10 Athletes Who Drive Classics (And 10 With Bad Taste in Cars)

Modern athletes are notorious for trying to always have the newest and sleekest cars on the road. Some athletes, however, have taken a completely different path, instead using their wealth to buy and restore beautiful vintage cars.

There is an old saying about cars: the poor drive old cars, the rich drive new cars, and the very rich drive very old cars. Many athletes use their money to honor their roots; buy the cars they loved as kids but could never afford. Many of them use it to let their imagination run wild, taking classic cars and combining them with modern technology, like Zack Randolph's fleet of heaped-up Impalas.

However, just because you have money doesn't mean you have taste. Some athletes think they are buying status symbols when in reality they are just proving to the world that they are colorblind. All too often we see young people use their wealth to destroy an otherwise beautiful car with unnecessary modifications, hideous paintwork and narcissistic indulgences like Antonio Brown's decision to use his name, number and silhouette on the side of his Rolls Royce Wraith.

The connection between athletes and automotive culture is deeply rooted. Sometimes these relationships are wonderful, allowing people like Lewis Hamilton, who are genuinely passionate about cars, to reinvent the classics of the past. Other times, however, relationships deteriorate and we end up with abominations such as giant truck-like land beasts driven by Chris Andersen and Joe Johnson. Here are some athletes who have a real old school style… and some who are still working on it.

20 Zach Randolph

This NBA veteran is also a big collector of veteran cars. Z-Bo also has a lot of new cars, including the Maybach and Phantom, but its heart is clearly in the classics. This is especially true when it comes to Randolph's favorite model: the Chevy Impala.

Randolph has a collection of six Impalas from '72 to '76 - three hard tops and three convertibles.

It's hard to pick the best one from this collection, but it could be his cherry red '75. Although it has a classic body and some original parts, it is also heavily modified and fancy. This includes a 26-inch LCD on the dash, a four-screen DVD player, and one of the loudest sound systems an Impala has ever had.

The former Blazer and Grizzlies have just completed their 16 years.^th In the NBA season with the Sacramento Kings and off the court, he is the undisputed king of the donk. All of his Impalas ride on huge wheels from Big Wheels of Ocala and have around $100,000 invested in them.

19 Chris Johnson

This entry could easily go on both sides of this list. Arizona Cardinals early back Chris Johnson is known for appreciating old-school classics, but his off-the-wall work is rarely considered unnoticed.

Johnson is known for his brilliant 4.24 40-yard dash time at the Combine and this heavily modified 1973 Chevy Caprice Classic. This kid is held high and rides 30-inch rims that match the black and yellow bumblebee body paint, though the green convertible top also gives it an Oakland A feel.

This is a second generation version of the classic American muscle car powered by an 454 cubic inch V8 engine.

This big block engine produces up to 365 hp. and is known to hit sixty in less than six seconds and can travel the quarter mile in less than 13 seconds. Not that we recommend trying something like this at Johnson's Caprice, which could be more of a show car.

18 Devin Hester

When Devin Hester retired in 2017, he did so as one of the greatest players in NFL history. He holds records for most special teams touchdowns, most touchdown returns, most touchdown returns in a game, and many other metrics.

Like Chris Johnson, Hester is a Dirty South native who brings his own distinct style to his car game. Hester loves a good butt, including this uplifted Caprice Classic. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Louis Vuitton and these rims are 26 inches of spinning glory.

As impressive as this trip is, it might not even be Hester's cutest old school trip. Those accolades could just as easily go to his cherry red '72 Impala. Rumor has it that Hester put over $200,000 into the trip, most of which came from 813 Customs in Tampa. The Impala isn't just for show - it's powered by an LSX 454 engine that can put out ridiculous 700 horsepower.

17 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is one of the top scorers of his generation in the NBA. He just finished his freshman year with the Oklahoma City Thunder after leaving the New York Knicks, but don't worry: Melo brought that old-school New York street style to the plains with him.

Melo had a number of classic cars in his collection, including a Baltimore-inspired '71 Chevelle he recently sold at a charity auction.

The pride of Anthony's collection is a beautiful cool blue 1964 Lincoln Continental. While Melo kept the car's classic look, he wasn't afraid to throw in some modern touches, including a custom basketball court-inspired subwoofer from Long Island-based Unique Autosports.

Unfortunately, after Anthony left New York, Unique Autosports had to file for bankruptcy. We're not saying this is Melo's fault, though perhaps if he had ordered a few more custom sound systems, they would still be available. Hopefully he has found someone in OKC who can match their talents.

