is Right." For the past half a century, the record-breaking CBS game show has dished out millions in cars, boats, trips, furniture sets, and straight-up cash, among countless other things, to winning contestants. The prizes are stored in a giant warehouse complex in Los Angeles and kept there until the time comes to change a person's life. And when it does, there are often hilarious or unforgettable moments that come with it. This rings especially true when there are high-priced items at play, and there have been no items pricier than the two prizes we are about to discuss below.
Out of everything that has been awarded to players over the years — washing and drying machines, workout equipment, guitars, kayaks, refrigerators, scooters, power tools, vacation packages, etc. — it's always been the cars that have attracted the most attention and dollars. In fact, the most expensive prizes ever offered or won on "The Price Is Right" have been automobiles, with at least two price tags that stand out as record-breakers.
The most expensive prize ever won was an Audi R8 V8 Spyder Quattro S Tronic
According to CBS, the most expensive prize ever won on "The Price Is Right" was an Audi R8 V8 Spyder Quattro S Tronic worth $157,300. The 430-hp beast of a vehicle was won by Sheree L. Heil, of Tacoma, Washington, in December 2013 after she won the Gas Money game (via Motor Trend).
"My whole family loves 'The Price is Right' and it's been a dream of mine to go to that show," Heil told the Tacoma radio station KIRO-FM after her big win. "I just acted a little bit crazy and the next thing you know they call my name. I didn't care if I won or lost. I just wanted to spin The Big Wheel." But the Washington state nurse did much more than just spin The Big Wheel. She managed to win $10,000 in cash — after correctly guessing which prices weren't the correct ones for the Audi — and then the R8 Spyder in one fell swoop.
"My adrenaline was flowing so high," she told KIRO-FM. "I wanted to stop after the $4,000 [in prize money]." But according to the radio station, Heil's brother told her to keep going. What resulted was the most expensive prize won in "Price Is Right" history — but not the most expensive prize ever offered. That title actually belongs to the legendary vehicle below.
The most expensive prize ever offered on The Price Is Right was a Ferrari 458 Spider
The title for the most expensive prize in "The Price Is Right" history goes to the Ferrari 458 Spider, which was offered in black to contestant Therese Cook, of San Diego, California, in March 2013 (via Car and Driver). The 558-hp sports car came with a hefty $285,716 price tag and is still considered one of the fastest Ferraris ever produced.
According to executive producer Mike Richards, having such an incredible prize on the show was a "Price Is Right" dream come true for him. "I was determined there was going to be a Ferrari on the show," he told Car and Driver in May 2013. "There's no reason this show shouldn't have the best car in the world on it."
Unfortunately for Cook, the 458 wound up remaining in the possession of "The Price Is Right" after she was unable to win the "Three Strikes" game. However, it could have possibly been a blessing in disguise. As noted by Car and Driver and KIRO-FM, the taxes on vehicles like the Audi Spyder and Ferrari Spider are through the roof — and contestants ultimately get stuck with the bill. "The California taxes alone are nearly $12,000," said Audi winner Sheree Heil (via KIRO-FM). Car and Driver estimates that the taxes on the Ferrari would've cost Cook $22,857 in sales tax and then another $1,954 in registration fees. "Announcer George Gray should really shout ' ... a new Ferrari! And a giant stack of tax bills!" the magazine concluded.