car collection

Steve McQueen's Famed 1970 Porsche 911S at Auction

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist

RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, will offer Steve McQueen's iconic 1970 Porsche 911S, featured in his epic Hollywood film Le Mans, at its highly-anticipated Monterey sale in California on August 18 – 20. Built to the highest 1970 specification, complete with air conditioning and a full complement of factory options, the slate grey 911S stars in the film's legendary opening sequence as McQueen's character, hotshot Porsche driver Michael Delaney, drives through the French countryside reflecting on life, death, and racing.

In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911S was used as Steve McQueen's personal transport during the movie's production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California – a collection that over the years included everything from a Jaguar XK-SS, multiple Ferraris, Porsches, airplanes, motorcycles and everything in between. Today, the 911S is presented in exceptionally original condition, and is offered from the collection of one of America's foremost Porsche aficionados.

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EXCLUSIVE: Ralph Lauren to Exhibit Car Collection Classics for the First Time

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events, The Classicist, Architecture & Design

Ralph Lauren to Exhibit Car Collection Classics for the First Time

Images exclusive to Luxist, courtesy of Ralph Lauren; click for high-res gallery

Some of the most precious gems in famed fashion designer Ralph Lauren's incredible car collection will be exhibited for the the first time ever in Paris this spring. Lauren's collection, in our opinion the finest one in private hands on the planet, features impeccable examples of the rarest and most valuable vehicles in the world. We can reveal exclusively that four of his exquisite automotive works of art, which have never before been seen in public, will be on view at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris from April 28 – August 28: a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM; a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Scaglietti; a 1956/1958 Jaguar XKSS; and a 1931 Alfa Romeo Monza 8C 2300.

13 other Lauren cars will also be on display during the exhibit, entitled The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection, including an amazing 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (above), a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, and a 1938 Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic Coupé. The last two alone are worth about $30 – $40 million each, and are among the world's most expensive cars. The Paris exhibit will focus on European models created between the 1930s and the 1990s, "illustrating the evolution of car design in the 20th Century." They were selected by curator Rodolphe Rapetti and will be arranged by scenographer Jean-Michel Wilmotte, with the "kinetics" and sound of the vehicles conveyed by means of various films and recordings. The museum will also be producing a luxe book to celebrate the occasion.

Gallery: Ralph Lauren's Cars Headed to Paris

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Bentley, billionaire, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Bugatti, car collection, car design, celebrity cars, classic cars, designer, exclusive, exhibit, exhibition, fashion design, fashion designer, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, ferrari+250+gt, ferrari250gt, France, Jaguar, McLaren, mens style, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, museum, museum show, Paris, Porsche, Ralph Lauren, ralph+lauren+car+collection, ralph+lauren+cars, ralph+laurens+car+collection, ralphlaurencarcollection, ralphlaurencars, ralphlaurenscarcollection, supercars, The Classicist, worlds most expensive, worlds most expensive car, worlds most expensive cars

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Dimostra Debuts Digital Portfolios for Car Collectors

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

Dimostra Debuts Digital Portfolios for Car Collectors

Dimostra is a recently launched service for car collectors that brings classics into the digital age. The company's offerings include portfolio development, virtual showrooms, iconic photography, auction or show marketing, and asset documentation services to owners of the world's finest automobiles. The company is based on the concept that regardless of the size or value of a collection, true car connoisseurs should be willing to share their precious investments with fellow enthusiasts. "As rare collector cars become more valuable, their presence in public will continue to diminish," Dimostra's David Nawrocki tells us. "We hope to bridge this void in the collector car market."

By featuring and celebrating each car's beauty and history in a contemporary environment online with fellow enthusiasts, Dimostra also hopes to educate younger generations on the historical significance of the cars, "ultimately protecting their long term collectability and value." Don't have your own car collection? No problem – for $9.99 / month, you can purchase a VIP subscription to the portfolios on Dimostra's website, some of which belong to well-known collectors. A subscription gives you access to all the photographs, original documentation and a brief narrative about the history of each car, some of which are worth millions. You can check out a preview of some of our favorites in the gallery.