16 Nick Young

Golden State Warriors swingman Nick Young is a confident guy. He's never seen a throw he was afraid to make or an outfit too bold to wear to the post-match press conference. He also had the guts to ask rapper Iggy Azalea out on a date, and she agreed (at least for a while).

Although the couple have since broken up, there was a time when they were one of the hottest items on the gossip pages, even going so far as to get engaged in 2015. Current: 1962 Chevrolet Impala in excellent condition.

While this Impala is less fancy than some of the others on this list, it retains more of the classic style of the original. The trip certainly helps Young live up to his Swaggy P moniker, because at the very least, he certainly got swagger. Just don't expect Nick and Iggy to ride it together.

15 Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush is a former running back who won (and lost) the Heisman Trophy and went on to become an effective outfield pass catcher in the NFL. Bush ended his career after the 2016 season with 477 catches for 3,598 yards, 18 touchdowns, and career earnings of over $80 million. While he may not have lived up to the hype he received after dropping out of USC, he made enough money to date the Kardashians - so yes, he's managed himself.

Bush put some of his money into a fine collection of cars, both new and vintage.

This includes several classic American muscle cars, such as his stunning black '71 Chevy Chevelle, as well as his collection prize: the 1967 Shelby GT 500 Fastback. Reggie's GT is a replica of Eleanor, the car from Gone in 60 Seconds, which he bought for a cool 300k.

14 Brian Wilson

Love him or hate him, former Giants close friend Brian Wilson has never been afraid to show off his big personality both on the baseball field and in his personal style. Wilson was known during his playing days for his thick, black-dyed beard and mohawk hairstyles, but he also made a major contribution to his style.

Wilson was a three-time All-Star and is the closest thing to the 2010 San Francisco Giants championship team. He was a powerful pitcher who also had an arsenal of tricks, offsetting his many fastballs with a slider, cutter, and even the occasional weirdo or knuckle-bone. Wilson actually tried to come back as a knuckleball player in 2017, but he never managed to break through the squad.

Not surprisingly, a man of Wilson's tastes didn't settle for conventional sports cars, preferring instead to drive a handsome 1964 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. The snow-white body of this lowrider is set off by large black tires on black rims. Wilson may have lost his beard these days, but he still has style.

13 Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is one of the most successful drivers in motor racing history. He is a four-time Formula 2017 champion, having won his last title in 1st year with the Mercedes team. Hamilton holds numerous Formula 2008 records, including career points, and has received countless awards for his accomplishments. Prominent among these are his five Autosport International Racing Driver awards, two GQ Sportsman of the year, ESPY awards, and in XNUMX he was made an MBE.

It is no surprise that someone who rewrote the history of racing appreciates the past and deeply loves cars in general. Hamilton's car collection is legendary, befitting a man who was recently named the world's best-selling sportsman.

Among those treasures are a Shelby GT500, two 1967 472 Cobras, and a 1966 427 Shelby Cobra that turned his head when he raced it down the California coast near Los Angeles in 2015. Hamilton's Cobra is made from original parts, which is an incredible rarity. Although its exact cost is unknown, estimates for the car range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million.

12 Roy Halladay

The baseball world lost one of its greats in 2017 when former Phillies and Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay crashed his personal ICON A5 jet. From 1998 to 2013, Halladay was a dominant and enduring starter who won two Cy Young Awards and produced both a perfect play and no hitter in the playoffs. Holliday's legacy is a focused, deadpan on-field contender and a fun-loving, generous family man who will be missed by the entire baseball family.

"Doc" was also known as a car collector with a unique taste for vintage cars, such as his infamous dark purple 1932 Ford hot rod.

Holliday was a renowned gearing specialist who restored the car himself and brought it to the Phillies' spring training in 2012 to relax the team...and show them who's boss.

Holliday was lost too soon, but his legacy lives on in the form of his children, Braden and Ryan, and through his philanthropic work. He and his wife Brandi were known for their work with the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children and the hundreds of thousands of dollars they donated to underprivileged youth. He has been nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award several times and was awarded the 2008 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for these works, a small testament to the type of man the baseball world has lost.

11 Tony Gwynn

Another late athlete who loved classic cars is the great Tony Gwynn. "Mister. The Padres lead the franchise in most offensive categories, including hits, runs, RBI, and stolen bases. His average score of 338 not only leads the rankings, but also equals 18.^th the highest in baseball history.

