[Image: Cars&Motorbikes Stars / Facebook]
Ralph Lauren has redefined American fashion for over five decades, and in the process, built an empire worth millions of dollars.
Since starting the Ralph Lauren Corporation back in 1967 – with a focus on men’s ties – his personal worth has grown to over $6 billion, ranking him as one of the wealthiest men in America. But what many don’t know is that the fashion icon is a big-time car lover with an insane collection of cars.
It started with a 1971 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 convertible he bought in 1970, and today, his collection is worth $600 million (R11 billion). Lauren’s obsession with precision and craftsmanship in his clothes is just as evident in his car collection.
From vintage race cars to modern hypercars, his garage is filled with some of the most coveted and rare cars in the world. In case there is any confusion about the “rare” claim, Lauren owns one of only three Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupes known to still exist. Only four Coupes were ever made, but Jean Bugatti’s went missing after his death, leaving only three. – That’s how rare it is.
Another rare specimen in Lauren’s collection is this 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK that was a special commission by Count Trossi, an Italian automaker and racecar driver. Supposedly, fewer than 40 of these cars were built.
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What sets Ralph Lauren apart from other car collectors is how 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. That’s some flex.
[Source: MPH]
