Hollywood's Elite
Hollywood stars drove icons, and you can't expect anything less, obviously. Cadillacs, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royces defined an era where each ride matched its celebrity driver’s personality. So, which cars made it to the red carpet?
Marilyn Monroe’s 1954 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
Comedian Jack Benny gave a black 1954 Cadillac Series 62 convertible to the late actress Marilyn Monroe. She received this unique car as a thank-you gift for her 1953 appearance on The Jack Benny Program. She liked to drive it around the city of Los Angeles.
1954 Cadillac Fleetwood - Marliyn Monroe Janet Leigh by cadillaccountryclub
A Star’s Cadillac Mystery
In addition to being a beloved gift, the Cadillac symbolized Monroe’s glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. After Monroe's passing in 1962, the car's whereabouts became uncertain, with some sources suggesting she sold it to actor Robert Wagner.
Clark Gable's 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing of Clark Gable blended exclusivity with refinement. Famed for its upward-opening doors and aerodynamic build, this German masterpiece complemented Gable’s suave sophistication. His ownership enhanced the Gullwing’s reputation as Hollywood’s ultimate gentleman’s car.
Gable's Mercedes Gullwing Legacy
It was purchased by Gable at Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood for $7,295. Following Gable's passing in 1960, the Gullwing changed hands several times, undergoing a comprehensive restoration in 1989. In 2013, it fetched $1.85 million at auction for its enduring charm.
Innovation In Motion
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was a two-seat sports car built by Mercedes-Benz from 1954 to 1957 as a gullwing coupe and from 1957 to 1963 as a roadster. The 300 SL has its roots in the company's 1952 racing car, the W194.
James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder
The Porsche 550 Spyder of James Dean became an icon of rebellion and speed. Purchased in 1955, the lightweight roadster was involved in the crash that took his life. Its eerie reputation persists, with widely circulated but disputed stories of salvaged parts allegedly causing later accidents.
Brad Hammonds, Wikimedia Commons
A Rare Racing Legend
The Porsche 550 was a sports racing car manufactured by Porsche between 1953 and 1956. During this period, only 90 units of the Porsche 550 were made, and it quickly became a dominant force in the 1.1- and 1.5-liter racing classes.
Alf van Beem, Wikimedia Commons
Jayne Mansfield's 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Glamorous on four wheels, Jayne Mansfield's 1959 pink Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible was a showstopper. This luxury vehicle featured exorbitant design elements that complemented Mansfield's penchant for excess—flashy, rare, and dripping with Hollywood extravagance.
A Symbol Of Mansfield's Glamour
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was one of only 1,320 units produced that year. Mansfield's choice of this model, especially in pink, underscored her flair for the dramatic and her status as a Hollywood icon.
Hollywood’s Appeal And Legacy
Today, the legacy of Mansfield's pink Cadillac symbolizes an era of Hollywood extravagance and the larger-than-life persona of the actress. The car now resides in Connecticut and continues to excite admirers.
1959 pink Cadillac El Dorado convertible by AutoWorld of Conway
Frank Sinatra's 1958 Cadillac Eldorado
Luxury draped in chrome, Frank Sinatra’s 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham showcased his high-rolling lifestyle. Its sleek tailfins and powerful V8 engine matched his persona—smooth yet commanding. This car was a statement of success and refined taste.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Cadillac’s Luxury Icon
The Eldorado was one of the highest-end models in the Cadillac lineup. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the 1957–1960 Eldorado Brougham models featured unique body shells and were the priciest offerings Cadillac had during those years.
Elvis Presley’s 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60
Elvis Presley bought a blue 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60, which he had repainted in a custom shade named "Elvis Rose". He gifted this pink Cadillac to his mother, Gladys, who, despite not having a driver's license, cherished the vehicle.
Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), Wikimedia Commons
A Graceland Treasure
During their mid-1950s tours, Elvis and his band often used the vehicle. This famous pink Cadillac is now conserved and on exhibit at the Graceland Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, the former residence of Elvis Presley.