As much as Gwynn appreciated the history of baseball, he was also a fan of cars and automotive history. Gwynn had an extensive collection of classic cars in mint condition, including this candy blue 1964 Cadillac Fleetwood DeVille. San Diego-based West Coast Customs took care of the details, including a white vinyl retractable top and chrome Dayton wheels. This car is as smooth as Tony's swing and as cool as the man himself.

Sadly, Gwynn passed away too soon, succumbing to cancer in 2014 when she was only 54 years old. However, his legacy lives on, both through the impact he had on the city of San Diego and through his son, Tony Gwynn Jr. The younger Gwynn didn't have a Hall of Fame career like his father did, however he did get a chance to play for his father's old team in the '09 and '10 seasons.

10 LeBron James

LeBron is undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes in the history of mankind and one of the few participants in the controversy for the title of the best basketball player of all time (not @ me). He's won three championships, four MVP awards, been named to 14 consecutive All-Star teams...and may have the ugliest Lamborghini in history.

James has a collection of cars worthy of his "King" moniker, but not every one of these cars is a jewel in his crown. Most notable among his fleet is the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, which is painted after James's Nike X1 "King's Pride". To be honest, it didn't look very good on the boots either, but this pattern looks exceptionally vibrant when viewed in full size.

Nike commissioned a paint job from Lou La Vee, Rich B. Caliente, and Toys For Boys Miami, who worked together to deface the Lamborghini's flawless work of art. The (thankfully) one-of-a-kind ride costs a steep $670,000 – truly a ransom worthy of a king.

9 Mario balotelli

Mario Balotelli is a striker for Nice and the Italian national team, known for his long-range goals and short temper. In the past, Super Mario has shown some folly both on and off the field. His most infamous incidents include firing an air pistol in a public square, interacting with high-profile mafiosi, and throwing steel-tipped darts at a youth team player.

This folly also extends to his paint choices, including his infamous Bentley camo. Bentley is a brand associated with luxury and sophistication, so it seems a bit of an oxymoron to cover up a $250,000 Continental GT with such a trite color scheme.

Balotelli didn't even bother painting the car, but instead just covered it with cheap vinyl. Perhaps it was this gross inconsistency that prompted a disgruntled Manchester United fan to, shall we say, personally sabotage the car in a disgustingly hilarious 2013 incident.

Balotelli no longer owns the Continental, reportedly having given it to his teammate Urbi Emanuel. There are no reports of what made the man give away the $250,000 car, however Emanuel subsequently removed the vinyl and showed the stock white paint job below.

8 Chris "Birdman" Andersen

It shouldn't come as a shock that a player who recently had "GIVE ME WAR" tattooed on the back of his head has some questionable style. From tattoos to hair and beard, Andersen has always been distinguished by ... a characteristic figure on the basketball court.

Then one would expect Andersen to have no less unusual taste in vehicles. His most mind-blowing ride is a genre-defying custom truck-like contraption. This beast is actually a Dodge P4XL that has been heavily modified by Denver-based Car Toys. Its interior is trimmed in suede and Italian leather, while the exterior is fitted with 22.5-inch wheels and a custom chrome grille.

Despite his dubious tastes, Andersen has managed to carve out a good career for himself as a tough fullback off the bench. Andersen was known for his shot blocking, peaking at 2.5 per game with the Nuggets in 08–09, and he helped LeBron James and the Heat win the 12–13 season championship.

7 Darren McFadden

If the Joker liked donks, this might be the ride he would be cool on. This is a 1973 Buick Centurion, which is not one of the most expensive cars on the planet. However, that was before running back Cowboy Darren McFadden got his hands on it, turning a $30,000 ride into a ride that cost twice as much.

McFadden turned the car into a fantasy car in metallic purple and neon green, including those big 32-inch rims. The car is also so elevated that we're shocked that it's left McFadden's driveway at all.

Darren McFadden never quite reached the level the Raiders had hoped for when they drafted him, but that hasn't stopped the former Alabama player from making a pretty respectable career for himself. McFadden officially announced his retirement following the 2017 season, ending his career with 5421 yards, 28 touchdowns and one of the biggest runs in NFL history.

6 Bubba Watson

The stereotypical golfer is an arrogant snob with sugary tastes. And then there's Bubba Watson. A Florida native, a panhandler, more of a good old boy than old money, Watson made a name for himself by disrupting the natural order of the golfing elite.

