Rita Hayworth
Cadillac Ghia $7,750
The only thing possibly more gorgeous than the glamorous Rita Hayworth might be this 1953 Cadillac Ghia. She acquired it after her estranged husband discovered the coupe at the 1953 Paris Auto Salon. To woo her back, he decided to purchase the re-bodied, Italian-designed V-8 masterpiece packaged in stunning bodywork. Obviously, chocolates and a teddy bear would not do the trick. Neither did this generous gift. It cost him $7,750. In 1950, one could pick up the most luxurious car on the market for $7K. That amount of money might even procure a modest house.
The Golden Age Hollywood actress declined the proposal to patch things up, but she would not part with the car. She also maintained custody of their daughter after the divorce. The car is a historic relic. It’s a classic car show finisher. At Pebble Beach, it won Best in Class. And it’s still got a touch of Hollywood glamour. The coupe made an appearance with Marvel superhero Tony Stark in Iron Man 2. It was white when Hayworth received it, but now it’s a deep burgundy and is decorously housed at the Petersen Museum.
Sugar Ray Robinson
Cadillac $5K
Sugar Ray Robinson, born Walker Smith Jr. in 1921, moved from Georgia’s racist South to Harlem when he was a teen. At a local gym, Sugar Ray was introduced to boxing. He became the champion of the world winning both the welterweight and middleweight titles. His 91-day winning-streak is legendary. Muhammad Ali called him, “the king, the master, my idol.” He retired in 1965 with an all-time record of 108 knockouts. Sugar Ray earned $4 million during his career, but by the time he retired, he had spent it all, according to his autobiography.
Sadly, Ray struggled financially until his death in 1989. He made plenty of lavish purchases. One is this flamingo-pink Cadillac. He’s pictured posing with it in front of his Harlem club. It was his pride and joy. The 1950 Cadillac cost the flamboyant spender $5,000. The boxer also spent lavishly on his 13-man entourage which included a hairdresser. His barber made sure he looked perfect before stepping into the ring. He was one of the first athletes to require a touring staff
Diana Dors
Cadillac $4K
Diana Dors adored her delicate pink 1956 Cadillac. That year, she majestically arrived at the Cannes Film Festival in this fine luxury automobile. The English film actress and singer came to the screen as a late-1940s bombshell knock-out, promoted and exploited by her husband in risqué film-comedies. She became known as “the English Marilyn Monroe.” By the late ‘60s, she fell into bankruptcy.
Fewer roles came her way as her tax bill was higher than her earnings. In the mid-’70s, she came back in demand starring in a slew of sex comedies. She also enjoyed a resurgence on television. No word if she was able to hold onto this magnificent Cadillac!
Marvin Gaye
Cadillac El Dorado $5K
Soul music legend Marvin Gaye popularized “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and contributed heavily to R&B with ballads like “Sexual Healing.” His distinctive Motown voice is commemorated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor he would not live to know of. It’s too bad, too, because his father, a former Pentecostal minister, shot him dead in a domestic violence altercation. Gaye was just 44, killed a day before his 45th birthday. While he lived, he loved his Caddy.
Gaye had a Cadillac El Dorado back in 1967. The customized ride ran him $5,626, a substantial chunk of cash, but worth it to travel in class. By that time, his hit singles allowed him to pick up yet another Caddy, a 1971 Cadillac de Ville. He also owned two jeeps for off-road travel.
Sophia Loren
Mercedes 300SL $7K
Posing with the veritable race car for numerous photo shoots, the distinguished Sophia Loren doted over her sleek 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The car held a special place in her heart. As the only vehicle that could possibly match her glamour, it was gifted to her by her loving husband, Italian filmmaker Carlo Ponti (Doctor Zhivago). He purchased the 3.0-liter 215 HP, 4-speed manual gearbox Gullwing for about $7,000, but today a restored model will go for $1.4 million! The lavish Benz model was also owned by such showbiz elites as Elvis Presley and Clark Gable.
The gorgeous Italian-French actress, known as one of the most beautiful women in the world, also loved other cars that approximated her beauty. Golden Age Hollywood legend, Sophia Loren drove an Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a Ferrari 275 GTS, and a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. But nothing could match the love she felt for this beauty.
