All About That Driver
Some cars are famous because they were fast, beautiful, rare, or technologically impressive, while others became household names because the right person happened to own them. A celebrity, musician, athlete, actor, or historical figure can turn an otherwise obscure vehicle into something people immediately recognize. Sometimes the owner used the car in public, while other times its connection to them became part of the vehicle's history after it was sold or preserved.
1. Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford Mustang GT Bullitt
When you think of a movie car, you probably think of Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang from the movie Bullitt. He drove this beautiful green Mustang during his epic chase sequence through the streets of San Francisco. This made the car instantly iconic and is what made people fall in love with the Mustang in general.
2. Elvis Presley’s 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood
There is no question that Elvis Presley had an insane amount of cars during his time. One car he owned that really caught my eye was his 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood. As you can see, Elvis decided to go all out and add some bling to this beauty.
3. James Dean’s 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder has always been associated with his short life and tragic passing. The Porsche itself was a rare competition-oriented sports car, but its connection to Dean made it one of the most discussed vehicles in Hollywood history. The car's subsequent history has also been surrounded by mystery and numerous claims about where its remaining pieces ended up.
4. John Lennon’s 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V
After buying a 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, John Lennon decided to customize it a bit more. The original black luxury sedan was transformed in 1967 with colorful designs inspired by the colorful culture of the period. Lennon used the car extensively, and photographs of the unusual Rolls-Royce helped make it instantly associated with the Beatles star.
5. Princess Diana’s 1981 Ford Escort RS Turbo
When you think of Princess Diana's car, you probably don't think of a Ford Escort. But in the early 1980s, Princess Diana drove a Ford Escort RS Turbo. Ford even produced a special black RS Turbo for her, rather than the standard white version offered to customers. The connection between Diana and the Escort later made the car highly desirable among collectors.
6. David Bowie’s 1980 Volvo 262C
David Bowie's Volvo 262C wasn't as flashy as some of the cars associated with rock stars, but its connection to him gave it plenty of character. The 262C was an unusual luxury coupe produced by Volvo in cooperation with Italian coachbuilder Bertone. Bowie owned one finished in a dark color and reportedly used it as a personal vehicle rather than simply keeping it as a collectible. The combination of a distinctive Volvo and one of music's most distinctive personalities makes the car particularly memorable.
7. Bruce Wayne’s 1989 Batmobile
Well, Bruce Wayne isn't a real person, but he did own the famous Batmobile from Batman. The 1989 version of the Batmobile is probably one of the most famous movie cars of all time. It had such a unique look to it that it caught the eyes of many people. The car became so famous that toys were made and it became an instant classic.
8. Jay Leno’s McLaren F1
As you can see, Jay Leno has quite a collection of cars. But one car that he is very passionate about is the McLaren F1. The F1 is known for its V12 engine and three-seat configuration. Leno's frequent discussions of the car introduced its unusual design to plenty of people who weren't familiar with McLaren's road-car history. His ownership has therefore become part of the F1's modern enthusiast culture.
9. Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche 356/1500 GS Carrera
Jerry Seinfeld has always been known for his love of Porsches. He has collected many Porsches over the years and even had a TV show about his cars called Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Seinfeld's enthusiasm helped bring classic Porsche collecting to audiences who might never have followed vintage cars otherwise. His cars often became conversation pieces because people were as interested in why he owned them as they were in their specifications.
10. Rowan Atkinson’s McLaren F1
Rowan Atkinson is better known as Mr. Bean, but he also owned a McLaren F1. He had this car for many years and enjoyed driving it. After crashing his McLaren F1, he decided to fix it and keep driving. His history with the vehicle became part of its story and showed just how valuable and desirable the F1 had become.
11. Ralph Lauren’s 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Ralph Lauren has collected many exotic cars throughout his life. One car that he has collected is the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. This car is very rare, and only a few were ever made. Lauren's ownership brought additional public attention because his collection has been exhibited and photographed extensively. The car therefore carries both an extraordinary automotive history and a strong connection to one of fashion's best-known names.
Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca on Wikimedia
12. Paul McCartney’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5
Paul McCartney owned an Aston Martin DB5 during his time with the Beatles. This car became very popular due to its association with one of the greatest bands of all time. Many people who know of Paul McCartney also know that he owned an Aston Martin. The car has since been restored and is still driven today.
13. Steve Jobs’ BMW Z8
Steve Jobs was known for his minimalist approach to many aspects of his life, and his choice of a BMW Z8 has attracted plenty of attention from car enthusiasts. Jobs reportedly drove the roadster during the early 2000s, making the unusual BMW part of his personal history. The Z8 was already distinctive thanks to its retro-inspired styling and limited production, but Jobs' ownership gave one particular example additional celebrity appeal. It was later sold at auction, where its connection to the Apple co-founder remained a major part of its story.
14. Nicolas Cage’s Ferrari Enzo
Nicolas Cage is one of many celebrities who have owned a Ferrari Enzo. The Enzo was a very rare car, and only a limited number were ever made. Nicolas Cage decided to purchase one and enjoy his time with it. After some financial problems, he decided to sell his Ferrari Enzo. Many people were surprised to learn that Nicolas Cage owned a Ferrari.
15. Eric Clapton’s Ferrari SP12 EC
Ferrari decided to build Eric Clapton a one-off Ferrari. They took the Ferrari 458 and added some modifications to make it look like some of the classic Ferraris that Eric Clapton owns. The Ferrari SP12 EC is a one-of-a-kind car and was only made for Eric Clapton. His initials are even in the name of the car.
16. Bill Cosby’s Shelby Cobra 427
Bill Cosby once owned a Shelby Cobra 427. He was able to enjoy this car for a short period of time before selling it. The vehicle was eventually sold after Cosby's ownership, while its connection to him remained part of its documented history. The story also illustrates how a famous owner's personality can become attached to a car's reputation.
17. Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood starred in a movie called Gran Torino and drove a 1972 Gran Torino in the movie. Eastwood played Walt Kowalski, a retired auto worker who owns a distinctive 1972 Gran Torino in the movie. The car became an important part of the character and the film's identity, leading many viewers to associate the model specifically with Eastwood.
18. Muhammad Ali’s 1960s Alfa Romeo Spider
Muhammad Ali owned an Alfa Romeo Spider, adding a stylish Italian sports car to the automotive history surrounding one of the most famous athletes of the 20th century. Ali was photographed with the car, helping preserve the connection between the boxer and the distinctive roadster. The Spider was already known for its elegant design, but celebrity ownership gave a particular example additional historical interest.
19. Michael Jordan’s Ferrari 550 Maranello
Michael Jordan is known to be a big car enthusiast and owns many exotic cars. One car that he owned was the Ferrari 550 Maranello. This car allowed Michael Jordan to experience what it was like to drive a front-engine Ferrari. It also fits neatly into the long tradition of professional athletes owning high-performance cars.
User Guibo on fr.wikipedia on Wikimedia
20. Princess Grace’s 1956 Renault Floride
Princess Grace was given a Renault Floride by the company back in 1956. She was able to enjoy this car for many years and had some great memories with it. The company even used images of the princess with the Floride in its promotional material. Today, the car is remembered not only as a piece of French automotive history but also as part of Princess Grace's public image.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on Wikimedia
