Harrison’s Treasures
George Harrison's automotive collection reveals his discerning taste. Each vehicle he chose tells a story of elegance, performance, and a passion for unique craftsmanship that defined his life.
Ford Anglia 105E
Before international stardom brought luxury vehicles, George Harrison's journey began with a modest second-hand Ford Anglia 105E. Popular in Britain, the model’s backwards-slanting rear window made it distinctive. As Harrison’s very first car, it was a show of the humble origins of the future Beatle.
Ford Anglia 105E (Cont.)
The unassuming Anglia contrasted sharply with the prestigious collection Harrison would later amass. Long before Ferraris or McLarens entered his life, this simple car personified his early independence. It marked the very first step of an automotive passion that grew alongside his rising fame.
Jaguar E-Type (Series 1)
Born into automotive royalty as one of the most beautiful designs ever crafted, the Jaguar E-Type entered Harrison’s life in 1964. Beatles manager Brian Epstein chose this ride as Harrison’s twenty-first birthday gift.
Jaguar E-Type (Series 1) (Cont.)
A unique dash-mounted record player made the Jaguar more than stylish transport, turning it into a true rock-and-roll chariot. Epstein’s thoughtful choice was elegance and speed in one. This pick was the beginning of Harrison’s journey with high-performance luxury cars.
Aston Martin DB5
In 1964, the Aston Martin DB5 raced into cinema history through Goldfinger. At the same time, George Harrison ordered his own. Specified in Platinum Silver with black Connolly leather, his purchase mirrored Bond’s famous car while reflecting his personal taste.
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
Aston Martin DB5 (Cont.)
Delivered to his home, Kinfauns, in January 1965, Harrison later had the DB5 repainted white. Though it echoed Bond’s silver screen legend, the Beatle charted his own course, shaping the vehicle into a personalized, stylish piece.
Austin Mini Cooper S (Radford Mini De Ville GT)
Harrison’s relationship with his Radford Mini Cooper S began with bespoke modifications, which included a full-length sunroof. The Mini later blossomed into a spiritual expression when psychedelic Tantra Art-inspired designs turned it into one of the most distinctive cars of its era.
Roberto Orsini, Wikimedia Commons
Austin Mini Cooper S (Radford Mini De Ville GT) (Cont.)
The Mini’s star turn came in Magical Mystery Tour, and this cemented its pop culture status. For a time, it passed to Eric Clapton, a separation Harrison regretted. Their eventual reunion underscored his deep personal connection to the playful, stylish creation.
Mercedes-Benz 250 CE Pillarless Coupe
In 1970, George Harrison acquired a red 250 CE Pillarless Coupe—marking his growing appreciation for Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship. Its innovative pillarless design gave the car a seamless side profile, representing early seventies luxury motoring at its most elegant and advanced.
Tobias Nordhausen from Sondershausen, Deutschland, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz 250 CE Pillarless Coupe (Cont.)
The 250 CE reflected Harrison’s maturing automotive tastes as it emphasized sophistication over flash. With its distinctive design and luxury presence, the coupe stood as a fashionable statement that highlighted Harrison’s admiration for handcrafted European performance cars during this period.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3
That same year, Harrison added a white 300 SEL 6.3 to his stable. Revered as a flagship sedan, it blended powerful engineering with plush luxury appointments, perfectly aligning with his increasingly serious commitment to performance-oriented yet comfortable automobiles.
Herranderssvensson, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (Cont.)
The car became infamous in 1972 when Harrison crashed it. He suffered only minor injuries, though his wife Pattie Boyd required hospitalization. The incident underscored the dangers of powerful machines, even those wrapped in Mercedes-Benz’s promise of safety and refinement.
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine
On a brisk January morning in 1969, George Harrison’s white Mercedes 600 Pullman rolled through London en route to the Beatles’ rooftop concert. Stretching six meters, the limousine embodied elite luxury, complete with a privacy screen and plush interior crafted for exclusivity.
Damian B Oh, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine (Cont.)
Although famously equipped, Pullmans sometimes included record players and drink cabinets; Harrison’s was one of these. He officially acquired it from John Lennon in 1971, adding yet another symbol of ultimate refinement and comfort to his celebrated automotive collection.
Edvvc from London, UK, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 911 Turbo
The Porsche 911 Turbo, with its turbocharged engine and unmistakable rear wing, was the pinnacle of 1970s performance. Harrison recognized its appeal and acquired two examples in the late seventies. This marked his entry into the world of high-performance German sports cars.
Porsche 911 Turbo (Cont.)
These cars were not indulgent whims but carefully considered acquisitions. The Turbo’s engineering precision and speed were Harrison’s shift toward performance-oriented driving, and it placed him among enthusiasts who valued Porsche’s pioneering approach to combining power, style, and unmistakable driving dynamics.
Clemens Vasters from Viersen, Germany, Germany, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 924 Carrera GT
Exclusive by design, the Porsche 924 Carrera GT was born from racing homologation requirements. Lightweight construction and a turbocharged engine made it a rare masterpiece. His ownership placed him within an elite circle granted access to this automotive icon.
Pelicanactor, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 924 Carrera GT (Cont.)
In acquiring the Carrera GT during the late 1970s, Harrison demonstrated not only his love of performance but also his discerning taste for rare vehicles. Among enthusiasts, the car represented forward-thinking German engineering that few outside racing ever experienced firsthand.
Porsche 928 S Coupe
Around 1980, Harrison purchased a black Porsche 928 S Coupe. A departure from Porsche tradition, it featured a front-mounted V8. Its grand tourer balance of comfort and power made it a distinctive addition to his expanding car collection.
Porsche 928 S Coupe (Cont.)
Harrison valued the 928 S for its sophistication more than flash. He kept the coupe for more than three years, enjoying the model’s unique mix of modern engineering, luxury, and refinement at a time when Porsche was redefining its identity.
Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL AMG
By the 1980s, the 500 SEL AMG symbolized status, but Harrison personalized his. He lowered the suspension and added a body kit to create a custom masterpiece. This wasn’t mere showmanship but an authentic expression of his automotive individuality.
1984 Mercedes Benz 500SEL AMG 5.4 Video Segment - The MB Market by Keenan Eugenio
Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL AMG (Cont.)
Unlike many short-lived acquisitions, this car became Harrison’s everyday companion for sixteen years, longer than any other he owned. Its longevity spoke volumes about his appreciation for AMG’s balance of luxury, comfort, and understated performance excellence.
1984 Mercedes 500sel AMG Champagne over Palomino by YTG 2
Ferrari 365 GTC
The Ferrari 365 GTC defied stereotypes by marrying a V12 powerhouse with subtle sophistication and usability. Acquiring a blue example in 1969, Harrison fell in love with a car that combined Italian engineering with understated elegance, complementing his evolving appreciation for refinement.
Matti Blume, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari 365 GTC (Cont.)
Less flamboyant than the Daytona, the GTC provided everyday practicality without sacrificing performance. Its understated style suited Harrison perfectly, offering the thrill of Italian speed in a package that reflected his growing preference for balance, subtlety, and refined design.
Rudolf Stricker, Wikimedia Commons
McLaren F1
The final ride was delivered in 1994. This Harrison’s McLaren F1 was one of just 106 ever built. Finished in Dark Purple Pearl with satin black wheels, it stood as a pristine time capsule that remained untouched within his estate for two decades after his passing.
naeem mayet, Wikimedia Commons
