When you think of individuals who have revolutionised the fashion industry, Ralph Lauren is quickly a name to be thrown around.
But did you know that behind the scenes of his multi-billion dollar fashion empire lies a passion for something entirely different – Automobiles?
Over the years, following his tremendous success with clothing brand Polo Ralph Lauren, the billionaire has built a jaw dropping car collection that rivals even the most prestigious of museums.
With an estimated net worth of over $7 billion, it’s no surprise he’s been able to collect such an impressive array of vehicles. From vintage classics to modern hypercars, here’s a closer look into the $600 million dollar metal collection.
The Top 10 Cars in Ralph Lauren's Collection
Table of Contents
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Much like other car enthusiasts, Ralph’s love for automobiles was ignited by a passion for vintage classics. We’re starting with perhaps the most special and rarest car in Lauren’s collection, The 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic.
He was introduced to the unique car at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance many years before he acquired it in the late 1980s. Being an older car, it had to be restored by Paul Russell of Essex, Mass., who over the span of two years spent over 9,600 hours working on it.
Since then, the Bugatti has gone on to claim the best-of-show award at five concours, proving that it truly is an automotive masterpiece.
“A car is about its age and the period”, Lauren says. “If you’re going to restore it, you’re restoring it so it’s not just a monument but a fine-working machine, something that has the quality that it had when it was new.”
Make: Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe (1938)
Year: 1938
Key Features: Streamlined design, iconic riveted fins, luxurious interior.
Price: Estimated to be worth over $40 million.
Significance: One of the most coveted and valuable cars in the world, with only a few ever built.
Ferrari 250 GTO (1962)
One of the most expensive cars in the world, and likely the most expensive in Ralph Lauren’s collection, is this Ferrari 250 GTO. It was purchased in the 1980s for $300,000.
Built in 1962, it was originally owned by movie producer and director Stephen Mitchell, who described it as “the love of my life”, before selling it to Lauren.
Pricing is difficult for these cars, as they vary significantly depending on the cars’ history and racing achievements. An example of this is back in 2018 when two GTOs were sold within weeks of each other.
The first, a 1964 Tour de France winner was reportedly bought for $70 million, and the second sold 2 months later for $48.4 million. It’s fair to say that it would be one of Lauren’s most expensive cars, particularly due to its own racing history before the fashion mogul owned the car, achieving six wins and three further podium finishes.
Make: Ferrari 250 GTO (1962)
Year: 1962
Key Features: Sleek design, powerful V12 engine, racing pedigree.
Price: Valued at around $70 million.
Significance: Considered one of the greatest Ferraris ever built, with a limited production run and success in motorsport.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe (1955)
Epitomising elegance and performance, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is an iconic sports car with sleek designs and advanced engineering, from its fuel injection to independent suspension.
Based on the company’s successful race car, the W194, the 300 SL was the street version, built around a welded aluminium space frame chassis, saving weight and providing strength.
Lauren’s personal 300 SL boasts a silver exterior and black leather interior, which showcases meticulous restoration and customisation reflecting his taste in vintage aesthetics.
The car frequently visits prestigious events but mainly resides in Boston as part of the Ralph Lauren Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts.
His collection also consists of an SL300 Roadster.
Make: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Year: 1955
Key Features: Iconic gullwing doors, advanced engineering, timeless design.
Price: Estimated to be worth over $1 million.
Significance: One of the most recognisable and desirable cars of its era, setting new standards in performance and style.
McLaren F1 LM (1998)
Over the spring and summer of 1996, McLaren produced 5 “F1 LM’s”, available to only the most esteemed collectors.
Cars LM1, LM4 and LM5 were sold to the Sultan of Brunei, with 1 & 4 being painted black with blue, yellow and silver stripes and 5 painted in historic orange.
LM2 was a historic orange and sold to ZENT CEO, Yoshio Tsuzuku in Japan.
The final car, LM3 was also historic orange and purchased by British economist, David Morrison, who also owned Parabolica Motorsport, a fitting purchase.
After passing hands, it finally drove its way into Ralph Lauren’s car collection in the early 00’s.
Make: McLaren F1 LM
Year: 1998
Key Features: Lightweight construction, central driving position, unparalleled performance.
Price: Valued at around $19 million.
Significance: A road-worthy variant of the legendary McLaren F1 GTR, built to commemorate the five McLaren F1s that competed in the 1995 25 Hours of Le Mans.
Jaguar XKSS (1957)
After unveiling the car at the New York Auto Show, disaster struck for Jaguar. A fire at the Brown’s Lane factory in 1957 destroyed not just 9 of the 25 cars, but all the necessary jigs and tooling needed to build them.
Ralph Lauren was lucky enough to get his hands on one of these original 1957 models, alongside Steve McQueen and James Hull.
Make: Jaguar XKSS
Year: 1957
Key Features: Hand-built craftsmanship, powerful engine, iconic styling.
