Prince Had An Extraordinary Voice—And An Extraordinary Car Collection
Prince ruled the road like he ruled the stage. Prominently featuring the color purple in his collection, Prince's car collection had everything from speedy sports cars to luxurious limousines. Let's explore the extraordinary cars of one of rock and roll's most beloved artists.
Purple Plymouth Prowler
Prince added a retro-inspired Plymouth Prowler to his garage in 1999. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine pushing out 253 horsepower and a top speed of 126 miles per hour, the Prowler wasn’t the fastest ride on the road—but its futuristic, hot-rod look and lightweight aluminum frame gave it undeniable style. Naturally, Prince had it wrapped in a custom deep purple paint job that shimmered like stage lights.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Town Car Stretch Limo
Prince always made a grand entrance in his Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine. The limo was powered by a 4.6L V8 that produced 220HP with a top speed of 110 MPH. What made it uniquely Prince, however, was the velvet purple interior and accents of gold trim.
Guillaume Vachey from Chalon sur Saone, France, Wikimedia Commons
1993 Ford Thunderbird
A staple of American muscle and elegance, the 1993 Ford Thunderbird was a standout in Prince’s collection during the early 1990s. Depending on the trim, it packed between 200 and 230 horsepower and could reach speeds close to 140 mph. He customized the interior with unique upholstery.
1981 Honda CM400A Motorcycle
Though not a car, the 1981 Honda CM400A motorcycle deserves a spotlight. It became iconic through its appearance in Purple Rain. With a top speed of around 80 MPH and automatic transmission, this lightweight cruiser wasn’t built for racing—but it fit perfectly into Prince’s cinematic vision. For the film, the bike was rebuilt and repainted in purple, aligning with his mystique.
Prince Motorcycle Purple Rain Movie, Freshwater Deejays
BMW 850i – A German Dream
Among the most understated cars in his fleet was the 1991 BMW 850i. This grand touring coupe housed a powerful 5.0-liter V12 engine, offering 296HP and a top speed of 155 MPH. Prince reportedly bought the vehicle in the early 90s, appreciating its sleek design and German precision. While not as flamboyant as his other rides, it still reflected his taste for sophistication.
ilikewaffles11, Wikimedia Commons
1997 Bentley Azure Convertible
In 1997, Prince took delivery of a Bentley Azure—a hand-crafted convertible masterpiece with a turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 engine. Producing 385HP and a top speed of 150 MPH, it was powerful and stately. His version featured a white leather interior with purple piping and, of course, a custom purple exterior that exuded royalty.
This Bentley Azure Was Peak 1990s Obscene Wealth Luxury, Doug DeMuro
Cadillac XLR Roadster
The early 2000s saw Prince behind the wheel of a Cadillac XLR Roadster. With 320HP and a top speed of 155 MPH, this luxury convertible was built on the same platform as the Corvette, offering a sporty ride wrapped in high-end styling. Its sleek form and high-tech features matched his forward-thinking persona.
2004 Cadillac XLR Neiman Marcus Edition, MGM CLASSIC CARS
A Custom Chrysler 300
Prince also owned a Chrysler 300, a full-size sedan depending on the trim. Capable of reaching roughly 130 MPH top speed and producing between 200 and 300HP, his version stood out thanks to a deep purple paint job and a “starlight” roof—a touch that echoed the twinkle of stage lights at Paisley Park.
WILD TRANSFORMATION on my Rare Chrysler 300 SRT8!!, Atlantic Beach Customs
1984 Buick Electra 225
Another gem in his fleet was a 1984 Buick Electra 225. This large American cruiser was powered by a 4.1L V6 engine from Buick, producing 125HP, with a top speed of about 110 MPH. Like everything else in Prince's garage, it was customized with purple velour interiors and stylish rims, making it feel like a vintage throne on wheels.
1984 Buick Park Avenue | For Sale $18,900, Unique Classic Cars
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
For practical outings around his estate, Prince used a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This rugged 4WD SUV, which came with an output between 190 and 220HP and a top speed of about 110 MPH, wasn’t as flashy—but it was reliable, especially during Minnesota’s snowy winters.
Tesla Model S – Electric Elegance
A surprising but fitting addition was a 2013 Tesla Model S. Prince was reportedly one of the early adopters of this all-electric luxury sedan. With 416HP in the P85 variant and a top speed of 130 MPH, the Tesla’s silent acceleration and cutting-edge design complemented Prince’s futuristic aesthetic and environmentally conscious leanings.
Bill Abbott, Wikimedia Commons
A Customization Obsession
Prince didn’t just drive luxury—he lived in it. Nearly every car he owned was modified, often with purple interiors, gold embellishments, and personalized touches like monogrammed headrests. He also had custom stereo systems installed, with some even wired to play unreleased tracks straight from Paisley Park’s vaults.
The Sound of Speed
For Prince, sound mattered just as much in his vehicles as it did in his studio. His cars were known to feature cutting-edge audio setups, ensuring that every drive was accompanied by a perfect soundtrack—often his own unreleased music.
Purple Plates and Royal Monograms
Even the license plates bore Prince’s flair. In Minnesota, he commissioned custom plates that included music notes, his Love Symbol, or phrases like “PRPLRULZ,” underscoring his commitment to branding every inch of his life.
The Symbol Car – A Rolling Icon
Perhaps the most unique creation in his fleet was a custom concept car shaped like his iconic Love Symbol. Though not street legal, this electric-powered design was used for promotional appearances and served more as an art piece than a vehicle.
Paisley Park – The Purple Showroom
Prince didn’t keep his cars hidden away in a dusty garage. At his Paisley Park estate, he turned his collection into an exhibit. The cars were displayed under soft purple lights, surrounded by memorabilia and music, making each vehicle part of a grander narrative.
Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons
Cars In The Spotlight
Many of Prince’s vehicles made cameo appearances in his music videos and films. The Honda CM400A became a cinematic icon in Purple Rain, while his Bentley Azure turned heads in the Musicology promotional campaign. His rides weren’t just personal—they were part of his artistic vision.
Tom Owejan Prince bike, Motorcyclepedia Museum
What Happened To The Fleet?
After Prince’s death in 2016, his garage became a point of both mystery and celebration. Some of the cars were preserved at Paisley Park as museum exhibits, while others were put up for auction and snatched up by collectors and devoted fans.
Chris.Schiemann, Wikimedia Commons
The 2021 Auction Highlights
One of the most high-profile auctions took place in 2021. The Bentley Azure sold for a reported $250,000, while the Plymouth Prowler fetched approximately $180,000. The Love Symbol concept car, however, was deemed priceless and remained part of the Paisley Park archive.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Not Just Machines – Cultural Icons
Prince’s cars were more than metal and chrome. Each one served as a cultural symbol, reflecting his values, personality, and era. They told stories—not just of fame and fortune, but of artistic freedom, individuality, and vision.
A Collector With Purpose
Unlike celebrity collectors who chase trends, Prince curated his fleet with intention. His choices weren’t about brand names—they were about resonance. Every vehicle carried emotional weight and personal significance.
A Legacy in Motion
Prince’s car collection mirrors his discography: stylish, soulful, and ahead of its time. The attention to detail, creativity, and elegance he brought to his music is reflected in every wheel, rim, and stitch of upholstery.
The Purple One Rolls Forever
Though Prince is no longer here, his spirit cruises on. His vehicles, much like his songs, remain timeless—forever gliding through memory like a perfectly composed melody, engine humming with royalty.
Allen Beaulieu; Distributed by Warner Bros. Records., Wikimedia Commons
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