Gallery: Dimosta Automuseo

Tags: bugatti, car collection, car collector, cars, classic cars, collections, Dimostra, Ferrari, investment, Lamborghini, luxury cars, photography, wealth, websites

A Look Inside Ralph Lauren's Billion-Dollar Garage

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

We've written before about the automotive treasures in Ralph Lauren's car collection; now Vanity Fair has gotten an inside look at the lavish garage / gallery the designer recently built near his posh Westchester, NY estate to house them. Lauren transformed a former car dealership's storage facility into a shrine to the best in automotive design, with rooms dedicated to famous marques; the Ferrari room is pictured above, with a rare 1958 Testa Rossa taking center stage. The 60-plus ultra-valuable vehicles are all kept registered and ready to drive anytime the designer feels like going for a spin.

The eye-popping collection includes a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic worth an estimated $40 million alone – the world's most expensive car – a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix, a 1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia roadster, the world's only 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK "Count Trossi" roadster, a 1957 Jaguar XKSS, a McLaren F1, a 1929 "Blower" Bentley, a Ferrari 250 GT, and the only Lamborghini Reventon Roadster in the U.S. All have been maintained carefully since new, or restored to perfection – and "sometimes beyond perfection," the magazine notes, as some have been painted in colors that the billionaire decided were better than the originals.

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, car collection, classic cars, designer, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GT, Jaguar, Lamborghini, McLaren F1, Mercedes-Benz, Ralph Lauren, Vanity Fair, wealth, Westchester, worlds most expensive

The Classicist: Win a Private Tour of Ralph Lauren's Car Collection & More

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, Charity, Sports, Big Givers, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

From now through Oct. 21, Ralph Lauren is auctioning off a number of extraordinary items and experiences to mark the 10th anniversary of Pink Pony, the designer's global initiative to raise awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer. The online auction, the first of its kind for the Pink Pony cause, is being produced in partnership with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz. Highlights of the incredible event include several once-in-a-lifetime forays into the private world of the famed fashion designer and his luxury empire, including classic cars, polo, chauffeured Bentleys, sexy models and shopping sprees. You check out full details and register to place bids at www.charitybuzz.com/RalphLauren; meanwhile, here are The Classicist's top picks:

1. A private tour of Lauren's incredible car collection, estimated at $150,000: You and a friend will be shown the cars, including the ultra-rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic (above), worth an estimated $40 million, a $28 million Ferrari 250 GTO, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, McLaren F1LM and more, by Lauren himself at his lavish estate in Bedford, New York. You'll also get a ride in one of these world-class driving machines and take home a signed copy of Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection.

2. A weekend at Lauren's private Round Hill Villa in Jamaica, estimated at $150,000: A priceless opportunity to spend four days and three nights for you and up to three guests at the designer's personal Jamaican paradise. The fully staffed villa, which sits on a magnificent, picturesque cliff over the crystal blue Caribbean Sea, has been featured on the covers of House & Garden and Architectural Digest. Enjoy a swim in the villa's infinity pool and private beach access, as well as complimentary tennis lessons and a yoga session.

3. Play polo with Nacho Figueras and stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach, estimated at $15,000: Take a lesson from Nacho Figueras, world class polo player and Ralph Lauren model. You and a guest will refuel afterward during lunch with Nacho, and you'll also spend three nights at the exclusive Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, including a spa treatment for two at the Breakers Spa; a round of golf for two; a $1,000 private shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store at the Breakers; and VIP access to the U.S. Open at the International Polo Club.

