There is a well-known phrase that says, "In matters of taste, there can be no disputes." And it's pretty convenient to use this phrase because after it's said no argumentation makes sense anymore, especially when it comes to such subjective values as appearance, design, and style.
This problem is well known to gearheads. Yes, we can argue for a long time about the technical characteristics of a car or bike since this is an objective value. But, as soon as it comes to stylistic preferences - the more unusual the appearance, the more difficult it is to think critically and highlight any reasoned arguments. However, let's dare to assume that beauty is still an objective criterion and do it on the example of a person who is obliged to understand beauty first of all because of his profession. Take Ralph Lauren for example.
Ralph Lauren Short Biography
Ralph Lifshitz was born in 1939 in the Bronx. His father and mother are Jews who emigrated to the United States in the 1920s from the territory of the former Russian Empire. The family of six people was living in a one-room apartment. The father worked as a painter while the mother was engaged in raising four children. Despite the terrible poverty, young Ralph dreamed of a beautiful life and was sure that he would have it one day. For several years he saved up his pocket money, and at the age of 12, he bought his first English three-piece wool suit. At the age of 16, Ralph changed his parental surname to a more euphonic one, which is now Ralph Lauren.
After receiving only secondary education and dropping out of college, Ralph went to serve in the military, and when he returned, he got a job as a seller of ties in a brand store. The guy had his own vision on fashion, which he presented to the owners of the company, but did not get a response and decided to establish his own production. At 26, he started his own company, then found an investor and opened his first store, featuring an equestrian polo player on the logo.
Currently, Ralph Lauren's net worth is estimated at $7.1 billion, making him one of the richest people on Earth, and hardly anyone on this planet can say that he has no taste. For us, as avid gearheads, Ralph Lauren's stunning collection of classic cars is irrefutable proof of his taste. It won't be possible to cover all the exhibits of his $300 million collection in one article for sure, therefore, only the three most outstanding ones will be discussed below.
Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Atlantic is a monument to French coachbuilding. It stands out for its incredible sense of lightness. Only four cars with such a body were produced and only two of them survived. Both were winners of many auto shows, including at Pebble Beach.
The first car found a new owner in 2010. The exact value of the deal is unknown, but it is reported that it was in the range of $30 to $40 million. Lauren's car is objectively in better condition, so it can easily be valued at more than $40 million. What is most outstanding here is not only the appearance but also the technical characteristics of his car. The engine developed about 170 hp and was able to accelerate up to 125 mph.
Racing cars that actually participated in competitions and won are always of great value for collectors. By the way, this is just one of the many examples of rare cars that are in Ralph Lauren's collection.
Ferrari 250 GTO
Next, comes one of the most expensive exhibits in Ralph Lauren's automobile collection, which is part of his all-red-car collection. This car is probably the most expensive classic car ever made. Of all the models produced by Italian designers, this is the most expensive car in the Ferrari line ever sold at auction.
Experts also give this car primacy in the line of classic sports cars. In the 1960s, famous racers drove it at races of various levels. The harmonious synthesis of technical qualities and the skill of the pilots allowed the model to take first place in the world championships.
A total of 39 units rolled off the assembly line, and one of them ended up in the collection of the fashion designer and passionate collector of historic cars. The retail price was announced at $18,000, and in half a century, the cost has increased significantly.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 MM
And next comes one of the most expensive cars of the Alfa Romeo auction history, sold at the RM & Sotheby's auction in California for $19.8 million. It was a 1939 model.
This masterpiece was developed specifically for participation in the Mille Miglia races. The car is powered by a 2.9-liter engine that was developed by Vittorio Giano. As for the body, the designer was Carrozzeria Touring.
The famous race car driver Clemente Biondetti won the 1938 Mille Miglia. It was the debut and immediately the first place. It also won numerous other races.
These three cars alone prove that Ralph Lauren not only has good taste but that he is also a proper gearhead.