Marlon Brando
Ford Thunderbird $2.4K
Marlon Brando, Hollywood’s original bad boy who legendarily had an affair with Marilyn Monroe, is the greatest actor of the 20th century. The 8-time Oscar-nominated film great dazzled the screen, and stage, with his memorable portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. He loved cars. He also loved motorbikes. While filming the classic rebel movie, The Wild One, Brando rode his personal Triumph Thunderbird 6T motorcycle. Here he is pictured with his 1955 Ford Thunderbird.
The embodiment of American luxury was introduced as an alternative to Chevrolet’s new Corvette. The Thunderbird boasted of a 4.8-liter Y-block V8 and a $2,444 sticker price. The two-seat convertible became the high bar of motor refinement, focusing on driver comfort. Ford quite literally invented the personal luxury car with this model. It featured fender skirts and a removable fiberglass top. Brando adored his.
Janet Guthrie
Jaguar XK-120 $70K
Janet Guthrie is the first woman to race in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. The historic feat takes us back to 1976. She became the first woman to race for NASCAR that same year. She’s also a physicist. Before she raced cars, Guthrie was a pilot, a flight instructor, and an aerospace engineer. Her work as an engineer in research and development for a project that would become Project Apollo eventually took a back seat to her racing career.
She’s one of the first women athletes inducted in the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, and her driver’s suit and helmet are retired to the Smithsonian Institution. Her first race car was a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 M coupe, like the one pictured above. She competed in hill climbs, auto races, and field trials. She built her own engines, towed the car to races, and served as her own crew. It led her to the Indy car circuit and NASCAR racing. What a woman!
John Wayne
Pontiac Grand Safari $6K
There’s an airport in Orange County, California named after this Hollywood screen legend. “The Duke” popularized cowboys and Indians movies while epitomizing American masculinity during Hollywood’s Golden Age. What you might not know is that John Wayne drove a seventies-vintage Pontiac Grand Safari. He had it customized by Barris Kustom because it needed a roof-lift. “The Duke” was a big man. So, the Grand Safari was custom fit for his 6-foot-4 frame and his ten-gallon cowboy hat. In 1972, the fully-loaded wagon equipped with every modern feature cost Wayne over $5,000.
The Grand Safari was massive. At 5,090 pounds, it was their heaviest model. It housed a 200 horsey, 455-cubic-inch V8 engine with a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. In 2014, Barris customized it again, giving it a facelift inside and out. The restored vehicle sold for $60,000. Now the car is held at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. For John Wayne, a salt of the Earth kind of guy, his Pontiac was a practical vehicle to transport him and his family.
Robert Redford
Porsche 904 GTS $1.6 Million
Silver screen legend and Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford has brought us a wide variety of films throughout his seven-decade career. He’s a bit on the quiet side, but he divulged to Playboy Magazine that he drives hybrid cars and has used eco-energy sources like wind generation at his Utah home since 1975. He also admitted to a guilty pleasure; he loves racing petrol hounds; namely, his beloved 1964 Porsche 904 GTS.
He purchased the rare Irish green race car in 1966. Only 100 of the 904s were produced. The vintage two-seater is built for competition, but it’s also a street-ready driving indulgence. It’s considered the first supercar ever built. In 2019 it went up for auction at Bonhams. No more petrol head guilt on Mr. Redford’s conscience.
Kim Novak
Cadillac $13K
Kim Novak is virtually immortalized in Hitchcock’s brilliant 1958 psychological thriller Vertigo depicting Judy Barton. Today she is in her late eighties and retired from acting ever since she and director Mike Figgis clashed repeatedly over the script in 1991 during the filming of Liebestraum. She walked off the set and left Hollywood behind. Her days as a Hollywood golden age actress brought her fame, success and a lavish lifestyle conducted with grace and elegance.
In the 1950s, a brand-new Cadillac represented prestige and honor, it was the unequivocal symbol of success. The unforgettable bombshell bought herself a fancy Cadillac for a handsome but breezy sum of $13,000. The 1957 Cadillac 62 convertible was GM’s premier luxury vehicle. It lorded over the industry as Lincoln, Packard, and Imperial fell behind.
