Celebs Who Restore Classic Cars as Therapy

For many celebrities, the bright lights of Hollywood and the pressures of fame create a need for a solitary escape. The garage offers a sanctuary where the mechanical rhythms of an engine and the smell of oil provide a therapeutic release from their public lives. Restoring vintage automobiles allows these stars to focus on tangible progress and historical preservation rather than box office numbers or chart positions. From finding rust-covered barn finds to commissioning detailed restomods, these famous figures have turned their passion for automotive history into a serious pastime.

Jay Leno

The former host of ‘The Tonight Show’ is arguably the most famous car collector in the world with a garage that functions as a museum. He employs a team of mechanics to keep hundreds of vehicles in running condition and often gets his hands dirty working on steam cars and early twentieth-century classics. His passion goes beyond mere ownership as he actively restores vehicles that others might consider scrap metal. This dedication led to the creation of ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ where he shares the history and engineering behind his favorite machines.

Patrick Dempsey

Best known for his role in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ as Dr. Derek Shepherd, this actor finds his true peace on the race track and in the garage. He maintains an impressive collection of vintage sports cars and has competed professionally in endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His love for Porsche is well documented and involves maintaining several classic models that require precise mechanical attention. Dempsey views the focus required for driving and maintaining these cars as a form of meditation.

Tim Allen

The star of ‘Home Improvement’ grew up in the Motor City and carries a deep affection for American muscle cars. His collection includes rare vehicles like a Ford RS200 and a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro COPO that he keeps in pristine condition. Allen often discusses how the engineering of cars speaks to him and offers a break from the abstract nature of acting. He has customized several of his vehicles to suit his specific tastes while preserving their classic American spirit.

Adam Carolla

Carolla is a comedian and podcaster who takes his automotive therapy very seriously with a focus on vintage racing vehicles. He owns one of the largest collections of Paul Newman race cars and actively campaigns them in historic racing events. The restoration process for him involves returning these machines to their period-correct livery and mechanical specifications. He produced the documentary ‘The 24 Hour War’ to highlight the history he loves so much.

Dax Shepard

The actor and host of ‘Armchair Expert’ loves vehicles that are big, loud, and uniquely American. He famously drives a 1967 Lincoln Continental that he has upgraded with modern suspension and a powerful engine to make it a daily driver. Shepard views wrenching on cars and motorcycles as a way to bond with friends and disconnect from Hollywood stress. His enthusiasm is evident in how he prioritizes performance and fun over showroom perfection.

James Hetfield

The Metallica frontman channels his creativity into building custom hot rods that are often built from scratch. He sketches his own designs and works with builders to create rolling sculptures that have won major awards at car shows. Hetfield donated his collection to the Petersen Automotive Museum because he views them as art pieces that should be shared with the public. The process of designing these cars provides him with a different artistic outlet than songwriting.

Rowan Atkinson

While he is famous for playing the bumbling Mr. Bean, Atkinson is a serious driver with a degree in electrical engineering. He famously owned a McLaren F1 that he drove regularly and repaired twice after significant crashes. His appreciation for engineering extends to vintage racing where he competes in classic Jaguars and Aston Martins. The thrill of the track and the maintenance of these high-performance machines offer him an adrenaline-fueled escape.

Jerry Seinfeld

The creator of ‘Seinfeld’ has a legendary obsession with Porsche vehicles and focuses on maintaining their originality. His collection is vast and includes some of the most historically significant models from the German manufacturer. He explores the connection between cars and comedy in his series ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ where he selects specific vehicles to match the personalities of his guests. For Seinfeld, the precise engineering of a Porsche represents a kind of perfect logic that he admires.

Sydney Sweeney

This young actress has gained respect in the automotive community for restoring her own vintage Ford Bronco. She documented the entire process on social media and showed herself changing tires and working on the suspension. Sweeney finds the physical labor of car restoration to be a grounding experience that contrasts with the glamour of red carpet events. Her hands-on approach proves that the therapeutic benefits of a garage extend to the younger generation of stars.