Steve McQueen's Jaguar XKSS
Accuracy and performance defined Steve McQueen's 1956 Jaguar XKSS. Originally a Le Mans-winning D-Type racing vehicle, this road version is one of McQueen's most prized possessions. Since only 16 were ever made, it is one of the rarest collector's vehicles, proving both British engineering excellence and McQueen's passion for speed.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
Timeless XKSS
McQueen acquired his XKSS in 1958 from a local TV personality, paying $5,000. He cherished the vehicle, even repurchasing it in 1977 after selling it in 1969. The car is currently displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Marty B from United States of America, Wikimedia Commons
Rita Hayworth's 1953 Cadillac Series 62
Rita Hayworth's 1953 Cadillac Series 62, featuring custom Ghia bodywork and gifted by Prince Aly Khan, epitomized her silver-screen elegance. Its deep burgundy hue and distinctive design served as proof of her Hollywood royalty status, both on and off the screen.
Rita Hayworth's Cadillac Ghia is Quintessential Los Angeles by Petrolicious
Series 62 Cadillac Evolution
The Series 62 was the platform for introducing the Cadillac Coupe de Ville and Cadillac Eldorado, which initially started as special appearance packages and were later put into production. It featured a rear-wheel drive system and was powered by a gasoline engine with a 5.4-liter displacement.
Rita Hayworth's Cadillac Ghia is Quintessential Los Angeles by Petrolicious
Elizabeth Taylor's 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II
The British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor notably owned a 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II. It was custom-built for her, as reflected in its personalized license plate. The car’s paint and interior were specially designed to match the distinctive color of her eyes.
Taylor's Custom Oscar Ride
Warner Bros wanted to pay homage to Taylor's burgeoning star status and presented this custom car with paint to match her deep violet eyes. Taylor rode to the 1956 Academy Awards in this memorable vehicle, yet another step to making it into a Hollywood symbol.
1956 Continental Mark II & 1971 Buick Riviera by MyClassicCarTV
A Luxury Symbol
The Continental Mark II was a high-end luxury coupe produced by the Continental Division of Ford for the 1956 and 1957 model years. Hand-assembled with meticulous attention to detail, the Mark II was a symbol of status.
Stephen Foskett (Wikipedia User: sfoskett), Wikimedia Commons
Dean Martin's Dual-Ghia Convertible
The Dual-Ghia convertible of Dean Martin was a rare Italian-American hybrid and approximately 117 units were built. This car epitomized the Rat Pack cool—luxurious and high-powered. Be it cruising through Hollywood or arriving at the Sands Hotel, Martin's ride reflected exclusivity.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Martin's Hemi-Powered Hollywood Icon
The car had a Dodge Hemi V-8 engine that guaranteed powerful performance. Martin's ownership of this rare car solidified his position in the Hollywood elite. He drove it frequently, in particular, in the 1964 film Kiss Me, Stupid.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Exclusive Performance Icon
Dual-Ghia was a short-lived car brand manufactured in the United States from 1956 to 1958. The concept for a high-performance, limited-production vehicle was created by Eugene Casaroll, who oversaw the specialized vehicle manufacturer Dual-Motors Corporation located in Detroit, Michigan.
Natalie Wood’s 1955 Ford Thunderbird
A true American classic, Natalie Wood’s 1955 Ford Thunderbird reflected her youthful charm and sophistication. With its glossy lines and potent V8 engine, the car was the perfect companion for the rising star as it encapsulated the spirit of 1950s glamour and adventure.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
First-Gen Thunderbird Iconic Debut
The first generation of the Ford Thunderbird was a two-seat convertible produced by Ford from 1955 to 1957. It was created in response to the Motorama display in 1953 at the New York Auto Show, which showcased the Chevrolet Corvette.
Bette Davis' 1950 Jaguar Mark V Drophead Coupe
Bette Davis owned a 1950 Jaguar Mark V Drophead Coupe, and this British classic seamlessly blended performance with elegance and offered smooth handling and refined design. Like Davis herself, this car made a bold statement wherever it appeared. It personified the timeless charm of Hollywood's golden era.
Jaguar Mark V Luxury Legacy
The Jaguar Mark V (pronounced Mark Five) was a luxury car produced by Jaguar Cars Ltd in Coventry, England, from 1948 to 1951. It was offered as a four-door Saloon (sedan) and a two-door convertible called the Drop Head Coupe, with both models seating five adults.
Jayne Mansfield’s 1957 Lincoln Premiere Coupe
Opulence defined Jayne Mansfield’s 1957 Lincoln Premiere Coupe. With its massive chrome grille and plush interiors, this luxury coupe was a rolling piece of Hollywood royalty. Mansfield, a true screen siren, chose a car that personified her signature mix of elegance and boldness.
