If you’re into classic or rare cars, then you have probably heard of the massive collections of icons like Jay Leno or the Sultan of Brunei. But do you know the sheer scope of some of these collections?
In this article, we’ll explore seven of the largest car collections in the world. Along the way, we’ll
- Touch on how many cars are in each collection
- Calculate the estimated combined value of the collection
- Highlight any especially unique or rare vehicles worthy of a special spotlight.
1. Sultan of Brunei: Biggest Car Collection in the World
Total Valuation: $5 billion
Rarest Car: A special edition Ferrari F50 Bolide
When it comes to the world’s largest private car collection, the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, reigns supreme. Owning over 7,000 vehicles valued at approximately $5 billion, the Sultan’s collection is nothing short of legendary.
Brunei’s car collection includes more than 600 Rolls Royce cars, 450 Ferraris, 20 Koenigseggs, 6 Daver Porsche 962 LMs, and 11 McLaren F1s, among other prestigious brands.
However, what truly sets this collection apart are the rare and custom-built vehicles, like the Rolls Royce Silver Spur II, which was modified to be a wedding limousine.
The Sultan’s collection also contains more than a dozen Bentley Javas, concept cars from the 1994 Geneva Motor Show. His other Bentleys include a Buccaneer, B3, and Dominator.
2. Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s Off-Road Kingdom
Total Valuation: $2.3 billion
Rarest Car: Dhabiyan
Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, affectionately known as the ‘Rainbow Sheikh’, takes a different approach to his car collection. Where the Sultan’s collection is loaded with luxury vehicles and sports cars, Sheikh Hamad’s passion lies in off-road vehicles. His unique collection is housed in a custom-built pyramid and a dedicated museum in Dubai, making it a true automotive wonderland.
The Sheikh’s diverse array of vehicles is open to the public and proudly displays head-turners like a massive Mercedes-Benz W116 monster truck. His collection also contains a Porsche 986, a rainbow Fiat 500, the world’s largest-running Jeep, a 1950s Dodge Power Wagon, and some 200 other vehicles.
3. Ralph Lauren’s Classic Car Collection
Total Valuation: $350 million
Rarest Car: Lamborghini Reventón Roadster
Fashion icon Ralph Lauren’s collection features a mix of vintage and modern vehicles that embody both elegance and power. The first car he acquired was a 1971 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 convertible. Since then, his collection has grown to 70+ vehicles.
One of the crown jewels in Lauren’s collection is the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, valued at a staggering $70 million. This classic car is a masterpiece of automotive heritage and design, embodying the Ferrari Mythos.
The collection also boasts rarities like the 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK ‘Count Trossi’ and the race-inspired 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, among others. Notably, 98% of the vehicles in his collection are red, showcasing his distinctive personal aesthetic.
Lauren’s collection is not just about preserving the past; it also embraces the future. He owns both the McLaren P1 and two Porsche 918 Spyders.
4. Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage: A Comedian’s Love for Collecting Cars
Total Valuation: $150 million
Rarest Car: 1934 Duesenberg Walker Coupe
Jay Leno, the beloved comedian and former host of “The Tonight Show,” has parlayed his passion for cars into one of the most diverse and fascinating collections around. Housed in the aptly named Big Dog Garage, Leno’s collection includes over 180 cars and 160 motorcycles.
One of the standout vehicles in Jay Leno’s car collection is the 1934 Duesenberg Walker Coupe, valued at $20 million. This rare gem is a testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Leno’s love for cars dates back to his first purchase, which was a 1934 Ford pickup truck that he acquired at the age of 14.
For seven seasons, classic car enthusiasts could watch Leno’s collector’s journey unfold in real-time on the hit TV show Jay Leno’s Garage, which officially wrapped in 2022. The program showcases many of the unique cars in Jay Leno’s car collection, whether it’s a cutting-edge supercar or a vintage motorcycle.
5. Gary Duncan’s Private Collection
Total Valuation: $10 million
Rarest Car: Mazda Autozam
Gary Duncan’s private collection stands out for its focus on Japanese cars. Duncan’s passion is driven by a love for unique and rare vehicles that never made it to the American market.
His collection includes over 100 Nissan Figaros, as well as other exceptional models like the Toyota Century and Nissan President.
Duncan has over 4,000 vehicles in his collection, including many one-of-a-kind models, such as Japanese fire trucks, and vintage sports cars, like a 1986 Aston Martin Volante.
Visitors can stop by Duncan’s Imports and Classic Car’s warehouse in Christiansburg, Virginia, for a complimentary tour.
6. Ken Lingenfelter’s Performance-Driven Collection
Total Valuation: TBD
Rarest Car: Duntov Mule
Ken Lingenfelter’s car collection is a testament to his love for performance and speed. Housing over 250 vehicles in a 40,000-square-foot building, Lingenfelter’s collection is one of the biggest car collections in the US. Lingenfelter is particularly fascinated by General Motors vehicles, with his first car being a 1969 396/375 Camaro. He’s kept that passion alive, adding a daily driver, a ZR1 Corvette, to the collection later on.
One of his most cherished possessions is a pristine, all-original 1980 Chevrolet Chevette with less than 10,000 miles on the odometer. Other notable vehicles in the Lingenfelter Collection include an AMC Gremlin, a Lamborghini Reventon, and a 1973 Opel GT.
7. Dmitry Lomakov’s Historical Treasures
Total Valuation: TBD
Rarest Car: Stalin’s green 1949 ZIS-110 limousine
With over 120 vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, Lomakov has spent 40 years amassing a collection that celebrates the rich history of the automobile. Lomakov is motivated by a deep desire to preserve these historical treasures to the best of his ability and pay tribute to automotive heritage with his impressive collection.
Lomakov’s rare collection is on display at the Museum of Oldtimer Cars and Motorcycles in Moscow. Some of its most notable additions include the 1930s bikes “Red Oktouber” and “Leningrad 8”, a Dodge WC-52 military car, a German Horch-853, and a wide selection of Soviet-era vehicles.
Many of Lomakov’s greatest attractions are the Mercedes-Benz owned by prominent Nazis like Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, which Lomakov says are symbols of Russia’s victory in WWII.
Classic Collections Require Optimal Storage
One of the best ways to store your classic is in a warehouse or garage, but not everyone has the resources of famous car collectors. For many people, their only option is to pay hefty warehouse fees or risk putting their vintage car out in the elements.
What if you could store your classic car in your neighborhood?
With Neighbor, a peer-to-peer Car storage marketplace, you can find storage options in your local area (and in all 50 states) at prices 50% lower than traditional storage spaces. All of Neighbor’s hosts have been pre-screened, so you can rest assured your classic car will be safe and sound.
Check out what storage options are available in your area!