Eric Bana

The Australian actor directed and starred in the documentary ‘Love the Beast’ which chronicles his long relationship with his first car. He has owned his 1974 Ford Falcon XB since he was a teenager and restored it for rally racing. The car represents his history and friendships and serves as a constant anchor throughout his career changes. Rebuilding the car after a crash became a metaphor for his own personal growth and resilience.

Sung Kang

Known for his role as Han in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, Kang became a real-life gearhead who builds cars to connect with the community. He built the Fugu Z which is a modified Datsun 240Z that gained worldwide acclaim for its clean aesthetic. Kang treats the build process as a way to meet other enthusiasts and learn new fabrication skills. His projects are often collaborative efforts that bring together different parts of car culture.

Kevin Hart

The comedian loves American muscle cars but prefers them with modern technology and reliability. He commissions high-end builds that retain the classic look of the 1960s while utilizing carbon fiber bodies and supercharged engines. Hart views these cars as rewards for his hard work and enjoys the process of specifying every detail of the design. His collection includes a sinister 1970 Dodge Charger that is a masterpiece of modern engineering.

John Cena

Cena is a WWE superstar who has a deep knowledge of muscle car history and often favors rare machines. He is known for driving his cars rather than letting them sit and even uses a manual transmission kit car as a daily driver. His show ‘John Cena: Auto Geek’ allowed him to showcase the stories behind different vehicles. He appreciates the raw power and simple mechanics of American iron from the late sixties.

Lady Gaga

The pop superstar surprises many with her collection of classic American vehicles including a Ford Bronco and a Chevrolet El Camino. She is often seen driving these vintage trucks around Malibu with the top down. Driving these older vehicles allows her a sense of freedom and anonymity that modern luxury cars cannot provide. She maintains them in excellent running condition to ensure they are ready for a cruise whenever she needs a break.

Snoop Dogg

The hip-hop legend has a distinct style that he applies to his fleet of customized Cadillacs and Pontiacs. He often refers to his cars as his sanctuary where he can listen to music and relax. His restoration projects usually involve custom paint jobs and plush interiors that reflect his personal brand. Snoop keeps the spirit of the 1970s alive through his dedication to these large luxury land yachts.

Ludacris

The rapper and actor still owns the 1993 Acura Legend that he drove before he became famous. He worked with Acura to fully restore the car after it reached over a quarter of a million miles. The project involved updating the brakes and suspension while keeping the exterior looking factory fresh. This car keeps him humble and reminds him of his journey from struggling artist to global superstar.

Gabriel Iglesias

The comedian known as Fluffy owns a massive collection of Volkswagen buses that he calls the Fluffy Museum. He finds joy in hunting down rare models and restoring them to their original glory with matching vintage accessories. His obsession with the VW bus comes from their happy aesthetic and the smiles they bring to people on the road. The collection is his personal happy place where he can retreat from the demands of touring.

Jeff Dunham

Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham has a taste for the eccentric and owns several Batmobiles and odd movie cars. He actively works on his collection and enjoys the challenge of maintaining vehicles that were never designed for practical road use. Dunham also modifies modern muscle cars to create unique one-of-a-kind builds. The garage serves as his creative workshop where he can tinker with mechanics instead of puppets.

Nick Mason

The Pink Floyd drummer owns one of the most valuable car collections in the world including a Ferrari 250 GTO. He believes that cars are meant to be driven and not hidden away in a vault. Mason actively participates in the maintenance of his fleet and drives them at festivals like Goodwood. His passion is rooted in the history of motorsport and the preservation of these engineering marvels.

Richard Hammond

After leaving ‘Top Gear’, Hammond started his own restoration business called The Smallest Cog. He wants to preserve the craft of classic car restoration and teach it to a new generation of mechanics. This business venture allows him to be intimately involved in the resurrection of beloved British classics. For Hammond, saving a car from the scrap heap is a noble and fulfilling pursuit.

