Prince, the unforgettable pop icon of the 1980s and beyond, was one of the most eccentric singers, songwriters, instrumentalists, filmmakers and actors the world has seen. He brought us top-charting songs like Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Raspberry Beret and Little Red Corvette.
Today, April 21, marks the fifth anniversary of his death at the age of 57. Shortly after, the inventory of his estate was released to the public and we got to see what the purple-loving, velvet-wearing artist kept in his garage.
The list contained 18 vehicles — cars and motorcycle — but here are the ones that stood out to us or that surprised us the most:
1964 Buick Wildcat
You might remember seeing this classic in the background of Prince’s Under the Cherry Moon music video, but did you know that Prince actually owned this convertible?
These unconventional muscle cars were wild enough for the prince of pop with its standard big block 325-horsepower V8 engine and stylish vee grille.
1999 Plymouth Prowler
Extravagant and eclectic, Prince’s purple Prowler just makes sense.
Prince added this Prowler to his collection in 1999 after signing with his new record label, Arista Records. With Arista Records, he released his Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic album, which got mixed reviews – just like the Plymouth Prowler.
1995 Prevost Bus
Prince lived life on the road in the ‘90s, averaging one tour a year so it’s no surprise he traveled in style.
In the mid-‘90s, Prince splurged on a luxury tour bus made by Canadian manufacturer Prevost.
These buses were packed full of upgrades like two comfy sofas, a large kitchen area with a pull-out pantry, his-and-her bathroom sinks and even a rotating closet. No surprise that the base price for one of these buses was around $650,000.
1991 BMW 850i
Based on the list of possessions, Prince was a fan of BMW, including his 1991 850i.
It’s rumored the bright yellow 850i we see in his Sexy M.F. music video was the same one in his personal collection.
1984 BMW 633CSI
Another BMW to make it into Prince’s collection was a 1984 633CSI.
In 1984, Price was on tour promoting his most popular album of all time, 1999, that featured his iconic song Little Red Corvette.
This BMW is not as impressive as a red Corvette but it was a sporty enough to grab attention.
1993 Ford Thunderbird
For some reason, Prince decided to select a 1993 Thunderbird instead of the ’67 T-bird featured in his music video for Alphabet St.
These mid-size cars were decent enough to produce 140 to 210 horsepower with its 3.8-liter V6 or 5.0-liter V8 for the Super Coupe edition.
Purple Rain Hondamatic CM400A
The most iconic piece in Prince’s collection isn’t a car but his purple Honda motorcycle named Purple Rain after one of his most popular songs.
We see Prince ride this flashy bike in his 1984 semi-autobiographical film also titled Purple Rain.
1997 Lincoln Town Car
A car made for the stars, these town cars were the perfect luxurious rides to be chauffeured around in.
Prince’s 1997 model was the last of the town car’s second generation. These cars were typically equipped with wood interior trim, rear seat mirrors and climate control.
The price tag for these Lincoln’s started at $37,000 at new, but you can find them for as low as $3,000.
The other cars in his possession at the time of his death include:
- 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2004 Cadillac XLR
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz (model unknown)
- 2011 Lincoln MKT
- 2006 Bentley (model unknown)
- 1985 Cadillac limousine
- 1996 BMW Z3 roadster
- Buick Electra 225 (year unknown)
- Graffiti bridge motorcycle
- Honda Motorcycle
In the course of supplying cars for the film industry we were asked to find and modify a 1964 Buick Wildcat conv to be shipped to France The parameters were that it needed to be white w a white interior. We were given a month to complete the car. I was told that this was the exact car that princes dad had when he was younger!!!
Wow, a wild cat. My dad’s friend had one. That was one strong durable car. I don’t remember the year but I pulled a 66 mustang 20+ miles with no problem.. Once this car took off it literally coasted on the gas like a boat on water..
I’m sorry, but your wrong with the 93 Thunderbird claim with the Alphabet St video…. that came out in 88… didn’t he say in the video it was a 67?
Hey Josh, thanks for your comment! It was a ’67 in his music video but Prince did own a ’93 Thunderbird.
The ’67 Thunderbird was once his father’s car.
In 1984 Prince was touring the Purple Rain album which was his best selling record. 1999 was released in 1982.