Old Hollywood Stars and Their Iconic Cars – A Love Story

Production Year: 1971
Est. Current Value: $100,000* 

Not all cars driven by celebrities have to be flashy or expensive; sometimes you just need something that suits your personality like Paul Newman did when he chose his 1971 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe. 

Paul Newman and His Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe ©Keystone/Getty Images

Built by automotive manufacturer Ford Motors between 1967 and 1976, the XB GT Coupe came standard with features such as power brakes and power steering as well as a 302 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 350 horsepower – perfect for a rugged driver like Paul Newman!

Production Year: 1947
Est. Current Value: $14,864-$20,000*

Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor was known for her stunning beauty and her standout roles in films like “Cleopatra” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” But she was also known for her love of classic cars, particularly Jeeps.

Elizabeth Taylor and Her Jeep waffenamt/Wikimedia Commons

A 1947 Jeep holds a special place in the history of automobiles, as they were often used by Allied forces during WWII. The original MSRP was only $1,131 and the value today has grown to approximately $15,000 to $20,000 depending on the condition of the car. Restoring these cars can be a labor of love, as you may need to search for hard-to-find parts or repair extensive damage.

Production Year: 1971
Est. Current Value: $125,832*

The King of Cool had plenty of iconic cars but one of his favorites was his red 1971 Porsche 911S Targa Coupe which he nicknamed The Everywhere because it went everywhere with him. 

Steve McQueen and His Porsche 911S @teamfee3/Pinterest

The famous actor paid only $7000 when he bought the car, which today is worth millions! He raced it frequently in California rallies, where fans flocked to catch a glimpse of him at the wheel or even driving in the races themselves. 

Production Year: 1948
Est. Current Value: $98,929*

When it comes to classic Hollywood stars, few embody the iconic golden age of Hollywood quite like Humphrey Bogart. And as any die-hard Bogie fan knows, his love for classic cars was just as legendary as his career. One of his favorite cars, and arguably his most famous, is the Jaguar XK120.

Humphrey Bogart and His Jaguar XK120 @artnet/Pinterest

First released in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 quickly became one of the most popular sports cars of its time. A sleek and stylish ride, it was a favorite amongst celebrities and car enthusiasts alike. Bogart was no exception; the star was often seen driving around in his XK120, which he affectionately referred to as his baby.

Production Year: 1969
Est. Current Value: $70,000*

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 was released in 1969 and Steve McQueen got his hands on one the same year. It was estimated that the original cost of the car would have been around $3,200 USD. McQueen quickly became fond of the car and it became one of his most iconic possessions.

Steve McQueen and His Ford Mustang Mach 1 ©Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

The Mustang was a bright red color with a white racing stripe running down its hood and was one of the first of its kind to feature a shaker hood scoop. The car also featured power brakes, power steering, and a deluxe interior, making it a true luxury vehicle. McQueen drove this car in the movie Bullitt, making it even more of an icon in automotive history.

Production Year: 1929
Est. Current Value: $2.1m*

Legendary actor and racer Paul Newman was known for his love of cars, and none more so than his beautiful 1929 Duesenberg SJ. The car was gifted to him by his good friend, racing legend James Hunt. It was one of only around 400 ever made, making it an incredibly rare and valuable vehicle.

Paul Newman and His Duesenberg SJ ©Art Zelin/Getty Images

Paul cherished his Duesenberg and kept it in mint condition for years. It was a classic example of the combination of finance and entertainment that Hollywood is famous for. His car was worth an estimated $500,000 at the time of his death, although its sentimental value is likely far greater.

Production Year: 1917
Est. Current Value: $1.3m*

The famous actress Greta Garbo chose a different type of luxury car than her contemporaries – namely, an electric vehicle. Although many people assumed that Garbo had opted for a chauffeur-driven limousine to take her everywhere during her heyday, the truth is that she preferred to drive herself around in an electric Studebaker named the ELV or Electric Light Vehicle. 

Greta Garbo and Her Electric Light Vehicle ©John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images

It had seating capacity for six people and was extremely quiet compared to gas-powered cars at the time making it ideal for someone looking for a low-key way to travel from A to B without too much attention drawn upon themselves – something Greta enjoyed doing.

Production Year: 1929
Est. Current Value: $800,000-$1,1m*

Not to be outdone by any other starlet during her prime, Marlene Dietrich purchased herself an equally sophisticated car – A 1929 Mercedes-Benz SSKL Roadster which came equipped with coachwork designed by Gustav Kusserow who was known for creating high-end bespoke vehicles for celebrities at the time. 