4. Front row seats to the Ralph Lauren fashion show and an outfit from the runway, estimated at $25,000: Bring along a friend when you meet the designer and sit in the elite front row at his Fall 2011 Fashion Show in New York. Then, select your favorite look from the runway to add to your own personal collection. Enjoy two nights at a penthouse suite at The Setai Fifth Avenue hotel, including breakfast for two and one signature spa treatments. [continued]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Auction

Tags: ad campaign, auction, Bedford, Bentley, bespoke, Boris Becker, Bugatti, car collection, Caribbean, Carlyle Hotel, charity, charitybuzz, classic cars, designer, fashion show, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Jamaica, London, mens style, Mercedes-Benz, Nacho Figueras, Palm Beach, Paris, Pink Pony, polo, Ralph Lauren, Rhinelander Mansion, Setai, tennis, The Breakers, The Savoy, villa, Wimbledon

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21-Year-Old Saudi Student's Stunning $10 Million Supercar Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

Saudi engineering student Dhiaa Al-Essa was one of the unfortunate fellows whose brand new Ferrari 458 Italia (above) went up in flames recently. No worries though – the 21-year-old has 30 other supercars in his $5 million collection, including three more Ferraris, five Porsches, three Lamborghinis, two Rolls-Royces and a Mercedes SLR McLaren. His mega-rich financier father, who purchased the cars for him, has promised him two even more expensive models next year for his 22nd birthday: an ultra-rare Koenigsegg Agera and a Bugatti Veyron, doubling the value of his collection to $10 million. Meanwhile he's replacing the torched 458 Italia with a brand new Ferrari 599 roadster. [continued]

Tags: Bugatti Veyron, car collection, Dhiaa Al-Essa, Ferrari, Ferrari 458 Italia, Koenigsegg Agera, Lamborghini, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Saudi Arabia, Saudia Arabia

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The Ultimate Car Collector's Crash Pad, Yours for a Cool $35 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Luxury Cars & Autos, Architecture & Design

For a cool $35 million you can get the ultimate car collector's crash pad in Montecito, California, a modernist masterpiece designed to house a world-class collection of 35 cars – that's $1 million per car – in a stunning automotive art gallery. Walls and pillars lined in walnut give way to massive plate glass windows fronting on a sweeping terrace so that the car collection is integrated into life of the house. Of course you also get 15,000-square-feet of living space into the bargain. Designed by architect Steve Hermann and dubbed the Glass Pavilion in homage to the late Philip Johnson, it's set within a 3.5 acre estate of oak groves near to where Al Gore recently spent nearly $9 million on a Mediterranean-style mansion. Other famous neighbors include Oprah WInfrey, Steve Martin, Jeff Bridges and John Cleese. Massive structural steel beams allow for acres of glass that appear to be floating above the rolling lawns. The kitchens and baths are fitted out by famous names such as Varena, Poliform and Antonio Lupi. In each category the "best and most exciting products from around the world" were sourced to make the entire house, which took six years to compete, utterly flawless.

Gallery: Car Collector's Glass Pavilion

[via JamesList]

Tags: Al Gore, architect, architecture, California, car collection, cars, classic cars, estates, Montecito, real estate, Steve Hermann

Sultan of Brunei's Custom Ferrari F50 for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

The other day we told you about the Sultan of Brunei's incredible 7,000-strong, multi-billion dollar car collection, boasting among other things some 450 Ferraris. Apparently the collection has been reduced by at least one – the filthy rich ruler's custom 1996 Ferrari F50 has just been listed for sale via global online luxury marketplace JamesList. The price is undisclosed but we expect the rare auto, one of only two right hand drive factory-built F50's in existence, to be worth at least $1 million. Custom made for the Sultan, one of only 359 F50s ever produced, it has 5,000 miles on it. The F50's V12 engine kicks out 513 hp at 8,500 rpm with a torque of 470 nM. It does 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 mph. Don't worry too much about the Sultan losing one the prize pieces from his collection, however; according to reports he should still have two more F50s in the garage – not to mention the 600 Rolls-Royces....

Tags: car collection, celebrity cars, Ferrari, Ferrari F50, JamesList, Sultan of Brunei

Did the Sultan of Brunei Buy 10 Aston Martin One-77s for His Billion-Dollar Car Collection?

