The Glamorous Garage: Sinatra and Van Halen’s Shared Passion for Luxury Cars
When it comes to the allure of luxury automobiles, few can resist the fantasy of filling a grand garage with the world’s most opulent vehicles. For music icons Frank Sinatra and Eddie Van Halen, this dream became a reality, each curating an impressive collection of high-performance cars that reflected their extravagant lifestyles.
The Automotive Affection of Legends
With estimated fortunes of $600 million at the time of his passing and approximately $100 million to his name in 2020, both Sinatra and Van Halen were in a unique position to indulge their shared passion for speed and style. Among their favored rides were the iconic Lamborghinis, renowned for their sleek designs and powerful engines.
Eddie Van Halen’s notable standout was the Lamborghini Miura S “Widebody.” This exquisite machine was a thoughtful wedding gift from his then-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, who chose the license plate APR 11 in honor of their special day. A true reflection of his character, Eddie drove this legendary car around Beverly Hills, often blasting his own music, making it a quintessential part of his lifestyle.
In a remarkable turn of events, the renowned vehicle was restored by We Are Curated and Lamborghini Polo Storico over four years, culminating in its triumphant unveiling in September 2023.
Sinatra’s Lamborghini Miura: A Gift of Exuberance
Frank Sinatra’s affinity for exquisite automobiles culminated in the purchase of a 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S, acquired back in 1969. This eye-catching machine was not just a car; Autocar heralded it as the fastest production car of the 1960s, reaching exhilarating speeds of 174 mph. Sinatra’s Miura was outfitted with an eight-track stereo—an homage to his musical roots—and featured a striking orange-carpeted interior that made a bold statement.
Sinatra himself took a personal journey to the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where he had the opportunity to oversee the production of his pristine vehicle, which was completed just in time for his December 12 birthday. In a twist of fate, the Miura became a cherished item in a 2003 auction at Rockefeller Center, fetching a notable $150,500 after being meticulously maintained for decades.
A Shared Musical Connection
The connection between these two legendary musicians runs deeper than just their taste in cars. Notably, Eddie Van Halen made a cameo in Sinatra’s music video for “L.A. Is My Lady,” sharing a fun and exuberant moment that brought together two different worlds of music and style.
In the realm of opulent automobiles, Frank Sinatra and Eddie Van Halen are much more than just owners of luxury cars; they are icons whose charisma and flair will forever leave an undeniable mark on both the music and automotive worlds. Their legacy isn’t solely about their remarkable talents, but also about their shared appreciation for the finer things, where cars are not merely machines, but extensions of their personas.