Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, was an American professional boxer, social activist, and philanthropist. Muhammad Ali was the first boxer in history to win the world heavyweight championship three times in a row and to defend his title 19 times in a row. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 1960, cementing his place among the greatest world boxing heroes and athletes of all time.
Ali was known for owning some spectacular luxury automobiles during his boxing career. A 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow convertible, a 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider, a 1969 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, and a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S Golden Angel Wing were among his automobiles.
Let’s take a peek at the boxing legend’s car collection without further ado.
1. Â 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Convertible
The athletic star was clearly a fan of high-end autos, and the 1970 Rolls-Royce convertible was a true vintage jewel. According to Bonhams, Ali’s Rolls-Royce was one of only 272 Silver Shadow left-hand-drive convertibles produced, and it was the company’s most expensive top-flight vehicle at the time of its production.
He purchased the expensive convertible in December 1970 in New Jersey, United States, under the name Cassius Clay, probably in celebration of regaining his boxing licence. Muhammad Ali refused to be recruited into the US army during the Vietnam War, and as a result, the American government revoked his passport and boxing licence for a little over five years.
He later regained the licence a few weeks before his most famous boxing match, “The Rumble In The Jungle,” and purchased the Rolls-Royce convertible for an estimated $16,000, which is roughly $105,000 today.
Wilton carpets, Connelly leather, and walnut veneers were among the handcrafted amenities in Muhammad Ali’s Silver Shadow Rolls-Royce. A 6.75-liter V8 automatic engine powers the Silver Shadow Rolls-Royce, which has a top speed of 118 mph. It was a bit over two tonnes in weight. Under the hammer, the classic Rolls-Royce is expected to garner between $47,000 and $70,000. This is truly a work of art suited for a champion.
2. 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider Muhammad AliÂ
Muhammad Ali set out to acquire a new Rolls-Royce while living in Chicago, escorted by his close friend and automobile aficionado Tim Shanahan. In Lake Forest, Illinois, they looked at European and Italian imports in quest of a Kelly Green Corniche and potentially a Mercedes-Benz SL for his wife, Veronica Porsche. Because the dealership didn’t have any Mercedes SLs in stock at the time, the new 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider Series II was recommended.
Ali adored the vehicle and thought it would be ideal for Veronica. He eventually purchased the Corniche and the Alfa Romeo and drove them home. Unfortunately for Ali, Veronica Porche couldn’t drive the Alfa Romeo’s manual gearbox, so the car mainly sat and was only used to run errands by Ali’s helpers on rare occasions.
After two years, Muhammad Ali gave the car to his friend Tim Shanahan, who had supposedly had his car stolen. Tim Shanahan held the 1967 Alfa Romeo Spider for over four decades before selling it to MotoeXotica.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with twin overhead cams and fuel injection powers the Spider Veloce Series II. The Alfa Romeo Sports vehicle is equipped with a rear-wheel drivetrain and a five-speed manual transmission. She has a modest two-seater interior with a low beltline, a flat bonnet, and two circular shaped headlights in front that successfully convey a classic vibe. The 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider Series II is currently valued around $42,900.
3. 1959 Jewel Encrusted Mercedes-Benz Golden Angel Wing
The 1959 Mercedes-Benz Golden Angel Wing was essentially a jewel store on wheels, with over 270 valuable diamonds and 23-karat gold. The Mercedes Benz Golden Angel Wing was originally a gift to an anonymous member of a royal family and was custom customised in the early 1980s. The limited edition Mercedes Benz was later given to Muhammad Ali, boxing’s “Greatest of All Time,” by a wealthy fan of his sport.
The vintage Mercedes Benz behind all the Mink has an inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, a manual four-speed transmission shifted on the column, and a push-to-start ignition system. The boxing champion enjoyed riding around in his automobile because it complemented his flashy personality. Today, Muhammad Ali’s Godlen Angel wing is priced at an estimated $1.5 million.
The world champion later succumbed to illness after a long 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease and other respiratory complications. On June 3, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona U.S, Muhammad Ali passed on at the age of 74. He leaves an unmatched legacy, not only in the ring, but also for his love and appreciation for luxury automobiles. He symbolized many successes and achievements that he and his fans recognized and a legacy that we all look up to.
