The Incredible, Custom-Engineered Cars Of A 7'1 NBA Legend
Shaquille O'Neal is an NBA legend, winning three consecutive NBA titles with the Lakers and one with the Miami Heat. A 15-time NBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year in 1993, and an Olympic gold medallist, there's very little that the seven-foot, one-inch center hasn't achieved. Alongside dunking over just about everyone, Shaq also loves his cars. Because he's so tall, they often have to be customized for him in various ways. Let's explore this one-of-a-kind car collection from one of basketball's greatest.
2001 Chevrolet Express G1500
Starting with an incredibly modest family van, the Chevrolet Express G1500. A classic family transporter of the early 2000s, Shaq probably did take his kids to school in it. Still, they were also riding in style, packing a sweet collection of leather-upholstered seats installed by none other than leather legend Louis Vuitton.
2001 Chevy 3500 Express Van, 777 Auction Company
2001 Chevrolet Express G1500 (Cont'd)
As you might expect, Shaq's do-it-all wagon specs aren't anything to scream about—that comes later in his incredible collection. The 2001 Chevrolet Express G1500 was powered by a small V6 engine that produced just 255 hp. Shaq didn't care much about making under-the-hood modifications to the Chevy, keeping the reliable van with a combined gas mileage of 16 mpg. Function over form.
2001 Chevy 3500 Express Van, 777 Auction Company
2002 Cadillac Escalade
The 2002 Cadillac Escalade, which followed his Chevrolet Express G1500 after the Lakers won their third NBA Championship in 2002, was possibly an upgrade. It's burgundy in color and fitted with Shaq's personalized logo: a "Superman" S in purple and gold, the colors of the LA Lakers. That's not the only modification Shaq made to this gas-guzzling beast.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2002 Cadillac Escalade (Cont'd)
Other modifications Shaq made to the Escalade included fitting the car with some (ridiculous-looking) scissor doors, replacing the wheels with 26-inchers, 12-inch subwoofers for surround-sound, and a 5.3L V8 engine.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
1963 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
It looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't the only one with a thing for Cadillac Eldorado convertibles. Although Arnie picked up an earlier version (a 1957), Shaq's 1963 El Dorado Convertible is every bit as beautiful, if just a few years older. The El Dorado convertible may look familiar—that's because it's the same car that Tony Montana is driving around in Scarface (1983). It's one of Shaq's favorite movies, so when the chance came, he had to buy it.
Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0,Wikimedia Commons
1963 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (Cont'd)
The 1963 version of the Cadillac Eldorado convertible is one of only three Caddy models to have the Fleetwood body type, with the Fleetwood crest and badge on its rear quarter. Despite not much changing from the previous year's iteration of the El Dorado, this car could produce 325 hp from its 6.4L V8 engine.
Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead
Shaq is clearly a man of refined taste, and with the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead (but not the coupé version), Shaq joins the ranks of fellow professional sports stars, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Easily one of the most luxurious cars ever produced by Rolls-Royce, the Phantom Drophead features wood, chrome, and leather throughout its interior, along with many add-ons available.
Ben, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead (Cont'd)
Performance-wise, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead packs a huge punch: with a 453 hp V12 engine, the Drophead will travel from 0 to 60 in just 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 148 mph. Plenty fast enough for Shaq, who often favors luxury over speed.
