Any motorsport enthusiast would tell you that a dream garage is more than just a place to park your car in between daily drives. A monument to cars, and where cars, the cars of your past which caused you to fall in love with speed, retire. But for others that dream includes more than just a single garage. Those are the people we are here to celebrate today — The Grand Poobahs of car collecting. The titans of taste and treasure, engineering and elegance… rows of automotive empires that would leave any gearhead weak in the knees.
What Makes a “Big” Collector?
Before we dive into the vault, let’s take a quick pit stop. What exactly qualifies someone as a “big” collector? Here, we’re looking at a combined force: the sheer number of cars, the rarity and historical significance of the collection, and, of course, the overall value.
Biggest Car Collection in the World
A car collection is not just a series of data points. It is the mirror of the owner’s soul, the door to their essence. It’s a quest for many; the joy of the chase, the thrill of the find, while others still feel the contented nature of reaching for a special gem. Some find pleasure in the painstaking restoration process of reviving a little piece of automotive history. For others, it’s simply the raw, unbridled joy of driving, that relationship between driver and car that you can only glean from a properly maintained classic.
The Investment Potential: Not Just for Love
It’s not like some of these collections don’t qualify quite seriously as investments in their own right. That is one extreme — albeit extreme — case, however, rare and iconic cars can appreciate heavily over time, making them certainly more than just a pleasure but also a good investment. Look at it as a four-wheeled diversified portfolio – a little bit of inflation-proofing with a side of Sunday morning thrill.
Now, buckle up and get ready for this octane-fueled journey!
10. Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani: The Business Tycoon with a Fleet (Estimated Collection: 170+ Cars)
Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in India, isn’t just a businessman – he’s a man with a taste for the finer things in life, which includes a fleet of over 170 luxury cars. Imagine Bentleys standing next to Maybachs, Bugattis brushing shoulders with Mercedes-Benzes. This collection leans towards the sophisticated and powerful, reflecting not just Ambani’s wealth but also his appreciation for automotive excellence. Think handcrafted interiors, top-of-the-line technology, and enough horsepower to leave a lasting impression.
9. Ken Lingenfelter: The Performance Powerhouse (Estimated Collection: 200+ Cars)
Ken Lingenfelter, the founder of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, isn’t just a collector – he’s a car whisperer. His collection isn’t about chrome and prestige; it’s about raw, unbridled power. Picture iconic American muscle cars like Mustangs and Camaros, each meticulously restored and then subtly (or not so subtly) enhanced by Lingenfelter’s team. The crown jewel? A mind-blowing 20 Lamborghini Reventons – a testament to Lingenfelter’s passion for Italian thoroughbreds with a serious kick. This collection is a celebration of American muscle meeting Italian finesse, all tuned to deliver heart-stopping performance.
8. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan: The Rainbow Sheik (Estimated Collection: Unknown, But Extensive)
If variety is the spice of life, then Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan has put together a full five-course menu of exotic vehicles. One of the princes of the royal family of Abu Dhabi, this collector has built up a rare and varied collection that has labeled him as “The Rainbow Sheik.” It’s not just a rainbow of car colors. One-of-a-kind army trucks like custom-built Jeeps stand next to classic American muscle cars like the Dodge Chargers, the list goes on and on. Even ecological wonders like hydrogen-fueled Toyotas have a place to go. It is a collection that spanned the history and geography of automotive brilliance, a reflection of his ceaseless curiosity and enthusiasm for anything that moves on four wheels.
7. Ralph Lauren: The Fashion Icon with a Classic Touch (Estimated Collection: 50+ Cars)
Ralph Lauren is more than a taste-maker, he is a Student of Style. And that touch is not just confined to the catwalk. One of the most recognizable names on the luxury car market, his garage is a celebration of vehicular elegance, bringing us esteemed iconic names like Bugatti, Bentley, and Jaguar. Picture sharp lines, luxurious interiors, and a touch of old-school panache exactly what the Ralph Lauren brand epitomizes. Lauren is known to take inspiration from a few of his cars, incorporating them into his design process so that the relationship between fashion and function remains true to the product. Think of a fully repaired Bugatti from the 1930s next to a perfectly tuned Jaguar E-Type and you know what I mean, the living essence of motor comparison!
It’s also worth remembering that not all collections are about just getting the rarest and most powerful cars. However, a few collectors, such as Ralph Lauren, demand full restoration. They are the stewards of automotive tradition, the curators tasked with keeping legendary vehicles for posterity. The process of restoring one is an art, a careful ballet between keeping the inherent character of the car or improving safety with modern parts. Restoring a machine like this is a labor of love that demands not just cold hard cash but also genuine care for the machine’s heritage.
6. Jay Kay: The Music Star with a Hidden Passion (Estimated Collection: 50+ Cars)
Jay Kay, the main man in British funkster Jamiroquai is famous for his laid back grooves, his other love is anything but serene. Would any gearhead not be envious of the secret lot of nearly 50 cars of this pop star? Jay Kay’s car collection spans from iconic Aston Martins like the DB6 Mark 1 Volante to quirky Fiats like the 1000, something that reflects his eclectic personality. That includes space for a 2002 BMW Baur Cabriolet, which managed to combine German engineering with open-air motoring for a car no one else has. Well, this collection isn’t about being brand-specific, or era-specific, but rather a celebration of the automotive nerd in all of us, showcasing an eclectic mix of the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain cool.
