World Business Leaders - Who Are Passionate About Rare and Classic Cars.

Many high profile business leaders and entrepreneurs have turned their love for rare and niche cars into a defining part of their lifestyle. Here we take a look at some notable examples and the cars they own.

Ralph Lauren, who is an iconic fashion designer and entrepreneur, has a car collection that rivals most collectors, even the world renowned museums can not boast a collection like his.

In his collection, Lauren has some of the rarest and most valuable classic cars ever built including;

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO: One of the most coveted cars in the world, valued at over £100 million pounds.

1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe: An ultra-rare car with only two surviving examples, prized for its unique design and history.

1955 Jaguar XK120 Roadster: A sleek classic that embodies the elegance of post-war British design.

Lauren has always viewed cars as an extension of his creative vision. Each car in his collection reflects a blend of craftsmanship, style and history which is much aligned to his fashion empire.

We all know Elon Musk is synonymous with the creation of the electric generation of cars with his Tesla brand but did you know he has a soft spot for classic cars?

One of his most famous purchases is “Wet Nellie” which is the 1976 Lotus Esprit that featured in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. Many James Bond fans know this car as the Lotus that turned into a submarine.

Musk reportedly bought this as a reference to his love for engineering and design and had an idea of making a functional version himself. How cool would that be?

 As for Musk, owning a piece of cinematic and automotive history aligns with his passion for innovation and his love of nostalgia.

Richard Branson the founder of the Virgin Group, is another global business leader with a flair for rare classic cars and it's not surprising to hear that among his prized possessions is a 1968 Morris Mini Cooper S. Which is undoubtedly a British classic that captures Branson’s quirky, rebellious and hippy spirit.

While Branson may not boast a massive car collection, his choice of vehicles reflects his appreciation for iconic designs that match his adventurous and creative personality.

Although not known to be a global business leader, Jay Leno has become a brand in his own right through his show ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ and his niche vehicle collection has become legendary, featuring well over 180 rare cars and 160 motorcycles.

The two that stand out are the Duesenberg Model J: A symbol of 1920s luxury and one of the finest American cars ever made and his McLaren F1, 

Whilst the Mclaren F1 is not considered a classic or vintage car as yet, it is a very rare car and is known for its engineering brilliance.

Jay Leno’s niche vehicle collection is a true showcase and it portrays his deep appreciation for both the historical and mechanical significance of classic and rare cars.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has a keen love for classic cars and he is a true ambassador of the Porsche brand,  with his most notable  models being a 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo. This era of the Porsche 911 is undoubtedly a thoroughbred classic that combines a timeless design, with incredible performance for this particular era.

Gates has always been fascinated by precision engineering and his personal collection of Porsches reflects his admiration for technological innovation.

If you’re curious about the kinds of classic cars that grab the attention of entrepreneurs, here’s a quick rundown of some universally admired models:

Shelby Cobra 427: A symbol of American muscle and racing heritage.

Ferrari 250 GT California Spider: A stunning convertible often seen as the epitome of Italian elegance.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing:: With its iconic upward-opening doors, this car blends engineering marvel with sleek design.

Jaguar E-Type: Supposedly once called “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari himself.

Porsche 356 Speedster: A classic that embodies the joy of driving with its minimalist open-top design.

Beyond aesthetics and performance: Rare classic cars offer business leaders a creative outlet. Cars allow entrepreneurs to engage with history and design outside of their business environment.

Networking Opportunities: Classic car shows, events, auctions, road trips and tours often attract other high-powered individuals, creating spaces to connect and collaborate.

A Legacy Piece: Owning a rare car is an asset to pass down to future generations, providing you have the right Will in place.

The relationship between business leaders and rare classic cars is more than a hobby - it’s a testament to the owner's passion for shared values, culture, innovation, excellence and the pursuit of timeless designs. 

These cars, like the businesses they lead, represent the culmination of vision and determination, plus it provides the satisfaction of achievement that is often perceived in the wrong way. That feeling of achievement is often shared by many people who have been part of these business leaders' journeys for many years.