Legendary Musicians And Their Prized Classic Cars
Since the beginning of rock and roll, young musicians have looked forward to the day when they could cash their first big paycheck and drive a hot rod off the lot. But unlike some people with money in the bank, these rock stars aren't buying their vehicles as the symbol of wealth in their driveway. Rather, they're honoring their inner child and entertaining their adrenaline as they add another classic vehicle to their car collection that offers nothing but speed and sex appeal. You'll be surprised at how many classic cars these big-name musicians like Elton John, James Hetfield, and Eric Clapton have owned.
Pete Townshend's 1970 Mercedes Was The Most Expensive Car Of Its Time
Pete Townshend was a cornerstone of the rock band The Who, as its co-founder, leader, principal songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist. His career spans 50 years, during which time the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has written more than 100 songs.
Hailing from the UK, Townshend bought this Mercedes S 600 Pullman. It's a classic parade car that's also been purchased by Queen Elizabeth and Pope Paul VI to wave to the crowds from. In 1970, the Mercedes-Benz 600 was considered to be the most expensive production car available.
Jeff Beck Loves Hot Rods
One of the most influential guitarists of all time, Jeff Beck has played for the Yardbirds and several other groups since the 1960s. His incredible range has been noted by musicians across the decades. Beck blends rock, jazz, classical, and even Indian music together in a way that has mass appeal -- no easy feat.
Another thing about Beck: he loves hot rods. He owns several vehicles, working on them himself, including a 1923 Ford coupe, 1962 Corvette Restomod (pictured), 1932 Ford Roadster, and '32 Deuce coupe.
People Scoffed At John Lennon's Rolls Royce
John Lennon's Phantom V can be spotted from a mile away. Vocalist, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for the Beatles, Lennon could be seen driving this psychedelic limousine around London in the late 1960s, which rubbed more than a few people the wrong way.
The car created controversy, as onlookers were horrified that Lennon would take a gorgeous masterpiece of an automobile like a Rolls Royce and decide on an eccentric paint job that quite possibly resembles a hallucination.
Keith Moon Should Not Have Let Someone Drive His Ferrari Dino 246 GTS
Drummer of The Who, Keith Moon purchased this Ferrari Dino 246 GTS in 1972. Not long after, it met its bitter demise. The Italian masterpiece is a dream for handling and hits a top speed of 235 km/h.
The story goes, one day while Moon was out driving his Ferrari, a few bikers who were admiring it asked to take it for a spin. For whatever reason, Moon obliged and handed over the keys. After waiting a reasonable amount of time with no return, Moon went out searching for the bikers and his car and found it in a ditch, with no one around.
Bassist Suzi Quatro Bought An Austin Ruby
Legendary bass guitarist and songwriter Suzi Quatro has a thing for guitars and cars. She purchased this 1938 Austin Ruby, a classic, a minimal car that saw a few variations throughout the '20s, '30s, and '40s.
Born in Michigan, Quatro must have been inspired by the cars she saw other musicians purchasing across the pond. Designed and built in Longbridge, Birmingham, England, the Austin Ruby is a rare choice for an American rocker.
Sonny & Cher's Custom 1966 Ford Mustang Convertibles
All eyes were on husband-and-wife duo Sonny & Cher in the 1960s and '70s. The two artists had incredible musical talent and style with hits "Baby Don't Go" and "I Got You, Babe". That's why Ford contacted Sonny & Cher with an offering to create two custom 1966 Mustang convertibles.
Each artist was given the chance to customize their car. Sonny chose gold and brown, while Cher's was an eye-catching pink. The black and gold manufacturer's California license plates were only for this photoshoot, which was a wild success.
Miles Davis Wrecked His Lamborghini Miura
One of the most iconic jazz musicians in history, Miles Davis left his mark on the music world before he was gone too soon. His undeniable talent as a trumpet player and composer was drowned by his addictions, which were detrimental to his health. Still, Davis lived an incredible life.
He purchased this beauty of a vehicle, a green Lamborghini Miura that was built between 1966 and 1973. Davis would end up crashing this car in 1972 while attempting a tight corner going too fast. The wreck led to two broken ankles and time spent recovering in the hospital. Although the wreck prevented him from performing, Davis went out and purchased another Lamborghini to replace it.
Janis Joplin's Rare Porsche 365 Cabrio is Worth Millions
Janis Joplin, a fateful member of the "27 club," lived life out loud. The rock, soul, and blues artist sang of longing to own the cars of her dreams. When she had the means to do so, she bought a rare Porsche 65 Cabrio. Porsche only made a small number of this 356 C 1600 SC cabriolet model.
Joplin paid Dave Richards $500 to paint the car with images of her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. Richards also painted "The Eye of God" on the hood, and a California landscape on the driver side door. In 2015, Joplin's Porsche was sold at an auction for $1.76 million.
Elvis Presley Loved Cadillacs
Elvis Presley had a car collection that many would envy, including his infamous pink Cadillac. The King of Rock and Roll owned a 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60, a 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT 4, a 1956 Cadillac Eldorado, two BMW 507s, and a 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark 5.
He also owned two limos. Like Lennon, Elvis also drove a 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limo that included a telephone and a 1960 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood Limo. That's not even all of them! Here, he's in a Ford Thunderbird.