Angie Dickinson
Cadillac DeVille $6K
Another Golden Age Hollywood legend is Angie Dickinson. She’s known for being a part of the avant-garde “Rat Pack” with film elites Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. Frank Sinatra led the Pack after Bogart passed away. Dickinson and Sinatra got into a 10-year affair after she played his wife in Ocean’s Eleven, the original film.
She’s in her late 80s today with a six-decade showbiz career behind her. The Hollywood starlet drove a Caddy, naturally. What else? She paid $6,600 for her classy car. The 1962 Cadillac DeVille is a popular collector car and, fully restored, it is worth twice she paid today!
Clark Gable
Cadillac $4K
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Clark Gable is responsible for one of the most famous cinematic lines ever uttered. His epic performance as Rhett Butler opposite Scarlett O’Hara in the epic film Gone with the Wind, is one of his performances that make Gable the king of Hollywood’s classic era. As the most consistent box-office actor in history, slapping down $4,645 for a brand new 1935 Cadillac was a matter of course. And, of course, it was but one of his luxurious vehicles. The 1935 Cadillac pictured here is an elegant car, no doubt, an example of the man’s classiness. Another Cadillac he owned in 1935, called the Duesenberg, was exclusive.
The ultra-rare convertible coupe is one of 10 models. And it was featured in the 1938 film Merrily We Live. It was offered at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance auction. It failed to sell. A $6.4 million bid was not high enough for the seller. The value of the automobile has quite an appreciation rate from its list price! The reason the famous actor got rid of it? Women would swarm him as he drove the beauty down the road.
Marlene Dietrich
Cadillac $3K
Marlene Dietrich is another actor from the golden age of Hollywood. She first made silent films, having started her acting career in 1920s Berlin. It was the 1930 movie The Blue Angel that brought her to fame. Her trademark expressive and sensual eyes captivated audiences. The elegant actress chose to drive cars as beautiful and classy as herself.
Dietrich picked out this sophisticated machine, the 1934 Cadillac. Purchasing this lavish automobile in the middle of the Great Depression for $3,145 was literally a fortune to most Americans. But Hollywood insulated movie stars like Ms. Dietrich. Likewise, movies provided respite to many who would escape into the wonderland of cinema for five cents.
Ann-Margaret
Cadillac $6K
The beautiful Ann-Margaret became an iconic American bombshell. Launching that attention was her role in Viva Las Vegas. Her sizzling hot film relationship with Elvis Presley got steamy off-camera too. Elvis was 28, and Ann-Margret was 22. She had just struck fame starring in Bye Bye Birdie and, as a chart-topping vocal artist, she had recently been invited to sing at John F. Kennedy’s birthday in the White House.
Elvis and Ann-Margret tumbled wildly in love while the charming actress shot to stardom. She purchased the requisite Caddy, the symbol of wealth, and taste paying $6,600 for the 1962 Cadillac. Ah, inflation. That was a lot of money in the 1960s!
Sir Sean Connery
Jensen C-V8 $168K
Legendary James Bond actor Sean Connery has starred alongside some real beauties in his lifetime. In his second Bond film, "From Russia with Love", a Bentley Mark IV serves as the agent’s steadfast partner. There was also the stunning Aston Martin DB5 from 1954's "Goldfinger". So, it’s no surprise Connery might want to commandeer a fine automobile off-screen too. Below is a photo of a 1964 Jensen C-V8, just like the one Connery purchased for £2,000 just after filming "You Only Live Twice".
In its day, it was one of the fastest 4-seater cars available with top speeds of 130 mph. The Shropshire, U.K. vehicle had a classic look, even when it was brand new. Years later, the Jensen Museum acquired the car. While there, it was painstakingly restored in its original factory-green with beige trim. It may come as good news that the storied relic is being offered for £135,000.
Jean Harlow
Before Marilyn Monroe, the first blond bombshell to grace our screens was the legendary Jean Harlow. While her career was cut short at the young age of 26, she ranked as one of the most celebrated movie stars of all time by the American Film Institute. She appeared in string films, all of which highlighted her magnetic presence and overpowering sex appeal. Dubbed as the "laughing vamp", Harlow hid a lot of behind those smiles and fell prey to harsh Hollywood pressures. But like many beautiful creatures, the 1930's 'It Girl' was drawn to the good life, and her cruising down Hollywood in Cadillac V-12 was one example of that.
