From vintage classic cars to modern hypercars, a car collection is more than just a display of wealth—it is a testament to their owners’ passion and appetite for automotive excellence. While some prefer secret car storage locations, others prefer to show their collection off to the world.
In this article, we delve into the exclusive world of the top celebrity car collections, exploring the personal garages of some of the most notable figures in entertainment and fashion.
Jerry Seinfeld
Actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld has long been a Porsche enthusiast. He’s been a member of the Porsche Owners Club for 30 years. He reportedly owns an impressive collection of 150 cars valued at $100 million — many of which he’s driven on his Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee show.
Most Valuable: Porsche 917K-022
In 1969, Porsche created the outrageous 917 race car, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. This is the most famous 917, as Steve McQueen drove it in the motion picture Le Mans. Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche 917K is estimated to be worth $20 million.
Most Rare: 911 Classic Club Coupe
Purchased by Jerry Seinfeld at auction, the 996-based Porsche Club Coupe is a one-and-done creation of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program. Porsche refined and upgraded the interior, exterior, chassis, and powertrain elements to modern and individualistic standards.
Most Unusual: 1966 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet Police Car
The Dutch police used 57 Porsches between 1962 and 1996 as high-speed patrol vehicles. Perhaps the most famous are the ten 1966 356 SC cabriolets, the model’s last year. Jerry Seinfeld has one in his car collection.
Ralph Lauren
Fashion designer Ralph Lauren has been one of the most significant celebrity car enthusiasts. Ralph Lauren’s impressive car collection contains several of the most desirable automobiles ever constructed. Lauren’s collection includes 55 cars and other vehicles valued at over $600 million, which is likely one of the most expensive celebrity car collections.
Most Valuable: 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
The most valuable car in Ralph Lauren’s collection is a 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. One of four built and one of two remaining, Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti is the only one with its original engine. A beautiful car and a consistent Best of Show winner in highly regarded concours events, its value is estimated at $100 to $150 million, the most expensive car in his collection.
Most Rare: 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia
As one of four Alfa Romeos, these vehicles are among the rarest cars on the planet. The 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia was prepared for the nearly 1000-mile 1938 Mille Miglia race around Northern and Central Italy, with bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring. This car led most of the race, stopped briefly to adjust the brakes, and finished second. Ralph Lauren’s 1938 Alfa is estimated to be worth $20 million.
Most Unusual: 1976 Jeep CJ-5
In a collection of fine (and expensive) European cars, a nearly 60-year-old basic Jeep seems unusual. Ralph Lauren bought it new and drove it on the beaches of Long Island. It was recently refurbished to replace saltwater-rusted panels and repainted an elegant shade of white.
Paul Walker
The late actor started as a heartthrob in teen coming-of-age movies but is best remembered for starring in five Fast & Furious films. Walker built a secret celebrity car collection that he stashed away at a co-owned business.
Most Valuable: 1994 Toyota Supra
With its Lamborghini Diablo “candy orange” paint, the customized Supra reached iconic Hollywood status after its first appearance in The Fast and the Furious film. In 2021, the Supra was sold at auction for an astonishing $550,000.
Most Rare: 2009 Nissan 370Z
This one-of-a-kind customized Nissan appeared in the Fast Five movie. Despite its stock mechanicals, it garnered $105,600, making it the most expensive Nissan 370Z ever sold at auction.
Most Unusual: BMW 2002tii Touring
For a collection comprised chiefly of JDM and supercars, the BMW 2002tii Touring stands out. It’s a rare Touring (hatchback) model of which BMW made less than 6,000 units. It also features several dealer-installed Alpina upgrades, eventually selling for $45,600 in 2016.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z, one of the most influential figures in the hip-hop industry, rose from poverty to become a Grammy-winning recording artist and media mogul. He founded and runs Roc Nation, a multiple-faceted entertainment agency, and owns a desirable collection of exotic cars.
Most Valuable: Pagani Zonda F
Pagani built only 40 examples of the Pagani Zonda F. The Zonda F is a high-performance hypercar with 650 horsepower, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph and a price tag of $2.2 million.
Most Rare: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport owned by Jay-Z is one of just 58 vehicles made, with a price tag of $2 million. Powered by an 8.0L quad-turbo W16 engine, the top speed of the roadster is 253 mph, but with the Targa top removed, speed is limited to 229 mph.
Most Unusual: Dartz Prombron
Built in Latvia on a Mercedes Benz G-Series platform, this uber-SUV is fully bullet-proofed and immune to AK-47s and rocket launchers. It was custom-made and believed to have cost the mogul one million dollars, making it an unusual addition to his celebrity car collection.
Gordon Ramsay
The acerbic British chef is well known for the superb quality of his 35 restaurants and blunt approach on his various TV shows. Surprisingly, his first television appearance was 2002 on BBC’s Top Gear. Ramsay drives some of his collection at track days in England and the U.S.
Most Valuable: Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The Aperta is a limited edition open-top spyder version of the renowned La Ferrari. It features a drivetrain similar to Formula 1 cars, combining a 6.3L V12 engine with a hybrid electric motor for a combined output of 789 HP. One recently sold at auction for $5.4 million.
Most Rare: 2014 Land Rover Defender 110 SVX
What upscale Britisher wouldn’t want to buzz around the English countryside in a Land Rover? Gordon Ramsay one-uped them all by buying a Land Rover Defender 110 SVX used in filming the James Bond film SPECTRE. Ramsay paid $430,000 for the off-roader.
Most Unusual: Volkswagen Golf VR6
The first car the chef bought for himself is still one of his favorites. Unassuming looking on the outside but powered by a naturally aspirated 2.8L “staggered six” that produces 174 HP, the Volkswagen Golf VR6 makes for a great runaround over the tight streets of London.
Jay Leno
The comedian and former Tonight Show host cut his teeth as a garage mechanic, and his passion has continued throughout his lifetime. Jay Leno’s car collection (displayed at Jay Leno’s Garage, of course) totals 180 cars and 160 motorcycles, estimated to be worth $100 million, likely the top celebrity car collection in the world.
Most Valuable: McLaren F1
Jay Leno’s 1994 McLaren F1 is one of 25 examples completed that year, with a current market estimate of around $15 to $20 million. It’s powered by a specially modified BMW 6.1L V12 engine that develops 618 HP – in a car that weighs just under 2,600 lbs.
Most Rare: 1909 Baker Electric
An early example of an electric car was initially equipped with Edison alkaline batteries. It’s also unique to drive, with a tiller for steering, hand throttle, and two brake pedals (one for each rear wheel). Jay Leno often drives his around town.
Most Unusual: 1963 Chrysler Turbine
In the early 1960s, Chrysler built 55 of these experimental cars to evaluate a gas turbine engine car, loaning them to everyday drives for 90 days at a time. When the project ceased, most were crushed. Only two remain in private hands, and Jay Leno owns one of them.
Building an Impressive Car Collection of Your Own
Building your classic car collection, like these celebrities, is an exciting endeavor. If you’ve considered starting a collection of your own, it’s crucial to prioritize secure car storage to protect these valuable assets from external damage, such as harsh weather and theft.
This is where Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, becomes invaluable. Offering a range of premium storage options, including enclosed warehouses, Neighbor ensures that your luxury vehicles are safely stored and easily accessible. Secure and maintain your collection with the optimal car storage solution from Neighbor.
Find the perfect storage space for your classic car collection with Neighbor, ensuring your vehicles are protected and preserved.
