If you’ve ever seen a photo of Mar-a-Lago or caught a glimpse of a motorcade, you might think Donald Trump spends his days surrounded by a sea of exotic metal. Honestly, the reality is a bit more nuanced. People always ask: how many cars does donald trump own? Is it hundreds? Is it a secret underground bunker full of gold-plated Ferraris?
The truth is that while Trump is a billionaire with a well-documented love for "the best" of everything, his actual personal garage isn’t as bloated as some of his peers. He isn't Jay Leno. He doesn't have a 200-car warehouse in Burbank. Instead, his collection is a highly curated, somewhat eclectic mix of high-end European luxury, a few surprisingly "green" choices, and a lot of American steel.
The Current Count and the "Billionaire's Dozen"
Pinning down an exact number is kinda tricky because, for most of the last decade, the man hasn't been allowed to drive. Secret Service rules are pretty strict about that. Even after leaving the White House, the security detail usually handles the wheel. But based on public records, auction listings, and confirmed sightings, the core of the collection usually hovers around 10 to 15 notable vehicles.
It’s less about quantity and more about the "statement" each car makes. He tends to buy things that are iconic. If it’s a Rolls-Royce, it’s the flagship. If it’s a Lamborghini, it’s the one that defined an era.
The Crown Jewels: Rolls-Royce and the British Influence
Trump’s relationship with Rolls-Royce goes back decades. He’s often said the 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was one of his first big automotive loves.
👉 See also: Mariah Kennedy Cuomo Wedding: What Really Happened at the Kennedy Compound
- 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud: This is a classic. It’s the kind of car that looks like it belongs in a museum or a high-stakes heist movie. It features a 4.9-liter six-cylinder engine and, interestingly, was one of the first to offer power steering—a luxury back then.
- 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom: This is the modern heavyweight. A base model starts around $500,000, but Trump’s version is reportedly customized with enough gold and high-end leather to push that price much higher. It’s a V12 beast that weighs over 5,000 pounds but can still move when it needs to.
The European Speed: Ferrari, Lambo, and Mercedes
You can’t be a billionaire in the public eye without a few supercars. But Trump has actually sold off some of his most famous ones recently.
Take the 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster. This car was iconic—painted in a custom "Blu Le Mans" color that wasn't even in the official catalog. Trump had to use his connections just to get that shade. He owned it for about five years before selling it in 2002. Just recently, in early 2024, that exact car sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction for a staggering $1.1 million. It’s basically the most valuable Diablo on the planet now, purely because of the name on the title.
Then there’s the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. This was a 2003 collaboration between the German giant and the British racing legends. When it launched, it was $450,000. Trump got his delivered right to Trump Tower in Manhattan. It’s a 617-horsepower monster with butterfly doors that still looks futuristic today.
The Surprising Electric Entry
Believe it or not, Trump was an early adopter of Tesla. He owned an original Tesla Roadster. It’s a bit ironic considering his public stance on EVs during his rallies, but back in the late 2000s, it was the "it" car for the wealthy and tech-savvy.
✨ Don't miss: La verdad sobre cuantos hijos tuvo Juan Gabriel: Entre la herencia y el misterio
The American Muscle and Custom Limos
He’s a New Yorker at heart, so Cadillac has always been in the mix.
- The Trump Golden Series Limo: Back in the 80s, he actually partnered with Cadillac to make a signature line of limousines. They had gold-plated trim, fax machines (high tech at the time!), and shredders.
- 2016 Cadillac Escalade: For a more "low-key" (if you can call a giant SUV low-key) daily driver, he’s been spotted in armored Escalades.
- Chevrolet Camaro SS: Specifically, the 2011 Indy 500 Pace Car. He was supposed to drive it at the race but ended up stepping down due to scheduling (and some controversy). He reportedly kept one for himself though.
Why the Number "How Many Cars Does Donald Trump Own" Changes
If you're looking for a definitive list, you have to account for the "Presidential Fleet." When he was in office, he didn't "own" the cars he used. The Beast, that $1.5 million armored Cadillac limousine, belongs to the federal government.
Also, Trump is a flipper. He treats cars like real estate. If a car's value peaks, he’s not afraid to sell. We’ve seen this with his Ferrari F430 and the aforementioned Lamborghini.
What You Can Learn from the Trump Collection
Basically, the collection is a lesson in brand-focused investing. He doesn't buy cars because he’s a "gearhead" who wants to turn wrenches. He buys cars that represent:
🔗 Read more: Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes: What Really Happened Between the Dawson’s Creek Stars
- Power: (The Phantom, The Beast)
- Exclusivity: (Custom-colored Lamborghinis)
- American Heritage: (Cadillac and Chevy)
Actionable Insights for Car Collectors
If you’re looking to build a collection with high resale value like Trump’s, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Documentation is everything. The reason his Diablo sold for $1.1 million wasn't just the paint; it was the paperwork proving he owned it.
- Go for limited runs. The SLR McLaren and the Silver Cloud were limited in production, which keeps the floor on their value high.
- Condition matters, but history matters more. Even with 15,000+ miles, a celebrity-owned car will outperform a "wrapper car" (one with zero miles) in some auction environments.
So, how many cars does donald trump own? Directly, probably about a dozen high-value assets. But the total number of vehicles that have passed through his hands is likely in the hundreds, each one a small piece of his branding machine.
To dig deeper into specific auction results for celebrity vehicles, check out the latest listings on Barrett-Jackson or RM Sotheby’s. You can often see the "Trump Premium" in real-time when these cars hit the block.