Marlene Dietrich and Her Mercedes-Benz SSKL Roadster ©brandstaetter images/Getty Images

This beauty certainly gave Dietrich the image boost she needed when showing up on set or at glamorous events! Not only was it visually appealing but could reach speeds up to 80mph making it both functional and fashionable in equal measure!

Production Year: 1954
Est. Current Value: $53,500*

Marilyn Monroe was an iconic Hollywood actress and her love for classic cars was well-known. One of her favorite vehicles was a Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special, which she drove from 1955 to 1962. The car was big, bold, and beautiful – just like the star herself!

Marilyn Monroe and Her Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special @vintagecelebritycar/Facebook

The car featured the trademark chrome trim, whitewall tires, and a bright red interior. It was Marilyn’s favorite ride, often seen parked in front of her Beverly Hills home. Marilyn’s classic car perfectly captured the glamour and style of old Hollywood, and it continues to be remembered and admired today.

Production Year: 1955
Est. Current Value: $500,000*

The sleek and fast Spyder was an iconic symbol of the rebellious attitude of James Dean, who was known for bucking tradition and making daring choices. His iconic silver convertible was often seen zooming around town, with Dean at the wheel. 

James Dean and His Porsche 550 Spyder ©Bettmann/Getty Images

It was no surprise that the car was destroyed in the accident, but the legacy of James Dean and his Spyder still lives on in the hearts of many classic Hollywood fans.

Production Year: 1938
Est. Current Value: $33,200*

Gary Cooper was an actor known for his tough-guy roles in films such as Sergeant York and High Noon. He was also known for his excellent taste in cars. His go-to vehicle of choice was the Cadillac Fleetwood. It was the perfect car for Gary Cooper, allowing him to show off his confident attitude and star status.

Gary Cooper at Paramount Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

The Cadillac Fleetwood was a luxury car manufactured from 1937-1996. It featured a stylish exterior and interior, plus plenty of power under the hood. The car was a perfect fit for Gary Cooper’s image, allowing him to maintain his aura of toughness and coolness. The car gave Cooper a sense of power and presence, something that he could use to maintain his fame.

Production Year: 1971
Est. Current Value: $10,000*

The Beetle, a classic car from the 1950s and 1960s, is a symbol of its time. And, for Jack Nicholson, this car holds a special place in his heart. He purchased his convertible Beetle in 1971, and it has been part of his life ever since. This beloved Beetle has become part of Nicholson’s legacy, a representation of the classic cars of old Hollywood and a reminder of a simpler time. 

Jack Nicholson and His Convertible Beetle ©vint1/alamy

It’s no wonder why Nicholson kept this Beetle for so long; it’s a symbol of his success, a timeless classic that will never go out of style. The Beetle was originally purchased for $5,000, but its value has increased significantly over the years. Today, Nicholson’s car is estimated to be worth between $30,000 and $40,000, a testament to its lasting legacy. It just goes to show that, with a little love, even the simplest things can become icons.

Production Year: 1932
Est. Current Value: $187,000*

Jean Harlow was a classic Hollywood starlet and a major influence on many of the iconic actresses that followed her. She had a luxurious lifestyle and one of her favorite items was her very own Cadillac. Harlow owned an all-white 1932 V16 Roadster Cadillac, which cost an impressive $10,500 back in the day. The car had a sleek body style with a smooth curved frame, spoke wheels, and an interior that was done up in leather and chrome.

Jean Harlow and Her Cadillac @prockgeorge1962/Pinterest

The price tag for the car in today’s money would be around $187,000, but the classic style of the car and Harlow’s status as an old Hollywood icon make it invaluable. The 1932 Roadster Cadillac is one of the most recognized cars of classic Hollywood stars, and Jean Harlow was lucky enough to have driven it during her lifetime. She even posed with the car for a magazine feature. The car has since been restored to its original glory and is now part of an automotive museum.

Production Year: 1955
Est. Current Value: $1.5m*

When it comes to Old Hollywood glamour, few actresses embodied it as perfectly as Sophia Loren. Known for her stunning beauty and captivating performances, she was one of the most iconic actresses of her time. And as it turns out, her love for luxury extended to her cars as well. One of her most prized possessions was her 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.

Sofia Loren and Her Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing 195 @drivingenthusiast/Pinterest

This sports car, known for its distinctive gull-wing doors, was one of the most advanced automobiles of its time. With a top speed of 160 mph, it was a true engineering masterpiece. Sophia Loren was one of the lucky few to own one, and she often used it to travel to her various film sets and events. Today, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is considered a true collector’s item, with an estimated value of $1,500,000, it’s a reminder of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the timeless beauty of Sophia Loren.