Stars and Their Cars: 10 Hollywood Icons and Their Famous Motors
Throughout the golden age, classic cars were seen as a luxury item that only the most rich and famous could afford. A huge part of living a successful life was driving something that looks the part, so alongside Hollywood stars came their cars. The experts at Design 911 have compiled a list of 10 of the most iconic celebrities and their famous motors.
1. Elvis Presley
The king of pop famously drove around the streets of Hollywood in his BMW 507. This may not have been Elvis Presley’s first car, but it’s arguably the most beautiful. The 507 was delivered new to racing driver Hans Stuck in Germany, before Elvis managed to nab it from a dealer in Frankfurt.
2. Steve McQueen
Famous actor, Steve McQueen, maintained his ‘King of Cool’ title after being spotted driving his Jaguar XK SS around the long and lazy roads of California in the early 60’s. He referred to the car as his ‘Green Rat’ and toured the USA in it during the ‘Allure of the Automobile’ exhibit. His beloved motor car is now on display for the public to awe at in California’s Petersen Automotive Museum.
3. Frank Sinatra
It’s a little-known fact that in the early ’50s, Sinatra’s career was coming dangerously close to crumpling, but by mid-decade, he had a second Oscar under his belt and was the most famous entertainer in the world. With that came a lot of money, and a healthy love of cars. One of his most loved motors was the black first-generation Thunderbird.
4. Sylvester Stallone
Well known Hollywood actor, screenwriter and all-round hard man, Sylvester Stallone, once owned his beloved Panamera. Even though he later sold his motor over eBay, Stallone still goes down as one of the most renowned Porsche owners.
5. Clint Eastwood
Famous country and western star, Clint Eastwood cruised in one of the most famous, fast sport cars- the Jaguar XK150. This is still one of his more notable cars, which he was seen driving across the famous Highway 1 bridges and the Little Sur River. Alongside Eastwood, other icons such as James Dean and Paul Newman also purchased a classic Jaguar.
6. Marvin Gaye
Famous Motown star, Marvin Gaye was often seen in his Jaw-dropping beautiful Black Rolls Royce. Not one to go unnoticed, this was known as Gaye’s “pride and joy” and a motor that will always be associated with this icon.
7. Marilyn Monroe
The first new car Marilyn got since becoming a star came from Jack Benny as a thank you gift for appearing on his Jack Benny show in 1953. It was a 1954 Cadillac Eldorado convertible finished in black. This car was used by Marilyn for making public appearances around the city of Los Angeles.
8. Jim Carrey
Comedy actor, Jim Carrey likes to keep it suave and sophisticated whilst cruising round California and can often be seen in his black Panamera in-between filming. After purchasing a private jet, the ‘Grinch’ star claims that his Porsche is his second biggest indulgence.
9. Tom Cruise
Mission Impossible star, Tom Cruise drove a 1979 Porsche 928 in one of his most popular films, Risky Business. After the success of the film, he sold the car for $49,200 at almost five times more than its retail. The Porsche brand clearly made an impact, as he also owns the classic Porsche 911 for personal use too.
10. Jean Harlow
The Red Dust actress was known for having a Cadillac V-12 motor car in the 1930’s and is a bit of a heroine when it comes to Golden age motors. This top of the line car was only manufactured for 57 years and were relatively rare for the time, as only a total of 10,903 were made.
