The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Richard Branson isn’t your average billionaire. The founder of the Virgin Group has built his empire with a smile, a daredevil’s heart, and a rebellious streak a mile wide. Whether he’s trying to cross the Atlantic in a balloon or launching tourists into space, Branson makes business look like an adrenaline sport.
But even the most adventurous moguls need a way to get from point A to point B—and in true Branson fashion, his choice of transportation is anything but ordinary.
The Virgin Empire
Branson’s success began in the music industry with Virgin Records and quickly ballooned into a global juggernaut. Today, the Virgin brand spans airlines, health clubs, hotels, and even outer space through Virgin Galactic. His estimated net worth hovers around $3 billion—and he’s not afraid to spend it on unique toys. Branson’s car collection is the perfect embodiment of his larger-than-life personality: sleek, eccentric, and just a little outrageous.
Humber Super Snipe
Branson’s first car was the stately Humber Super Snipe, a vehicle with roots in post-war British design. Known for its long body and elegant lines, it wasn’t flashy, but it carried a vintage charm that perfectly suited a young entrepreneur on the rise. It’s not often that you hear about billionaires clinging to their first beat-up ride, but Branson’s nostalgia for this vehicle speaks volumes.
Humber Super Snipe–Specs
The Humber Super Snipe was powered by a 4.1-liter inline-six engine that delivered around 113 horsepower and could reach a top speed of about 90 miles per hour. While not built for speed, it had a dignified ride and smooth handling. Today, a well-kept model can fetch between $20,000 and $35,000, depending on its condition and year.
Gibbs Aquada
Leave it to Branson to own a car that can drive into the sea. The Gibbs Aquada is a true amphibious vehicle, capable of transforming from land car to watercraft in seconds. In fact, Branson famously crossed the English Channel in one in 2004, setting a new record in the process.
Bachelot Pierre J-P, Wikimedia Commons
Gibbs Aquada–Specs
The Gibbs Aquada is equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine, reaching speeds up to 100 mph on land and about 30 mph on water. The vehicle can transition between driving and floating in just under 12 seconds. Though production was limited, the Aquada carries an estimated price tag of around $250,000.
Bachelot Pierre J-P, Wikimedia Commons
2012 Fisker Karma
The eco-conscious billionaire doesn’t shy away from mixing sustainability with style. Branson’s 2012 Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid that looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie. With its sleek silhouette and luxury interior, the Karma was one of the first cars to prove that green could still mean glamorous.
2012 Fisker Karma–Specs
The Fisker Karma combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gas engine with dual electric motors, offering a total output of 403 horsepower. It has an all-electric range of about 50 miles and a total range of around 300 miles, making it suitable for both city cruising and longer trips. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph clocks in at 6.3 seconds, and the original purchase price hovered around $100,000.
Range Rover Vogue Spade Edition
Luxury SUVs are a staple in any elite garage, but Branson doesn’t settle for stock models. His Range Rover Vogue Spade Edition is a custom-built beast featuring exclusive styling, high-performance components, and interiors fit for a five-star resort. It’s both rugged and refined—a car that could survive a jungle safari and still turn heads on the streets of London.
Range Rover Vogue Spade Edition–Specs
Under the hood, this Spade Edition Range Rover boasts a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 557 horsepower. It can reach a top speed of 155 mph, which is plenty fast for an SUV of its size. The interior is fitted with bespoke leather and advanced tech features, offering both luxury and utility. These custom editions typically cost around $250,000.
1960s Morris Minor 1000
A man of many layers, Branson also has a soft spot for simplicity. The 1960s Morris Minor 1000 is as charming as it is humble—a throwback to British motoring in its most lovable form. It’s not fast, it’s not flashy, but it’s got personality, and sometimes that’s all that matters.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
1960s Morris Minor 1000–Specs
Powered by a 1.0-liter inline-four engine, the Morris Minor 1000 churned out just 48 horsepower, with a top speed of around 75 mph. Fuel efficiency was one of its strongest points, making it a favorite among frugal drivers in the 1960s. Today, collectors might pay between $10,000 and $15,000 for a good-condition example.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Even Branson needs a ride for the boardroom, and that’s where the Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes in. Known for its seamless blend of performance and comfort, the S-Class is the gold standard of executive sedans. It’s a quiet powerhouse—just like its owner, when he’s not kite-surfing into press conferences.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz S-Class–Specs
Depending on the trim, Branson’s S-Class likely features a 3.0-liter inline-six or a 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivering anywhere from 429 to 496 horsepower. It comfortably hits top speeds around 130 to 155 mph. The interior includes high-end technology such as massage seats, augmented reality navigation, and rear tablet controls. Prices typically start at $120,000.
Land Rover Defender Astronaut Edition
You know your brand is out of this world when you have a car made for astronauts. The Land Rover Defender Astronaut Edition is a special-edition vehicle created for Virgin Galactic space travelers. It’s rugged enough for off-road adventures, but luxurious enough to serve as a pre-launch limo.
Range Rover Astronaut Edition with Virgin Galactic, Motorward
Land Rover Defender Astronaut Edition – Specs
This unique Defender is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that produces 518 horsepower and reaches a top speed of about 149 mph. What sets it apart are its interiors, which include materials made from actual spaceship parts. With a price north of $150,000, it’s one of the most exclusive vehicles ever made—available only to those headed to the stars.
Range Rover Astronaut Edition with Virgin Galactic, Motorward
McLaren F1
When it comes to holy grails of automotive engineering, the McLaren F1 reigns supreme. Branson’s ownership of one confirms his status as a serious collector. With its central driver’s seat and astonishing performance, the F1 is considered one of the greatest supercars of all time.
McLaren F1–Specs
The McLaren F1 is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter BMW V12 engine that delivers 627 horsepower. It can reach a staggering top speed of 240 mph and hits 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. These rare cars have appreciated dramatically over time, now valued at over $20 million on the collector market.
1963 Ferrari 250 GT
The jewel in Branson’s garage may very well be the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT, a car steeped in racing history and Italian elegance. Owning one is not just about wealth—it’s about legacy. This isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling piece of art.
Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, Wikimedia Commons
1963 Ferrari 250 GT–Specs
The 250 GT comes with a 3.0-liter V12 engine that produces roughly 296 horsepower. It reaches top speeds of around 150 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. With values ranging from $10 million to $15 million, this Ferrari is one of the most sought-after classics in the world.
andy_carter, Wikimedia Commons
Final Thoughts: A Wild Ride for a Wilder Man
Richard Branson’s car collection isn’t just impressive—it’s a full-blown personality test on wheels. From his amphibious Aquada to his astronaut-exclusive Defender, each vehicle reflects a different facet of his adventurous, rebellious spirit. Some are built for speed, others for nostalgia, but all of them carry the Branson stamp: bold, quirky, and never boring.
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