Famous car enthusiasts and their classic car collections

Cars have always attracted passionate followers, from engineers and collectors to celebrities who see them not just as transport but as expressions of identity. Some of the world’s most famous figures are equally renowned for their love of automobiles - and, in many cases, classic cars.

But what about their car ‘portfolios’? it seems that some celebrities cannot get enough: here’s a selection of public figures and their car collections.

Donald Trump

Clearly the car of use for the current President of the United States of America is a presidential limousine – a Chevrolet Kodiak truck produced by General Motors. The vehicle weighs around 20,000 pounds and cost around $1.5 million to build.

Although Mr Trump reportedly favours GM products, his fleet, past and present, has included a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, 2015 Rolls Phantom, Mercedes S600, a 2003 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, Cadillac Escalade, Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, Tesla Roadster and a Ferrari F430. Anyway, President Trump has apparently owned a few Cadillacs, including a few bespoke limousines and, because of his customer loyalty, the American car company also decided to gift him his own Northstar V8-powered gold-painted Allante.

Jay Kay

The frontman for Jamiroquai, Jay Kay, is something of a car obsessive and his car collection has been somewhat eclectic. He’s owned supercars such as the LaFerrari, Enzo, F40, 250 GT Lusso and Scuderia 16M Spider. He’s owned a Dodge Charger, Gumpert, Maserati A6 G54, an early Range Rover, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and all manner of exotic vehicles, but perhaps the most rare and curious is the unique and rather fantastic, one-off Ferrari 330GT Vignale Shooting Brake. The 330 GT itself first appeared at the 1964 Brussels motor show and, prior to Kay’s ownership, Chassis no. 7963 made its way across the Atlantic, to the Connecticut HQ of Luigi Chinetti. It was Chinetti’s son Luigi Jr (better known as Coco) who devised the shooting brake idea and collaborated with an artist called Bob Peak in order to make it feasible. The finished car duly appeared at the 1968 Turin salon. Post-Chinetti, the 330 GT spent time in France before landing in England.

Steve McQueen

Few names loom larger in the crossover between Hollywood and horsepower than Steve McQueen. Known as the “King of Cool,” McQueen wasn’t just playing a role when he tore through the streets of San Francisco in the 1968 film Bullitt. His Ford Mustang GT Fastback from that movie has since become one of the most iconic cars in cinema history.

McQueen was a genuine petrolhead who raced both cars and motorcycles competitively. While he owned many remarkable machines - from Ferraris to Porsches and a rare racing Jaguar D-Type - the Bullitt Mustang is the one most indelibly linked to his legacy. When the original car resurfaced after decades in hiding, it sold at auction in 2020 for $3.7 million, proving just how powerful the McQueen connection remains.

Paul Newman

Another Hollywood icon with petrol coursing through his veins was Paul Newman. Unlike most celebrity car enthusiasts, Newman wasn’t content to just drive fast cars on the road - he took to the racetrack, competing professionally well into his seventies.

Closely associated to Newman, was his V8-powered 2002 Chevrolet Corvette SCCA racer. The 700hp, 346-cubic inch Corvette was rebuilt, re-bodied and repainted and, ultimately, sold at auction for $275,000. It was originally built for Tom Gloy's 2002 Trans Am season by Riley & Scott. Newman’s other famous cars include the Datsun 280ZX Turbo he raced in the IMSA series in the early 1980s and also the Nissan 300ZX that carried him to victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona.

Rowan Atkinson

British actor Rowan Atkinson, beloved for his roles as Mr Bean and Blackadder, is another serious car enthusiast. Unlike many celebrity collectors, Atkinson’s love of cars is hands-on: he races, writes about, and frequently drives the cars he owns.

The jewel in his collection was undoubtedly his McLaren F1, often regarded as one of the greatest road cars ever built. Atkinson famously used his F1 regularly, covering more than 40,000 miles in it. He also survived two high-profile crashes in the car, one of which resulted in a £910,000 insurance payout - the highest ever in Britain at the time. When he eventually sold the McLaren in 2015, it achieved £8.8 million at auction, making headlines around the world.

 

Jay Leno

When it comes to celebrity car enthusiasts, few can rival Jay Leno. The former Tonight Show host owns one of the most diverse and extensive collections in the world, with over 180 cars and 120 motorcycles housed in his famous “Big Dog Garage” in California.

Leno’s collection spans everything from steam-powered cars of the early 20th century to the latest hypercars. While it’s hard to single out just one, the McLaren P1 is particularly notable. There are others though that will capture imaginations including his Stanley Steamer or Duesenberg Model X, reflecting his appreciation for motoring history. More than just an owner, Leno shares his passion through his show Jay Leno’s Garage, inspiring millions with his knowledge and enthusiasm.