The Wild Rides Of One Of The World's Greatest Bands
When The Beatles took the world by storm in the 1960s, their influence went far beyond music. Fame brought fortune, and fortune brought horsepower. From psychedelic Rolls-Royces to Bond-worthy Aston Martins, the Fab Four’s cars were as bold and unforgettable as their songs.
Why Cars Mattered to The Beatles
Cars became status symbols, creative expressions, and private sanctuaries for John, Paul, George, and Ringo. In a time before private jets and armored SUVs, these machines were their escape routes and reflections of identity.
John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce Phantom V (1965)
John Lennon’s most iconic ride was a 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V. Originally delivered in stately black, it didn’t stay conservative for long. Lennon famously had it repainted in vivid Romany-style floral patterns, transforming it into a psychedelic icon.
Inside John’s Rolls-Royce Phantom V
More than just a ride, the Phantom was a mobile palace. Lennon installed a backseat bed, TV, fridge, telephone, and a record player. Under the hood, it housed a 6.2L V8 engine producing about 200HP with a top speed of 102 MPH—slow by today’s standards, but unmatched in luxury.
El Rolls-Royce Phantom V de John Lennon, Pablo Epifanio
Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper S (1965)
In contrast to Lennon’s extravagance, Paul McCartney favored the compact Mini Cooper S, modified by Radford. He bought it in 1965 at the height of Beatlemania. Despite its size, this little car had a spirited 76HP engine and could reach speeds close to 97 MPH.
Beatles' iconic Mini Coopers reunited in London, AP Archive
Custom Touches on Paul’s Mini
Paul’s Mini wasn’t just for getting around—it was a stylish machine. Radford upgraded it with leather seats, a walnut dash, and even a record player. McCartney’s Mini was a fashion statement on wheels, appearing in Magical Mystery Tour.
Beatles' iconic Mini Coopers reunited in London, AP Archive
George Harrison’s 1964 Jaguar E-Type
George Harrison was the first Beatle to buy a Jaguar E-Type—arguably the most beautiful car ever made. He acquired it in 1964, opting for a deep blue exterior that matched his calm demeanor. With 265HP and a 150 MPH top speed, it was a performance beast wrapped in elegance.
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England, Wikimedia Commons
The Spiritual Speedster
Harrison’s Jaguar was more than a toy—it was therapy. He often drove it through the English countryside to escape fame. The car’s balance of power and grace reflected George’s own internal evolution: quiet on the outside, fiery on the inside.
Ringo Starr’s 1964 Facel Vega II
Ringo Starr may have been the drummer, but his car collection kept pace. In 1964, he acquired a rare French Facel Vega II. It blended European luxury with American muscle, powered by a Chrysler 6.3-liter V8 producing up to 390HP and capable of 150 MPH.
The Facel Vega Facel II is a Luxurious Brute, Petrolicious
The Gentleman’s Grand Tourer
Only 180 Facel Vegas were ever made, making Ringo’s car one of the rarest in the Beatles’ garages. With understated styling and incredible performance, it mirrored Ringo’s low-key charm and subtle sophistication.
The Facel Vega Facel II is a Luxurious Brute, Petrolicious
John Lennon’s Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 (1965)
After passing his driving test in February 1965, Lennon’s first car purchase made headlines. From a selection of high-end vehicles outside his home, he chose a light-blue Ferrari 330 GT 2+2. This V12-powered machine offered 300HP and topped out at 152 MPH.
THE EX-JOHN LENNON, 1965 FERRARI 330GT 2+2, Gazelle1934
Fast Start For A First-Time Driver
It was a bold choice for a new driver, but perfectly Lennon. The 330 GT 2+2 was one of the best-selling Ferraris of the era and is widely considered a classic Ferrari of the older models. Today, it remains one of the most collectible Beatles cars ever sold.
THE EX-JOHN LENNON, 1965 FERRARI 330GT 2+2, Gazelle1934
George Harrison’s Aston Martin DB5 (1966)
In 1966, Harrison added a platinum silver Aston Martin DB5 to his growing fleet. The same model made famous by James Bond featured a 4.0L inline-six engine with 282HP and a top speed of 145 MPH.
Aston Martin DB5 - undeserving star or drivers car?, Supercar Driver
Bond Vibes And Beatles Spirit
With its luxurious cabin and athletic build, the DB5 was both cool and classy. George used the car frequently during the recording of Revolver, reportedly tuning the stereo with his own mixes. It was restored and auctioned decades later—with his mixtapes still inside.
Aston Martin DB5 - undeserving star or drivers car?, Supercar Driver
Paul McCartney’s Aston Martin DB6 (1966)
One year after George’s DB5, Paul bought an Aston Martin DB6. Painted Sierra Blue, it kept the same 282-horsepower engine and could reach 150 mph. The DB6 was Paul’s stylish touring car—equal parts showpiece and performance machine.
McCartney wrote Hey Jude in this car, CNN Business
An Eco-Friendly Twist
In the 2010s, McCartney commissioned a hybrid conversion for the DB6, turning it into an electric classic. Even in his car collection, Paul continued evolving, balancing heritage with forward-thinking ideals.
McCartney wrote Hey Jude in this car, CNN Business
Ringo’s Custom Mini Cooper S
Ringo Starr also joined the Mini Cooper club—but with a twist. His version, acquired in the mid-60s, had the backseat removed to accommodate his drum kit. With 76HP and a top speed near 97 MPH, it was nimble and practical for a drummer on the go.
Beatles' iconic Mini Coopers reunited in London, AP Archive
The Beatles Cars on Screen
The Beatles didn’t just drive in private—they showcased their cars in films and music videos. The colorful convoy in Magical Mystery Tour, Lennon’s Rolls in press photos, and Paul’s Mini in candid shots helped cement their vehicles as cultural icons.
Magical Mystery tour : The Beatles road Odyssey, Film Retrospective
Beyond Luxury – Identity on Wheels
Each Beatle approached cars differently. Lennon was theatrical and provocative. McCartney leaned toward tasteful customization. Harrison balanced raw performance with emotional escape. Starr’s choices blended rarity with pragmatism. Together, their cars represented four distinct philosophies.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
The Long and Winding Road
From the streets of London to the lanes of fame, The Beatles drove through history in unforgettable style. Their garages were filled with legends—not just because of the cars, but because of the men behind the wheel. Each vehicle remains a rolling memory of their journey from Liverpool lads to world-shaping legends.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