The 1931 Cadillac 370A V12 Roadster was the most magnificent car of that year. The chrome side mount covers and wind wings made it a real stunner in its day, and in fact, even today. This car fit Jean Harlow like a glove and was the perfect set of wheels for her opulent and sensational image that she was known for back then. Director Howard Hughs was one of the key people in creating image, and while it may have been the cause of her ultimate demise, it sure was a spectacle.
Clint Eastwood
The symbol of 1960s manliness came in the form of Clint Eastwood. While many say he still is today, he was undeniably the chiseled hero of the 50s and 60s. It's probably why only he could get away with cruising around town in a shiny pink Cadillac convertible, as seen in the film suitably named 'Pink Cadillac'. The color that wasn't even on the market before the film ultimately became the symbol of post-war American extravagance and beauty.
This classic beauty complemented Eastwood well and the image of him co-star Bernadette Peters leaning on the pink babe magnet is super iconic. Then again, Clint can look good in anything.
Tom Mix
There were Western movie heroes, and there was Tom Mix. This guy was no regular film star. Mix, much like the characters he depicted on screen, was as real life maverick. The actor, who was born in Pennsylvania and journeyed into the wild west long before he became a movie star. Drawn to horses from a young age, this cowboy in the making became a star horse wrangler. Having that special flair and showmanship, he quickly found himself in parades and events where he would show off his skills. That was Hollywood discovered him,
Given his pioneer status (John Wayne's inspiration), Mix was attracted to real fast cars. Case in point, the Cord 812. Sadly, it was the speed and adventure that got the better of him. On one fateful day in 1940, Tom Mix was speeding down an Arizona highway and went over a bridge. Unfortunately, due to the speed, he missed the sign that read 'under construction' and ploughed into the wash. Many little boys lost their hero that day.
Richard Burton
This legendary Shakespearean actor was known first and foremost for his mellifluous baritone voice. It was that that gave him the perfect nickname of "The Voice of Whales". The actor, looking the way he did, had quite a turbulent love life, having been married not once, not twice, not three times...but five-times (twice to Elizabeth Taylor).
As eye-catching as the actor was to his many female fans and Hollywood starlets, he was not on par with his beautiful 1956 Cadillac Series 62 convertible. The Welsh actor treasured his car dearly and rightly so! The American beauty was a true gem in its day, even to a classic Welsh thespian!
Ronald Reagan
It might be surprising to learn that the 40th president was, in fact, a fan of the jeep. While Reagan would remain presidential as ever in chauffeur-driven luxury cars, back home on his Rancho del Cielo in California’s Santa Ynez mountains, he had his CJ-6 parked in the driveway. The jeep was a gift from his wife Nancy that she bought for him in the Christmas of 1963.
The red CJ-6 was actually originally green and featured side-facing rear bench seats, a 134 cubic-inch flathead four-cylinder engine, Dana axles, a Spicer transfer case, and an 8,000-pound winch. According to Reagan's Attorney General (and old friend), the President loved driving it on his vacations. You can see the Jeep today on display in an enclosure in the National Mall.
Elvis Presley
The Rock 'n Roll king's 1968 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe has a legendary story behind it. It was December 28, 1967, and the Topaz Gold Firemist stunner, parked outside the Memphis showroom caught the eye of our Elvis. Without a moment's hesitation and being at the top of the rock game, Presley pulled out his checkbook and bought it. That was his car for the next 13 months until he shot in the right front fender when it wouldn't start. You can see the bullet hole is still there to this day.
On February 1, 1968, Elvis gave the car to his wife's stepfather as a gift. The roadster was sold in 1994 to the Memphis Rock Cafe in Queensland, Australia and appeared shortly in an exhibition where it was put on display in an air condition glass enclosure.
Nat King Cole
The jazz pianist and chart-topping crooner behind the classics like ‘Unforgettable’, ‘L-O-V-E’ and more had a little gem for a car. Well, little might be an understatement. While the singer's fellow entertainers may have been cruising around in giant and lavish Cadillacs, Nat King Cole opted for a tiny little cabin scooter called the Messerschmitt KR200, or Kabinenroller (literally cabin scooter in German).