Jeremy, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lamborghini Gallardo
Joining the ranks of supercar owners like Mohammed Bin Salman and others, Shaq did what any self-respecting person with money and an affinity for cars would do: purchase a Lamborghini Gallardo. In order to make the car fit his massive frame, Lamborghini had to stretch the car by about a foot. This required new doors, windows, roof, and flooring.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
Lamborghini Gallardo (Cont'd)
The Lamborghini Gallardo that was customized for Shaq also had to be fully re-trimmed and the wiring harness extended. While an exact figure for such a job isn't available, we can guess it wasn't cheap. Despite being stretched about a foot, the Gallardo retained its extraordinary power: 570 hp from a 5L V12 engine, producing a staggering top speed of 202 mph. Blink and you'll miss it.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Spider
This 1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Spyder is what Shaq calls his "forever convertible". But the big man had to have some big customizations made to ensure he'd fit in this little rocket of a Ferrari. A custom tonneau cover was made for him, with the original soft-top removed. Additionally, Shaq's "Superman" logo was embroidered onto the cover, so everyone would know who was driving.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Spider (Cont'd)
Shaq likely used his customized 1998 Ferrari as a daily driver, as this model marked a departure from track-based supercars to the serene daily driving experience that Ferrari sought to offer. The 3.5L V8 engine was upgraded from the 355's predecessor. The car also used a five-valve cylinder head for the first time. The car produced an admirable 375 hp and had a top speed of 179 mph.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2006 Mercedes S550 Convertible
When Shaq isn't in his Italian convertible, he's kicking up dust in his German model: the Mercedes S550 Convertible. Another custom tonneau was made so that Shaq could fit inside it, with traditional doors being replaced with hinged doors that open toward the rear of the car. It's modestly powered by a 5.5L V8 that produces 388 hp and has a top speed of 130 mph.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2006 Mercedes S550 Convertible (Cont'd)
But it's not just under the hood that the S550 impresses. Shaq likely outfitted it with all of the technology on offer in '06, and Mercedes offered plenty of that with this model: heated seats, heated steering wheels, GPS, and much more. The only downside of the Mercedes for some drivers was its curb weight: a staggering 4,377 pounds. Although, that was no problem for someone with the frame of Shaquille O'Neal.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2017 Polaris Slingshot
Affectionately known as the "Sling-Shaq", this three-wheeled 2017 Polaris Slingshot is the next addition to Shaq's garage. Heavily customized, this three-wheeler is what Shaq breaks out when he wants to have some fun. Shaq's version of the Slingshot has four seats and an 18-speaker sound system. He enlisted the help of West Coast Customs to have the Slingshot stretched to fit his massive frame, then had it custom-colored in bright red with bright red spokes on the wheels.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2017 Polaris Slingshot (Cont'd)
Legally classified as a motorcycle because of its lack of airbags and crumple zone, the Slingshot features an optional fibreglass wind cover. Shaq's model came with an LE9 I4 engine made by General Motors, which produced 173 hp. This tricycle will hit a top speed of 130 mph.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
Ford F-650
The only Ford in Shaq's garage is a big one: the customized, super-sized Ford F650 medium-duty pickup truck made by Wade Ford and Georgia-based F-650 customizer, SuperTruck. Despite the truck's gargantuan sizing, Shaq and Wade Ford haven't skimped on pedestrian-style features, including heated seats, an infotainment system, Bluetooth, and all-leather interior. Shaq's price for this gargantuan truck? Approximately $125,000.
Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ford F-650 (Cont'd)
While he might not have paid too much for a customized Ford pickup, others have: The M-V Series of the Ford F650 runs in excess of $165,000. There's even a six-door version of the thing. What purpose could you possibly have for such a huge truck, you ask? They're typically used for hauling massive pieces of construction material, or boats.
Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Shaq's love for luxury is further evidenced in his 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A burgundy exterior and Forgiato wheels (about $16K/each) are only a small part of the customizations made by West Coast Customs. They also added rear fender flares, the RR logo in the center cap, and Shaq's Superman logo in the center of the grille.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Cont'd)
While under-the-hood performance upgrades were kept quiet by West Coast Customs, they're really not necessary. The 2020 Cullinan's 6/7L V12 engine produces 563 hp from a set of twin-turbochargers and has a top speed of 153 mph.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
Lucid Air
Shaq's love of cars extends to EVs, too! The latest in his incredible garage is this Lucid Air, bought at the end of 2024. When the EV was first delivered to the big man, he noticed he had to twist his body to get in it. He knew how to solve that problem: take it to West Coast Customs and let them work their magic. Days later, Shaq's extended and lifted Lucid Air was ready.
