Comedian, TV personality, writer, producer, and a car collector like you’ve never seen; David Letterman is a man of many surprises, and one of them is that he owns some of the most sought-after vehicles in automotive history in his personal collection. His unique roundup is full of priceless rides and some we can put a price on ($2.7 Million to be exact). David Letterman is a master of many hobbies and skills, and when it comes to having a good eye for legendary sports cars, it's no different. With an estimated net worth of $400 million, Mr. Letterman has fought hard to become the legendary personality he is today, and he marks his success with wild sports cars and classic competitive rally-rides that are world-renowned and marvelous. While we get to know every vehicle in his prized-collection, it’s clear he has an individual style of rides and an expert-level taste in fine automobiles. With 8 Ferraris, 6 Porsches, 3 Austin Healeys, an MGA, Jaguar, and a classic Chevy Truck, David Letterman’s collection is an excellent garage of acceleration and luxury.
When it comes to car collections, it's clear that few compare to this legendary TV personality. Some may come close, but none will rival Mr. Letterman's taste in European torque. So let’s get started, shall we? Here are all the wheels in David Letterman’s car collection! From classic Ferraris from 1955 to rally-racers, let’s get to know the Late Show television host and his famous car collection.
1969 FERRARI DINO 246 GTS
The 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS is a vehicle with a unique history, and vehicles with stories always add to the nostalgia and spirit of their rides. Arguably one of the most significant motivations for the Dino’s creation was to take on the iconic Porsche 911.
While this vehicle wasn’t able to compete in price with the Porsche 911, it became famous to Ferrari fans everywhere for being named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari.
The 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS is a tribute to an iconic family member and a famed experiment into the world of everyday sports cars.
1983 FERRARI 512 BBI
When it comes to Ferraris of the 80s, none have a more iconic look than the 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi. Originally introduced to the public at the Frankfurt Salon Show, the new 512 BBi offered the world advancement in Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system in its 12-cylinder (hence the “i” in its name). This vehicle was also the first Ferrari to use a toothed belt overhead camshaft, unlike its predecessors. For any real fan of Ferrari, the 1983 512 BBi is a symbol of style and independent machinery. High-valued at $300,000, the BBi is a must-have for any serious collector.
1968 FERRARI 330 GTS
The 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS is an excellent example of a vehicle that has Ferrari intensity with a world-luxury style. While this vehicle was designed to be an elegant, convertible version to replace the Ferrari 275 GTS, this classic car brings speed, and the most excellent automotive experience money could buy.
In addition to plenty of cargo space for a Ferrari, the 330 GTS also has an incredible top speed of 150 miles per hour and turns the best V-12 engine Ferrari has ever produced.
Currently high-valued at $2.7 Million, the 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS is luxury, performance, and an excellent trophy in David Letterman's car collection.
1985 FERRARI 288 GTO
The mid-1980s were known as the “Golden Era of Rally Cars,” and the 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO was one of the legends. The 288 GTO was developed initially to enter into the Group B for rally racing, but unfortunately was banned before even having a chance on the track. With 200 of these vehicles built without the opportunity to race, Ferrari converted them into road-racers and sold them to their most loyal customers (David Letterman being one of them). This V-8 competition streetcar never saw the track, but I’m sure it enjoys its days as one of the favorites in our Mr. Letterman's collection.
1963 FERRARI LUSSO
The remarkable 1963 Ferrari Lusso is a highly coveted sports car for its legendary speed and style. The Lusso is often regarded as one of the most beautiful Pininfarina-styled Ferraris on the road today.
Built with elegance and speed in mind, the ‘63 Lusso boast a 2,953 cc SOHC aluminum V-12 engine and an independent front suspension, giving every rounding corner a tight ride.
The 1963 Ferrari Lusso would be the last car to be fitted with the Colombo-designed 3.0-litre V-12 engine, adding to its already high-appraised price of $1.8 Million. When it comes to celebrity car collections, its clear David Letterman has excellent taste with this in his garage.