Watson is a two-time Masters champion and world runner-up. Over the course of his career, he has earned over $2 million in prize money, a hefty portion of which has gone to the aid of the strong southpaw.

This includes over $110,000 for the original 1969 Dodge Charger from the TV show Dukes of Hazzard. General Lee may have been an iconic piece of TV history, however I'm not sure if the stars and stripes on the roof is the kind that will survive in '2018. The Charger 69 is a classic car and it feels wrong to paint it. over a piece of television history - but even so, under no circumstances will you make us wave the Confederate battle flag.

5 Spencer Howes

Spencer Hawes, who averaged 8.7 points per game, was never considered a Hall of Famer. However, he made a ten-year NBA career with the Kings, 76ers, Clippers, Cavs, Hornets and Bucks as a semi-useful backup big man with terrible hair.

His tedious footwork and lack of ability to defend bigger, stronger centers may be his biggest failings as an NBA player, but his biggest mistake as a car owner was buying a 1975 Trabant, the infamous German plastic trap. Often referred to as "the car that killed communism," the Trabant had a one-piece plastic body mounted on a weak two-stroke engine that couldn't make 2 mph if towed by LeBron James Lamborghini.

It's unclear what level of irony Hawes is working on with this purchase, but let's be clear: not every old car is a classic. Some cars are heirlooms for a reason, and the Trabant is a piece of automotive history best left buried.

4 Joe Johnson

via sport retriever

Throughout his 18-year NBA career, swingman Joe Johnson has been known as a tireless scorer who can hit you from the inside or kill you from the perimeter. His smooth jump shot led him to 42nd all-time top scorers (10th in 3-pointers) and includes an NBA '25.0-06 season-high XNUMX points per game.

Less sleek, however, was this giant golden behemoth that caught the attention of the entire league for all the wrong reasons. This highly customized 2008 Ford F-650 Super Truck XUV 175,000 originally retailed for around $200,000, however all the work Johnson did on the car saw its final price well over the $XNUMX mark.

Johnson was known as "Iso Joe" during his prime due to the high frequency of isolation games his team played for him. However, driving such a vehicle is a game of isolation of a different nature, as it is hard to imagine too many people wanting to ride in a vehicle that looks like the world's largest gold nugget.

3 Stephen Ireland

There are few people in the world whose personal style has been ridiculed as much as that of Irish footballer Stephen Ireland. The Stoke City midfielder has never been afraid to shoot the moon, critics be damned, from a $7 million Cheshire mansion to a lavish wedding to a host of horrific tattoos.

Many of his cars have been the subject of scrutiny (and ridicule), including this pink-trimmed Range Rover Sport. He also bought a terrible red and white Bentley GTC for his wife with personalized messages in the headrest.

Perhaps his biggest insult was an Audi R8 painted in the blue and white color scheme of Stoke City's hated rivals Manchester United. Ireland received so much criticism from fans that he ended up repainting the car in a red and white scheme that was even uglier if possible. And there is no need to talk about the customized "Superman" gas cap.

2 Antonio Brown

Antonio Brown has been the best wide receiver in football over the past few years, including leading the league in back-to-back catches in 2014 and 2015 and leading the league in yards in 2014 and 2017. grille, there's still no excuse for the paint job that Brown spruced up with his beautiful 2017 Rolls Royce Wraith.

The Wraith is one of the most disgusting cars on the market today, which makes its Space Jam-like design all the more offensive. As if all the space shots weren't enough, the car also bears Brown's initials, number plate, and even a silhouette of him celebrating the landing.

Rolls Royce calls the Wraith its "most dramatic" car to date, and Brown has no problem raising the level of drama. However, not all dramas are good, and perhaps this updated version of the classic brand doesn't need any extra help to look good.

1 Hulk Hogan

Okay, so you can argue about whether Hulk Hogan is really an athlete, especially since he's officially entered the "permanent man boobs" part of his life. However, the professional wrestler belongs on this list solely because of his tendency to paint every car in his signature red and yellow color scheme.

Hulkster has a way to turn any car - no matter how cool - into a cartoon version of that car on a Saturday morning. This includes classic muscle cars like the Dodge Viper and Chevy Camaro rendered childish and silly with a quality Speed Racer livery.

Make no mistake, these cars still have some power, as Hogan's son Nick discovered when he wrapped his father's bright yellow Toyota Supra around a palm tree while drag racing in Florida. At the time of the accident, Nick was found to have exceeded the legal limit of alcohol in his blood - the ultimate in bad taste when you get behind the wheel.