Phillip Pessar, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lucid Air (Cont'd)
The Lucid Air is one of the most impressive electric vehicles for performance available today. The Air Sapphire (the most expensive version and the one that we think Shaq has), produces an astonishing 1,234 hp equivalent and an extraordinary range of approximately 500 miles on a single charge. Last year, Lucid broke a world record for EVs by driving through the most countries on a single charge—nine in total, with a range of 567 miles.
Mliu92, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
From EVs to old-fashioned American muscle, Shaq's Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is another fantastic custom job, this time performed by Forbes Performance. Among the customizations are a new hood with a larger power bulge and air intake. A custom SRT badge on the front grille is illuminated red, alongside running lights underneath that are also red.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (Cont'd)
Other aesthetic changes are all-black rims and wheels, side skirt extensions, and red under-car LEDs. The modifications are completed by a rear diffuser with carbon fiber fins on either side and a meme of Shaq's face from an episode of Hot Ones on the rear license plate. Under the hood, its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine produces 717 hp, taking it from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and giving it a top speed of 203 mph.
Norbert Aepli, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
When Shaq and the family want to go on vacation, they use the supersized, customized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Customized to fit his 7'1" frame, with a cream leather interior and a massive LCD screen, Shaq's Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also has an interesting story to go with it.
Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (Cont'd)
When Shaq purchased the Sprinter, it was delivered by a team from Mercedes, driving an S550 4MATIC Sedan, who had come to put the finishing tune-up touches on Shaq's van. Shaq loved how the car looked parked next to his new van so much that he asked the owner, "How much?" A price was agreed and Shaq bought the car on the spot. Luckily, he paid for the team from Mercedes to Uber back to their shop.
Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Customized Jeep Wrangler
Shaq's customized Jeep Wrangler is one of his most famous autos. Shaq had originally purchased a four-door Jeep Wrangler, but (obviously) was unable to fit in it. So, he took it to West Coast Customs. They took off the two rear doors, rebuilt the rear assembly, and stretched the wheelbase to ensure Shaq would fit in it comfortably. Retaining a small trunk area in the back and Jeep's standard rear-mounted spare tire, Shaq now rides in comfort.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
Customized Jeep Wrangler (Cont'd)
Complete with a hitch system on the front and standard-sized wheels, apart from the elongated wheelbase and door modifications, Shaq's customized Jeep Wrangler still packs the same factory-settings under the hood: a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2003 Bentley Azure
The first of three Bentleys in Shaq's collection is his 2003 Bentley Azure. This four-seater convertible is another luxury sedan owned by O'Neal, of which only 1,407 were ever made. The two-door luxury ride features a 6.75L turbocharged V8 engine that can go from 0 to 60 in just 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph.
Inside Shaquille O’Neal's UNBELIEVABLE Car Collection, Billionaire Rides
2003 Bentley Azure (Cont'd)
Shaq likes to tell a story about his collection of 2003 Bentleys: He bought them all at the same time. He was driving past a Rolls-Royce dealership in LA one day and decided to stop in (Mike Tyson happened to be there, also buying a Bentley). Shaq wasn't sure about any purchases, but when one of the dealers asked him, "Can you afford it, sonny boy?" He remembered getting so upset at the disrespect, that he bought all three Bentleys on the spot.
Inside Shaquille O’Neal's UNBELIEVABLE Car Collection, Billionaire Rides
2003 Bentley Arnage
The second of his all-in-one-day purchases was a 2003 Bentley Arnage. Another twin-turbocharged engine was fitted in this '03 Arnage's 6.75L V8 that produced 349 hp with a top speed of 168 mph. The Arnage was one of the first cars to be intended as a replacement for the Bentley Mulsanne, which the company had been selling since the 1980s.
