At first glance, few would take Rowan Atkinson for a gearhead, let alone own so many priceless vehicles. The on-screen personas he’s established, like the bumbling and animated Mr. Bean or secret agent Johnny English, contrast the real-life Atkinson. That explains why Atkinson headlines the list of surprising celebrities who love cars.

As a celebrity, Atkinson is able to pursue his passion, which happens to be collecting and driving rare cars. Although he has an impressive collection, he’d beg to differ. “I’m not a collector,” Atkinson said in a 2013 interview, “I don’t like the toy cupboard syndrome that causes so many good cars to evaporate. It depresses me that they are hidden away like investment art or gold ingots in a Swiss vault.” Again, Atkinson upends expectations of what the public might expect from a rich celebrity. Instead of hoarding rare and expensive dream cars, Atkinson has a diplomatic and inclusive approach to his car obsession that's admirable.

We might not be certain of how many cars Mr. Bean owns, but if his collection reveals one thing, it’s that his tastes are diverse. Even more enlightening is that he takes the world of automobiles seriously.

UPDATE: 2024/03/08 18:31 EST BY OLAKUNLE BALOGUN

Rowan Atkinson is an amazing gearhead and has owned some memorable cars over the years. Though several of these cars have come and gone, his love for a variety of vehicles persists. We've updated this list with more information about the vehicles on this list and added more incredible vehicles hiding in Mr. Bean's garage.

All the vehicle specs were sourced from their respective manufacturers, while the vehicles' performance stats were gotten from credible data from ZeroTo60Times.

15 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale

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The 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Was A Homologation Special

The Lancia Delta HF Integrale may be small. It may be boxy, and in 1989, it was pricey. Despite these cons, Rowan Atkinson loves his Delta Integrale so much that he even penned a passion piece about why he will never swap it for another car! Even Atkinson remarks that it isn't a great city vehicle but instead built for rally and racing. It may not be the flashiest or most expensive car in Mr. Beans' collection, but it is undoubtedly one he greatly values!

Fact: Atkinson Was Building A Mansion To Store His Car Collection

Rowan Atkinson needs a place to store all his cars. He started work on building a mansion in Oxfordshire where all his cars could be parked. His collection is not only lavish but extensive as well, requiring lots of comfortable parking spaces.

The project, as per the same source, could cost up to $10-20 million, which speaks not only to his wealth but the size of the mansion as well. He recently went through a divorce, however, so the project is currently up in the air.

14 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1997 McLaren F1

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The F1 Is Powered By A BMW-Sourced Engine

Perhaps the most notorious car that has been in Atkinson’s collection (for reasons detailed further down the list), the legendary McLaren F1 has traits that make it unforgettable. It’s not only the most eye-popping but proved to be one of the most expensive ones to maintain over time.

Atkinson bought his McLaren F1 in 1997 and would hold on to it for about 18 years before putting it up for auction. The McLaren F1 proves that Atkinson is less concerned with collecting than he is with rocketing down the street.

Fact: He Crashed His McLaren F1 Twice

Rowan Atkinson crashed one of the crown jewels of his collection: the McLaren F1. Not only did he do it once, but twice, as reported by GQ magazine. What really raises eyebrows, though, even more than the fact that he crashed a beautiful car, was that the insurance company hit him with a huge bill afterward.

The same source notes that it cost Atkinson’s insurance company a heap of money to do the repairs. It proves once again that insurance goes a long way.

Fact: His McLaren F1 Cost More Than $1 Million To Repair

People won’t believe that Atkinson crashed his McLaren F1 on two occasions. On the one hand, there’s something to admire about his thrill-seeking. On the other hand, one could argue it’s being a little irresponsible with money.

NPR reports that it cost Atkinson’s insurance company $1.4 million to fix the car after the incident. This was for the second crash, which occurred back in 2011. Part of what made the repairs so expensive was that the ride was made of carbon fiber.

Fact: It Took A Year To Restore His McLaren F1

In the aftermath of crashing the McLaren F1 for the second time, it cost Atkinson’s insurance company a lot of money to repair it. Due to the carbon fiber materials and its rare parts, Tampa Bay Times reports that it took technicians over a year to get it back on the road again.

Atkinson was only doing what he thought was right when driving his McLaren by saying, “The McLaren is just so usable, it is a crime not to use it. No gritted teeth, you just get in and drive."

Fact: Atkinson Sold His McLaren F1 For Over $12 Million

Even after all the years and miles he racked up on the McLaren F1, Atkinson said goodbye and parted ways with one of his collection's best cars. The two had been through a lot together, including two car crashes and repairs. He definitely got his money’s worth for it in the end though, and for Mr Bean, this will probably be one of the most eventful Rowan Atkinson cars.

Atkinson sold the McLaren F1 for a whopping £8 million. Today, that comes out to a little more than $12 million.

