Prince was more than just a great musician and world music star. He was a visionary, and his unique approach was invoked in everything from the car he selected to own and drive to the way he managed his business. His music was the same as his collections: unique and creative behind the gates of Paisley Park and in records he belonged to his estate, he was both. He had nothing ordinary in his garage such as classic American cruisers, advanced German coupes, and obviously dramatic roadsters.
Often, Prince’s association with exotic super cars was mentioned, but at heart, his collection was based on personal preferences. A number of vehicles were registered under the name of Paisley Park Enterprises or NPG Music Publishing, and others were known by their unique customizations or their presence in his movies, music videos, or music. The many variations of these cars, such as the purple paint, the special license plates, the plush interiors and the oddball style, lent a personality to the vehicle that seemed remarkably attached to the man himself.
When the whole collection is viewed as a whole, there is a nice balance of performance, comfort, functionality and visual impact. Prince could get his hands on a potent German grand tour vehicle as easily as he could on a reliable SUV for Minnesota winters or a large American luxury sedan. These 10 cars of his incredible automotive universe show the evolution of the machines that defined his career, from the 1964 Buick Wildcat that made its appearance on screen through Cadillac’s XLR which brought American performance and advanced luxury into one.
1. 1964 Buick Wildcat
The 1964 Buick Wildcat holds special significance in Prince’s collection as it became part of his film persona. It was his 1986 film Under the Cherry Moon that introduced the classic convertible to his screen, with its poised silhouette and sure feeling on the road the ideal match for the sophisticated character of Prince. The Wildcat was not just any old car, it was a project that created a visual extension of his personality and created the atmosphere that his on-screen persona exuded.
Cinematic Connection:
- Classic American Convertible Styling
- Featured In Under Cherry Moon
- Powerful 425-Cubic-Inch V8
- Reported 340 Horsepower Output
- Custom Love License Plate
The Wildcat’s long hood housed a significant 425-cubic-inch V8 engine that put out 340 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The transmission options were either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. The convertible’s top speed of 125 mph and a 0-to-60 time of about 7.5 seconds is pretty high for a car that has such a nice look. Also onboard the car was a custom “Love” license plate, which is another signature Prince mark on an already very special car. The blend of vintage design, outdoor appeal and potent V8 power was ideal for the artist’s lineup. The Wildcat proved that Prince was a car man who could enjoy the history of cars without giving up the personal style that made his car selections so recognizable.
2. 1984 BMW 633CS
In 1984, the Prince was entranced by the skill of German engineering, culminating in the BMW 633CS, a sporty BMW coupe. The model was very popular amongst younger enthusiasts in the 1980s, who sought a blend of style, performance and driver personality. For Prince, it also coincided with a time when his own career and public persona were growing, putting his car right in the middle of his growing collection. The BMW was under NPG Music Publishing and was equipped with a 3.2-litre inline-six engine that made 181 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque.
German Engineering:
- German Engineering And Performance
- Sporty Luxury Coupe Character
- 3.2-Liter Inline-Six Engine
- Reported 137-MPH Top Speed
- Understated Sophisticated Design
The maximum speed reached reported as 137 mph, and it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about eight seconds. Those numbers put the coupe in the performance-oriented luxury category of the time, but did not make speed the only thing to admire. The simplicity of the 633CS was an ideal fit for Prince. It didn’t need any fancy dress to distinguish itself, but instead used its proportions, engineering and driving qualities. The BMW was a more subdued expression of his car-loving sensibilities, and suggested he could be a more understated, driver’s style of luxury car.
3. 1985 Cadillac Limousine
In the 1980s when Prince was at his zenith of popularity privacy became more and more important, as photographers and fans jockeyed for his attention. His blacked-out 1985 Cadillac Limousine was a sensible choice, yet still maintained the grandeur he’s deserving of as a celebrity of his caliber. The limousine was thought to be of Fleetwood design and was used to take him around where he could be in a setting free from the public.
Privacy on Wheels:
- Blacked-Out Cadillac Exterior
- Privacy During Peak Fame
- 5.0-Liter V8 Engine
- Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Luxury Sanctuary On Wheels
The Cadillac was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 140 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The car came equipped with a four-speed automatic and it was said to have a top speed of 100 mph. But it wasn’t its performance that really mattered, as the limousine wasn’t built for speed, but for smooth transportation, comfort and presence. That’s a far cry from how Prince used his sporty coupes and roadsters. It was more like a sanctuary on wheels, and he could travel around the world with greater privacy and still have a lavish look. Blacked-out styling, plenty of room, and the classic Cadillac look were all to his liking, making it the appropriate car for his extraordinary newfound fame.
