While today’s luxury cars have the latest technology and sleek designs, some celebrities prefer the charm and nostalgia of vintage automobiles. So forget shiny new sports cars; these celebrities are all about the timeless appeal of classic automobiles. Read on as we ride through the garages of 15 celebrities who proudly drive vintage cars.
George Clooney
Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney isn’t just known for his charm on screen—he’s also a car enthusiast who loves vintage vehicles. A prized possession in his collection is a stunning 1959 Chevrolet Corvette, initially owned by Clooney’s father, who bought it brand new in 1959.
Ben Affleck
One of Ben Affleck’s favorite cars is a head-turning 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. Although his Chevelle SS isn’t your everyday stock car, he’s customized it with a deep maroon paint job that makes it stand out. Although Affleck might star in action movies and drive high-tech vehicles on screen, his real-life automobile taste leans towards the classics.
Justin Timberlake
We cannot go by without mentioning Justin Timberlake’s name when discussing vintage cars. He first drove a GTO while filming Trouble With The Curve in 2012 and quickly fell for its charm. Determined to own one, he eventually found a restored ’67 Pontiac GTO in Texas. Living up to its reputation, the singer’s GTO has a massive 6.6-liter V8 engine under the hood, churning 360 horsepower and 438 pound-feet of torque.
Jerry Seinfeld
Owning a vintage car is more than just having a shiny object in the garage. Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche collection proves a lifelong passion for design and engineering. He’s often spotted cruising the streets of Los Angeles in his 1964 Porsche 911.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. holds his 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE in high regard, primarily because it was his mother’s car and represents the last generation of hand-built Mercedes-Benz models. Originally equipped with a 2.8L gas engine producing 158 horsepower, the 280SE featured a leather and wood dashboard and leather seats. Downey Jr. modernized the car by replacing the inline 6-cylinder engine with a diesel engine and converting the fuel system to biodiesel.
David Letterman
Former late-night host David Letterman has built a $400 million net worth from his TV career. With annual earnings of $28 million, he spends significantly on buying and maintaining vintage motorcars. Letterman’s collection features classic cars from the 1960s, including the rare 1955 Jaguar XK 140. This flagship sports car, produced in only 9,000 units between 1954 and 1957, is now valued at $137,000.
Ralph Lauren
One of the most remarkable and rare cars in Lauren’s collection is the 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. He first saw this unique car at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance years before acquiring it in the late 1980s. Given its age, the car needed restoration, meticulously handled by Paul Russell of Essex, Massachusetts, who spent over 9,600 hours over two years bringing it back to life.
Beyoncé Knowles
While her musical achievements are well-known, her love for cars is less publicized but equally impressive. Among her prized possessions is a 1959 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II. The Silver Cloud II has a 6.2L V8 engine and automatic transmission and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds.
Eric Bana
You might recognize Eric Bana as Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, but his talents extend beyond acting. Throughout his career, Bana has led a double life as a racing driver, competing in some of Australia’s circuit events. One of his most famous cars is the 1973 XB Falcon Hardtop, the focus of his documentary, Love The Beast. Tragically, the Falcon was nearly destroyed in a crash during the challenging Targa Tasmania race in 2007.
Jay Leno
Many A-listers splurge on flashy wheels, but Jay Leno takes a different approach. His $50 million collection is more like a museum. Notably, the comedian owns over 180 motorcars, all lovingly restored and displayed in a 140,000 sq ft garage. Among his prized possessions is one of the 106 McLaren F1s ever made. Leno told CNN that this would be the first car he’d save from his collection, which isn’t surprising given its value of around $12 million.
Tim Allen
Tim Allen’s garage would not be complete without his custom-designed 1956 Ford F-100, which he acquired at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Interestingly, this powerful truck features a 5.0-liter Crammer crate engine from Ford Performance. Painted sleek black, the vehicle has a 5-speed manual transmission; this pickup is a marvel to see and drive. Custom modifications include ergonomic body panels, a shortened bed, and an extended cab.
Nicolas Cage
Known for bad-boy roles on screen, Nicolas Cage has also amassed an impressive collection of rare, classic cars off-screen. He has a particular fondness for Italian makers. His collection includes the Jaguar Lightweight E-Type, a car designed to compete with Ferrari in racing, with only 12 of these vehicles ever produced. Although Cage’s Jaguar isn’t in its original condition, it has a 3.8-liter engine, roll cage, aluminum bonnet, doors, and boot skin.
Bruce Willis
The 1972 Ford Bronco is a classic SUV known for its off-road capabilities. This vehicle is a favorite among collectors and off-road enthusiasts and is part of Bruce Willis’s garage. A Bronco can cost around $50,000, depending on its condition and restoration. Initially released in 1966 as a competitor to the Jeep CJ, the Ford Bronco quickly became a classic.
John Cena
John Cena is known for his passion for cars, and his 1969 MGC GT is a prime example, valued at $3,715. Originally powered by a 2.9-liter inline-6 engine, Cena has transformed the car into a true beast. These upgrades include improved suspensions, brakes, interior, and wheels. The highlight is the engine upgrade to a more powerful 6.2L LS V8 engine.
Patrick Dempsey
This globally known actor across different generations, now finds joy in off-camera activities like racing. When Dempsey captivated viewers on Grey’s Anatomy, he added a classic Jag to his collection. The XK120 was a significant model for Jaguar, catapulting the automaker into the global spotlight.
