The Kingpin’s Garage
Pablo Escobar wasn’t just one of the world’s most infamous crime lords—he was also a serious gearhead with a taste for some seriously exotic wheels. Nestled within the lush landscapes of Hacienda Napoles in Colombia, his personal collection of rare and rambunctious rides stands as a curious monument to opulence—and questionable taste. Let’s roll through this turbo-charged time capsule of Escobar’s four-wheeled treasures.
About Pablo Escobar
Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian lord who reached dizzying heights of wealth and infamy in the 1980s, was as obsessed with cars as he was with his substances. Seventh-richest man on earth at his peak, Escobar poured money into amassing a wild lineup of luxury, performance, and classic vehicles. His fleet wasn’t just transportation—it was a symbol of dominance, and in some cases, a grim display of survival.
Colombian National Police, Wikimedia Commons
1972 Mercedes S600 Pullman
This stretched-out Mercedes was the height of class and luxury—a limo made for a head of state. Escobar, with presidential aspirations of his own, embraced its regal vibes. That mega‑Mercedes took a hit—literally—when the Cali Cartel bombed his Medellín home, leaving a charred husk that was later shipped to Hacienda Napoles as a grim trophy.
Inside Pablo Escobar's Car Collection, The Richest
1972 Mercedes S600 Pullman—Specs
The S600 Pullman packed a powerful 6.3-liter V8 engine, the kind of brute that makes a statement before it even moves. Back in its day, this limo was the go‑to for global leaders seeking comfort and authority. Price? Back then, it ran deep into luxury market territory—but in Escobar's world, money was no object.
Inside Pablo Escobar's Car Collection, The Richest
1964 Porsche 356
Rumor has it the Porsche 356 was Escobar’s favorite, even if it didn’t impress at first with its modest power. He warmed up to its rear-engine charm and quaint charm, making it a beloved piece in his stable. Unfortunately, it met a fiery end in the Cali Cartel conflict—and the rusty remains now sit in that macabre car museum at Hacienda Napoles near a plaque that reads: “Escobar’s luxury car collection was a symbol of ostentation and his leadership in the underworld. It was the first to suffer the consequences of multiple wars. Only these scraps remain”.
SarahStierch, Wikimedia Commons
1964 Porsche 356—Specs
The Porsche 356 came with a modest 75‑horsepower rear-mounted engine—not exactly a speed demon, but still plenty spirited in its lightweight frame. Price-wise, it was a premium German coupe of its time, affordable to the wealthy but still exclusive. For Escobar, it was a personal favorite, and its remains are a creepy exhibit piece now.
Alf van Beem, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Land Cruiser
Escobar outfitted his militia with Toyota FJ‑type Land Cruisers for their seriously solid off-road chops—ideal for weaving through Colombia’s unpredictable terrain and smuggling routes. These workhorses were immortalized in Narcos and even caught DEA surveillance attention because they stood out in a crowd where few Colombians could afford them.
Toyota Land Cruiser—Specs
The famed Toyota FJ40 chassis delivered reliable, go-anywhere off-road performance with solid 4‑wheel capabilities. Rugged, simple, and tough—not flashy, but priceless for smuggling operations. Cost? Pretty steep locally, which made them iconic but also red flags to the feds.
Jeremy, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes 190SL Roadster
This sexy Mercedes roadster brought glam to Escobar’s garage. Despite myths of a 300SL, experts say it was more likely a 190 due to the lack of side vents—still quite the drop-top for joy rides. Sadly, this beauty couldn’t escape cartel tussles either and was wrecked in the same Cali spree.
Lothar Spurzem, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes 190SL Roadster—Specs
The sleek 190SL offered performance with elegance—less tough than its big brother, the 300SL, but still a head-turner. It packed a modest engine but a seriously stylish look. Price back in the day? Luxury-class, but for Escobar, just another cool toy to play with.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
1928 Cadillac V8 Town Sedan
A nod to lore: Escobar coveted an old Cadillac V8 Town Sedan, reportedly inspired by Al Capone’s whip—but denied owning Capone’s actual car. He even went so far as to shoot the Cadillac’s side himself to give it the hardened look he wanted to be known for. It was a classic statement piece, blending fantasy with real-world cartel bravado.
