In the automotive world, it is quite well-known that Prince Rainer III performed one of his less official 'duties' extremely well, collecting and amassing a gorgeous classic car collection. However, the difference between his personal automotive duty of collecting and those of other high profile collectors differs in that, while most ensure a private and exclusive collection, the Prince allows all car enthusiasts to experience the beauties of the classic car era, having created and dedicated an entire 5000m² public museum to showcase his cars, referred to as the Top Car Collection. With the unfortunate passing of Prince Rainer III in 2005, the upkeep of the museum fell to his son Prince Albert II, who has not only sustained his father's automotive legacy but has added to the already impressive collection. The collection spans about 100 cars comprises a variety of vintage cars, with a heavy emphasis on racing, especially in the form of rally cars.

Since very few of us know when we can next visit the automotive museum in Monaco, let's take a virtual tour looking at the automotive specialties housed in the Prince's car museum. 

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

Via: Car Throttle

Out of the first generation of 911s, the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is one of the most iconic cars, integrating racing performance into a road car.

Drawing from the knowledge and experience gained from Porsche's racing program, this iteration of the 911 aimed at creating a road car with all the key features of an established race car. The key to performance is the absolutely minuscule weight, scrapping as low as 975KG, combined with a 2.7L 210HP flat-six engine, and extended wide wheel arches, ensuring the maximization of power transferred to the road (SuperCars.net). This was also one of the first models to feature the iconic duck-tail spoiler that has now become synonymous with Porsche.

This Prince's ownership of this legend clearly demonstrates his appreciation of automotive performance.

RELATED: These Are The Most Gorgeous Restored And Outlawed Porsche 911s We've Ever Seen

1970 Porsche 917K

Via: Porsche, More Than a Passion

Another key Porsche in the history of performance, this track car was Porsche's challenge to the established performance brands of the day.

From setting speed records and consistently winning the Le-Mans, the 1970 Porsche 917K is an iconic car for very many reasons. Firstly, the newly redesigned tail/rear-fin added a whole new level of maneuverability and aerodynamic flow, allowing for revolutionary high-speed stability (SuperCars.net), making this car a track monster. This new stability is joined to the insane 5L flat-twelve 630HP engine, creating an unparallel performance that led to the effective banning of the 917K, by limiting engine displacement to 3L in 1972. This, in turn, paved the way for conceptualization of the 911 into the 911 Carrera RS 2.7.

This piece once again demonstrates the Prince's love of vintage sports cars, still iconic in contemporary car culture.

2013 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Rally Spec

Via: Road and Track

As if the 2013 Astin Martin Vantage V8 did not have enough performance, this specific Vantage V8 has been transformed into a World Rally Championship (WRC) rally car to create a truly unique performance vehicle.

Mäkelä Auto Tuning completed this transformation in 2015, expanding the performance capabilities of an already impressive car. There were a variety of modifications added to maximize the Vantage's rally capacity, starting with changes to the exterior panels to improve aerodynamic flow and stability at high speeds. Moving to the interior, it has been completely transformed, upgrading the factory cabin with a roll cage, bucket seats, and an air scoop to ensure airflow. However, there were very few modifications made to the engine, the addition of a sequential gearbox and hydraulic handbrake being the most notable ones.

Interestingly, the death of Prince Rainer III predates this car, making this one Prince Albert's additions to the collection.

RELATED: 15 Sickest Classic Cars Restored By Celebs

1985 Renault 5 Maxi Turbo

Via: Reddit

Keeping consistent with the rally theme, the 1985 Renault 5 Maxi Turbo forms another significant rally car in the Prince's collection. '

The Maxi Turbo is Renault's answer to rally car hatches of the time, utilizing a turbocharged 1.5L inline-four rear-engine setup, providing 350HP to the rear wheels. Even with stiff steel body panels and cast-iron brakes, the car was insanely light at just 905KG, allowing for a great power to weight ratio. Performance is enhanced even further, with the DPV anti-lag system (ReneaultSports.com) working alongside the engine, to spool the turbo during gear changes, making power available as soon as it is required. The clever design and potent performance of the Maxi Turbo allowed it to win multiple races, becoming a legendary name in rally car history.

As one of only 20 cars ever produced the sheer rarity of this car adds value to performance, making it a truly legendary car in the Prince's collection.

RELATED: Looking Back At The Renault 5 Turbo

2008 Monte Carlo Automobile ALA 50

Via: Wikipedia

Moving away from the rally scene, the Prince demonstrates his affinity for not just the past of automotive history but also its future, housing the 2008 Monte Carlo Automobile ALA 50 concept supercar in his collection.

Another one Prince Albert's car, this car carries sentimental value as well as performance value, making it yet another truly special car in the Prince's collection. The name ALA 50 serves as a tribute to the Prince's 50th birthday (HotCars.com), the local company grateful for the support of the Royal family over the last 25 years of their existence. As a supercar, the ALA 50 boasts a 650HP V8 engine mated to an insanely streamlined, all carbon fiber body allowing track-like performance.

Prince Albert demonstrates once again that he not only respects his father's car collection but wants to actively honor it, helping it grow by acquiring new yet legendary cars.

Sources: Hot Cars, Wikipedia, Reddit, CarThrottle.com, MonacoNow.com, RenaultSports.com, RoadAndTrack.com

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