Paul Newman’s Car Collection Was As Legendary As The Man Himself!

Paul Newman, celebrated for his Hollywood stardom and philanthropy, had a lesser-known yet equally impressive passion: cars and professional racing. Beyond the silver screen, Newman built a reputation as a skilled driver and avid car enthusiast, collecting and racing high-performance vehicles like Datsuns, Porsches, and even a V8-powered Volvo sleeper. 

He started off his racing career with the 1971 triumph and raced many cars throughout the years, many of which are owned by Adam Carolla. Although he only got into the world of fast cars in his late 40s, he has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on many through his actions. Let’s dive deeper and know more about his fantastic cars. 

8. Datsun 510

Paul Newman’s journey into motorsports began with an unexpected choice: a Datsun 510, a modest Japanese sedan far from the flashy image of a Hollywood star. Anyways never judge a book by its cover. 

The very humble vehicle ignited his racing passion. Competing under the alias “PLN” (Paul Leonard Newman), he launched a remarkable driving career that is remembered even today 

7. Hudson Hornet 

Among the many vehicles tied to Paul Newman’s racing legacy, the Hudson Hornet from Pixar’s Cars stood out for its sentimental value. Newman, who voiced Doc Hudson in the film, inspired Gunnar Racing to craft a actual version of the classic racer. Names like Herb Thomas, Tim Flock, and Marshall Teague are legendary in NASCAR history, as these Hall of Famers achieved championship victories behind the wheel of Hudson Hornets.

Equipped with a mighty and legendary Ford V8 engine and a NASCAR-inspired design, this custom-built car let Newman live out the excitement of driving the character he immortalized on screen. The Fabulous Hudson Hornet cemented its place in history as one of NASCAR Racing's most iconic vehicles.

6. Porsche 935 

Paul Newman’s racing career hit a defining moment at the 1983 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he drove a Porsche 935—a high-performance beast capable of exceeding 186 mph. His team came tantalizingly close to an incredible achievement: securing a class victory and second place overall, even outpacing advanced prototype cars.

Unfortunately, a blown head gasket dashed their hopes of an outright win. Despite this setback, Newman’s remarkable drive at Le Mans solidified his legacy as a motorsport icon. Although it boasts an exceptional racing pedigree, Paul Newman's Porsche 935 changed hands for what some might consider a modest $4,840,000.

5. Volvo 950 

Known for being indestructible, the Volvo 950 was an offering by Volvo during its prime. The 950 also had one of the best 5-cylinder engine sounds that one could hope for at that time. It had quick acceleration and a high horsepower output, which makes a strong case for itself even today. 

Newman’s Volvo 950 was to be auctioned off all the way back in 2008 but we have no data as to its whereabouts as of now. Just like many others of its kind, the 950 was a forgotten gem only remembered by a few who enjoyed its technical achievements and built to last construction. Although little is known about the Volvo 950, the horsepower output of the V8 puts most cars of its era out of their league when it comes to power and performance. 

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4. Volvo 740 

Paul Newman had modified the 1988 Volvo 740 wagon with a turbocharged engine from the Buick Grand National. Paul Newman's cars always receive high bids at auction. The Volvo 740 is the most recent one to enter the auction via Bring A Trailer. However, it is difficult to estimate the value of such a unique car.

The actual power figures are not available as the engine was tuned by HESCO Engineering with an upgraded performance ECU, a custom exhaust system, and some other updates. The auction was successful as the car switched hands only once in 35 years and it fetched $80,740  

3. Volvo V90 “Volvette” 

Paul Newman’s love for stealthy speed found its ultimate expression in this 1998 Volvo V90 station wagon, transformed into a Corvette V8-powered beast by his racing team as a special gift. Known for his obsession with sleeper Volvos, Newman owned three, with this powerhouse being his final masterpiece.

At a glance, the car retains its stock appearance, complete with original Volvo bodywork and alloy wheels. The only subtle giveaways are the striking red brake calipers and the unmistakable low rumble of a V8 engine purring through the exhaust when it’s fired up. The car was offered for sale on RM Sotheby's with a price guide of $20,000-$25,000 USD. 

2. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 

Paul Newman's Beetle Convertible was one crazy idea. The unique car was based on a mid-engine chassis built by Jerry Eisert. Surely, it might have been the fastest Volkswagen Beetle of its time. The same car was auctioned for a whopping $250,000 tag as it was a one-of-a-kind car with a Newman tag on it.

To handle the power of the roaring V8 under the hood, the suspension was strengthened, the brakes were overhauled, and the cooling system was cleverly modified to prevent overheating. Yet, on the outside, Newman’s car remained the unassuming, classic Beetle—perfectly disguised to surprise unsuspecting onlookers.

1. Chevrolet Corvette 

A car that needs no introduction, the Chevrolet Corvette has been coveted by enthusiasts and technicians alike. Its appeal comes from the quick acceleration, the attractive exterior, and the iconic Corvette name that has gone through many iterations throughout its life. Well, the NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon also owns a Corvette in his collection. 

Newman’s 2002 Corvette had been auctioned off for a whopping $275,000 back in 2012. However, the car still persists in keeping its legacy alive with its recent bodywork, an ode to the late actor and racer. The 2002 Corvette was known to be a road-legal beast with daily driving capabilities that did not cost a bomb.

Honorable mentions: 

Nissan 240Z

During his racing career, Newman would go through many cars but the legendary Datsun/Nissan 240Z, 280ZX, and 300ZX race machines were perhaps the most well known among them. The 240Z in particular was one of the first cars in commission by Bob Sharp Racing in the 1980s.

Nissan 300ZX 

The Nissan 300ZX was built for the 1986 SCCA GT-1 Championship which featured Nissan’s latest in terms of technology and design language along with a 3.3-liter 6-cylinder engine. Newman’s 300ZX was capable of pushing upwards of 160 hp and was backed by a five-speed manual transmission.

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