Mansfield's Iconic Gift From 20th Century
Acquired by Mansfield in November 1957, the car was one of three gifted to her by 20th Century Fox Studios. It was equipped with amenities such as power seats, power steering, power brakes, electric windows, and an aftermarket air conditioning unit.
1957 Lincoln Premiere Pink by GR Auto Gallery
A Legacy Preserved
The astonishing features of this model offered comfort and style. Today, this iconic car is preserved at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, which serves as proof of the era's automotive design and Mansfield's enduring legacy.
1957 Lincoln Premiere Pink by GR Auto Gallery
Fred Astaire’s 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I
Fred Astaire's selection of the 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I was the ultimate expression of his elegant and refined personality, both on and out of the screen. The precise mechanics and opulent styling of the Silver Cloud I established it as a worthy complement to Astaire's discerning image.
Silver Cloud I Timeless Grace
The Silver Cloud I, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and luxurious design, featured a 4.9-liter inline-six engine and a smooth, quiet ride, which aligned perfectly with Astaire's refined image. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was a luxury car manufactured by Rolls-Royce Limited from April 1955 to March 1966.
John Wayne’s 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1
When John Wayne was not riding a horse, he preferred the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1. This first-generation Corvette model was a revolutionary American sports car. It had a fiberglass body and a stylish, streamlined design.
Andromeda2064, Wikimedia Commons
Rugged Performance
While Wayne was known for his cowboy tough-guy persona, his enthusiasm for the Corvette indicated his appreciation for American workmanship and high speeds. His vehicle of choice demonstrated that even though Western icons preferred high-performance vehicles.
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA, Wikimedia Commons
American Icon
His car was the first generation of the Corvette sports car manufactured by Chevrolet. It was launched late in the 1953 model year and remained in production until 1962. This generation is often referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as it lacked an independent rear suspension.
1953 Corvette Handcrafted Icon
The 1953 model year was not only the first production year for the Corvette, but with only 300 units produced, it also marked the lowest-volume Corvette. The cars were mostly hand-built, and production techniques evolved throughout the cycle, which means that each 1953 Corvette is slightly different.
Humphrey Bogart’s 1952 Jaguar XK120
The 1952 Jaguar XK120 was the fastest production car in the world at the time and this made it a perfect match for Humphrey Bogart. Bogart and his wife, Lauren Bacall, owned the stylish, sophisticated coupe and were frequently seen in photos with it around Hollywood.
Thesupermat, Wikimedia Commons
Hollywood Elegance
Bogart's sophisticated yet affable demeanor was perfectly complemented by the XK120's exquisite design and blend of British craftsmanship. The vehicle still stands for Hollywood's heyday and the enduring charm of one of its most recognizable performers.
Classic British Performance
This sports car was produced by Jaguar from 1948 to 1954. It was the brand's first sports car since the end of SS 100 production in 1939. The XK120 was introduced as an open two-seater, or (US) roadster, at the 1948 London Motor Show.
Brigitte Bardot's 1958 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider
Brigitte Bardot's 1958 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider was the ultimate compliment to her glamorous image. The very rare convertible, of only 100 built, had a 2,953 cc V12 engine that produced 240 to 280 horsepower, making speeds of up to 168 mph possible.
An Icon Of Elegance
Its sleek design and high-performance qualities made it an appropriate model for the legendary actress, and Brigitte Bardot's possession further added to its cultural value. Now, these Ferraris fetch millions at auctions, which represent the convergence of high-performance technology and enduring chic.
Brett Weinstein, Wikimedia Commons
A Timeless Design
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder was a sports car that was created by the Italian automaker Ferrari. Also known as the Ferrari 250 Gran Turismo Spyder California or simply Ferrari 250 California, it was designed by Sergio Scaglietti, who modified the styling of the 250 GT Pinin Farina.
David Merrett from Daventry, England, Wikimedia Commons
And A Film Icon
The car was produced by Carrozzeria Scaglietti and gained significant fame after appearing in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The 250 GT California Spyder is a convertible variant of the contemporary Berlinetta. It is powered by Ferrari's classic V12 engine and was produced in about 100 units.
Ferris borrows the Ferrari: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) by Film Studies Fundamentals