1963 FERRARI 250 GTE
With a much more sleek body style compared to the other vehicles Ferrari was producing, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE was a remarkable statement in moving towards a new type of clientele: Individuals who would appreciate an automobile with luxury, that could seat four people comfortably, but had all the performance Ferrari was known for. The 250 GTE launched at the Paris Motor Show along with its other cars, and immediately sparked interest. This step for Ferrari paid off and later became the rival to the famous Aston Martin and Maseratis of its day.
1956 PORSCHE 356 1500 GS CARRERA
The 1956 Porsche 356 1500 GS Carrera is one of the most sought after vehicles in the 356 models and must feel like a prized item for Mr. Letterman's collection. Both today and when the GS Carrera was new 53 years ago, the improved performance of this vehicle was immediately a sign that Porsche was moving towards racing vehicles that brought rarity for years to come.
With limited numbers produced (and even fewer with upgraded engines), the 1956 Porsche 356 1500 GS Carrera was a respected vehicle of road handling ability and power. This iconic automobile is a rare piece in Porsches history and an even more unique piece in David Letterman's collection.
1961 PORSCHE CABRIOLET
The American fascination with Porsches exploded when importer Max Hoffman shipped 15 special edition roadsters to the U.S. in 1954. A few short years later, the 1961 Porsche Cabriolet became one of the most desired Porsches of its time and is still often sought after today. With a dashing profile, the 1961 Porsche Cabriolet also offered a 1,750 cc air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and a four-wheel hydraulic drum brake (which was very ahead of its time for the industry worldwide). While we already know David Letterman is a fan of this roadster, consider us a fan as well now.
1988 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA COUPE
When it comes to the 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, two words come to mind: Rare and exotic. This roadster coupe debuted to the world with a modernized body style, appearance, and originality - leaving the old design of its predecessors in its dust. The 80s were known as the most iconic looks for Porsche and other sports cars alike, but we would argue that the 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe design was one of futurist style and sheer ingenuity. This vehicle is the definition of speed, and we can imagine it has to be a favorite in Mr. Letterman's collection.
1957 PORSCHE 356 A SPEEDSTER
For the 1957 Porsche 356 A Speedster, approximately 1,171 models rolled off the production line in Germany, and now with it being a highly valued Porsche collectible, it’s no wonder that David Letterman wanted this roadster in his collection.
The Speedster (not to be confused with the Cabriolet) was its own specific model that was designed for the everyday sports car enthusiast.
The '57 hot-rod would be the highest level of Porsche Speedster productions, making it a rare vehicle that people still auction for today. Out of all the cars in the TV personalities collection, the ‘57 Porsche 356 A Speedster is a rare model for any Porsche aficionado.
1988 FERRARI 328 GTS
The 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS has a refined-style that is unmatched by any other car in its year. With notable success from the Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS models, this super-car took the best from the rest and received a smoother design (giving it a slightly less aggressive feel.) With an updated interior, V-8 engine, and horsepower at 7,000 rpm, the 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS is the ultimate status of vehicle performance and exceptional driving. With a 0-60 of just under 5.5 seconds, this is the speedy Ferrari everyone wanted, and the Ferrari David Letterman added to his personal collection.
1964 PORSCHE 356C
Anyone who purchases a Porsche will undoubtedly embrace the technique and power that comes with this famous name of vehicles, but anyone who purchases the 1964 Porsche Checker is also buying a piece of Porsche history. The ‘64 Checker was the final design before the entirely new Porsche 911, which at first had mixed reviews. This hot-rod boasted a 4-cylinder, 1,582 cc engine - making it a speedy and a unique ride. While other Porsche models came and left, the Porsche Checker became a staple in Porsches history and is often thought of as the “the most classic” Porsche body style.
