Cars, like music, are a form of art. Unsurprisingly, musicians, who are artists in their own right, are drawn to these four-wheeled masterpieces.
Cars add a colossal flare to the celebrity lifestyle; some musicians purchase just one flashy car while others shop for classic vehicles as though they are groceries.
This article will explore some renowned musicians and the cars in their garages. Musicians love music. What do you love?
Did you know?
Unbeknownst to many, the love affair between musicians and cars is not a recent phenomenon. It dates back to the early days of rock and roll when icons like Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys used their music to immortalise the freedom and exhilaration of the open road. This connection, rooted in music history, continues to thrive today, with modern musicians using their creative energy to curate impressive car collections that reflect their unique personalities and styles.
Here are some of the musicians and the cars in their garage:
- Jay-Z:
Jay-Z, one of the biggest names in music, boasts a jaw-dropping car collection. His diverse taste ranges from a rugged Jeep Wrangler to a classic Alfa Romeo Spyder. He even incorporates sustainability with a Tesla Model S while owning one of the world’s most expensive cars – the $8 million Maybach Exelero.
- Eric Clapton:
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton isn’t just a musical maestro; he’s a Ferrari fanatic. His collection boasts rare models like the SP12 EC, a modified 458 Italia that reportedly cost a staggering £3 million. Clapton has a refined taste for some of the world’s best automobiles.
- Justin Bieber:
Pop star Justin Bieber hasn’t wasted any time building his impressive car collection. His flashy taste shines through with a Lamborghini Aventador, a Fisker Karma, and even a custom-made “Batmobile” Cadillac CTS-V. While some speeding incidents raised eyebrows, Bieber’s collection undeniably reflects his success.
- Wyclef Jean:
Former Fugees frontman Wyclef Jean has a hidden passion for cars. His diverse collection includes a McLaren F1, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Bentley Arnage, a classic Cadillac Eldorado, and even a Pagani Zonda C12. For an extra touch of eccentricity, he even keeps a fish tank inside his Hummer H2!
- Snoop Dogg:
Snoop Dogg, a true music icon, has built a substantial car collection that showcases his unique personality. He favors low riders and 70s classics, often customized to stand out. His collection reflects his creativity, from a gold and purple Pontiac Parisienne inspired by the Lakers to cars with modern twists.
- 50 Cent:
Despite a past exaggeration on MTV Cribs, 50 Cent has a substantial car collection. His garage boasts impressive vehicles like a Pontiac G8 Special Edition, a Ferrari F430, and a Lamborghini Murcielago, showcasing his success in the music industry.
- James Hetfield:
As Metallica’s lead singer and co-founder, James Hetfield has lived a rock and roll lifestyle. Beyond touring, he enjoys driving his vast collection of hot rods. Some even have nicknames, like his 1934 Packard “Aquarius” and his 1936 Ford Coupe “Iron Fist.” His passion extends to motorcycles as well.
- Beyonce:
Queen Bey, a powerhouse in the music industry, is also known for her car collection. Focusing on practicality for her family, she owns minivans, SUVs, and vans, perfect for shuttling around. However, her taste for luxury isn’t forgotten, with a stunning Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR and access to Jay-Z’s impressive collection.
- Kanye West:
One of the biggest names and wealthiest figures in music, Kanye West, unsurprisingly has a phenomenal car collection. Despite car-related mishaps, his collection boasts supercars like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and an Aston Martin DB9, making it enviable.
- Lady Gaga:
Rounding out the list is the incredibly creative Lady Gaga. Often pushing boundaries in music, her love for cars is sometimes overshadowed. However, she boasts an impressive collection, from a classic Ford Bronco to a fleet of three different Rolls-Royces. Her favorite is a true head-turner, a 1965 Lincoln Continental with red leather interiors and wire-spoke wheels.
Why Classic Car VIN Decoding Matters More Than You Think
For music enthusiasts, celebrities with impressive car collections are a source of endless fascination. Imagine Jay-Z cruising in his Alfa Romeo Spyder or picturing Eric Clapton behind the wheel of a rare Ferrari.
Unlike a brand-new car with a clear history, classic vehicles often have a veil of mystery. A classic car’s VIN, a unique 5-17-digit code, acts as the Rosetta Stone, unlocking a treasure trove of information vital for informed buying decisions.
Here’s how VIN decoding empowers you as a classic car buyer:
Unveiling the Past: Decoding the VIN reveals the car’s year of manufacture, assembly plant, and original engine type. This allows you to verify the car’s authenticity and ensure it matches the seller’s description. Imagine discovering a “muscle car” with a less powerful engine than advertised—VIN decoding helps avoid such surprises. Suppose you are new to classic VIN decoding. In that case, you may start with a generic classic decoder before narrowing it down to your manufacturer, such as a classic Chevy VIN decoder.
Identifying Potential Issues: The VIN can also reveal a car’s history of accidents, repairs, or even salvage titles. This information is crucial for assessing the car’s condition and potential restoration needs. Like some of the bumps and bruises these musicians might carry from their wild rockstar days, classic cars can have hidden issues. Decoding helps you avoid inheriting problems along with the car’s legacy.
Protecting Your Investment: Knowing a car’s true history protects you from potential scams or fraudulent deals. Imagine buying a car once owned by a famous musician only to discover it’s a cleverly fabricated story. Decoding the VIN helps ensure the car’s history aligns with the asking price.
Understanding Value: Certain features or production details revealed through VIN decoding can significantly impact a car’s value. For example, a limited-edition model or a vehicle with a unique factory option might be worth more than a standard version. Just like a rare recording by a legendary musician, a classic car’s specific details can significantly impact its value.
So, the next time you see a celebrity cruising in their classic car, remember, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. A vintage car VIN decoder is the key to unlocking the car’s history, empowering you to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises. After all, buying a classic car should be about acquiring a piece of automotive history, not inheriting someone else’s problems.
