Exploring Niki Lauda Car Collection: The Practical Yet Iconic Vehicles of an F1 Champion

Niki Lauda, a three-time Formula 1 world champion and motorsport icon, had a car collection that reflected his passion for performance, precision, and engineering excellence. Unlike some drivers who sought flashy supercars, Lauda preferred vehicles that blended power with practicality. From Ferrari legends like the 288 GTO to the off-roader like Defender, his collection showcased his appreciation for speed and innovation. 

Whether cruising in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or enjoying a finely tuned grand tourer like the AMG GT S, Lauda’s garage was a testament to his no-nonsense approach to automobiles unlike Lewis Hamilton's "flaunt'em all approach". Let’s dive into the cars that define the garage of this legendary F1 driver and aviation entrepreneur.

4. Land Rover Defender

Credits: gelaendewagen.at

In 2008, F1 legend Niki Lauda shocked fans by adding a Land Rover Defender to his collection. A stark contrast to his sleek supercars, this rugged off-roader embodied Lauda’s admiration for pure engineering—proving that performance isn’t just about speed, but also unstoppable capability.

Niki Lauda took delivery of his Land Rover Defender at the Megadenzel workshop in Vienna Erdberg, a moment that turned heads. In a setting more accustomed to luxury sedans and high-performance sports cars, sales consultant Andreas Huber had the unique honor of handing over this rugged machine—an unexpected yet fitting choice for the racing legend.

3. 1987 E32 BMW 750iL

Credits: @garagewelt (Instagram)

Niki Lauda was photographed beside his 1987 BMW 750iL, a nod to his 1979 BMW M1 Procar Championship win. Leaning against the sleek silver sedan, the F1 legend exuded quiet confidence—his poised stance perfectly complementing the V12-powered luxury machine, a reflection of his precision and excellence.

Lauda’s ties to BMW trace back to his time with the British F1 team, where he secured multiple podiums, including three P4 finishes. His connection came full circle in 2008 when he claimed victory in the BMW Procar Exhibition Race, proving his racing prowess never faded.

1987 BMW E32 750iL - Niki Lauda pic.twitter.com/fWvnQCT9nm

— Petrolkafası (@petrolkafasi) May 28, 2021

2. Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon

In a striking black-and-white photo, Niki Lauda was captured alongside his Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a decades-old icon of toughness and luxury. While the monochrome image leaves its exact color a mystery, one thing is certain—the legendary F1 champion had a deep appreciation for machines built to last.

In a 2015 interview with Auto Motor Sport, Niki Lauda confirmed the G-Class had a place in his garage. The timeline and a vintage photo suggest it could be a 1984 model, perfectly aligning with the rugged, enduring spirit of both the vehicle and Lauda’s high-adrenaline lifestyle.

1. Mercedes-AMG GT S

Credits: flickr.com

The only driver to win a Formula 1 World Championship with both Ferrari and McLaren, Niki Lauda had an impressive car collection, much like his legendary counterpart Ayrton Senna. Among his prized vehicles was a Mercedes-AMG GTS, which, based on his 2015 interview with Auto Motor Sport, appears to be from the same year—an ideal blend of power and precision, much like the man himself.

Lauda spoke highly of the Mercedes-AMG GTS, often mentioning it more than any other car. While he initially considered switching to the C-Class, the GTS ultimately won him over. His ownership reflected the strong bond he had with Mercedes, strengthened during his tenure as non-executive chairman of Mercedes AMG Petronas Sport.

Special Mentions

Andreas Nikolaus "Niki" Lauda wasn’t just a Formula 1 legend—his garage was home to some truly iconic cars. But unlike many collectors, Lauda didn’t cling to his treasures forever. At different points in his life, he made practical choices to part ways with these valuable machines, always focused on what made sense for the next chapter. It’s a reflection of his no-nonsense approach to both racing and life: owning what mattered, and letting go when the time was right.

1986 Ferrari 288 GTO 

Credits: petrolicious.com

Niki Lauda’s 1986 Ferrari 288 GTO was a prized possession, but in typical Lauda fashion, it wasn’t a car to be held onto forever. Around 1990, he sold the iconic machine to fund his expanding aviation empire. Lauda kept the Ferrari for just four years—a trend seen with several of his cars. For him, they weren’t just toys to keep forever; they were machines to enjoy for a few seasons before being sold to reinvest the funds elsewhere. It was all part of his practical, no-nonsense approach to life and business.

1973 Ferrari 365 GT4

Credits: @ClassicDriver.com 

Niki Lauda’s 1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 is a perfect example of his focus on business over personal indulgence. After signing with Enzo Ferrari as a Formula 1 driver in 1973, Lauda received the car directly from Ferrari himself. In September of that year, the young "Niki Nazionale" couldn’t contain his joy as he washed his prized car, marking a milestone in his burgeoning international career. Fast forward to December 2022, and his company car was auctioned off at Dorotheum, an exclusive sale that closed another chapter in Lauda’s remarkable legacy.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Credits: @Reddit User: r/formula1 and frozenspeed

Beyond his collection of superfast machines, Niki Lauda was also seen in the luxurious 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach. One memorable moment saw him driving Bernie Ecclestone through the famous Karussell in a sleek black Maybach. It’s safe to say that the pair enjoyed a ride that was as smooth and refined as the car itself—blending Lauda’s love for performance with a touch of classic luxury. A fitting choice for two icons of motorsport.

Smart For Two Electric Hatchback 

Credits: @Shutterstock.com

This particular Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach was more of a business venture than a personal favorite in Niki Lauda’s car collection. He was seen posing proudly with it at the launch of 'Lauda Motion', a smart car hire service offering rentals for just one euro per day in Vienna, Austria. What made this moment even more notable was the car’s custom "LAUDA 1" registration plate, a personal touch that added a bit of his trademark flair to the business venture. It was a perfect blend of Lauda’s entrepreneurial spirit and his deep connection to the automotive world.

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