Did you know that Rowan Atkinson, whom we know as Mr. Bean, has an empire of the worlds most incredible and epic car collection that will leave you speechless? You won’t believe it if I tell you that a mansion was built solely to store Rowan Atkinson’s Car Collection. What’s even more interesting is that the total cost was estimated at approximately 20 to 25 million dollar. Yes, you heard me right. Rowan Atkinson, aka Mr. Bean, is a professional racer and even has a truck driving license. So, those who are wondering who gave Mr. Bean a driving license by watching this scene (clip of the scene from the awkward drive home) have got it totally wrong. He not only drives the iconic Mini Cooper, which became a part of everyone’s life through Mr. Bean, but he also has a whole lot of exotic cars ranging from vintage classics to high-performance modern marvels. Each vehicle tells a story of luxury and craftsmanship. He is obsessed with cars to the extent that in his movie, ‘Johnny English,’ Atkinson used his own powerful and expensive car, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Oscar India. In this article, I’m going to tell you about Rowan’s multimillion-dollar car collection that even you would want to buy one. Read until the end to discover the incredible story behind one of the Rowan Atkinson’s Car Collection that awaits you.
Rowan Atkinson’s Car Collection
But before that, I am sure you all would love to know about the iconic green-colored Mini Morris which we all saw in the show Mr. Bean, as clearly this article would be incomplete without it. This classic was specifically designed for the show by Rowan Atkinson. The reasons the Mini became such an essential element of the series hold two sides. Firstly, Rowan Atkinson is a well-known car enthusiast, as we all know by now. Mr. Bean’s Mini wasn’t just a prop; it was a character in its own right, with at least six Minis making appearances throughout the series and movies. And why so many, you ask? Well, blame it on Mr. Bean’s adventures, which often led to his cars being destroyed in one way or another. Before you wonder where this car is right now, let me inform you that the iconic MINI has found a prestigious spot in the BMW Classic Museum.
Now let’s begin with this car collection you would not want to miss.
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1964 Ford Falcon Sprint
At number 8, we have the 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint, professionally prepared for Atkinson by top-tier teams. It features a turquoise color that gives it an elite appearance. With 164 horsepower, only 4,278 units were produced. Rowan Atkinson once crashed this car in 2014 during the Goodwood Revival’s Shelby Cup race, suffering a direct impact. What sets this car apart from many historic racers is not only its impressive performance on the track but also its unique status as a road-legal classic. The Sprint model later found its new home and was sold at auction in 2021, fetching an impressive $77k.
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The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E, a silver-colored beast with a half-leather interior, boasts a five-liter V-8 engine producing 326 horsepower and achieving 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds—a respectable accomplishment in the early 1990s. But the story doesn’t end there. This W124.036 model has a tale of its own, having been auctioned not once, but twice by the actor. Initially parting ways in 1994, he couldn’t resist repurchasing it in 2017 due to its performance and charm. Yet, a year later, he auctioned it once more, along with another gem from his collection—the 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32, hiding a Ferrari V8 engine under its unassuming exterior. The sale of the Lancia Thema 8.32 might be attributed to its inability to compete with the BMW M5, despite its Ferrari engine. One thing is clear: Rowan doesn’t hesitate to sell his car when he is done with it.
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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
At number 6 is the mesmerizing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, draped in red color that adds an extra touch of royal elegance. And guess what? This beauty still holds a special place in Rowan’s collection. If you take a look at this picture, it’s amusing how he’s getting out of this car, isn’t it? But for a tall man like him, it was difficult to exit a car with low gullwing doors that open like the wings of a bird. Valued at $202,000 and boasting 583 horsepower, this car is truly a powerhouse. Rowan, among all the cars he possesses, will always remain loyal and biased towards AMG, especially when it comes to the Mercedes SLS AMG, which is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 6.2-liter V8 engine.