Inside Shaquille O’Neal's UNBELIEVABLE Car Collection, Billionaire Rides
2003 Bentley Arnage (Cont'd)
Shaq's second Bentley of the day at the dealership in LA is the same car that was the Official UK State Limousine that transported Queen Elizabeth II for her 2002 Golden Jubilee procession. Just 607 Arnages were produced in 2003, with Bentley winding down production of the Arnage in 2009.
Inside Shaquille O’Neal's UNBELIEVABLE Car Collection, Billionaire Rides
2003 Bentley Continental GT
Joining the likes of David Beckham and other sports superstars that love luxury Bentleys, Shaq also bought the 2003 Continental GT on the spot from the condescending dealer, who probably ate his words for dinner that evening. A two-door fastback coupé, the Continental GT featured a 6.0L W12 engine, producing 552 hp. Its top speed? A whopping 197 mph.
Inside Shaquille O’Neal's UNBELIEVABLE Car Collection, Billionaire Rides
2003 Bentley Continental GT (Cont'd)
Shaq is in good company with his ownership of a Continental GT. Other owners of Bentley's flagship car have included Prince (one is now permanently displayed on the sound stage at Paisley Park), and the Sultan of Brunei, who ordered 13 of the Concept Java, a concept car unveiled in 1998, upon which the Bentley Continental GT was based.
Inside Shaquille O’Neal's UNBELIEVABLE Car Collection, Billionaire Rides
2018 Vanderhall Venice Roadster
A 2018 Vanderhall Venice is another three-wheeled machine in Shaq's garage. Built by Vanderhall Motors in Venice, Utah, the Venice Roadster is made from an aluminum and plastic shell with much of its under-hood parts borrowed from a Chevrolet Cruze. Like Shaq's other three-wheeler, the Vanderhall Venice Roadster is classified as a motorcycle in the US. Also, like Shaq's Dodge SRT, his 2018 Vanderhall Venice Roadster is deep red.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2018 Vanderhall Venice Roadster (Cont'd)
The 2018 Vanderhall Venice Roadster is only available in one trim and three colors, but Venice Motors makes up for it by adding heated seats, power steering, and a Bluetooth sound system. Shaq's knees must pay for his purchase, however, as the 2018 Roadster has just 10 cm (four inches) of ground clearance.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2018 Vaydor
Shaq's 2018 Vaydor is actually a body kit that was introduced in 2013 by Custom Crafted Cars out of Saint Petersburg, Florida. Built on the platform of an Infiniti G35 Coupé, the 2018 Vaydor has two scissor doors (fitting Shaq's interesting style when it comes to cars). Interestingly, the 2018 Vaydor is powered by the G35 Coupé's V6 engine, so doesn't have supercar performance—just the looks.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2018 Vaydor (Cont'd)
Despite only producing 280 hp from its 3.5L V6 engine, the 2018 Vaydor's looks are what set it apart. Shaq ordered the customized Infiniti platform after it was featured in the movie Suicide Squad (2016). In 2020, Custom Crafted Cars was supposed to release the Volant—built on a custom tube chassis and powered by Tesla.
Shaquille O'Neal's AMAZING $400 Million Car Collection Revealed!, Millionaire Garage
2021 Nikola Badger
Shaq ordered this Nikola Badger electric truck from the Nikola Corporation, a producer of heavy trucks made with all-electric engines. The Badger was a hydrogen fuel cell/electric hybrid that could reportedly go from 0 to 60 in just 2.9 seconds and reportedly produced a staggering 960 hp.
Nikola Badger vs Tesla Cybertruck vs GMC Hummer EV, iGadgetPro
The Great Scam
Unfortunately, Shaq and hundreds of other customers were victims of, essentially, fraud. After taking a huge number of orders for their electric vehicles from 2016 to 2020 after several concept cars were produced, in September of 2020, the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department launched fraud investigations into the Nikola Corporation. One year later, the CEO was indicted by a grand jury and found guilty of "lying about nearly all aspects of the business". Whether Shaq ever got his car, we don't know, but in February 2025, Nikola filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
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