Elvis Presley’s legendary Cadillacs. Eric Clapton’s carefully curated Ferraris. When it comes to music and cars, one thing is clear: if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Each of the 10 collections we’re diving into reveals something different about the artists who owned them. While the tastes of these musicians may be very different, one thing stayed the same for all of them: success in music paid for the impressive collections they put together.
8. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s automotive collection stands as one of the most notable celebrity car assemblies in American history. The King of Rock and Roll amassed over 200 vehicles during his lifetime, with a particular affinity for Cadillac automobiles that reflected both his success and personal taste. His collection demonstrated remarkable diversity, from luxury cruisers to high-performance machines that defined their respective eras.
The most infamous vehicle in Presley’s collection, a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera, gained notoriety when Elvis discharged his firearm at the steering wheel after mechanical issues prevented it from starting. The Italian-American hybrid sports car, powered by a Ford Cleveland V8 engine, represented the cutting edge of 1970s automotive engineering. Today, the Elvis Presley Auto Museum in Memphis preserves 20 of his most significant vehicles, offering visitors a glimpse into the King’s automotive passion.
7. Steven Tyler
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler’s automotive interests align closely with his high-energy musical persona. Tyler commissioned Hennessey Performance Engineering to build him a custom Venom GT Spyder in 2012, a vehicle that claimed the title of world’s fastest street-legal car at the time of its delivery. The Texas-built hypercar produced 1,244 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
The Hennessey Venom GT Spyder represented the pinnacle of American automotive engineering, achieving a verified top speed of 265.6 mph. Tyler’s specific example featured custom interior appointments and a unique exterior finish, demonstrating his attention to both performance and aesthetics in his automotive choices.
6. Elton John
Sir Elton John initiated his prestigious car collection with the purchase of a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, acquired with proceeds from his landmark album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The Daytona, powered by a 4.4-liter V12 engine, represented Ferrari’s flagship grand tourer of the early 1970s.
John’s subsequent automotive selections have emphasized British marques, including numerous Bentleys, Aston Martins, and Rolls-Royces. His collection demonstrates a preference for grand touring vehicles that combine luxury with performance, reflecting his status as one of Britain’s most successful recording artists. Each vehicle in his collection maintains exceptional provenance and historical significance.
5. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s automotive preferences reflect his working-class New Jersey roots and American muscle car heritage. The Boss developed his appreciation for performance vehicles during the golden age of American muscle cars in the 1960s. Frank Stefanko’s iconic “Corvette Winter” photograph captured Springsteen with his Chevrolet Corvette, cementing the connection between the artist and American performance vehicles.
Springsteen’s collection has included several significant American performance cars over the decades. His automotive choices emphasize the connection between American car culture and rock and roll, with vehicles that represent the pinnacle of domestic performance engineering. The musician’s garage continues to reflect his appreciation for American automotive design and engineering.
4. Kid Rock
Robert James Ritchie Sr.’s automotive collection reflects a sophisticated appreciation for historical and modern vehicles. Kid Rock’s garage houses an impressive array of supercars and hypercars, demonstrating his evolution as a collector beyond his public persona. His 1930 Cadillac V16 stands as one of the most significant pieces in his collection, representing an era when Cadillac led American automotive engineering.
The musician’s collection spans multiple decades and categories, from pre-war classics to contemporary performance vehicles. Kid Rock maintains each vehicle in exceptional condition, preserving their historical significance while enjoying them as intended. His selection process emphasizes rarity and historical importance, particularly in American luxury automobiles.
3. Neil Young
Neil Young’s automotive interests extend beyond mere collecting to environmental advocacy and technological innovation. Young’s most notable project involved converting a 1959 Lincoln Continental convertible to electric power, creating a unique vehicle that combines classic American styling with modern sustainable technology. The musician drives this converted Lincoln regularly, demonstrating the practicality of his automotive vision.
Young’s broader collection reflects his commitment to preserving classic automobiles while exploring alternative energy solutions. His Lincoln project, dubbed the “LincVolt,” serves as a rolling laboratory for sustainable transportation technology. The musician’s approach to collecting emphasizes the potential for classic vehicles to adapt to modern environmental concerns.
2. Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck distinguished himself among musician-collectors through his hands-on approach to automotive restoration and modification. The guitarist actively participated in building and maintaining his vehicles, including a meticulous recreation of the Ford deuce coupe from “American Graffiti.” Beck’s mechanical expertise matched his musical virtuosity, allowing him to understand and appreciate vehicles at a deeper technical level.
The musician maintained strong opinions about automotive technology, particularly regarding autonomous driving systems. Beck’s preference for direct driver engagement reflected his purist approach to both music and automobiles. His collection emphasized traditional hot rod culture and the mechanical connection between driver and machine.
1. Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton assembled one of the most significant Ferrari collections among celebrity enthusiasts. The guitarist developed a particular appreciation for Ferrari’s limited-production models, including several specially commissioned vehicles built to his specifications. Clapton’s Ferrari collection represents some of the most valuable and historically significant examples from the manufacturer.
Beyond Italian supercars, Clapton maintained an extensive collection of vintage and luxury vehicles. Each acquisition reflected careful consideration of historical significance and driving dynamics. The musician’s garage demonstrates an understanding of automotive history and engineering that extends well beyond casual collecting.