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Honda NSX
Next, we have the Honda NSX, which is one of his favorite daily use cars and still remains a part of his collection. Now, you might raise an eyebrow at the mention of a Honda, but let me tell you, this NSX is anything but ordinary. It is pretty fierce right from its appearance. It’s classic, modest, and compact, yet unique in its own features. The NSX in Rowan’s garage is like the Japanese version of a Ferrari— an upgraded model that delivers a thrilling top speed of 168 mph and 252 horsepower, making every drive a remarkable experience for Rowan.
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2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead
Another exclusive luxury gem in Rowan Atkinson’s collection is one you might recognize if you’ve seen ‘Johnny English Reborn’: the 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead. According to reports, the actor splurged $500,000 on this particular model, which comes in oceanic blue with perfectly color-coordinated wheels. What makes it exceptionally rare is its 9.0-liter V-16 engine, setting it apart from other available models. You won’t believe that Atkinson petitioned Rolls-Royce to install an experimental engine in the Phantom just for the film. Truly, Rowan Atkinson’s automotive adventures are as captivating as his on-screen performance.
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BMW 328 Roadster
In number 3, we have the BMW 328 Roadster, a legendary car that has won several races, including the Mille Miglia, a historic race for classic cars. Priced at an impressive $621,000, this masterpiece of engineering boasts lightweight construction, thanks to its aluminum body and steel ladder frame. Every detail of the BMW 328 Roadster has been carefully preserved, with a top speed of 93 mph back then, powered by 79 horsepower.
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The Land Rover Defender Heritage.
Next in line, we have one of the simpler cars in his collection, with a lovely green body, white roof, and strong steel wheels—the Land Rover Defender Heritage. Rowan Atkinson is one of only 400 people who own the Heritage edition. It has a 120-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine and isn’t very fast, reaching a maximum speed of 90 MPH. Like many other Defenders before it, this special Defender 110 Heritage Edition is being sold by Rowan at an auction. It was scheduled to be sold at the Iconic Auctioneers Race Retro Sale in Stoneleigh, UK, on February 24, 2024, expected to spark a big bidding war among collectors.
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McLaren F1
If you’ve made it this far, consider yourself lucky because now I’m about to share the story of one of Rowan’s greatest possessions: a legendary beast of a car, along with the crazy story that goes with it. This beast not only tops the list of the most expensive cars in Rowan Atkinson’s collection but also comes with a jaw-dropping story you can’t afford to miss. During his ownership, he drove the car for over 41,000 miles. With 618 horsepower, a top speed of 231 mph, and a 6.1-liter V-12 engine, it’s no wonder he was drawn to its dark burgundy color and insane performance. However, despite its charm, the McLaren F1 had a bitter history under Atkinson’s ownership. He had not one, but two crashes in it: a minor accident in 1999 and a serious one in 2011. Rowan Atkinson’s 2011 crash in his McLaren F1 turned out to be one of the world’s most expensive car repairs ever, totaling $1.4 million.
After these driving incidents, Rowan decided to part ways with his beloved McLaren in 2015, selling it for $12 million. Despite the dangers, Rowan managed to profit 10X from the sale. But here’s the twist: the accidents weren’t the sole reason behind the car’s sale. The main reason Rowan chose to sell his beloved car was because the McLaren F1 attracted too much attention for the usually private actor. Rowan enjoyed driving it around when it wasn’t so well-known or expensive. But once the McLaren had transitioned from a millionaire’s car to a billionaire’s car, he knew it was time to say goodbye. This clearly shows that Rowan purchases cars for passion rather than to flaunt them as status symbols.
Rowan has attracted car enthusiasts from all over the globe with his collection, each car telling unique story. But there is one brand that Rowan has decided to live without, and it’s Porsche. This fact may be difficult to digest, but it’s true, as evident from Rowan’s statements: “I have a problem with Porsches. They’re wonderful cars, but I know I could live without one. Somehow, the typical Porsche people – and I wish them no ill – are not, I feel, my kind of people.” Apart from his incredibly brilliant acting, Rowan Atkinson has given us yet another reason to keep loving him, without whom our childhoods would have been incomplete. Comment down below what you think about this massive car collection and tell us which one was your favorite.
