Compilation / Zhang Gull
Editor/ Liu Baohua
Design / Leather
Source/ HOTCARS by Param Davies
William Henry Gates III, also known as Bill Gates, was one of America's most successful business magnates, software developers, investors, writers, and philanthropists.
Best known for co-founding Microsoft, an American multinational technology company, he has amassed a huge fortune over the years and made him one of the world's most famous rich men for a long time.
In addition to his wealth, Bill Gates' lavish lifestyle and expensive tastes are also touted, and one of his hobbies is buying some of the world's most luxurious cars, which often makes him the focus of media attention.
The famed business tycoon's total assets were worth a staggering US$147 million (RMB930 million). There's no denying that Bill Gates' fascination with private air travel is his most extravagant hobby, and his personal hangar includes more than $200 million (1.27 billion yuan) worth of bespoke "business jets."
In contrast, Gates' car collection is relatively modest, but not boring. His garage had some of the most desirable and palatial cars in the world.
Bill Gates' car collection isn't as loud and ostentatious as some of his other big assets, but exudes near-unparalleled chic. Collectibles also have elements of diversity.
Porsche 911 in 1979
It's also Bill Gates' favorite car. Launched by Porsche AG in Stuttgart, Germany, as early as 1964, this flexible rear-engined sports car soon became popular among car enthusiasts around the world, and its overall smooth dynamic version also had a major impact on the racing world.
The Porsche 911 in 1979 became one of the most iconic special-shaped sports cars in modern times, and it was also the first car purchased by Bill Gates.
The Porsche 911 underwent a series of aesthetic and mechanical updates during its life cycle, and its classic sports car basic design concept is revered even in modern times and has not changed much. The 911 series undoubtedly exudes near-unparalleled desirability and exceptional engineering creativity.
Bill Gates' 1979 Porsche 911 sold for as much as $80,000 (510,000 yuan) at auction.
Porsche 959 Sports
Launched in 1986, the Porsche 959 is considered one of the most technologically advanced supercars in the world. Originally, it was introduced as a Group B rally car. Its roads are legalized to meet the FIA's certification rules, which require at least 200 cars to be produced.
The Porsche 959 was the fastest legal road car in the world when it was launched in 1986, with a top speed of an incredible 197 mph (317 km/h). This flawless Porsche was one of the first high-performance sports cars to feature all-wheel drive, and its outstanding overall configuration paved the way for future Porsche sports cars.
With innovation at its core, Porsche's exclusivity is unmatched, with the German automaker producing only 337 959s. The exquisite and flawless engineering caters to niche and wealthy target audiences, and bill Gates is not surprising that he was fortunate to own this legendary sports car.
Ferrari 348
This mid-mounted V8-engined two-seater supercar was put into production by Ferrari in 1989 as a direct replacement for the Ferrari 328. The Ferrari 348 is a rather unique product of the Italian car manufacturer, as it was the last V8 supercar developed under the direction of Enzo Ferrari.
Bill Gates' over-abnormal use of the Italian supercar sparked a discussion among car enthusiasts around the world, as he often drove his 348 on the sand, and because of this, it also earned the nickname "Dune Car".
The Ferrari 348 is extremely exclusive, with only 8,000 in total. This sleek supercar is still very popular in Hyundai, with several limited editions worth up to $160,000 (1.01 million yuan).
Porsche Taycan
Electrification is accelerating around the world, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, and everyone from start-ups to established car companies have launched their own high-efficiency all-electric vehicles. This Porsche's attempt at electrification proved to be very successful, with the Taycan demonstrating both the characteristics of its supercar and the added ecology.
Introduced to everyone at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Taycan quickly caught the attention of automotive journalists around the world. The Porsche Taycan is innovative in design and also shows great potential in terms of performance dynamics.
The pure electric Taycan is considered the savior of pure gasoline engines, and its overall packaging still exudes the thrill of a gasoline-powered supercar. Bill Gates has a penchant for Porsche, and he bought the Taycan for $150,000 (955,000 yuan), adding a personal touch to his colorful collection.
Chevrolet Suburban
Saabban is a popular car family manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. Also known as the car name brand with the longest continuous use in production, this magnificent SUV is an all-round model, also known as the Chevrolet "Big Mac", which has had a major impact on the field of full-size SUVs.
It has a wide range of engine options, with a powertrain ranging from the 5.3-litre V8 to the more powerful 6.2-litre V8, giving the Saabban a more dynamic personality. This huge SUV is at the top of the reliability rankings and has also become a popular choice for some celebrities in Hollywood and beyond for their daily commutes due to its spacious interior and comfortable ride power.
The $60,000 (380,000 yuan) Chevrolet Saabban is one of the cheaper cars in Bill Gates' car collection, but is considered one of the most comfortable SUVs in its segment.
Ford Focus
The hatchback from Ford was one of Bill Gates' everyday cars. This small hatchback is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ti-VCT direct injection power unit capable of producing 130 horsepower and 173.99 Nm of torque.
The Fox is known for its superior driving and handling characteristics, and its fun driving characteristics make it one of the best options in the field. The $15,000 (95,000 yuan) Ford is the most affordable car in Bill Gates' collection, but its comprehensive qualities undoubtedly make it one of the worthwhile models to meet everyone's daily driving needs.
Bill Gates' garage has some of the most unique and ideal cars that many car enthusiasts can only appreciate from a distance. His collection exudes a more modest and understated atmosphere than other regal collectors. Each car has its own identity, with exclusive, expensive, high-quality or practical themes as a business card, which also highlights his exquisite taste.