4. 1991 BMW 850i
The car’s striking appearance in the 1992 music video for “Sexy M.F.” and a bright yellow exterior ensured that Prince’s BMW 850i was immediately recognizable, setting it apart from the more traditional luxury coupes of the time. It was a show-stopper, even without the celebrity behind the wheel. The 850i’s mechanical performance was also impressive. The supercharged 5.0-liter V12 engine generated 296 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which was more than enough to take the grand tourer down the street for serious performance as well as luxury.
Luxury and Excitement:
- Bright Yellow Exterior Finish
- Featured In Sexy M.F.
- Powerful 5.0-Liter V12
- Reported 155-MPH Top Speed
- Luxury Meets Performance Excitement
The car would be capable of going from 0-60 in about 6.8 seconds, and a maximum speed of 155 mph, it’s one of the more performance-oriented cars that has been attached to the collection. The 850i was a balance between luxury and excitement. The large V12 engine, stylish coupe styling and eye-catching appearance provided Prince with a far more unique option to the standard American models found across his garage. There was also its music-video debut, which served as an affirmation that his cars had the potential to be part of his artistic persona and not just a means to get him from one place to the other.
5. 1993 Ford Thunderbird
Prince was also a believer in uniquely American vehicles, and his customised 1993 Ford Thunderbird was a good example. The 1993 Thunderbird joined his own garage and got a custom purple exterior, though a 1969 Thunderbird was featured in his “Alphabet St.” video. The color became synonymous with his Purple Rain years, and became much more personal to his famous American cruiser. The Thunderbird was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 140 hp and 190 lb-feet of torque under the custom paint. Power was delivered through a four-speed automatic transmission and the species was said to be capable of a top speed of 120 mph.
V6 Performance:
- Customized Purple Exterior
- Strong American Cruiser Identity
- 3.8-Liter V6 Engine
- Smooth Cruising Character
- Personalized Prince Visual Style
It was not a car for brute power, but more concerned with smooth cruising and complimenting the more aggressive Prince’s cars. What made the Thunderbird significant was the way that Prince was able to embody an American model and make it his own. The car retained its relaxed cruising appeal with the vehicle’s purple finish. It showed how he could choose a car that was neither as exclusive nor as extreme as he might wish but which would have the right color and treatment to make it feel completely different.
6. 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Not all the cars in Prince’s garage were selected for glitz and speed. The 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee was more of a utilitarian vehicle, especially in such frigid Minnesota weather at Paisley Park. Although Prince was seldom seen in public driving the SUV, it was appropriate to have such a vehicle on hand for the local climate and still offer a comfortable vehicle. The mid-sized SUV was registered under Paisley Park Enterprises, and was a combination of utility and a relatively luxurious interior. It was powered by a 4.0L straight-six engine making 190 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, and connected to a four-speed automatic.
Utility and Power:
- Practical Winter Driving Capability
- Versatile Mid-Sized SUV Design
- 4.0-Liter Inline-Six Engine
- Comfortable Utility-Focused Interior
- Everyday Practicality Within Collection
The Grand Cherokee is designed for downhill driving and won’t necessarily be a quick get-up-and-go vehicle, as it could reportedly hit 110 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 to 12 seconds. The SUV lending an important sense of balance to the collection. He had to have a couple of dramatic coupes and custom purple cars, but he also had to have something that could take him through the day-to-day. At $21,000 to $30,000 a unit, the Grand Cherokee was one of the more down-to-earth vehicles he was associated with, and proved that the concepts of luxury and artistic expression coexisted with practicality.
