Cars That Drive The "Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger

By Simon Boseman

Published Apr 25, 2024

Cars That Drive The "Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger's life story reads like an epic tale, tracing his path from the bodybuilding beaches of Austria to the glamorous sets of Hollywood, and into the political arena of California's governorship. He’s also a climate change activist. This icon has been around so long and amassed a staggering net worth of $450 million. Despite having the means to indulge in any luxury, Arnold's garage is surprisingly modest for someone of his stature, valued at just over $4 million.


Arnold Schwarzenegger’s car collection is big, bold, and usually American. Although he has a soft spot for Hummers, he doesn’t shy away from picking fast German cars either. His collection is a mix of classic and contemporary cars and he drives most of his cars himself while smoking a cigar.


Arnold's Green Machines

Despite his love for muscular, gas-guzzling vehicles, Arnold Schwarzenegger is no stranger to the environmental movement. As a prominent advocate for green technologies and sustainable transportation solutions, Arnold's collection includes pioneering electric vehicles.


Audi R8 e-Tron Concept

As a former Governor of California, Schwarzenegger has been a prominent advocate for green technologies and sustainable transportation solutions. His fascination with the Audi R8 e-tron Concept, a vehicle celebrated for its exceptional handling and made famous by Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Iron Man, led him to acquire a custom model for himself. Valued at $200,000 and finished in a striking red, this car is powered by a quad electric motor setup, offering remarkable all-wheel-drive capability and a combined output of 313 hp and approximately 830 lb-ft of torque per motor. The concept vehicle was an earlier representation of the manufacturer’s e-Tron lineup. Arnold saw the future coming.


First-Generation Tesla Roadster

As Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger championed the state's electric vehicle (EV) movement, notably endorsing the first-generation Tesla Roadster. The vehicle, based on the Lotus Elise chassis, proved a snug fit for the formidable physique of the former bodybuilder, which might explain why he's rarely seen driving it. Nevertheless, this green Roadster remains a prized possession in his collection, valued at over $200,000.


Schwarzenegger's support for EVs extended beyond personal acquisition, he actively promoted their adoption. At the 100th annual L.A. Auto Show, he emphasized the critical role of alternative fuel vehicles in curbing greenhouse gas emissions both within California and globally. "Every industry must engage in the battle against global warming," he declared.


Reflecting on his experience with the Roadster, Schwarzenegger shared, "I test-drove this vehicle, and it is hot".


Custom Kreisel Electric G500

In collaboration with Austrian electrical specialist Kreisel Electric, Arnold ventured into custom vehicle territory with a 490-horsepower electric Mercedes G-Class. Boasting a "realistic driving range" of about 185 miles, this project aligns with his renewable energy goals.


In a press release unveiling the electric Mercedes G, Schwarzenegger shared his enthusiasm: “To me, with the electric version of this fantastic car, a dream has become true. The initial test drive was a real pleasure: The Kreisel is incredibly sporty and perfectly leverages the advantages of e-mobility. I am eagerly anticipating further test drives and the ongoing development in California.”


Schwarzenegger also showcased this electric G-Wagon to car enthusiast Jay Leno, featuring it in one of Leno's YouTube videos.


Vintage Vehicles In Arnold's Garage

1982 Excalibur Phaeton

Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1982 Excalibur Phaeton Series IV is a particularly unique vehicle in his extensive car collection. This car was produced by neoclassical car builder Excalibur, a company founded by designer Brooks Stevens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stevens began using Studebaker chassis to create vehicles resembling 1920s-era Mercedes-Benz models, particularly the SSK.


Schwarzenegger's acquisition of the 1982 Excalibur Phaeton Series IV is notable because it was part of a model run celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary. Only 38 Phaeton examples were produced between 1981 and 1984. Arnold’s Phaeton is a classic convertible finished in off-white.


Bentley Arnage

Arnold Schwarzenegger has a particular fondness for the British luxury carmaker, Bentley, and thus owns several Bentley cars. Among these, the Bentley Arnage stands out, with his luxury sedan estimated to be worth $89,990. Arnold has been spotted driving his black Bentley Arnage on multiple occasions.


Arnage features a BMW-sourced M62 V8 engine enhanced with a Cosworth-engineered twin-turbo setup. This combination makes the Arnage a sleeper in terms of performance.


Arnold's Need for Speed & Muscle

Dodge Challenger SRT8

When Dodge revived the Challenger muscle car, Schwarzenegger was among the first to acquire the Dodge Challenger SRT8. His Challenger SRT8 finished in orange color with contrasting black racing stripes. He has been spotted with his Dodge Challenger SRT8 on several occasions. One notable instance was when he was seen shopping at Maxfield in Beverly Hills.


Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, donned a silver body with red interiors, is one of the more prized possessions in his vast car collection. This particular vehicle is part of his preference for convertibles, which he's often seen driving when not in one of his many Hummer trucks. He’s been spotted driving the cabriolet in Brentwood, California.


Bugatti Veyron

Owning a Bugatti Veyron becomes a mere detail when one's net worth surpasses $400 million. Arnold's Veyron, decked out in silver, boasts an estimated value of $1,900,000. Despite its low profile and snug fit, Arnold is frequently seen enjoying drives in his Veyron. In 2023, however, he chose to sell this prized possession to Nigerian businessman Obi Okeke for nearly $2.5 million.


Bentley Continental GTC

Arnold Schwarzenegger's appreciation for Bentleys is well-documented, having owned several models over the years, including a GT Convertible and an older model Arnage. Spotted for the first time in late 2018 with a Bentley Continental GTC, Arnold acknowledges that daily driving a Hummer H1 isn't for everyone. Thus, he opted for the Bentley Continental GTC, a luxury convertible grand tourer valued at $202,500. Featuring an all-black exterior and interior with striking yellow accents, it presents a stunning visual contrast. Weather permitting, Arnold is often seen enjoying this vehicle around town, either solo or accompanied by his son.


Bentley Continental GT Supersports Convertible

Not one to settle for just a couple of Bentleys, Arnold added a third to his collection: the highly sought-after Bentley Continental GT Supersports Convertible. This model is distinctive for its compatibility with both gasoline and biofuel. