Racing legends aren’t just known for their speed on the track—they also have a deep passion for cars off it. Many have curated collections that showcase their love for automobiles, often featuring rare and vintage models alongside high-performance machines. These car collections offer a fascinating insight into the personalities and tastes of some of the most iconic figures in motorsport.
Here are a few of the top car collections owned by racing legends:
1. Juan Manuel Fangio’s Collection
Legendary Driver: Juan Manuel Fangio
Highlights: The Argentine legend, often considered one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time, had a collection of historic racing cars, many of which were driven by him during his career. His collection featured the iconic Mercedes-Benz W196, a car that helped Fangio win two of his five world championships. The collection was housed at the Museo Fangio in his hometown of Balcarce, Argentina.
2. Lewis Hamilton’s Collection
Legendary Driver: Lewis Hamilton Highlights: As one of the most successful F1 drivers in modern history, Hamilton has a collection that reflects his diverse interests, from high-performance sports cars to electric vehicles. Among his prized possessions are the Mercedes-AMG Project One, Pagani Zonda 760LH, and a rare McLaren P1. He also has a passion for classic cars and has been known to own several rare models, including vintage Ferraris and Porsches.
3. Ayrton Senna’s Collection
Legendary Driver: Ayrton Senna Highlights: Senna, the Brazilian racing icon, was known for his passion for cars, and his collection included some of the most iconic models of the 80s and 90s. Among the cars he owned were a collection of Ferraris, including a Ferrari F40, as well as a range of Porsches, McLarens, and a few road-going models of the F1 cars he drove in his legendary career. His collection was passed down to his family after his tragic passing in 1994.
4. Michael Schumacher’s Collection
Legendary Driver: Michael Schumacher Highlights: Schumacher, one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, has always been a car enthusiast. His collection is a combination of both modern and vintage cars, and it is known to include several rare Ferraris, Mercedes-Benz models, and even a collection of classic Porsches. Schumacher’s love for Ferraris is well-known, as he was one of the key drivers for the Ferrari F1 team during his peak years. His private collection is said to be extensive and includes several unique racing cars from his career.
5. Chris Harris’ Collection
Legendary Driver & Journalist: Chris Harris Highlights: Although Chris Harris is known for his work as a racing driver and journalist, he’s perhaps more famous for his car collection. Harris has an eclectic mix of cars in his garage, ranging from classic British sports cars like the Aston Martin DB5 to modern hypercars like the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. He also owns a few track-ready machines, including a Porsche 911 GT3 RS and various BMW M cars.
6. Sebastian Vettel’s Collection
Legendary Driver: Sebastian Vettel Highlights: The German racing legend and four-time F1 world champion, Vettel is known for his love of classic cars and his environmental awareness. His collection includes a number of historic Ferraris, including several from the 1960s, as well as a mix of German classics, such as Porsches and Audis. Vettel has also owned a few rare BMWs and has shown a strong appreciation for motorsport history through his collection.
7. Rodger D. Penske’s Collection
Legendary Driver & Team Owner: Roger Penske Highlights: Known for his success in IndyCar and NASCAR, Roger Penske has one of the largest and most impressive car collections in the world. His collection is vast and features cars from various motorsport disciplines. It includes vintage IndyCars, rare sports cars, and some of the most iconic American muscle cars. His collection also boasts a variety of Ferraris, Porsches, and Corvettes.
8. Ken Block’s Collection
Legendary Driver & Entrepreneur: Ken Block Highlights: Known for his Gymkhana videos and racing career, Ken Block’s collection is centered around performance, rally, and motorsport vehicles. He owns several Ford rally cars, including the famous Ford Fiesta Hoonicorn, a custom-built 1965 Mustang with 1,400 horsepower. His collection also features a range of Porsches, Audis, and other performance cars.
9. Piero Ferrari’s Collection
Legendary Driver & Ferrari Family Member: Piero Ferrari Highlights: As the son of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, Piero Ferrari’s collection features an extensive selection of Ferraris, including rare and historic models such as the Ferrari 250 GTO and various vintage race cars. His love for Ferrari is unsurprising, given his familial connection, and his collection stands as one of the most prestigious in the automotive world.
10. Jackie Stewart’s Collection
Legendary Driver: Jackie Stewart Highlights: The Scottish racing legend and three-time Formula 1 world champion has a collection that spans many eras of motorsport. Stewart’s cars include a number of rare and iconic vehicles, including several Ferrari race cars, Porsche 917s, and some of the classic models from the 1960s and 1970s. His collection reflects not only his history in F1 but his passion for motorsport as a whole.
These collections are more than just a showcase of expensive cars—they represent the passion, history, and personal taste of some of the most iconic names in motorsport. Many of these cars are not only valuable for their rarity but also for the stories they tell about the drivers’ careers, preferences, and lasting legacy in the automotive world.