Arnold Schwarzenegger stormed Hollywood as an unstoppable, musclebound action hero. His tough-guy characters blasted through bad guys in blockbuster movies like The Terminator, Predator, Total Recall, and True Lies. Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life personas match his own pumped-up physique and outgoing personality.
Arnold Schwarzenegger lives up to his public image with an impressive stable of brawny vehicles. From sports cars to off-roaders to military trucks, his collection reflects his super-stardom. While governing California, Schwarzenegger helped popularize civilian Hummers. Recently, he acquired some green machines to balance his past gas guzzlers.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Early in his acting career, Schwarzenegger scored a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado. To him, it represented having made it in Hollywood after years of hard work in bodybuilding. The opulent Caddy convertible announced that Arnold had become a star worthy of the finer things.
With a 365 cubic inch V8 pumping out 300 horsepower, the Eldorado delivered smooth, quiet power worthy of a leading man in the 1950s. Long and low, with massive fins, this rolling symbol of success perfectly fits Arnold’s outsized dreams.
Hummer H1
Seeing a military convoy in Kindergarten Cop, Schwarzenegger implored AM General to produce a civilian Hummer. In 1992, he acquired the first two H1s ever built. The rugged off-road style and imposing presence suited Arnold’s movie persona.
With its 6.5 liter turbo-diesel V8 growling out 215 horses, the Hummer H1 conquered all terrain. Arnold tooled around in this urban tank until environmental concerns forced him to downsize his assault vehicle fleet.
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Owning American muscle cars aligns with Schwarzenegger’s tough guy image. The Dodge Challenger SRT8 packs a 425 horsepower 6.1 liter Hemi V8 punch. This brute force coupe matches Arnold’s on-screen physicality.
With the ability to rocket from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, the Challenger SRT8 provides straight line power. While not his fastest ride, it delivers old-school Detroit steel muscle.
Tesla Roadster (First-Gen)
As Governor, Schwarzenegger supported California’s EV companies. He ordered an early Tesla Roadster but disliked the 2-seater’s cramped interior.
Producing 245 horsepower from its electric motor, the Roadster hit 60 mph in under 4 seconds. Tesla begged Arnold not to return his EV due to the bad publicity. Schwarzenegger may have relegated the Tesla to garage storage.
Custom Electric Mercedes G-Wagon
Seeking greener credentials, Schwarzenegger commissioned Austrian firm Kreisel to convert his Mercedes G-Wagon SUV to electric for $1 million. However, manufacturing the EV G-Wagon initially created more emissions than 50 years of driving a gas-powered version.
The 500-horsepower dual-motor powertrain zaps the boxy Geländewagen to 60 mph in under six seconds. But its hefty curb weight still limits range to about 200 miles on a charge.
Also Read: Indian Celebrities Who Own the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon SUV
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
What’s an action star without a rocket-fast German sports car? Arnold’s Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster provides 563 horsepower for top-down cruising. With a 4.6 second 0-60 time, he enjoys brutal performance honed on the autobahn.
This precision coupe-turned-convertible confidently channels Arnold’s on-screen characters. The Mercedes melds power, performance and prestige befitting a superstar’s vehicle collection.
The Bugatti Veyron
The $1.9 million Bugatti Veyron exemplifies the type of exotic hypercar a celebrity of Schwarzenegger’s status requires. This 1,000 horsepower, quad-turbocharged, 8-liter W16 engine propels the Veyron from 0-60 mph in an astonishing 2.5 seconds. The Bugatti was the perfect over-the-top supercar for Arnold until he sold it to a Nigerian businessman for a $1 million profit.
Bentley Continental
Schwarzenegger loves Bentley’s elegant but brutally powerful luxury cars. His favorite is the Bentley Continental GT Supersports Convertible. This leathery luxury cruiser packs a muscular 12-cylinder engine producing 700 horsepower, rocketing Arnold to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds with the top down. When not governing, he enjoys cruising Palm Springs in British refinement and style.
Porsche 997 Turbo Convertible
Schwarzenegger enjoys al fresco motoring in his 911 Turbo Cabriolet, likely to proudly display his perma-tan complexion. This 997-generation Porsche packs a 500-plus horsepower twin-turbo flat-six to deliver face-melting performance.
It will effortlessly eclipse 200 mph with its top down. Arnie can live out his True Lies jet fighter fantasy while blowing back his iconic pompadour.
Audi R8 E-Tron
During his governorship, Schwarzenegger visited the LA Auto Show and impulsively purchased an Audi R8 E-Tron concept car. This early electric supercar previewed Audi’s eventual E-Tron models.
Its four electric motors produce over 800 pound-feet of torque rocketing it to 60 mph in under four seconds. Arnold enjoyed silently flying past California Highway Patrol officers protecting the Governator.
Schwarzenegger curated an enviable collection of exotic cars befitting his superhero movie roles. He favored muscular American muscle cars along with six-figure European sports cars. Arnold enjoyed showing his success through expensive luxury convertibles with powerful engines. His vehicles match his muscular physique and movie personas.
FAQ’s
How many cars does Arnold Schwarzenegger have in his collection?
Arnold is believed to have around 25 cars in his collection. His garage includes a mix of classic American muscle cars, European supercars, SUVs, and electric vehicles.
What was the first nice car Schwarzenegger bought when he got famous?
The first big luxury car purchase Arnold made was a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. He saw it as representing his achieving the American dream when he became a Hollywood star.
Why did Schwarzenegger start collecting Hummers?
While filming Kindergarten Cop in Oregon, Arnold saw U.S. Army Humvees drive by and became enamored with them. He convinced AM General to produce civilian versions called Hummers, buying the first two off the assembly line.
Does Schwarzenegger own any environmentally friendly cars?
Yes, Arnold owns or has owned several electric vehicles including a Tesla Roadster, Audi R8 E-Tron, and Mercedes G-Wagen converted to electric by Kreisel. He likely acquired these EVs during his time as California’s governor.
What’s the most powerful car in Schwarzenegger’s collection?
The car with the most extreme performance in Arnold’s garage is the Bugatti Veyron. Its 16-cylinder quad-turbo engine produces 987 hp allowing 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. He originally paid $1.5 million for it.
Why doesn’t Arnold have more American classic muscle cars?
While he owns the powerful Dodge Challenger SRT8, Schwarzenegger seems to favor European luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Bentley. But his American cars include the Cadillac Eldorado and several Hummers.
What’s Arnold’s favorite car he currently owns?
Of his current collection, Schwarzenegger seems to cherish his Bentley Continental GT convertible the most. He likes how its imposing presence matches his bodybuilder physique.