Despite having over $115 billion in net worth, Bill Gates’ car collection isn’t as flashy as some influencers or fly-by-night artists. His car collection is more need-based and less about matching his status. But like most multi-billionaires like Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk, he also has a soft spot for exquisite cars.
Bill Gates just loves Porsche sports cars, be they classic or modern, gas-powered or electric. Apart from that, he has other cars in which he is chauffeured most of the time. That said, the most expensive set of wheels he has ever purchased are his two Gulfstream G650ERs and two Bombardier Challenger 350s. But without further ado, here is a look at Bill Gates’ car collection.
10. Ford Focus
This is the first of Bill Gates cars. The Ford Focus is the cheapest car in Bill Gates garage, starting at just $25,170. What’s even more surprising is that the multi-billionaire used it as his daily driver until he retired from Microsoft in 2018.
In 2018, when Bill was retiring from Microsoft, he was given a proper send-off. Many celebrities are featured in the video. And towards the end of the video, Bill is seen taking his belongings to his blue-colored Ford Focus coupe and driving away.
Ford Focus | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $25,170 |
Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
Horsepower | 136 hp |
Torque | 236 lb-ft |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
0-60 MPH | 8.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 129 MPH |
The Ford Focus owned by Bill Gates comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine that delivers a fun to drive experience. It may be the slowest car in his collection but the easygoing characteristics made every commute better for the billionaire.
9. Jaguar XJ6
Here comes the second car. It is a vintage car from Bill’s garage. The Jaguar XJ6 produced between 1968 and 1973 is one of the rare British sports cars in Bill Gates collection. Although he hasn’t been snapped driving the vintage sports car. The car was brought by Bill a couple of years ago and sits in his mansion in Medina, Washington.
Jaguar XJ6 | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $38,000 |
Engine | 4.2L NA Inline-6 |
Horsepower | 184 hp |
Torque | 283 lb-ft |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
0-60 MPH | 10.2 seconds |
Top Speed | 116 MPH |
The Jaguar XJ6 owned by Bill Gates is a 1969 model which was the last Jaguar made under the guidance of William Lyons (Co-founder of Jaguar). The XJ6 was the one of the best luxury cars for it’s time and had a perfect blend of design and opulence to seat the man.
8. Chevrolet Suburban
The billionaire is also fond of fullsize SUVs. The Chevrolet Suburban is the only SUV in Bill Gates’ car collection. Bill Gates has never been seen driving this SUV. But he has been chauffeured around in the SUV. The most recent was when he was on an outing after the announcement of his divorce from Melinda Gates. The Bill Gates Suburban is finished in blue and has a starting price of $59,095 in 2023.
Chevrolet Suburban | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $59,095 |
Engine | 5.3L V8 |
Horsepower | 355 hp |
Torque | 383 lb-ft |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
0-60 MPH | 6.9 seconds |
Top Speed | 144 MPH |
Bill Gates is practical man, and despite it is not the most efficient or eco-friendly choice, the Chevy Suburban brought a lot of room and practicality to the table. Another celebrity who has the same vehicle is Chris Evans, who is well known for his roles as Captain America and now Buzz Lightyear. Which takes us to the Ferrari sportscar from his garage.
7. Ferrari 348
Here comes the Ferrari sportscar from his garage. The 348 Spider, finished in red, is another classic sports car in Bill Gates collection.
The exact model year of Bill Gates’ Ferrari 348 isn’t known, but the car was first launched in 1989 and was on sale until 1994. The actual price of his Ferrari isn’t available, but these cars in the auction and used car markets have an average selling price of $77,300.
Ferrari 348 | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $77,300 |
Engine | 3.4L V8 |
Horsepower | 316 hp |
Torque | 238 lb-ft |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
0-60 MPH | 6 seconds |
Top Speed | 171 MPH |
This Italian beauty is a perfect example for his love for driving. Unlike many collectors Bill Gates loved to drive it around and even took it for a spin in the sand which earned a nickname “dune buggy.”
6. BMW 7-Series
Bill Gates is a very important person, and due to his wealth he is targeted by many unwanted attention across the globe. Therefore to add another layer of security he added a BMW 7 Series High Security to his fleet.
Although the car looks like a regular 2009 760li of the time, it is heavily revamped under the skin with 2.4 inches thick steel armor plating that allow them to become the first vehicles to be certified to BRV 2009 as they passed the requirement of the ballistic protection level VR7.
BMW 7 Series | Specs |
---|---|
Price | N/A |
Engine | 6.0L Turbocharged V12 |
Horsepower | 544 hp |
Torque | 553 lb-ft |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
0-60 MPH | 6.2 seconds |
Top Speed | 130 MPH |
With the heavy armor that can save him from potential gunfire, the car also equipped with advance safety features like the shutting off ventilation from outside and an internal fresh air supply ensures breathable air for the passengers. BMW also offered special options for government authorities as well like the flag holders, and a gun case that can hold two machine guns in the center console.
5. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is the only electric SUV in Bill Gates garage. He was spotted in the driver’s seat of the Model X when he was reviewing Neal Stephenson’s most recent novel, Seveneves. With Stephenson in the co-passenger seat. Gates owning a Tesla comes as a shocking surprise, as he himself was once quoted saying that he would never buy a Tesla car.
But with the recent push by the philanthropist for action against climate change and himself spending a fortune for the cause, the addition of the Model X to his collection is in line with his actions.
Tesla Model X | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $101,380 |
Engine | Electric |
Horsepower | 670 hp |
Torque | N/A |
Transmission | 1-speed automatic |
0-60 MPH | 3.3seconds |
Top Speed | 155 MPH |
Although it is not conformed that he actually owns the Tesla Model X, however we found him driving one for an episode of his blog called Gates Notes. The car also features the same hue of his Ford Focus discussed above which might give a hint that he might own the car.
4. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
When you are rich, you can buy many things. When you are a millionaire, you can buy anything. However, if you are Bill Gates, you can buy everything—even a whole car company. But he did not act like that; instead, he bought the most luxurious car, the S-Class sedan.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $115,650 |
Engine | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Hybrid |
Horsepower | 429 hp |
Torque | 384 lb-ft |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
0-60 MPH | 4.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 128 MPH |
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is another German luxury sedan in Bill Gates’ collection. This car is mostly chauffeur-driven, but Gates doesn’t shy away from getting behind the wheel. He was last spotted behind the wheels of his S-Class when he was going to pick up his kids.
3. Porsche 930 Turbo
One of Bill Gates’ favorite cars was the 1979 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo. It is one of the two Porsches Bill Gates currently owns. In total, he has three Porsches, but a while ago, he had four of them. He sold one of his 1979 Porsche 911 Carreras for $80,000. This was his first Porsche 911, and it was also the one for which he received a speeding ticket.
1979 Porsche 930 Turbo | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $120,461 |
Engine | 3.3L Turbo Flat-6 |
Horsepower | 282 hp |
Torque | 289 lb-ft |
Transmission | 4-speed manual |
0-60 MPH | 5.0 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 MPH |
The 1987 911 (930) Turbo is powered by a notorious 3.3-liter turbocharged flat-6 engine that makes 282 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. Although the power figures is not as astonishing as the modern cars, but 930 tested some of the prolific drivers. This car was one of the early implementation of turbocharger by Porsche, and it earned a nickname “the widowmaker” due to is unexpected oversteering problem.
2. Posche Taycan Turbo
The Porsche Taycan Turbo is the latest addition to Bill’s garage. He was seen discussing his Taycan Tubro on Marques Brownlee’s YouTube channel. In the interview Gates said that “I just got a Porsche Taycan, which is an electric car, and I have to say, it is very, very cool. It’s my first electric car, and I’m enjoying it a lot.”
Porsche Taycan Turbo | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $154,750 |
Engine | Electric |
Horsepower | 616 hp670 hp (overboost engaged) |
Torque | 626 lb-ft |
Transmission | 2-speed automatic |
0-60 MPH | 3.0 seconds |
Top Speed | 161 MPH |
When he announced he had bought the car, Elon Musk was particularly miffed and showed his displeasure on Twitter. He said, “My conversations with Gates have been underwhelming, to be honest.”
1. Porsche 959
The 1987 Porsche 959 is the most expensive car in Bill Gates garage. Coincidentally, this car gave him the most trouble getting it legally approved for driving in the United States. The Porsche 959 was technologically the most advanced sports car of this era and was meant for Group B rally sports.
1987 Porsche 959 | Specs |
---|---|
Price | $225,000 |
Engine | 2.8L Twin-turbo Flat-6 |
Horsepower | 444 hp |
Torque | 369 lb-ft |
Transmission | 6-speed manual |
0-60 MPH | 3.6 seconds |
Top Speed | 197 MPH |
But Porsche introduced a street-legal version as per hom*ologation rules, which Gates also purchased. But the car got stuck in customs as it didn’t comply with United States emission standards. And it sat there for nearly a decade before Gates could get it released by using the “Show and Display” law. Under this law, Gates had to keep his annual mileage below 2,500 miles.
That said, the car is a rare beauty, as only 337 units were made. And owing to that, Bill Gates’ Porsche 959 is estimated to be worth $225,000.
What was Bill Gates’ first car?
In his early 20s, Bill Gates bought a 1979 Porsche 911 Targa, which was the first car he owned.
Does Bill Gates own an electric car company?
Bill Gates has invested in a number of companies related to the automotive industry, including electric car maker Proterra and autonomous vehicle company Cruise Automation. He has also been involved in efforts to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly fuels for cars, such as biofuels made from plant matter.
What type of cars does Bill Gate have?
Bill is a collector of Porsche cars. He has a number of Porsche sports cars, ranging from the old vintage cars to the more recent electric sedans. In addition, he also has cars from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Ferrari, Chevrolet, Tesla, BMW, and Ford.
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