Celebrity Cars: What Cars Do The Rich And Famous Spend Their Millions On?

TrendingDecember 22, 2021

Brian Johnson – $400K, Rolls-Royce Phantom

Self-professed petrolhead and motoring aficionado, AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson’s passion for fast machines on four wheels was on full display during his memorable appearance on Top Gear. His vast collection of automobiles includes modern Italian stallions, classic Rolls-Royces, vintage Bentleys, and iconic historical machines with a racing pedigree.

Johnson’s daily driver, however, is a modern Rolls-Royce Phantom. In a Motor1.com interview, he admitted to Rolls-Royce being that unattainable symbol of success and elegance growing up as a kid. Bringing his life story and experiences to the screen, Johnson will unveil his new memoir, The Lives of Brian, in October 2021.

Ron Howard – $20K, 1970 Volkswagen Beetle

When Ron Howard bought his 1970 VW Beetle, it was a series of firsts for the famed Hollywood director. It was the first automobile he had ever owned, and he also went on his first date in it 50 years ago with his wife Cheryl.

Howard bought the white VW bug brand new in 1970, which came with a price tag of $1839 at the time. The Cabriolet variant of the Beetle with a convertible drop-top bumped up the price to $2245. Howard and Cheryl recently celebrated the 46th anniversary of their June 1975 wedding with an adorable Instagram selfie.

William Shatner – $77.3K, 2002 Aston Martin DB7 Volante

After his breakout success as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, actor William Shatner splurged his new money on toys that he always wanted. One such purchase turned out to be a 2002 Aston Martin DB7 Volante.

With a price premium of almost $23K above the base model, the range-topping Volante came with upgraded trim and a retractable soft-top. In April 2016, Shatner sold his Aston at the Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson Auction for $55K. He recently appeared opposite Mike Tyson in a commercial for CopperGel, a medical and wellness company intended to provide pain relief.

John Goodman – $23K, 2000 Ford F-150

Some things in life just seem natural and meant to be. In the case of The Big Lebowski actor John Goodman, his Ford F-150 fits like a glove. Known for his humble and down-to-earth persona, it was only fitting that Goodman went with an understated truck as his choice of ride.

He is best known for his role as Dan Conner in ABC’s Roseanne, as well as his deep baritone voice and on-screen authoritative-figure roles. After its success, the network created the sitcom’s spinoff The Conners, with Goodman reprising his role as Dan. The series was recently picked up for its fourth season.

Barry Manilow – Price Undisclosed, 1988 Range Rover

Musical genius Barry Manilow is known for his popular singles like I Write the Songs, Couldn’t It Be Magic, and Can’t Smile Without You. Known for his simple tastes, the crooner has been quoted on occasions saying his life would be complete if all he ever owned was his home and his tomato-red 1988 Range Rover.

Alas, the Rover was badly damaged in a crash on a wet freeway during a rainy afternoon in Los Angeles in 1996. Manilow recently announced five dates for his December 2021 A Gift of Love holiday tour, with all proceeds from the concerts set to be given away to benefit 25 charities.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – $66K, 1948 Packard Super 8 Convertible

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been an important figure of the NFL history books for more than five decades. Fans of basketball remember him as a key player for the Celtics-Lakers and the nemesis of Dave Cowens during his time at the Boston Celtics in the ’70s.

In 2014, Jabbar purchased a classic 1948 Packard Super 8 Convertible at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. In a Vanity Fair interview, the NBA star admitted the purchase as his greatest extravagance. Jabbar will be executive producing and narrating his upcoming documentary on the History Channel, Fight the Power: The Movements That Changed America.

Brian Johnson – $400K, Rolls-Royce Phantom

Nicko McBrain – $132K, Jaguar XKR-S

Musician and drummer of heavy metal English band Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain had always bought pre-owned vehicles, despite having a net worth estimated to be $30M. After learning to drive in a Hillman Minx, McBrain’s first set of wheels was a Volvo 144.

Having had an affinity for Jaguars in the past, the auto manufacturer custom-built McBrain a bespoke 2013 XKR-S which also happened to be the most powerful production Jag ever. In November, he is scheduled to perform at the 2021 Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp In Florida.

John Travolta – $410K, Rolls-Royce Phantom

Pulp Fiction actor John Travolta has a thing for expensive rides and interior design. He is also an airplane aficionado, a licensed pilot, and owns a home inside an airport. Travolta will re-team with his Pulp Fiction co-star Bruce Willis in Paradise City. The film revolves around a bounty hunter on the hunt for his father’s murderer, a Hawaiian underworld kingpin.

We doubt if any vehicle of Travolta can beat his two private planes, but his vintage 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom comes in at a close second. Based on the Silver Cloud II, the Phantom shared its predecessor’s 6.2-liter V8 engine and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

Morgan Freeman – $70K, Tesla Model S

Legendary actor and voice-over artist Morgan Freeman is known for his larger-than-life narrations and his instantly recognizable voice. For over a decade, Freeman has been a big believer in green energy when it comes to transportation. He was one of the first adopters of electric vehicle technology when he bought his first Tesla Model S sometime around 2012.

Freeman was apparently so impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of the vehicle, he funded a start-up limo service that exclusively ran Tesla models. Today, Freeman is an investor in the Tesla company’s stock and a staunch supporter of its CEO, Elon Musk.

Richard Gere – $93K, Audi RS6 Avant

With more than 50 years of acting under his belt, actor Richard Gere changed the typical persona of a leading man in Hollywood. Along with notable performances in projects like American Gigolo, Chicago, and Pretty Woman, Gere also had a pair of Golden Globes to his name.

Gere’s aura of calm refinement and smooth style is also reflected in his vehicle of choice—an Audi RS6 estate wagon. Combining luxury and sportiness with utility, the 2020 RS6 comes with a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 capable of 592 horsepower. He recently appeared in an episode of Hollywood Insider, paying tribute to filmmaker Terrence Malick.

Rush Limbaugh – $450K, Maybach 57 S

Best known as the host of The Rush Limbaugh Show, a popular radio program, Rush Limbaugh had not only entertained millions of fans but also provided a springboard for aspiring celebrities and politicians. Sadly, the legendary broadcaster died earlier this year in February due to lung cancer.

While he was alive, it suffices to say Limbaugh liked to live to his fullest and enjoyed the finer things of the world. Apart from his sprawling mansion and Gulfstream G550 private jet, he also owned a fleet of fully-optioned Mercedes Maybach 57 S models for himself and his guests.