The three-wheeled bubble car was designed by a German aircraft engineer named Fritz Fend. Production of the automobile lasted between 1955 and 1964 and was produced in the Messerschmitt factory.
Frank Sinatra
Possibly the most successful singer of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra, who has sold about 150 million records worldwide, knew what style was. Leave it to him to have the most luxury cruiser of all time. The 1940s icon led an illustrious life and owned 10 cars during his time. Yet his 1958 Eldorado Cadillac was his most treasured set of wheels. The legendary singer could be spotted cruising around town, like 'cool' personified in his deluxe and extravagant machine.
the Eldorado model was part of the Cadillac line from 1953 to 2002 and is in fact, the Cadillac Eldorado was the longest-running luxury car in America. The Brougham model was super expensive cost more than the Rolls-Royce Silver cloud of the same period.
Al Capone
The toughest New York gangster of the 1920s sure as heck didn't drive around in any o' hunk of metal. Al Capone AKA Scarface ruled New York for seven years as the king of crime during the prohibition era had an impressive set of wheels. A crucial part of the gangster's "business" was super tight and security. That of course involved a lot of weaponry and a stylish Cadillac- a 341 Town Sedan model to be exact.
This was no ordinary Cadillac however. With the help of his local mechanic, the mob-boss made some tweaks and transformed it into an armored fortress on wheels. The changes included 1-inch thick bulletproof glass windows on the front, rear, and both sides, an engine boost to up the speed to 110 MPH, steel plates in all the doors and even police siren. Somehow, with all of that, the guys still ended up in prison.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Also known as FDR, was the longest-running President of the United States and became a one world's most iconic leaders during the Second World War and the Great Depression. It's no secret that this president kept America standing, even though he had some troubles standing on his own. Roosevelt was, unfortunately, wheel-chair bound and couldn't operate a standard car. But when you're the President of the United States, some concessions can be made. Roosevelt could still indulge in his favorite activities- driving.
Despite his disability, the 32nd President happily drove around Hyde Park in a modified 1936 Ford Phaeton. The car was designed by Fred Relyea, a mechanic from New York. Relyea installed hand controls so that he could operate it without the use of legs. He drove the car until his death, at which point it was given to his wife Eleanor. After being driven 19,143 miles, it was put on display at a presidential election.
Fatty Arbuckle
Born Roscoe Arbuckle, and aptly nicknamed 'Fatty', this entertainer was probably one of the biggest slapstick stars in the silent era. Known for the ol' classic pie in the face gags, slipping on banana peels...and just, well, falling over and hurting himself (these things got huge laughs back then), Arbuckle was at the pinnacle of his comedic career. He was so huge in fact, that Paramount Pictures offered him a $1 million a year deal- that was unheard of in 1921.
Pretty soon after the actor signed this life-changing contract, the goods started to flow. One of the first things on the list was new wheels. Of course it was the 1923 McFarlan Model 154 Knickerbocker Cabriolet that really sent that message home. Alas, as many Hollywood fairy tales go, Arbuckle got a little too big for his boots and found himself wrapped up in a pretty big scandal- a murder scandal. After he lost everything, including the car, his career spiraled into nothingness. Yikes.
William Boyd
The original Western star started off as a simple orange picker and became the quintessential cowboy during the 1920's Western era. With his extremely good looks and his magnetic screen presence, he got a starring role in Hop-along Cassidy. The film that immortalized him. Boyd rose to fame very quickly and earned a pretty good fortune. With that newfound fame and fortune, this cowboy got himself a 1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Victoria Convertible.
It's safe to say that the star of over 60 blockbuster films drove the most luxury and powerful car of the late 1920s' and 30s' and was the symbol of pre- Great Depression opulence of America. It's estimated to fetch $1.2m-$1.6m.
Gary Morton
Funny guy Garry Morton was a famed New York stand up comic. While he may have made a bit of a name for self at his usual hotel and resort gigs in upstate New York, he was really known as Lucille Ball's second husband. The comedian managed a long part of her very successful career and had a pretty comfortable life in Hollywood. He sure did show it with his wheels.
