Michael Jordan’s cars are making money moves of their own

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Image credit: Getty Images

 

Michael Jordan may be synonymous with his goated skills on the court, but did you know that His Airness’s cars are just as impressive? That’s right, the man who could make a basketball disappear can also make your jaw drop with his garage. In fact, his love for cars is so legendary that even Ben Affleck’s newest movie ‘Air’ revealed that Jordan would only agree to a lifetime deal with Nike if they gave him a red Mercedes. From the Ferrari 550 Maranello that he drove to training camp or the McLaren SLR that he once raced against his teammate Ron Harper, Jordan’s cars are as iconic as his jump shot.

 

So iconic, that his latest limited-edition Air Jordan 6 ‘Toro’ takes inspiration from one of his cars—the vented tongue and spoiler-like heel tab are both nods to His Airness’ Porsche 993 Turbo S. But his cars aren’t just a pretty face—it’s got some serious street cred too. His Range Rover HSE 4.6 was featured in the documentary series The Last Dance, where Jordan himself was seen leaving his mansion. And let’s not forget about the time he famously smoked a cigar in his Red Auerbach Mercedes SL 600 to intimidate the Golden State Warriors before a game.

 

Jordan’s car collection is a physical testament to why he is the GOAT. Each car has a story to tell, whether it’s the 1988 Chevrolet Corvette that he bought after winning his first MVP award or the Mercedes-McLaren SLR that he bought to celebrate his sixth NBA championship. If you’re looking to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be the GOAT—or a fly on the wall in his garage—read on to take a spin through Michael Jordan’s legendary car collection.

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Image credit: Getty Images

 

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet ‘Slant Nose’

 

Jordan’s cocaine white Porsche 911 was a customised version of the classic sports car that he received as a gift from his father in 1998. The car was fitted with a distinctive ‘slant nose’ front-end design that featured pop-up headlights and a low, sloping front grille. MJ reportedly loved driving his Porsche and even used it to commute to NBA games during his time with the Chicago Bulls. In 2018, the car was sold at auction for a record-breaking $1.7 million, making it one of the most expensive Porsches ever sold.

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Image credit: Getty Images

 

Aston Martin DB9 Volante (2005-2009)

 

In the early 2000s, Michael Jordan had already established himself as the greatest basketball player of all time and had transitioned into an ownership and executive role with the Washington Wizards. However, the lure of the game proved too strong, and in 2001, Jordan made a comeback to play for his own team. During his time in DC, Jordan was known for his impeccable style both on and off the court, with his choice of car being no exception. He drove a stunning Rannoch Red Aston Martin DB7 Volante, before upgrading to a sleek Silver DB9 Volante.

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Image credit: courtesy of Netflix/The Last Dance

 

993 Porsche 911 Turbo S 

 

Ah, the 993-generation of the 911 Turbo S. As a true car enthusiast, Jordan has also owned several other Porsches, including a Porsche Carrera 4S and a Porsche Panamera Turbo S. Although I did mention that MJ’s Porsche 993 Turbo S mused his newest Jordan Air Jordan 6 ‘Toro’, the sports car has influenced several other Air Jordan models, including the Air Jordan XVI, which features design elements reminiscent of the 911 Turbo S, such as the grille-like mesh on the shoe’s upper.

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Image credit: courtesy of the Volo Auto Museum

 

Bentley Continental GT

 

As a man with refined taste, it’s no surprise that Michael Jordan is the proud owner of a Bentley Continental GT. Finished in green with dark-tinted windows and $9000 Lowenhart rims, the luxury car was a fixture in Jordan’s garage for six years. While the car is now part of the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, its influence lives on – serving as inspiration for the Air Jordan XXI shoes.

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Image credit: AP/Getty Images

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 40th anniversary edition

 

Prior to Nike, Chevrolet was Jordan’s first endorsement and the sports car made multiple features in The Last Dance documentary. In one memorable scene, Jordan stops his Torch Red 1994 ZR1 to sign a fan’s ball before zooming off. He also personalised his 1984 Corvette C4 with a ‘JUMP23’ licence plate and has been seen with several other Corvettes as well, including a black C5 and a 2015 Corvette Z06.

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Image credit: courtesy of Netflix/The Last Dance

Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE

 

While Michael Jordan may be known for his love of luxury sports cars, he also has a more practical ride in his collection: the Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE. Jordan’s Range Rover even made an appearance in The Last Dance, the hit ESPN documentary about his final season with the Chicago Bulls. In one scene, Jordan can be seen driving the Range Rover through the streets of Chicago while reflecting on his legendary basketball career.

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Image credit: courtesy of Toyota

 

23 Racing Toyota

 

His love for sports cars doesn’t just end with the Corvettes, as he also owns a racing team. Dubbed “23XI Racing,” the team made its debut at the 2021 Daytona 500 with driver Bubba Wallace. MJ said in a statement. “The opportunity to own my own racing team in partnership with my friend, Denny Hamlin, and to have Bubba Wallace driving for us is very exciting for me. Historically, Nascar has struggled with diversity. I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for black people in racing.”

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Image credit: Getty Images

 

Ferrari 550 Maranello

 

MJ’s Ferrari 550 Maranello holds a special place in sneaker culture, as it served as inspiration for the Air Jordan XIV, along with the Ferrari F335. These iconic shoes will forever be remembered for Jordan’s famous step-back “final shot” against the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals, with his feet dragging across the court in a display of pure athletic prowess. Tinker Hatfield, the designer behind the Air Jordan XIV, was just as clutch as Jordan, delivering a shoe that seamlessly fused the worlds of fashion and basketball.

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Image credit: Getty Images

 

Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir

 

This exclusive hypercar is a true masterpiece—Jordan’s model adorns a black exterior, with a luxurious black leather interior. It’s quite clear that the goat would prefer cars that reflect his speed on the court. Under the hood, the Veyron’s quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine produces a staggering 1,200 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars in the world.

 

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