Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer known as “The Greatest,” had a car collection that reflected his larger-than-life personality and success both inside and outside the ring. His taste in automobiles leaned toward luxury, style, and uniqueness, showcasing his status as a global icon.
Here’s what is known about his car collection based on available information:
The car, one of only 272 left-hand-drive Silver Shadow convertibles produced, was a symbol of luxury with features like Wilton carpeting, Connolly leather, and walnut veneers. Powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine, it had a top speed of 118 mph and weighed over two tons.
Originally costing around $16,000 (equivalent to roughly $105,000 today), it was later valued at auction in 2018 at approximately $70,000. This car epitomized Ali’s flair for extravagance.
The Spider featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with double overhead cams, a five-speed manual transmission, and a classic design with a low beltline and circular headlights. Ali eventually gifted it to Shanahan after about two years, and it remained in Shanahan’s possession for over 40 years before being sold. Its estimated value today is around $42,900.
It’s said that proceeds from its eventual sale were intended to combat world hunger, aligning with Ali’s humanitarian efforts. Its exact value is unclear, but its rarity and embellishments make it priceless in historical terms.
While specific details about Ali’s ownership—like purchase date or customizations—are less documented, it’s frequently cited as part of his collection, reflecting his penchant for standout cars that matched his flamboyant persona.
For instance, he was photographed driving a Rolls-Royce convertible in Los Angeles before his final fight with Larry Holmes in 1980, suggesting he may have owned more than one Rolls-Royce over time. His love for cars also extended to a failed business venture in the 1980s, when he and partners sought $9.3 million in bonds to produce a sports car called the “Ali, 3-WC” (three-time world champion), though it never materialized.
Ali’s car collection, much like his life, blended extravagance with personal significance, from celebrating career milestones to reflecting his global influence. While not every vehicle he owned is fully documented, these examples highlight his taste and the legacy he left behind, even in his automotive choices.
Here’s what is known about his car collection based on available information:
1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Convertible
One of the most well-documented vehicles in Ali’s collection, this Rolls-Royce was purchased in December 1970 in New Jersey under his birth name, Cassius Clay. It’s believed he bought it to celebrate the reinstatement of his boxing license after it was revoked due to his refusal to be drafted during the Vietnam War.
The car, one of only 272 left-hand-drive Silver Shadow convertibles produced, was a symbol of luxury with features like Wilton carpeting, Connolly leather, and walnut veneers. Powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine, it had a top speed of 118 mph and weighed over two tons.
Originally costing around $16,000 (equivalent to roughly $105,000 today), it was later valued at auction in 2018 at approximately $70,000. This car epitomized Ali’s flair for extravagance.
1976 Alfa Romeo Spider Series II
Ali acquired this Italian sports car while living in Chicago, alongside his friend and car enthusiast Tim Shanahan. He intended it as a gift for his then-wife, Veronica Porché, but she couldn’t drive its manual transmission, so it was rarely used and mostly sat idle or was driven by Ali’s assistants.
The Spider featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with double overhead cams, a five-speed manual transmission, and a classic design with a low beltline and circular headlights. Ali eventually gifted it to Shanahan after about two years, and it remained in Shanahan’s possession for over 40 years before being sold. Its estimated value today is around $42,900.
1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S “Golden Angel Wing”
This car stands out as the most unique and opulent in Ali’s collection. Gifted to him by an Arab royal admirer, the Mercedes was customized to resemble an “Arabian palace” with 23-karat gold covering its exterior and interior, along with over 270 precious stones (rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds) embedded in its bumpers, headlamp assembly, grille, buttons, knobs, and switches. Dubbed the “Golden Angel Wing,” it was a testament to Ali’s global fame and the admiration he inspired.
1969 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
Ali also owned this American classic, which fit his taste for bold, luxurious vehicles. The Eldorado was known for its powerful V8 engine and lavish design, popular among celebrities of the era.
While specific details about Ali’s ownership—like purchase date or customizations—are less documented, it’s frequently cited as part of his collection, reflecting his penchant for standout cars that matched his flamboyant persona.
Was Muhammed Ali a Car collector
Ali’s collection wasn’t vast in number but was notable for its quality and the stories behind each vehicle. His cars often served as extensions of his identity—bold, luxurious, and unique. Beyond these four, there are mentions of other vehicles like additional Rolls-Royces and Bentleys in various accounts, though specifics are sparse.For instance, he was photographed driving a Rolls-Royce convertible in Los Angeles before his final fight with Larry Holmes in 1980, suggesting he may have owned more than one Rolls-Royce over time. His love for cars also extended to a failed business venture in the 1980s, when he and partners sought $9.3 million in bonds to produce a sports car called the “Ali, 3-WC” (three-time world champion), though it never materialized.
Ali’s car collection, much like his life, blended extravagance with personal significance, from celebrating career milestones to reflecting his global influence. While not every vehicle he owned is fully documented, these examples highlight his taste and the legacy he left behind, even in his automotive choices.