The unique 1962 Ghia L 6.4 coupe is a rare gem and is the perfect combination and Italian artistry and American horsepower. This special hybrid belonged was the perfect solution to the modernizing style that was popular at the time.
Pete Townshend
Not the most typical Benz owner, Pete Townshend was a pretty out of control rocker in the 60s' and 70s' as the central figure in the legendary band, The Who. One would think he'd be cruising around in a sleek red convertible, but Townshend seemed to opt for an old luxury parade car- 1970 Mercedes S 600 Pullman. The automobile had the combined qualities of an old race car with the classic characteristics of the traditional landaulet.
This "unique automotive treasure" is traditionally used to transport world leaders through parades and has driven people such as Queen Elizabeth Elisabeth II, Pope Paul VI and his successors, and of course various heads of states. Interesting choice, Pete.
Freddie Mercury
It's likely that Freddie was feeling inspired to write his 'we are the champions' chart-topper when he was zooming down in his 1950 Studebaker Champion. Taking a spin in this car can make anyone feel like a hero. Truthfully, if any rockstar had to own this four-wheeled treasure chest, we're glad it was the legendary Freddie Mercury. The Queen frontman had a great love for cars. In fact, he had quite the collection, but the Studebaker Champion was his most precious possession.
The designer, Raymond Loewy, an American manufacturer was inspired by the bullet nose of an aircraft when he created the car. It was also built with the philosophy, the lighter the better - new approach to the creation of cars back then, and something that has actually held until this day- with a few exceptions of course.
Jeff Beck
The rock and blues innovator behind the band, the Yardbirds is as eccentric as they come and his style in music is as interesting as his taste in cars. A known vehicle collector, Beck probably has a few garages filled with vintage cars, but his Ford Deuce Coupe is his arguably his favorite. His 1932 three-window Ford Coupe, is directly copied from the classic film American Graffiti. Why did he copy this exactly? Well, he lost it at an auction and thought to himself, 'well, I'll just make it instead!
The musician has expressed his passion for driving, which is why he keeps himself busy with tinkering all these vintage classics. In an interview with USA Today, he was horrified about learning that his precious Ford Coupe now wants to release a line of autonomous (self-driving) cars.
Bruce Springsteen
The American Dream personified, Bruce Springsteen was just a regular working-class fella from New Jersey. After a string of successful hits like Born to Run and Promised Land, the red, blue and white blooded rocker bought his Chevrolet Corvette in 1975. The car has appeared on a number of albums and singles, no surprise as nothing sells more records than a tough Bruce in his ripped sleeves and a hot Corvette.
The vehicle was for some time one of the most prized pieces at the National Constitution Center, where they displayed the American singer's life in objects. Fans could enjoy everything from his guitars, cars and various sentimental pieces that he took along with him on the road.
John Lennon
The epitome of English upper class- the 1964 Rolls Royce Mulliner Park Ward Phantom V was once a staple of the royal family, belonging to the queen and the queen's mother. But there is one owner who even exceeds their popularity, and that was none other than Beatles legend, John Lennon. This was no regular classic Rolls, however. Lennon got a complete custom made design to perfectly fit in with his 60s' psychedelic style. His message was to challenge the grey English establishment of the time and crush it with the new wave of the colorful hippie culture that took over London.
The whole business cost him about 11 000 pounds (nearly $240,000 in today’s value). Lennon commissioned Artist Steve Weaver to paint the red, orange, green and blue swirls, floral side panels and a Libra on the roof as well as private coach makers J.P. Fallon Ltd. in the style of a Romany gypsy wagon. Fun fact, the musician got his license at 24.
Keith Moon
Another wild member of The Who- Keith Moon had quite the set of wheels. Known as the 'Jimmi Hendrix' of the drums, this rockstar knew how to make a spectacle. Fueled by an extremely wild and toxic lifestyle, Moon let it all out on the drums. He also let it all out on the road with his purchase of the 1972 Ferrari Dino 246. That car didn't last long, and the drummer lost his precious baby to some drunk thugs outside a local pub. Before you go on and feel sorry for him, the story goes like this: Enjoying a summer night at the pub, some kids admired his car. Without a moment's thought, Moon handed the keys over, offering them a spin.