13 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 2002 Honda NSX

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The NSX Is A Japanese Supercar Legend

Atkinson's love for the F1 is understandable. However, he also shares a love for another car with the F1's designer Gordon Murray. That car is the classic Honda NSX, a Japanese Supercar legend.

In fact, Rowan Atkinson appeared on an episode of Top Gear in the 2000s, where he took time to share his love for the Honda NSX. Though not jumping on the earliest models, Atkinson sprung for the 2002 model. It's unclear exactly how long he owned the NSX, or if he still has it, but one thing is sure: Atkinson has excellent taste in cars.

Fact: You Won’t Find A Porsche In Mr Bean's Garage

If Atkinson’s collection tells us anything, it’s that his tastes and appreciation for automobiles run deep. He likes all kinds of cars and has a variety of brands. There’s just one brand he refused to ever buy that you won’t find in his garage: Porsche.

“I have a problem with Porsches,” said Atkinson, as per the blog Bernice 4 Crosby 27. “They’re wonderful cars, but I know I could never live with one.” In his comments captured by the British GQ, Atkinson suggests that it’s Porsche owners he doesn’t find many commonalities with.

12 From Mr. Bean's Garage: Johnny English Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

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Johnny English's Rolls-Royce Phantom Features A Special V16 Engine

This Mr. Bean car is only a slight cheat. The Rolls-Royce Johnny English Phantom Coupe is a beautiful addition to anyone’s collection. As part of the second Johnny English film, Atkinson pulled some strings in order to get it into the movie (detailed later on).

Johnny English's Phantom is not the most complex Rolls-Royce Phantom ever made. However, it's quite unique because it was specially made for a movie, and it features an experimental nine-liter V16 engine.

Fact: He Persuaded Rolls-Royce Execs To Loan Out A Phantom For Johnny English

The Rolls-Royce used in the Johnny English sequel wouldn’t have been in it if Atkinson had not pulled some strings behind the scenes. The execs behind this car that comes with a V16 engine over at Rolls-Royce required some convincing to loan it out for the movie, and Atkinson was more than happy to oblige.

According to GQ Magazine, Atkinson reached out personally because he knew Rolls-Royce could provide him with a special car for the movie. His love for Rolls-Royce runs deep.

11 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 Series 1

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Atkinson's 1989 Series 1 Thema Uses A V8 Engine

Atkinson's 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 Series 1 is a sight to behold. These cars are rare for a reason, as they sport a signature styling and have the insides to match. His came with a slick red paint job.

Atkinson’s Lancia Thema came in left-hand drive, making it unique for a car that resides across the pond. He owned it for a total of seven years before putting it up to the highest bidder through auction.

Fact: There Are Less Than 20 Lancia Themas In The UK

Atkinson has proven he’s willing to sell his cars, even some of the rarest ones. He let go of his Lancia Thema when he put it up for sale through Iconic Auctions. According to Iconic Auctioneers, there are less than 20 units of Atkinson’s Lancia Thema that are registered in the UK, making it a rare piece of machinery.

Adding even more value to the car is that it was in Atkinson’s garage for years, which only increased the bidding price. The classic car was auctioned off on Saturday 24th February 2018.

Fact: The Lancia Thema Engine Comes From A Ferrari

Atkinson’s Lancia Thema is special on the outside, but it's even better on the inside. Starting first with the interior, it’s decked out with velour upholstery, which is a material that feels similar to velvet. While that’s something everyone can appreciate, there’s something else that car enthusiasts will love about Attkinson's Lancia Thema: the engine.

Underneath the Lancia’s hood is a 32-valve engine that comes from another popular and lavish sports car, the Ferrari 328.

10 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E

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The 1993 500E Is Powered By A 5.0-liter V8 From The SL-Class

Another example of a low-key car hiding within the garage of Mr. Bean is the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E. Funny enough, Rowan Atkinson seems to have a thing for the 500E, as he's sold at least two. One of which, a silver model, was sold twice! Not to be confused, the most recent sale of a Mr. Bean Mercedes-Benz 500E took place in 2020 at auction. Even his low-key cars are fast; the 500E can hit 60 in as little as 5 seconds!

Fact: He’s a Thrill Seeker First And Car Collector Second

As Atkinson reveals in the introduction’s quote, he’s more interested in driving cars than displaying them. In spite of all the value some of these cars have, he’s more curious about experiencing the value rather than earning from it, as he explained while being interviewed on the BBC show Top Gear. “But my favorite car is still a McLaren F1, which I have had for ten years.” It makes sense his favorite car is a performance-oriented engineering masterpiece and the world's first hypercar.