Inside Pablo Escobar's Car Collection, TheRichest
1928 Cadillac V8 Town Sedan—Specs
Under its vintage hood sat a classic V8 engine—plenty of rumble for the Roaring ’20s fan Escobar admired. The value lay more in aesthetics and story than raw specs. Price? Vintage Americana at its raunchiest price, especially with artificially induced battle scars.
Sandra Fauconnier, Wikimedia Commons
1946 DeSoto
This mid‑’40s American ride came from DeSoto, Chrysler’s upmarket brand named after explorer Hernando de Soto. Escobar reportedly had the higher-end “Custom” trim, perfect for cruising with power and flair—and maybe a bit of showmanship.
1946 DeSoto—Specs
The DeSoto Custom boasted a 109‑hp V6—smooth, dependable, and classier than more budget Whips. Its value at the time? Upper-middle-luxury. For Escobar, it was probably just another way to ride in style, with that ‘Hollywood’ vibe he loved.
1978 Renault 4
This humble hatchback is hardly exotic—but in Colombia, it was everywhere. Escobar even used one to race in the 1979 Renault Cup. His driving wasn't legendary—in fact, he allegedly sabotaged rivals and threw tacks on the track to compensate.
Inside Pablo Escobar's Car Collection, TheRichest
1978 Renault 4—Specs
The Renault 4 had an 1,100cc engine—not hot‑hatch territory by any means, but nimble enough for everyday driving. Affordable and ubiquitous in Colombia, it wasn’t pricey—but when Escobar used one to race (cheater moves included), it sure did stand out for the wrong reasons.
TrainSimFan, Wikimedia Commons
1978 Simca 1000
This little French‑Italian hatchback was surprisingly agile, thanks to its rear-engine, rear-wheel‑drive setup and a snappy front end. Escobar and his pal raced it in the Marlboro Cup, though they apparently didn’t win. It’s classic “fast‑and‑curious” energy in a small European package—racy, quirky, and seriously fun.
RL GNZLZ from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
1978 Simca 1000—Specs
Under the hood lurked a rear-mounted engine with a weight distribution that made it nippy through corners. Built by Fiat, and even tuned by Abarth for rally variants, it wasn’t expensive—but in performance terms, it punched above its class. Behavior on track? Slightly chaotic—but that's kind of the point.
1961-1978 Simca 1000 GLS - Klassikwelt Bodensee 2016, Automobile Classics
Porsche 935V
Cue the serious firepower: the Porsche 935V was a 3.0‑liter, turbocharged flat‑six beast generating around 560 horsepower. Escobar slapped his name across the windshield and called it a day. This German thoroughbred was ready for hills or endurance rounds, embodying pure, unfiltered racing energy.
1961-1978 Simca 1000 GLS - Klassikwelt Bodensee 2016, Herranderssvensson, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 935V—Specs
The 935V’s 560‑hp flat‑six turbo engine made it a proper race-spec powerhouse. Le Mans pedigree, track dominance—you name it. Price? Likely astronomic, and for a drug lord with wild spending habits, merely a high‑octane indulgence.
1974 Porsche 911 RSR
Topping the list, this car was the holy grail—one of only 15, and driven by racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi in the inaugural IROC. After track drama, it ended up in Escobar’s hands, who decked it out with a front splitter and massive wing. Post-cartel, it was restored and fetched $875,000 at auction in 2012—but in Escobar’s garage, it was a crown jewel of genuine racing legend status.
Lothar Spurzem, Wikimedia Commons
1974 Porsche 911 RSR—Specs
Powered by a 3.0‑liter “Butterfly” engine, this beast was built for IROC track dominance. Original race car pedigree, Fittipaldi connection—this was the elite of elite in performance. Today’s auction price was a staggering $875,000 (in 2012 dollars), but for Escobar, it was yet another pinnacle of speed‑and‑swagger indulgence.
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