1960 AUSTIN HEALEY BUGEYE SPRITE
There’s a lot of beautiful cars in David Letterman's collection, but none will be more charming than the 1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite. Originally unveiled in Monte Carlo at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite was the new standard for modest, minimalist sports cars.
With modern technology for its time and a 12-volt Lucas “Prince of Darkness” electrical system, this 948-cc four-cylinder was driver-focused and ready to charm the world.
The 1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite is a favorite among collectors and speaks to anyone's taste in sophisticated cars, and a favorite of ours in Mr. Letterman’s collection.
1956 AUSTIN HEALEY 100-BN2
One thing that should be noted about David Letterman is not the price he pays for cars, but his taste in cars. The 1956 Austin Healey 100-BN2 is one of the legendary roadsters of the road, and is a real symbol of its era. The total production of the 100-BN2 only reached 4,604 cars from August 1955 through July 1956, which not only added to its value in auctions today but became a fan favorite among drivers.
With an upgraded four-speed manual transmission and 8:1:1 compression cylinder head, the 1956 Austin Healey 100-BN2 is the stylin’ ride of its time and today.
1959 MGA TWIN CAM 1588CC
With only 2,111 ever produced, the 1959 MGA Twin Cam 1588cc is one of the rarest vehicles in David Letterman's collection and is a figure of classic cars. This super-stylin’ looking vehicle is undeniably elegant and aerodynamic, and was MGA’s first street-legal prototypes. With its two-seater body style and very low center of gravity (to improve handling and cornering ability), the 1959 MGA Twin Cam 1588cc was the quick ride the world needed to see in 1959. This hot-rod is a favorite among collectors everywhere, and will forever go down in MGA history as it’s most exceptional roadster model.
1955 JAGUAR XK140
The best way to describe the 1955 Jaguar XK140 is "entirely authentic." This coupe won the world over in its tremendously successful years in motor racing and was no surprise a roaring success when Jaguar decided to bring to the everyday roads.
The XK140 is an excellent standard of roadster and the definition of refined style, and is iconically known as the flagship model of Jaguar sports cars even to this day.
High-valued at $123,000, this may be the only Jaguar in David Letterman's collection, but if you could only have one Jaguar, this would be anyone's top pick.
CHEVROLET CHEYENNE
The Chevrolet Cheyenne may seem like an odd car in David Letterman’s collection, especially for someone who clearly enjoys European classics and sports cars alike, but if you’re going to move into the world of classic trucks, the Chevrolet Cheyenne is the primo-ride of wheels. Before the Cheyenne was redesigned in later years, this body style was its most famous (and most desired) look. When your net worth is close to $400 Million, you can afford any car you wish, and we enjoy the fact that Mr. Letterman wanted a Chevrolet Cheyenne to show off in his collection. Good for you, David Letterman!
1961 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MK I
The 1961 Austin Healey 3000 MK I truly embodies what we love about the “golden era" of international road rally circuit cars. Not only is this roadster a world-competing racing automobile, but the MK I was also known as the "civilized sports car" the everyday owner would enjoy driving. With a 180 bhp, 2,912 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission, the ‘61 Austin Healey 3000 MK I was an official statement of fine-machinery and torque. Today, David Letterman owns one in is his famous car collection and keeps the spirit of the 3000 MK I alive.
FERRARI DAYTONA
This Ferrari Daytona is a sight to witness. While the rest of the world was moving towards a sportier-style of vehicles, Ferrari doubled-down and brought a classic body style with an updated 4.4-liter Columbo-designed DOHC V-12 engine. In Cavallino Magazine, the Daytona received a fantastic review: “[The Daytona] was a sight to behold, mean looking and muscled, weaving dramatically on its overworked suspension, shaking and darting under heavy braking in a corner, literally pushing air and dirt aside leaving a wake and making its own weather, loud as hell and scattering birds to the four winds.” With 8,500 rpms, it's no wonder this car roars everywhere it goes and is an outstanding choice for David Letterman's collection.