How Ralph Lauren’s $600 Million Car Collection Serves as His Creative Muse

October 8, 2024 2:30 AM

As New York Fashion Week kicks off this this month, all eyes are on Ralph Lauren, the man who has redefined American fashion for over five decades. While Lauren’s timeless designs and luxurious lifestyle brand have long been celebrated on the runway, his passion for design extends far beyond fabric and tailoring. In fact, Lauren’s obsession with precision and craftsmanship is just as evident in his car collection. From vintage race cars to modern hypercars, Lauren’s garage is filled with some of the most coveted and rarest automobiles in the world.

 

 

 

 

Since the late 1960s, Ralph Lauren has been a defining force in fashion, creating a uniquely American style that blends elegance with practicality. His Polo brand, introduced in 1967, quickly became a symbol of aspirational living, where high fashion met everyday wearability. Lauren’s ability to craft a lifestyle around his designs—whether through tailored suits, signature polo shirts, or luxury home collections—set him apart from other designers. 

 

Lauren’s journey as a car collector began in the 1970s when he purchased a 1971 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 convertible, a car that kickstarted what would become one of the most revered private car collections globally. The total value of Ralph Lauren’s car collection is estimated to surpass $600 million, making it one of the most valuable collections in the United States.

 

 

 

 

When discussing Ralph Lauren’s remarkable car collection, the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic undoubtedly stands as one of the most iconic and valuable pieces. Only four of these cars were ever produced, with only two surviving to this day. Lauren’s Atlantic is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples, a pristine representation of the craftsmanship and innovation that defined the golden age of motoring.

 

The Type 57SC Atlantic was designed by Jean Bugatti and is celebrated for its distinct teardrop body, crafted from lightweight aluminum to ensure optimal performance. This particular model could reach speeds of up to 123 mph—an extraordinary feat in the 1930s, making it arguably the world’s first supercar. In 2010, a similar model sold for between $38 million and $40 million, setting a new benchmark for car auctions at the time. However, Ralph Lauren’s 57SC is in such exceptional condition that experts believe its worth far exceeds that figure.

 

Appraisers and collectors often debate the precise value of Lauren's Bugatti, with some estimates going as high as $100 million. Prominent automotive appraisers like Ed Bolian, John Ficarra, and John Temerian place the car in this extraordinary range, with Ficarra even suggesting it could reach $150 million if it were ever to be sold.

 

 

 

 

1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK “Count Trossi”

 

Another standout in Lauren’s collection is the 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK. This particular model was commissioned by Count Carlo Felice Trossi, an Italian aristocrat and racecar driver, and is one of fewer than 40 ever made. Under the hood, the SSK boasts a supercharged 7.1-liter inline-six engine that delivers breathtaking performance. With its unique design and rarity, this Mercedes-Benz SSK holds a special place in automotive history, much like Lauren’s designs do in the fashion world.

 

 

 

 

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

 

Lauren’s 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is another car that needs no introduction. Built for the FIA’s Group 3 Grand Touring Car category, only 36 of these legendary cars were produced between 1962 and 1964. The 250 GTO features a V12 engine capable of producing nearly 300 horsepower, making it a dominant force on the racetrack during its era.

 

Today, the Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most desired cars in the world, with private sales reaching as high as $70 million.

 

 

 

 

Ferrari 375 Plus

 

Known for his deep admiration of the brand's legacy in both design and performance, Lauren’s collection includes some of the most sought-after Ferraris in the world—including the Ferrari 375 Plus. Only five of these cars were ever built, and they made a name for themselves by winning prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana. Powered by a Lampredi V12 engine, the 375 Plus was a powerful race car of its time, capable of producing 325 horsepower. One of these models sold at auction for $18.3 million in 2014, a testament to its rarity and historical significance.

 

 

 

 

1998 McLaren F1 LM

 

Lauren doesn’t just collect vintage automobiles, his garage also includes modern icons like the McLaren F1. Built between 1992 and 1998, the F1 was ahead of its time, featuring a BMW V12 engine that produced 618 horsepower. With a top speed of 240.1 mph, it held the title of the fastest production car for several years. Lauren owns not one but two McLaren F1s, both revered for their engineering and design. The car’s central driving position and gold-foil-lined engine bay made it a groundbreaking vehicle in terms of both performance and innovation.

 

 

Ralph Lauren spotted driving his McLaren F1 in Westchester, NY (via Reddit)

 

 

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

 

Lauren’s collection also includes a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, a car that made its mark in motorsport history. With its aluminum body and a naturally aspirated inline-4 engine, the Porsche 550 Spyder was built for the track. The car famously won its debut race at the Nürburgring Eifel in 1953 and continued to dominate races worldwide. Its lightweight design and impressive top speed of 140 mph made it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.

 

 

 

 

1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Spyder

 

Another crown jewel of Lauren’s collection is the 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Spyder, a car known for its V12 engine and exceptional aerodynamics. Only 34 of these race cars were built, making them incredibly rare and valuable. A prototype chassis of the Testa Rossa Spyder sold for over $16 million at auction, underscoring its significance in the world of high-performance racing.

 

 

 

 

The McLaren P1 and LaFerrari

 

Lauren’s taste for cars extends to modern hypercars as well. His McLaren P1, a plug-in hybrid supercar, represents the cutting edge of automotive technology. With 900 horsepower on tap, the P1 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 217 mph.

 

His collection also includes a LaFerrari, Ferrari’s first hybrid supercar, which combines a V12 engine with an electric motor for a combined output of over 950 horsepower. The LaFerrari is a prime example of how automotive technology has evolved, and for Lauren, it’s another addition to a collection that celebrates both the past and the future of car design.

 

 

Cars As Creative Muses

 

 

 

 

What sets Ralph Lauren apart from other car collectors is how deeply he integrates these vehicles into his creative process. For Lauren, cars aren’t just valuable assets—they’re creative muses that inspire his work. This was especially evident during New York Fashion Week in 2017, when Lauren transformed his garage into a runway at his home, surrounding his latest collection with his prized Ferraris, Bugattis, and McLarens. Models walked between these automotive masterpieces, highlighting the close connection between fashion and car design.

 

Lauren’s cars also influence his other creative endeavors, particularly his home collection. Drawing inspiration from the leather upholstery and polished steel found in his vehicles, Lauren seamlessly incorporates these high-end materials into his furniture designs.

 

 

 

 

The leather from his 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, for example, has inspired multiple pieces in his home line, proving that the same principles of craftsmanship and design apply whether it’s a car, a suit, or a chair.

 

 

 

 

While it's tough to choose from such an incredible lineup, a few standouts in Ralph Lauren's collection that we can't stop admiring are the legendary Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic and the iconic McLaren F1 LM. But when asked about his favorite car, Lauren simply remarked, "Cars are like children. It’s very hard to say that any one is my favorite."

 

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