Needless to say, the kids did not come back and Moon had accepted that was goodbye car. Fortunately (we think) on his sad walk home, he discovered his wrecked brand new Ferrari in a ditch. Sounds like classic Keith.
Sonny & Cher
The hippest couple in history, Sonny and Cher who sang duets together about love and peace had matching his and hers' 1966 Mustangs (yellow for him and pink for her). The cars were the perfect touch to their loving union. Custom made and adjusted to each one's liking, the pair inspired couples around the world to look just like them. To say it was a publicity stunt would be an understatement.
Created to reflect the personalities of husband and wife singing duo Sonny Bono and Cher, this pair of 1966 Mustangs came in two different sizes. Sonny's had a little more horsepower than Cher's, but both had power steering, faux-wood steering wheels and a floor shifted 3-speed automatic transmission.
Marky Ramone
The drummer behind blitzkrieg bop, as you can imagine had one impressive vehicle, though not as punk rock as you might have imagined. Although, the cars of punk musicians that spring to mind aren't typically impressive. One might think of a beaten up old van with skull and bones graffitied all over it. Quite the opposite in this case. Marky Ramone just happened to own the 1965 Chrysler Imperial.
AKA, the Green Hornet, this Chrysler suited the punk drummer pretty well. Little known fact, Ramone, actually born Marc Steven Bell (not very punk) restored the car himself completely. It sounds like that's one talented guy.
Morrissey
The Smiths frontman stayed true to his nature with this simple thing. With his soulful, emotional and anti-conventional stance, the Fiat 850 fits him like a glove. Nothing says starving and lone artist like driving through rainy London streets in a dinky 1960 Fiat. Essentially fit for a single person (two already starts to feel cramped), Morrisey's model is slightly bigger than the more classic Fiat 500, this is still pretty small.
With the sort of success The Smiths have had, Morrisey can certainly 'get whatever he wants' and didn't really have to say please please please to anybody. The frontman named his wheels Giardiniera, a name which is also rumored to be the name of his favorite pizza.
Miles Davis
Arguably the greatest Jazz musician to have ever lived, Miles Davis had real flare. The master trumpeter and composure held a 5-decade career where he consistently led the genre with his innovative stylings. While he may have been king of the jam, he was less on top of things on the road and got himself into a nasty little accident that made headlines when he crashed his Lamborghini Miura in October 1972.
The Jazz legend who was intoxicated at the time, supposedly fell asleep at the wheel and completely totalled his car. He famously broke both ankles and was hospitalized immediately, but was released the following day. Unable to bear the loss of his treasured car, Davis immediately bought a new one. Disaster averted!
Johnny Cash
Nothing says rags to riches like the story of Johnny Cash. A son of a crop farmer who grows up to be a massively famous country musician. Yup. Johnny Cash hit it big with hits like I Walk The Line and Ring of Fire. Not only that, he also got his own variety show on ABC- The Johnny Cash Show. After 58 successful episodes and high ratings, the television network gave him a very special gift.
The gift was was none other that one of the most impressive cars of the time - the 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow LWB (long wheelbase). That car sure was a statement about the success of the show and the impact that Cash had on American music. While that sure is some gift, we can't help but wonder if ol' Johnny would have preferred a Cadillac. Well, one car at time.
Janis Joplin
Ah, Janis. One of the wildest women in rock 'n roll. Joplin sure did live on the edge. The singer-songwriter traveled all over America singing her heart out, and she did it all in her precious 1964 Porsche 365. Her colorfully decorated car got a lot of attention on the roads. Hugely popular now, it's sad to know that Joplin wasn't exactly rolling in the cash back then. She did however manage to splurge little on an awesome set of wheels. The musician bought it from a used car dealership for $3, 500. Her and her roadie, Dave Richards decorated the car with portraits and various motiffs such as the "The Eye of God", Big Brother", and apparently Jimmi Hendrix's "pile of vomit".
The restored cabriolet was recently sold for $1.76 million at RM Sotheby's "Driven by Disruption" sale in New York City. We can't but wonder however, if she would have been a little happier with a Mercedex Benz. The Lord just didn't seem to grant her that.