7. 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster
Prince still followed his passion for German cars with the 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster, a lightweight two-seat convertible that was owned by Paisley Park Enterprises. While the Z3 was more compact and open air than the larger BMW 633CS and 850i, it was not as large as those cars. It was an attractive car for those who valued the driver’s relationship with a quick, agile car with a roadster silhouette. A 138-horsepower, 133-lb-ft 1.9-liter inline-four and a 189 horsepower 206 lb-ft 2.8-liter inline-six were available on the Z3. The roadster was equipped with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
German Roadster:
- Lightweight Two-Seat Roadster
- Open-Air Driving Experience
- Available Four-Cylinder And Six-Cylinder
- Manual And Automatic Transmission Options
- Agile Driver-Focused Character
The 2.8-liter option would be able to hit 60 mph in about seven seconds from a standstill and a top speed of 130 mph, according to the automaker. The Z3 was another facet of Prince’s automotive tastes, with the reported new price range of $25,000 to $30,000. It was smaller, lighter and more playful than his full-sized luxury vehicles and the open top was a freedom added. The roadster demonstrated he could put together a collection of vehicles he loved to drive and the character they added to the road.
8. 1997 Lincoln Town Car
The 1997 Lincoln Town Car was Prince’s choice if both comfort and quiet travel were important, but not sporty performance. It was the last of the second generation of the Town Car, and was noted for its roomy interior and outstanding ride quality. The American luxury car, an entire size sedan, had just the right sort of quiet haven for a professional life of busy activity and public scrutiny. Inside, the Town Car was reimagined as more than just a car, and a private getaway. Its luxurious feel was enhanced by rich wood trim, rear-seat mirrors and advanced climate control.
Smooth Performance:
- Full-Sized American Luxury Sedan
- Spacious And Quiet Interior
- Rich Wood Trim Details
- Smooth 4.6-Liter V8
- Private Retreat From Attention
It has a large 4.6L Modular V8 that makes 190 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, but it won’t be used in combination with a four-speed automatic transmission, so this power is not intended to be used for speed but for smooth and relaxed driving. The sedan was listed under Paisley Park Enterprises, and could reportedly achieve speeds of 120 mph with a 0-60 time of around nine seconds, and the car was on offer for a price of $35,000 to $40,000. What was really special about it was the quietude it provided. The Town Car was a more muted luxury, a cosy haven from Prince’s boisterous lifestyle, in a gallery of flashy vehicles.
9. 1999 Plymouth Prowler
The 1999 Plymouth Prowler was one of the few cars to embody Prince’s artistic persona with as great a flair as this custom creation. The oddball factory hot rod was soon added to his garage as he joined Arista Records and released his first album Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic. The open wheel inspired retro design and light-weight aluminum body made it a rolling work of art rather than a typical production car.
Artistic Design:
- Unconventional Retro Hot-Rod Design
- Customized Deep Purple Finish
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction
- 3.5-Liter V6 Performance
- Strong Collectible Auction Value
Prince used a modified deep purple paint job to give the Prowler yet another unique look. The color looked as much as stage-ready as his persona and his roadster was a perfect fit in his collection. Under the ornate exterior, it had a four-speed automatic and 214 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque in its 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Prowler is said to be capable of 126 mph and 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It was offered at approximately $40,000, but sold at an amazing price in the auction of around $180,000 in 2021. The latter valuation highlighted the continued allure of the automobile that had its own unique place in Prince’s personal history and that fit so well into the realm of his unconventional design.
10. 2004 Cadillac XLR Roadster
Prince’s latest automotive legacy was the Cadillac XLR Roadster from 2004, powered by American V8 and equipped with cutting edge luxury technology. Built on the same chassis, but with a more aggressive appearance, the XLR was a sporty, stylish and open-top Corvette. Sleek design that fit in with Prince’s continued interest in designing vehicles that were both aesthetically pleasing and engineering.
V8 Performance:
- Modern American Luxury Roadster
- Corvette Platform-Based Engineering
- 4.6-Liter Northstar V8
- Reported 155-MPH Top Speed
- Advanced Luxury And Performance
The power came from a 320 hp (310 lb-ft of torque) 4.6-liter Northstar V8. The engine was mated to an Electronic Precision Shift five-speed automatic transmission. The numbers from the source were even more impressive for the XLR, which it claimed could reach 60 in around 5.6 seconds and accelerate up to 155 mph, but the numbers were as impressive as the appearance of the vehicle. Customers interested in luxury, speed and modern design were attracted to the XLR because it was initially offered in the marketplace for about $76,000. Another opportunity for Prince to fuse technology with his signature style and dramatic flair in his vehicles. It was always clear whether it was the old fashioned Wildcat or the more modern XLR, that he was a master at creating a car that was a personal reflection.
