Popstar Gary Numan’s Journey From Singing About Cars to Owning Them

The stories behind each car in Gary Numan's garage are as thrilling as his synth-pop hits. From modest beginnings to rock star peaks and family adventures in Los Angeles, the 67-year-old creator of the 1979 hit "Cars" has put together a collection that shows viewers his life's journey. Fueled by his Asperger 's-driven need for isolation and sci-fi aesthetics, Numan's passion for cars is evident in a collection of automobiles that blend heart, glamour, and nostalgia.

A purple Morris Marina hauled punk dreams, a sleek Ferrari roared through London, and a Suburban transported his children and d massive Mastiff. Each car represents Numan's journey of triumph, resilience, and reinvention, making his garage a must-see for music and automotive enthusiasts. Numan, whose musical legacy is reflected in his love of rare Ferraris, combines sonic genius and mechanical passion.

2. 2014 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler entered Numan's life in 2012, primarily as a vehicle for his wife Gemma, but also for joyful family errands in Los Angeles. The lime green exterior, which includes a convertible top and tiger-striped seat covers, exudes bold charm. This rugged gem was chosen for beach trips and school runs, capturing the joy of Numan's California life.

Numan once drove with the top down during a rare LA downpour, completely soaking the tiger-striped seats. Instead of being frustrated, he laughed and described it as his "wildest" car moment. That attitude reflects his relaxed acceptance of life's unpredictability, which fans might not expect from the intense synth lord.

Gemma's influence is strong in this decision. She handpicked the tiger-striped covers from a quirky upholstery shop in Venice Beach. Numan even added a surfboard roof rack, evoking his off-duty rock dad image. This Wrangler feels like something Travis Barker would drive down the PCH in: punk rock but family-friendly.

1. 2014 Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevrolet Suburban entered Numan's life around 2014 as a risky choice for his family-oriented days in Los Angeles. Its massive black or dark grey exterior and spacious leather or cloth interior, which is frequently crammed with child and dog supplies, make it a useful beast.

This was not Numan's first choice. He had his eye on a Camaro. But family life, with three daughters and a 15-stone English Mastiff named Wilbur, dictated otherwise. "Wilbur once jumped in the driver's seat during a school run," Numan jokes, "and drooled all over the dashboard." It became the dog-driven SUV, representing a softer, grounded version of the man once associated with futurist minimalism.

To deal with Wilbur's mess, he customized the vehicle with heavy-duty floor mats from a West Hollywood auto shop, and his daughters decorated the dashboard with a funky alien figurine, a nod to Numan's lifelong sci-fi obsession that recalls how the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson incorporated sci-fi elements. 

The entire scene is like something out of a Spielberg film, with an eccentric rock star, his oversized dog, and alien trinkets on a suburban school run.

Special Mentions

• 7. 1975 Morris Marina Estate

Gary Numan's first car was a purple Morris Marina Estate that he purchased secondhand for around $1,200. It wasn't flashy, but it represented freedom. This car transported his punk band's equipment and inspired the song Cars following a stressful traffic incident. Much like Ringo Starr embraced raw beginnings before becoming a rock star, it's a humble beginning that echoed his father's love of practical estates and became a true symbol of where his journey began.

• 6. 1970 Ford Transit Vans

In the early days of the Tubeway Army, these classic white and grey Ford Transits made ideal bandmates. They were purchased for around $1,400 and were used to transport instruments to gigs. They frequently broke down and were even abandoned hitchhiking on the M1. One van received a complete punk-art makeover, displaying the raw, rebellious spirit that drove their early grind and shaped their identity.

• 5. 1970 Honda TN7 Van

The Honda TN7 was a compact van with a large job. It was critical for moving synth gear during Numan's early career, despite the fact that it wasn't the most reliable. One time, its brakes failed, nearly resulting in disaster. Still, its rich, DIY paint and underdog charm made it a part of his story, which is similar to Metallica Lead Vocalist James Hetfield's early days. It's the type of ride you remember not for its appearance, but for what it helped you accomplish.

• 4. 1980 Rover 216

When things got tough in the late 1980s, Numan was driving a silver Rover 216 he purchased for around $3,000. With a vibe reminiscent of Pink Floyd's early touring rides, the car had rusted floor panels, duct tape on the seats, and none of the glam fans might expect. But it was in that car that he wrote demos and found the courage to continue, thanks in part to the encouragement of his future wife Gemma, a fan who changed his life.

• 3. 1979 Chevrolet Corvette

Numan celebrated by purchasing a sleek TVR Cerbera. It was powerful, fast, and somewhat unpredictable, much like his evolving sound at the time. In the style of the late English guitarist Jeff Beck, who was known for altering his own vintage classics, Gary once joked that it was "too wild for a synth-punk" after nearly spinning out on gravel. With a spoiler and upgraded stereo, it was both thrilling and a perfect match for his edgier style.

• 2. 1990 TVR Cerbera

As his career rebounded in the 1990s, Numan celebrated by purchasing a sleek TVR Cerbera. It was powerful, fast, and somewhat unpredictable, much like his evolving sound at the time. He once joked that it was “too wild for a synth-punk” after nearly spinning out on gravel. With a spoiler and upgraded stereo, it was both thrilling and a perfect match for his edgier style.

• 1. 1980 Ferrari 512 BB

Following Telekon's success, Numan treated himself to a Ferrari 512 BB, a true showstopper. It had a custom exhaust, a reupholstered interior, and the eye-catching design of a sci-fi rocket ship. One day, he stalled in London traffic before zooming away, turning heads like a true rock star. It was pure drama, much like his music at the time.

Other Cars Owned by Gary Numan

The cars display Gary Numan's distinctive personalization, which represents stages of his life, sense of style, and changing self.

• Motorbikes

These stylish black or chrome bikes cost about $1,300 when Numan acquired them. A near-crash in 1979 stoked his passion for speed. They were distinctively his thanks to custom grips and sci-fi logos. Numan found identity and escape on two wheels, much like Dave Grohl, who hits the highway after shows.

• American-Style Pick-Ups

In LA, Numan drove large American-style pickups mostly after 2012, which were ideal for transporting equipment and taking the family on excursions. While he strummed a guitar for his daughters, a flat tire evolved into a roadside picnic. It echoed the grounded car vibes of musician Faith Hill during her off-stage family moments, complete with decals and a tow hitch, and it represented his dad's life.

• Recreational Vehicle (RV)

This large RV was meant for family road trips, but only used twice. A "failed pioneer" joke was sparked by a malfunctioning generator, but it has since evolved into a humorous family tale. It pays homage to dreams of adventure by being decked out with an awning and glow stars by his children.

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