Jeremy Clarkson

The loudmouth presenter has a genuine love for cars that have character and flaws. He often purchases vehicles that need work and develops emotional attachments to them during his adventures. While he is known for destroying cars, he also champions the preservation of models like the Alfa Romeo GTV6. His therapy is often found in the simple pleasure of a driving tour through the countryside.

James May

May is known as Captain Slow and approaches car ownership with a meticulous attention to detail. He maintains his vehicles in perfect working order and appreciates the subtle engineering choices made by designers. His collection includes everything from a Ferrari to a humble Fiat Panda. May finds satisfaction in the logic of mechanical repair and the cleanliness of a well-organized garage.

Jason Momoa

The ‘Aquaman’ star has a rugged style that translates to his love for vintage Land Rovers and motorcycles. He commissioned a conversion of his vintage Bentley to run on electric power to combine classic style with modern sustainability. Momoa enjoys the adventure aspect of vehicles and uses them to explore the outdoors. His projects often involve making old machines capable of handling new terrains.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The action star was the driving force behind the civilian Hummer and has since converted his personal one to run on biofuel. He enjoys large military-style vehicles that match his larger-than-life persona. Schwarzenegger is also involved in modifying his fleet to be more environmentally friendly without losing their tough appearance. He treats his vehicles as tools for adventure and symbols of strength.

Sylvester Stallone

Stallone has owned and customized a variety of hot rods and muscle cars throughout his career. He famously designed a 1950 Mercury famously known as Cobra for his movie of the same name. The actor appreciates the aggressive lines and raw power of modified American classics. Driving these powerful machines allows him to feel a physical connection to the road.

Guy Fieri

The celebrity chef drives a bright yellow 1968 Chevy Camaro and has a collection heavily focused on yellow American cars. He enjoys the loud and bold nature of muscle cars and often features them on his show ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’. Fieri sees his cars as an extension of his energetic personality and a way to connect with fans. He keeps his collection in a garage that serves as a personal entertainment space.

Travis Barker

The Blink-182 drummer has a serious collection of old-school Cadillacs that he keeps in immaculate condition. He appreciates the slow cruising lifestyle and the aesthetic of vintage American luxury. Barker often customizes his cars with modern sound systems and air suspension. The garage is a place where he can appreciate the visual art of automotive design.

Idris Elba

Elba is a speed freak who has broken land speed records and explored various forms of motorsport. He worked at a Ford factory before he was famous and retains a deep respect for automotive manufacturing. His interest lies in pushing machines to their limit and understanding the mechanics of speed. The focus required to drive fast clears his mind of all other distractions.

Gordon Ramsay

The fiery chef has a taste for perfection that extends to his collection of rare Ferraris. He appreciates the precision engineering and Italian heritage of the brand. Ramsay drives his cars regularly and enjoys the sensory experience of a high-revving engine. The exacting standards of Ferrari align with his own professional philosophy in the kitchen.

Simon Cowell

Cowell is known for buying expensive luxury cars and vintage roadsters that he drives around Los Angeles. He has a particular fondness for classic Jaguars and often initiates restoration projects to get them to his liking. The music mogul finds relaxation in the simple act of driving a beautiful car with the roof down. His collection is a reflection of his success and his appreciation for timeless design.

David Letterman

Letterman is a co-owner of a racing team and has a deep passion for the sport of IndyCar. He owns a significant collection of Ferraris and other sports cars that he keeps in a private warehouse. The late-night host enjoys the stories behind the cars and the people who built them. His retirement has allowed him to spend even more time focusing on his automotive interests.

Pharrell Williams

The music producer has an eclectic taste that includes a Ferrari Enzo and vintage Rolls-Royces. He views cars as design objects and often customizes them to reflect his unique artistic vision. Williams appreciates the craftsmanship that goes into building a luxury vehicle. His approach to cars is similar to his approach to fashion and music.

T-Pain

The singer is deeply involved in the drift scene and owns several modified Japanese sports cars. He enjoys the technical challenge of setting up a car to slide around a track with precision. T-Pain works with shops to create vehicles that are capable of extreme performance. The drifting community offers him a space where he is judged on his driving skills rather than his fame.

