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

Nicky Lauda (1949-2019) was a fearless competitor in racing and a bold entrepreneur, but he always valued his life and well-being. With 25 Grand Prix wins and a career marked by both triumphs and challenges, Lauda demonstrated a unique blend of risk-taking and caution. His car collection reflects this balance — while it includes practical choices like a Range Rover Off-Roader and a Model G from his early racing days, it also features high-performance vehicles like the AMG-GTS and a Ferrari. These choices illustrate his no-nonsense, functional approach to life, both on and off the track. Let’s dive into the cars that define the garage of this legendary F1 driver and aviation entrepreneur.

4. Land Rover Defender

In 2008, Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda added the Land Rover Defender to his collection. To the surprise of many, this rugged off-roader stood in stark contrast to the sleek, high-performance cars he was best known for.

As a 25-time Grand Prix winner, Lauda was typically associated with sedans and sports cars, vehicles that complemented his fast-paced Formula 1 career. However, the Land Rover Defender perfectly captures his no-nonsense attitude towards life, emphasizing Lauda’s preference for practicality and purpose over extravagant luxury.

3. 1987 E32 BMW 750iL

Niki Lauda was photographed alongside his 1987 BMW 750iL, a moment that likely resonated with fans of the BMW M1 Procar Championship he won in 1979 with Project Four. Leaning against the sleek silver sedan, the former F1 champion oozed contentment, knocking a poised and contained pose with the vintage luxury car.

Lauda’s connection to BMW dates back to his time racing for the British F1 team. Throughout his illustrious career, he secured multiple podium finishes, including three P4s, and even prevailed in the BMW Procar Exhibition Race in 2008.

2. Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon

Niki Lauda was clicked with his decades-old Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV in a black-and-white photo. Although the image makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact color of the car, it’s clear that this iconic vehicle was part of his collection. In a 2015 interview with Auto Motor Sport, Lauda confirmed the presence of  G-Class's place in his garage.

The timeline and the photo suggest us this might be the 1984 model, which fits the rugged, enduring character of the vehicle Lauda would have favored during that high adrenaline phase of his life.

1. Mercedes-AMG GT S

The only driver to have won a world championship with both Ferrari and McLaren, Niki Lauda had an impressive collection of cars, including the Mercedes-AMG GTS. In a 2015 interview with Auto Motor Sport, his statements suggest that this car is from the same year.
Lauda spoke fondly of the AMG GTS, mentioning it more than any other car. He revealed that while he had initially planned to switch to the C-Class, the GTS ultimately won him over.

Lauda’s ownership of this vehicle, after having been a key member of the Mercedes team, reflects the strong bond he shared with the brand during his tenure as the non-executive chairman of Mercedes AMG Petronas Sport.

Special Mention:

Andreas Nikolaus "Niki" Lauda was known for having some truly iconic cars in his garage, but he wasn’t one to hold on to them forever. At different stages of his life, he made practical decisions to sell some of these valuable possessions. Illustrating the same, he sold his 1986 Ferrari 288 GTO in the late 1980s to fund his growing aviation realm. Similarly, Lauda sold his 1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 during the 1970s, reflecting his focus on business over personal excess. Beyond these, he was also spotted with a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach and a 2013 Smart ED, an electric hatchback, showing his diverse likings. While Lauda’s car collection was mixed, it was always practical and intentional. To explore more, check out the links below for insights into the car collections of other professional racers.

Also Read:

• F1 Driver Michael Schumacher's Unfathomable Car Collection Is Worth $7 Million 
• Inside Two-Time F1 Grand Prix Winner George Russell's Car Collection
• Top Ten Richest F1 Drivers