Bruce Springsteen's Iconic 1960 Corvette
In 1978, Bruce Springsteen posed with his Corvette in front of photographer Frank Stefanko's home in Haddonfield, New Jersey as Stefanko took his picture. The photo would end up being the cover of Springsteen's autobiography, Born to Run.
The legendary artist purchased the Corvette in 1975 after releasing his third album of the same name. He also owned a C2 Corvette String Ray convertible and a yellow 1975 Chevy Bel Air, which was sold to a fan for $450,000.
Elton John Owns The Cream Of The Crop
Renowned pianist, singer, songwriter, and composer Elton John is another English musician who enjoys building his classic car collection. Pictured here is John, sitting on one of his motorbikes at his house, in front of four of his more than 20 cars which include a Rolls Royce and a Mercedes.
Other cars in Elton's collection include a 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Sport Saloon, a 1997 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V550, 2005 Maserati Quattroporte V, and a 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur.
The Truth About Keith Moon Driving A Rolls Royce Into A Pool
Another vehicle in The Who drummer Keith Moon's car collection is this classic Rolls Royce. There's an urban legend that Moon drove a Rolls Royce into a swimming pool. However, Pete Townshend says it's not entirely accurate. Rather, Moon left the handbrake off of another car, and it rolled into an emptied pool.
In another instance, Moon reportedly drove a new car into a muddy pond on his property after the band refused to pay for it. This Rolls Royce was not totaled.
Mick Jagger's Morgan Plus 8 Roadster
The frontman of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger has purchased quite a few classic cars over the years. Here he's pictured in St. Tropez, France, behind the wheel of his Morgan Plus 8 roadster. The black and white image from 1971 doesn't do the yellow roadster justice.
Jagger has also owned an Aston Martin DB6 and Bentley, both of which he damaged in accidents. Rolling Stones band members Bill Wyman and Keith Richards also owned classic cars, an MGB and a 1966 S3 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, respectively.
John Bonham Imported His Model T Ford And Customized It
Pictured here is Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham driving his 1923 Model T Ford after he put in a Chevrolet engine and a long list of customizations. Passionate about the Model T, Bonham tapped Andy Brizio, based in San Francisco, to build his car in the early '70s.
He then had the vehicle shipped from the U.S, to his home in Hagley, Worcestershire, England. It's been featured in the film The Song Remains The Same. When he passed, the car went up for auction for £250,000, equal to $311,150 USD.
James Hetfield's 1934 Packard "Aquarius"
Metallica vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield is the owner of an extensive customized classic car collection. Pictured here is Hetfield's 1934 Packard "Aquarius," designed by builder Rick Dore. The accentuated size of the body portrays the classic style of the '30s. The Aquarius features a 6.2-liter LS V8 engine.
Hetfield isn't shy about showing off his collection. His cars have been featured in exhibits, including the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
James Hetfield's 1948 Jaguar u201c Black Pearl
All of the classic cars in James Hetfield's collection are remarkably pristine. This is his 1948 Jaguar "u201cBlack Pearl." Again, the incredible body style captures the eye as the Black Pearl, made entirely out of aluminum, was also designed by Rick Dore.
This model is equipped with a 302 cubic inch Ford V8 engine. Other vehicles in Hetfield's customized collection include a 1953 Buick Skylark, Slow Burn, and Blackjack that you could only hope to catch in person.
Eric Clapton Collects Ferraris
Rock legend Eric Clapton has owned over 20 beautiful vehicles, including this 1964 Ferrari 250 gt Berlinetta Luso. This Ferrari features a V12 engine that can reach 150 mph. Are you surprised this is Clapton's car?
A three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Clapton has also rewarded himself with a custom Ferrari SP12 EC, Ferrari Enzo, 1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT, and others. Would you like to have a garage like that?
Bob Seger Owns Several American Classic Cars
Bob Seger's songs and voice are cemented in rock music history forever. Seger has sold more than 75 million records during his career and recorded numerous hits including "Night Moves," "Turn the Page," and "Like a Rock."
Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, and retiring in his home state, Seger has always had an appreciation for American classic cars. He reportedly owns a Buick 225, a Deuce, a Buick Electra 225, 1969 GT350 Shelby Mustang, and this Ford Thunderbird.
Slash's 1966 Corvette Went Up For Auction
Lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses, Slash has been named one of the 10 best electric guitar players of all time by TIME magazine, while Rolling Stone ranked him at number 65. Slash collects quite a few things, including skulls and model dinosaurs. He also has an eye for cars.
When Slash opted to auction off a collection of his belongings, he included this 1966 Corvette, equipped with a big block 427 cubic inch V-8 engine with 435 horsepower, 4-speed manual transmission. Its estimated value is between $90,000 to $100,000. Slash told Reuters, "I know that somebody would love to have that car because muscle cars are very, very popular."
Chuck Berry's Cadillac Is On Display At A Museum
Deemed the "Father of Rock and Roll," Chuck Berry came to prominence in the mid-'50s with hits like "Maybellene" and "Johnny B. Goode." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, making him one of the first.
Rolling Stone ranked him fifth on their Greatest Artists of All Time list. Chuck's famous, bright red 1973 Cadillac is today on display at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