Frankie Muniz

The ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ star put his acting career on hold to become a professional race car driver. He drives and maintains high-performance vehicles and has competed in various open-wheel series. Muniz finds the competition and the mechanical focus of racing to be incredibly fulfilling. The track is where he feels most in control of his destiny.

Keanu Reeves

Reeves co-founded Arch Motorcycle to design and build bespoke bikes for serious riders. He is involved in the testing and design process of every model the company produces. The actor finds riding to be a pure form of therapy that allows him to think clearly. His passion for two wheels led him to create a business that shares that joy with others.

Ewan McGregor

The Scottish actor is a dedicated motorcyclist who has traveled the world on two wheels. He restores vintage bikes and enjoys the mechanical simplicity of older machines. McGregor finds that fixing a bike on the side of the road is part of the adventure. His long-distance trips are a way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with himself.

Daniel Craig

The James Bond actor has a personal love for Aston Martins that goes beyond his on-screen persona. He auctioned off his limited edition Aston Martin for charity after enjoying it for several years. Craig appreciates the British heritage and the understated elegance of the brand. Driving these cars allows him to experience a bit of the Bond fantasy in real life.

Barry Weiss

Known for ‘Storage Wars’, Weiss has been a car collector for decades with a taste for the unusual. He owns custom hot rods and rare vintage American cars that he drives to events. Weiss enjoys the hunt for parts and the process of bringing a vision to life. His cars are often conversation starters that reflect his eccentric personality.

Danny Trejo

The tough-guy actor is a legend in the lowrider community and owns several customized Chevrolets. He loves the culture of cruising and the artistry involved in painting and upholstering these cars. Trejo sees his cars as a way to celebrate his heritage and connect with his fans in Los Angeles. The slow pace of a lowrider is a perfect counter to his action-packed movies.

George Clooney

Clooney owns a classic Chevrolet Corvette V8 C1 convertible that belonged to his father. He maintains the car as a tribute to his family history and enjoys taking it for drives in the California hills. The actor also invested in the Tango electric car company early on. His automotive interests balance sentimental value with forward-thinking technology.

Matthew McConaughey

The actor owns a 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 that he maintains in excellent driving condition. He enjoys the visceral feel of a carbureted engine and the lack of electronic interference. McConaughey finds that driving a classic car requires a level of presence that is meditative. The car matches his laid-back but intense personality perfectly.

Joe Rogan

The podcaster is a massive fan of restomods and commissions builds that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. He wants the look of a classic muscle car with the braking and handling of a modern supercar. Rogan is fascinated by the engineering that goes into making an old chassis handle massive horsepower. He speaks often about how driving these machines is a terrifying but necessary thrill.

Ralph Lauren

The fashion mogul owns one of the most prestigious car collections in the world. He views his vehicles as moving art and restores them to a level of detail that rivals museum pieces. Lauren drives his cars and believes that they must function as well as they look. His collection inspires his design work and provides a private world of beauty.

Chris Evans

The British radio DJ is a Ferrari fanatic who has owned some of the most expensive cars in history. He famously painted several of his Ferraris white for a unified collection look. Evans enjoys the history of the brand and the stories of the drivers who raced them. He often shares his passion by organizing charity car events.

Bill Burr

The comedian loves cars but often rants about the difficulties of maintaining them. He appreciates the design of classic vehicles and the skill required to drive them without aids. Burr finds humor and therapy in the frustration of dealing with mechanics and traffic. His practical view of car ownership resonates with anyone who has ever owned an unreliable classic.

Justin Timberlake

The pop star owns a customized 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible that he used in one of his music videos. He had the car restored to be a reliable cruiser for his family. Timberlake appreciates the cool factor of vintage muscle and the open-air experience. The car represents a timeless style that complements his own career longevity.

Share your favorite celebrity car restoration story or tell us which car you would restore in the comments.