Key Takeaways:
- Many celebrities’ first cars were humble and affordable, rather than luxurious or high-end.
- Some of these cars are now prized by vintage and classic car enthusiasts.
- The stories behind these cars often reveal something personal about their owners before or after they became famous.
- The list includes a range of cars, from hatchbacks and sedans to roadsters and pickup trucks.
- Some notable examples include Ed Sheeran’s Mini Cooper, Ralph Lauren’s 1961 Morgan 4/4, and Tom Cruise’s 1976 Dodge Colt.
Introduction to Celebrity First Cars
Every celebrity who today owns a collection of supercars once started with a more modest vehicle. These cars were not purchased for their status, but for their affordability, reliability, and cost. This list of celebrity first cars is dominated by humble hatchbacks, hand-me-down sedans, and quirky British roadsters. The stories attached to these cars reveal something personal about their owners, often inspiring and surprising.
Ed Sheeran’s First Car
Ed Sheeran’s first car was a Mini Cooper, which he purchased in 2015, even before he had a driver’s license. The exact model of the Mini Cooper is not officially confirmed, but it is widely believed to be a Cooper S. This would make sense, given Ed’s low-key image and love of fast cars. The Cooper S packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which churns out 204 hp and can hit top speeds of about 150 mph.
Ralph Lauren’s First Car
Ralph Lauren’s first car was a 1961 Morgan 4/4, a distinctly British vehicle. The Morgan 4/4 was introduced in 1936 and lived on the production line until 2018, making it one of the longest-running production vehicles in automotive history. Lauren’s 1961 example likely belonged to the "Series 2" generation, which came with Ford engines and a traditional steel ladder frame with ash wood framing. Lauren eventually reacquired his original red-leather-trimmed Morgan for an undisclosed sum, reflecting his love of classic and vintage cars.
Jay Leno’s First Car
Jay Leno’s first car was a 1934 Ford Pickup, which he bought at the age of 14 for $350. Leno was able to restore the car to working condition, thanks to his persistence and technical know-how. The 1934 Ford V8 line was part of the Model 40 series, fitted with a 221-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine paired with a three-speed manual gearbox and a traditional leaf spring suspension. Leno eventually sold the Ford to raise money for a Datsun 1600 sports car.
Elvis Presley’s First Car
Elvis Presley’s first car was a 1942 Lincoln-Zephyr, which was a gift from his father. The Lincoln-Zephyr was introduced in 1936 and drew power from a V12 derivative of the flathead V8 engine. It featured a unitized body structure and streamlined styling, which was advanced for its era. The Zephyr employed a distinctive front end that helped it achieve a relatively low drag coefficient. By 1941, the Zephyr platform gave rise to other models, like the Lincoln Continental, which became a huge success.
Will Smith’s First Car
Will Smith’s first car was an "apple red" Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z, which he owned in his youth. The IROC-Z was introduced in 1985 and had a 5.0-liter V8 engine, which could churn out 225hp. The car had a futuristic look and was popular among muscle car enthusiasts. However, its production was short-lived, ending in 1990. In recent years, the IROC-Z has enjoyed a resurgence in appreciation, with clean examples trading for around $20,000.
Taylor Swift’s First Car
Taylor Swift’s first car was a Barbie-pink 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, which was a gift from her record label, Big Machine Records. The Silverado has long been marketed as one of the most dependable and longest-lasting pickup trucks on the road. Swift later donated the truck to charity in 2008 to raise funds for children with serious health conditions. The Silverado has a Vortec V8 engine and can tow up to 10,500 pounds.
David Beckham’s First Car
David Beckham’s first car was a Ford Escort Mk5, which he owned during his time at Manchester United. The Escort Mk5 was launched in 1990 and marked a break from its predecessor, with a focus on improved refinement, safety, and comfort. The car had a softer, more aerodynamic body and a thoroughly reworked interior. Beckham’s love of cars has been well-documented, and he has owned a range of vehicles over the years.
Paul McCartney’s First Car
Paul McCartney’s first car was a 1962 Ford Consul Classic, which was a commercial misstep by the British branch of Ford. The Consul Classic drew power from a Kent OHV 1,340cc engine, which strained to push the car beyond 78 mph. The car was withdrawn from production just a few years later, after over 111,000 units were sold. A tidy Consul Classic can still be had for around $13,000, making it a unique and affordable option for enthusiasts.
Scarlett Johansson’s First Car
Scarlett Johansson’s first car was a BMW Z4 Roadster, which she owned in her youth. The Z4 was designed by Danish-born designer Anders Warming and began life in 2003 as the E85. The car had a multi-link rear suspension and a range of six-cylinder engines, including a base 2.5-liter that pushed 184 hp. The Z4 could hit 60 mph in just under six seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph.
Tom Cruise’s First Car
Tom Cruise’s first car was a 1976 Dodge Colt, which he bought for around $900. The Colt was a compact car manufactured by Mitsubishi and debuted in 1969 as the Colt Galant. The car had a 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter engine and was known for its balance-shaft design, which reduced vibration. Cruise reportedly drove the Colt to New York City to pursue his acting career, and the car has since become a famous part of his backstory.