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

Back in February we reported on the mysterious filthy rich individual who purchased 10 Aston Martin One-77 supercars, limited to just 77 examples, for $1.7 million apiece or $23 million in total including fees. Now educated insiders are speculating that the Sultan of Brunei bought the cars to add to his multi-billion-dollar, 7,000-strong car collection, the world's most expensive auto hoard. According to Guinness World Records the Sultan's collection includes over 600 Rolls-Royces, more than 450 Ferraris, 570 Mercedes-Benzes, 380 Bentleys, 170 Porsches, dozens of Koenigseggs, and 20 Lamborghinis to name a few. He owns several rare custom, one-off and concept cars, some worth tens of millions apiece, including a Ferrari Mythos, a Jaguar XJ220 by Pininfarina, a Bentley Java, a Bentley Dominator SUV, bespoke Rolls-Royce and Ferrari station wagons, a Porsche Carma and a Koenigsegg Agera. Known for buying multiple models of supercars in order to have one in every color, he owns several McLaren F1s, six Ferrari FXXs, four Ferrari F40s and three Ferrari F50s. The Sultan, who's worth an estimated $20 billion, stores the collection in five heavily-guarded airplane hangars and employs a team of mechanics and specialists to keep the cars in perfect working condition.

Source

Tags: Aston Martin, Bentley, Brunei, car collection, Ferrari, Ferrari F40, Ferrari F50, Ferrari FXX, Jaguar XJ220, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, McLaren F1, Mercedes-Benz, Pininfarina, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Sultan of Brunei, supercars, wealth

Ferrari 250 GTO Sold to Private Buyer for $30 Million? [UPDATED]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

The legendary 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO offered for private treaty sale by RM Auctions that we wrote about back in February has been sold to an undisclosed buyer for a price that some speculate could clock in at $25–$30 million. The car, chassis no. 4675 GT from an important collection in Japan, is one of only 36 250 GTOs originally produced and one of a limited few with Series II GTO bodywork. In 2008 British real estate baron Bill Ainscough reportedly sold his 250 GTO for about $28 million to an anonymous tycoon. It ranked as the world's most expensive car until two weeks back when, as Luxist's Noah Joseph reported, an ultra-rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic changed hands privately for $30–$40 million.

UPDATE: The buyer has been revealed as UK radio host Chris Evans, who claims he got the 250 GTO at the bargain basement price of about $18 million. He might be dissembling, however; Top Speed says the price was $25 million, and Top Gear notes that Evans said he expected to pay closer to $25 million when originally announcing his intention to acquire one of the rare cars for his Ferrari collection, which also includes a $12 million 250 California Spider SWB, 275 GTB, 288 GTO, F40 and an Enzo. Quite a score in any case.

"The exclusivity of the Ferrari 250 GTO cannot be understated," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "As they rarely come to market, new owners become part of a very exclusive 'club' and are welcomed with open arms at literally any of the world's great concours events, races and rallies. We are pleased to have been able to unite this exceptional car with a new and immensely enthusiastic owner. It's fantastic that this car will now be used in earnest on the classic car scene around Europe." Evans joins the exalted ranks of Ralph Lauren, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and some of the richest men in the world with 250 GTOs in their garages.

Gallery: 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO

Simon Clay c 2010 courtesy of RM Auctions

Tags: car collection, Chris Evans, classic cars, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Ralph Lauren, RM Auctions

Japanese Architect's House Uses Supercars as Decor

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Estates, Luxury Cars & Autos

Japanese architect Takyua Tsuchida has designed the ultimate abode for a car collector short on space in Tokyo. The 2,000-sq.-ft. dwelling features a through-floor garage / lift / display unit so the owner can enjoy his assemblage of supercars as part of a rotating decor scheme. The storage space holds nine cars, including a special Anniversary Edition Lamborghini Countach, which can be elevated for display in the living room via a hydraulic platform. Dubbed the "KRE", the house is light, airy, modern and minimalist with unfinished wooden floors, the better to display the owner's supercar collection to advantage. The interior also features Bauhaus furniture and a full-sized living tree. Tsuchida's No. 555 design studio has won many awards and accolades from avant garde architecture publications.

Gallery: Supercar House by Takyua Tsuchida