5. Dmitry Lomakov: The Russian Enigma (Estimated Collection: 100+ Cars)
Dmitry Lomakov is a bit of a mystery man, a Russian businessman whose car collection is as secretive as it is impressive. Estimates put the number of vehicles somewhere in the triple digits, with rumors swirling about priceless Ferraris tucked away in undisclosed locations and one-of-a-kind Bugattis gathering dust in private garages. Lomakov’s collection is a testament to the allure of exclusivity – a garage shrouded in secrecy, only adding to its mystique. Unlike some collectors who flaunt their treasures, Lomakov prefers to keep his cars hidden from the public eye, fueling speculation and intrigue among car enthusiasts worldwide.
4. Gerard Lopez: The Racing Entrepreneur (Estimated Collection: 100+ Cars)
Gerard Lopez is no mere businessman — he is a true lover of competition in all its forms. Lopez, who purchased the group simply known as Lotus F1 in 2014, is a racer at heart and therefore his collection is about racing. What this means is essentially anything with a significant racing history — think iconic Le Mans prototypes, Formula One cars that haven’t been beaten with a stick by countless back markers until the 70s, and so on. There’s even a home for stiffs of classic touring cars that once battled it out around the great racetracks. To Lopez, it’s more than just the cars themselves, it’s also the history and competition they stand for. To own such a machine is to own a piece of motorsport history- a physical manifestation of the fearless drivers and trailblazing engineers who have consistently challenged the limits of the art of the sport.
3. Mukesh Ambani (Yes, Him Again!): The Double Take (Estimated Collection: 170+ Cars [Luxury] + Unknown [Classics])
Wait, hold on a second. Didn’t we already see Mukesh Ambani on this list? Well, you see, the man’s got a serious case of car fever. While his first collection focuses on luxury marques, his other collection leans towards a different kind of extravagance – classic cars. We’re talking Bugattis from the roaring twenties, pristine Duesenbergs with their signature elegance, and meticulously restored Rolls-Royces that ooze timeless sophistication. It is an ode to automotive history and showcases the taste that Ambani has in craftsmanship and innovation from the past. Hence in the list, Mukesh Ambani makes the double appearance, showcasing his enthusiasm for owning the most number of cars from this list. He is not only an entrepreneur creating a contemporary automotive dynasty but also a custodian of the automotive legacy, keeping the legendary vehicles for the future.
2. Hassanal Bolkiah: The Sultan of Speed (Estimated Collection: 7,000+ Cars)
Hassanal Bolkiah, The Sultan of Brunei, by the way, isn’t just a monarch–he’s a gearhead, too. It is believed that his collection houses over 7,000 vehicles, which would vastly eclipse any car show in the world. These are warehouses, full of Ferraris, Bentleys, and Rolls-Royces, all perfect and ready to drive at a second’s notice. But the Sultan has a good many things that have escaped the attention of more established names. Consider bespoke creations tailored to his every desire – a car that redefines design, in vehicles engineered to break the mold. Somewhere in there are tales of gold-plated cars, a crystal-clear sign of the Sultan’s taste for the excessive. The Sultan’s collection represents its world, that of the car-obsessed royal. It’s a celebration of automotive excess, a display of wealth and power that leaves most gearheads speechless.
1. The Royal Family of Liechtenstein: A Princely Passion (Estimated Collection: Unknown, But Priceless)
At the pinnacle of our list sits not an individual, but a family – the House of Liechtenstein. This European royal family has been collecting cars for generations, amassing a collection that is both vast and meticulously curated. Unlike the Sultan’s collection, which focuses on sheer quantity, the Liechtenstein collection is all about quality. Indulge in the classic irreplaceable vintage cars like the pre-war racing hero Mercedes-Benz SSK. Imagine legendary racing machines like the Ferrari 312B which famously competed in Formula One races in the 1970s, Concept cars that never quite saw the light of day, and prototypes that tell a story of where automotive design is heading even survive here. The Liechtenstein collection isn’t just a garage, but a living encyclopedia for any motorsport enthusiast to marvel over. A whole is an expression of the family’s dedication to preserving automotive history, Nova with the assurance, that does its part to make sure these important pieces of machinery are not lost to history.
Beyond the List: The Future of Car Collecting
Car collecting is an ever-changing world. With the rise of electric vehicles and newfangled ideas for autonomous driving, the very concept of a “car” is fast changing. This will be both a challenge and an opportunity for future collectors. Will electric cars still be cool, or will there not be a comparable enthusiasm for range over sleek lines and quiet operation? In any case, will self-driving vehicles even be collectible in the usual sense? Only time will tell.
Beyond the Numbers: A Celebration of Passion
These ten collectors have turned their love for cars into automotive empires. Their collections are a source of inspiration, a reminder that the dream garage isn’t just a fantasy. It’s a testament to passion, dedication, and maybe just a touch of petrol-fueled obsession. Each collection — be it of the classic cars of the Liechtenstein family, or the overtly indulgent fleet of the Sultan of Brunei — paints a different picture of how they came to be. Or does it reflect the taste of the owner, their tie to the motoring world, and their wish to hang on to a piece of automotive history? And there you have pretty much every household car collection assembled that will also be taken out for a bit of exercise at least once a year out of 365. So the next time you’re playing with your car, a word of advice – even if your collection isn’t as immense as that offered here by those giants of style, the bond of man and machine that lies between is universal. Now go forth, gearheads, and keep the dream alive!