9 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 2015 Land Rover Defender 110 Heritage

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Just 400 Units Of The Defender 110 Heritage Were Produced

Atkinson's collection reveals a wide variety in taste that’s not limited to sports cars alone. His Limited Edition Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage was a rugged and unique entry in his long line of valuable cars. These Heritage models commemorated many years of the Defender in the UK, and Atkinson was one of the lucky ones to snatch a model before it was too late.

Not only does the Atkinson's Heritage Land Rover Defender have celebrity provenance, but as of March 2024, it has racked up just 3,800 miles on the odometer, and according to Iconic Auctioneers, it's in great condition. However, a unique opportunity opened up for collectors earlier this year that saw the Land Rover getting snapped up directly from Rowan Atkinson CBE as it was auctioned off for £83,250(about $107,000) through Iconic Auctioneers.

8 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1977 Aston Martin Vantage

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The Aston Martin Vantage Is Britain's First Supercar

The Aston Martin Vantage has been part of Atkinson’s collection for a long time. According to British GQ, he got it back in 1984. His is the color burgundy. Where the Aston Martin Vantage really shines, though, is in its mechanics underneath.

The same source points out its 5.3-liter engine that’s able to do an impressive 380 hp. While it’s easy to be envious of a car that has both style and power, one can’t fault Atkinson owning one, considering all his achievements. Notably, for Vantage enthusiasts, it's great to know that the forthcoming 2025 Aston Martin Vantage packs big Mercedes power, and it'll arrive in the 2nd Quarter of 2024.

7 From Mr. Bean's Garage: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

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The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Has Front Splitter And Rear Diffuser

A sportier and more track-oriented version of the Mercedes-Benz SL, it’s hard not to like Atkinson’s Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Introduced in 2010, one of its distinguishing characteristics are the gull-wing doors that elevate the car to a whole new level of class. The MSRP as of 2011 was about $183,000, and we can only imagine how much Atkinson’s would cost, considering the boost in value after passing through his ownership.

6 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 2011 Skoda Superb

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The Skoda Superb Offers An Optional 3.6-Liter V6

While it may not be as familiar to U.S. car buyers, this is a Skoda Superb – the Czech brand's flagship sedan offering meant to compete with the likes of the Mercedes E-Class. It's one of the tamer cars in Atkinson's collection, and he was spotted driving one back in 2013.

5 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E

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Atkinson's 1993 500E Has A Top Speed Of 155.3 MPH

Not only does Atkinson’s collection reflect style and luxury, but exclusivity as well. The Mercedes-Benz 500E is probably the world's most perfect sedan, and Atkinson's 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E, according to The Sun, was rare due to being a left-hand drive model. It’s since gone on to auction.

It’s also worth noting that this 500E is not the only one he owned but, in fact, the second one he added to his garage. Considering he sold his other cars for several million pounds, this 500E was bound to go for a lot of money too.

4 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato

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The 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato Has A Near 50/50 Weight Distribution

Luxury cars don’t get much better than the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato. Atkinson has one in his collection, according to GQ. Hagerty reports that the standard engine that came in these produces 432 hp.

It also brings together two renowned brands – Zagato and Aston Martin – who collaborated to make this special car. No wonder Atkinson found it worthy to add to his fleet, which only solidified his taste and the value of his collection that much more.

3 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1964 Ford Falcon

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Atkinson's 1964 Ford Falcon Has FIA-Specs

There’s no shortage of rare and limited cars in Atkinson’s fleet. One of them is a 1964 Ford Falcon, showing that even his automobile tastes stretch as far as Canada and the US. These came before Mustangs rolled onto the scene and changed Ford’s landscape forever. They have a crucial place in history that any collector can appreciate.

2 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 2015 BMW i3

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The 2015 BMW i3 Adopts A Rear-Mounted Synchronous Electric Motor

Some car enthusiasts who value speed and performance shun eco-friendly cars. Rowan Atkinson is different though. According to Drive, Artkinson's garage features a BMW i3 that he drives around in.

While some car enthusiasts wouldn't be caught dead in one, Atkinson takes the high road, showing he's willing to embrace the future of automobiles. The same source reports that these only go up to 95 mph, which is a lot less than other cars in his garage, including the supercar McLaren F1.

1 From Mr. Bean's Garage: 1939 BMW 328

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Atkinson's BMW 328 Won The Mille Miglia

We recently saw an abandoned BMW graveyard that'll make Bimmer fans weep, and should a BMW 328 be found in it, the tears might be even more. Atkinson has a 1939 model of the BMW 328 sitting pretty in his garage. A truly special car at that, this BMW was driven by Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Bäumer to victory at the Mille Miglia. Now, it's been fully restored to its old glory, and being the most significant car of its era, this 1939 BMW 328 sports car is a collector's dream car.

Sources: British GQ, Hagerty, Rolls-Royce, Iconic Auctioneers, ZeroTo60Times, Tampa Bay, Motor Authority, Drive.