The perfect garage isn’t just filled with dollars (not literally, of course), it’s filled with personality. We all know that guy who went out and bought a Corvette, an Escalade, or maybe Porsche 911 because it came up under a “what cars do rich people drive” Google search. You’re better than that, and your car collection should be too. Here’s a guide to building a garage that will create envy and show off character.
The Best Garage
A proper car collection requires the right canvas to display your artwork. Nothing dulls the gorgeous curves of German or Italian engineering like an old, dated garage. Your mancave should have clean, epoxy flooring and blue-tinted LED lights to make the paint colors pop. Detailing guru AMMO NYC shows how he turned his New York garage into a museum quality showroom.
The Best Tools
You wouldn’t dare tinker with the 16-cylinder engine of the $3.4 million Bugatti Chiron but any self-respecting owner of a classic car collection knows to maintain and repair his own cars. And if you’re a person who cares for his own rides, then a top-notch collection of tools is an absolute must. Snap-on makes the best hand tools money can buy, but American-made Sonic tools are available in full sets to keep everything easy and organized.
The Best Security
The better the collection, the more vulnerable it is to theft. You don’t need to hire a team of security guards to watch your cars 24/7, but a reliable HD security camera system like those from Lorex will go a long way with keeping your cars away from criminals.
The Best Supercar
Ferrari 458 Italia ($300,000)
While the Lamborghini Aventador or Porsche 918 are more exotic, the 458 is one of the most iconic cars in Ferrari history. The 4.5L engine might be one of the best V8 engines ever built and it emits an absolutely primal exhaust note. You’ll also feel like an F1 driver behind the complex, carbon fiber steering wheel that is loading with buttons and functionality.
The Best 4×4 Truck/SUV
Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 ($220,000)
Though few of these will ever see dirt under its tires, the G-Class is one of the best off-roading machines in the world. The AMG-made V12 biturbo engine is rich with horsepower and low-end torque that will edge this machine over rocks and rough terrain, and the locking differentials will have you laughing at even the most challenging Jeep trails. It’s tempting to keep this one in the garage, but you’re going to want to get this one out in the wild.
The Best Classic Car
1967 Ford Mustang GT500 ($150,000)
Nicholas Cage had it right in Gone in 60 Seconds when he coveted the best American classic ever made. Any car junkie could debate this fact with their own personal favorite—maybe an old Dodge Challenger, Chevelle or Sting Ray Corvette — but the GT500 will always stand above the rest as an American legend. A mint one will cost six figures, but plenty of hobby mechanics find old beaters to restore to a polished finish.
The Best American Muscle Car
2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat ($65,000)
It’s amazing what Dodge offers for just $65,000 — a 707 horsepower (yes, 707) 6.7 liter V8 supercharged engine that delivers more torque and raw power than even the Ferrari 458. The Hellcat is not just the most powerful American muscle car, it might also be the best homage to the classic body style of the 1970s. While Ford and Chevy continue to modernize the look of the Mustang and Corvette, Dodge sticks with its roots for the newest Challenger.
