Inside John Wayne's Legendary Car Collection And The Iconic Rides Of Hollywood's Toughest Star

John Wayne crafted an iconic image among movie enthusiasts with his strong and heroic screen presence, a persona that extended into his real-life lifestyle. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach was vividly mirrored by his automotive choices. From his iconic Pontiacs to his International Harvesters, each vehicle was as robust and memorable as the man himself, perhaps explaining why they were his favorites. 

Let's explore the legendary Hollywood actor's garage to discover why these classic cars from past decades continue to captivate car enthusiasts today.

10. 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Famously nicknamed "The Duke," John Wayne owned what might be described as one of the most iconic and stylish cars in the world: the 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille hardtop. Despite its challenging 6 feet 4 inches height for adjustments, its stunning appearance was probably irresistible to Wayne. 

Known for his straightforward and patriotic demeanor, the Cadillac, an emblematic American-made automobile, seemed to resonate perfectly with his lifestyle and values.

Cadillacs have long been a favorite among vintage car enthusiasts, and the legendary American actor Gary Cooper, known for "High Noon" (1952), also kept one of these iconic vehicles in his garage.

9. 1966 International Harvester Travelall

One of the standout cars in John Wayne’s collection was the 1966 International Harvester Travelall. Featured in the 1959 Harvester World Magazine, the truck was used on the set of his film The Horse Soldiers. This truck is known for its ability to tackle rugged terrain, hence, it perfectly suited Wayne’s tough persona. 

In 2011, the truck was auctioned off for $1 million, sold by Texas State Legislator Joe Pickett, marking the end of its association with one of Hollywood's most legendary figures.

8. 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari Station Wagon

A custom-built Pontiac Grand Safari Station Wagon, created by George Barris for Wayne, was a favorite of American legendary actor John Wayne. He loved it so much that the actor ended up purchasing multiple versions of the model, including the 1975 and 1976 models. 

Though many of his cars were auctioned after his passing in 1979, Wayne's connection to these vehicles remains strong for his admirers.

7. 1975 Pontiac Grand Safari Station Wagon

John Wayne, who won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the 1969 film "True Grit," later purchased his second Pontiac Grand Safari Station Wagon, likely influenced by his positive experience with the first one.

After he died in 1979 at the age of 72, his cars were presumably sold by his family, as they have been appearing at auctions over the years. Reports indicate that a 1975 Pontiac Grand Safari from his collection was recently auctioned.

6. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari Station Wagon

This vehicle has a fascinating backstory involving its customization for the actor's comfort. The legendary car customizer George Barris was commissioned to modify the car to accommodate John Wayne’s height.

The tale goes that Wayne was unwilling to remove his iconic cowboy hat when entering the vehicle, leading Barris to raise the roof, ensuring that the actor could enjoy both comfort and style in his Pontiac. This vehicle, like his other Pontiacs, was later auctioned off, cementing its place as an iconic part of his collection.

5. 1972 Buick Electra

The 1972 Buick Electra was another significant car in Wayne's collection. It’s now part of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset, Iowa, marking his rise from a small-town boy to a Hollywood legend. 

As his wealth grew over the span of his illustrious film career, so did his passion for high-quality automobiles. The Buick, therefore, became a fitting addition to his impressive collection.

4. 1967 Lincoln Continental

The Lincoln Continental was another masterpiece in John Wayne's collection, reflecting not only his power and ruggedness but also his stylish, classic approach to life. The 1967 Lincoln Continental, a timeless American icon, particularly resonated with patriots like Wayne.

After the actor's death in 1979, it has been challenging to pinpoint the exact number of cars he owned. However, reports suggest that he indeed possessed this elegant vehicle.

3. 1971 Volkswagen 1500 Squareback Wagon

A photograph from the 1960s featuring the Volkswagen 1500 Squareback wagon suggests that John Wayne owned this charming car. However, given his rough and tough persona, one might wonder why such a cute-looking vehicle would find a place in his garage.

It's plausible that he purchased it for his children. In the picture, Wayne is seen alongside his good friend Chick Iverson, adding a personal touch to this intriguing piece of his automotive history.

2. 1931 Lincoln Model K Sedan

John Wayne once customized a car to ensure he didn't have to remove his iconic cowboy hat when entering, accommodating his well-known stature. When it comes to headroom, his 1931 Lincoln Model K Sedan posed no issues for the "Rio Bravo" star. This reveals that while he appreciated power and muscle, he also had a taste for more refined vehicles. 

Nearly a century later, John Wayne's selections in his garage continue to astonish us, highlighting how discerning he was with his automobiles.

1. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette

One car that John Wayne reportedly struggled with was the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, which he purchased in 1953. The vehicle was too small for his height, leading the actor to eventually give it away to a good friend. Currently, Wayne's Chevy is on display at the National Automobile Museum in Reno.

Although the exact duration of his ownership remains unclear, there's ample information about how Wayne either customized cars for his headroom or deliberately chose vehicles with ample space above.

Special Mention:

1929 Packard Roadster

There are also photographs of the American actor with the 1929 Packard Roadster, showcasing him at his finest in his younger days. This evidence underscores that the legendary Hollywood actor, who starred in over 180 films across four decades, had an appreciation not only for powerful and rugged cars but also for the elegance of finer automobiles like the 1929 Packard Roadster.

John Wayne’s Ford Truck

It’s not surprising that a Ford truck found its place in John Wayne’s collection. Given his iconic tough-guy image, a Ford truck seemed like a natural addition. Though reports of the truck’s ownership are scarce, it fits perfectly within the persona Wayne cultivated both on and off-screen.

Other Potential Cars in John Wayne’s Collection

There are rumors that John Wayne also owned other classic cars, such as the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 and the 1966 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron. However, the details surrounding these cars remain unclear, and it’s difficult to confirm their place in Wayne’s collection.

That’s all we know about John Wayne’s car collection. A true icon, both on and off screen, Wayne’s vehicles were as legendary as his film roles. His garage reflects his no-nonsense, rugged image, showing us the man behind the legend. 

To learn more about other famous actor car collections, check out the links below.

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