Price: $30+ million
Significance: Originally intended for racing, the XKSS is one of the most sought-after and valuable Jaguar models ever produced.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2006)
Ralph purchased this Porsche 911 GT3 RS on release in the mid-to-late 2000s.
Coming in bright orange, the sports car was developed for GT3-class racing based on the Porsche 997 GT3 made by the company.
Despite being a true race car with license plates, Lauren often uses the car as his daily driver.
There’s no surprise he’s an avid Porsche fan, owning multiple 911 variants and using them frequently.
Make: Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Year: 2006
Key Features: Track-focused performance, advanced aerodynamics, exhilarating driving experience.
Price: $200,000.
Significance: The ultimate expression of Porsche’s legendary 911 series, designed for enthusiasts seeking uncompromising performance on and off the track.
Lamborghini Miura P400 S (1969)
In March of 1985, Ralph Lauren took delivery of a restored Lamborghini Miura.
Originally made between 1966 and 1973, it was the first car with a rear mid-engined two-seat layout.
Since then, this vehicle layout has become the standard for high-performance sports cars, making it the father of the supercars.
It was built in the spare time of Lamborghini’s engineering team, who designed and developed the car against orders from company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, who opposed the idea.
The Miura went on to be the fastest production road car at the time and became the start of an era for road-worthy performance cars.
Make: Lamborghini Miura P400 S
Year: 1969
Key Features: Mid-engine layout, striking design, revolutionary performance.
Price: Over $2 million
Significance: Widely regarded as the world’s first supercar, the Miura redefined automotive design and performance standards.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia (1938)
By far, the most dominant race manufacturer in the 1930s was Alfa Romeo.
In 1938, the Turin factory collaborated with Carrozzeria Touring to create a limited series of four two-seater roadsters for the 1938 Mille Miglia, with the showcased car being the first of its kind.
Piloted by the Pintacude-Mambelli racing team, it achieved an impressive second place under the number 142, with the other two placing 1st and 3rd.
Its tear drop-shaped wings contribute to its exceptional design, cementing its status as one of the most esteemed pre-War Grand Touring Alfa Romeos.
In 2005, Ralph Lauren showcased his restored Mille Miglia in the “Speed, Style and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection” exhibit at Botson’s Museum of Fine Arts.
Make: Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia
Year: 1938
Key Features: Racing pedigree, advanced engineering, elegant design.
Price: North of $20 million.
Significance: Winner of the 1938 Mille Miglia, the 8C 2900 is considered one of the greatest pre-war racing cars ever built.
Aston Martin DB5 (1964)
Regarded to many as the most beautiful car ever produced by Aston Martin, the DB5 was manufactured between 1963 to 1965.
Only 1,059 were made, with a retail price of $5,800.
Today it’s a different story, becoming the 5th most expensive Aston Martin ever sold, and fetching millions per model.
However, it was the popularity of the 007 agent, James Bond who brought this car to fame.
“Often billed as the most famous car in the world, James Bond’s gadget-laden Silver Birch DB5 in Goldfinger became many a schoolboy’s dream.”
Because of its prestigious history, it was a no-brainer for Ralph Lauren to add the DB5 to his $600 million car collection.
Make: Aston Martin DB5
Year: 1964
Key Features: Iconic design, luxury craftsmanship, James Bond association.
Price: $1.5 million.
Significance: Forever immortalised as James Bond’s car of choice, the DB5 is synonymous with timeless elegance and sophistication.
Porsche 550 Spyder (1955)
With a total of 90 Porsche 550 Spyder’s built, it’s fair to say this car is an ultimate collector’s item, and definitley a car you need to drive at least once in your lifetime.
Born as Porsche’s first pure race car, it was the godfather to every model from the 917 right up to the 2013 hybrid 918 Spyder.
It was introduced at the 1953 Paris Salon, adding the Italian term Spyder to signify it was a 2-seat open light sports car.
Ralph’s collection contains chassis No. 5500061 – the 61st assembled 550.
Make: Porsche 550 Spyder
Year: 1955
Key Features: Lightweight construction, mid-engine layout, agile handling
Price: Over $6 million.
Significance: Renowned for its racing success and timeless design, the 550 Spyder is a true icon of automotive history.
Other Notable Cars in Ralph Lauren's Collection
Some other cars in his collection include:
- Ferrari 250 Testarossa Spyder
- Bentley Blower
- McLaren P1
- Porsche 918 Spyder
- LaFerrari
- Bugatti Type 57 & 51
- Mercedes-Benz SSK
- 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadstere
- Lamborghini Reventón Roadster
Is it the Greatest Car Collection You've Seen?
It’s definitely up there amongst the best car collections we’ve seen.
But despite owning every car he desires, Ralph Lauren insists he has no clear favourite.
“They all become personal and are very close to me. They are like children; They all have different personalities.”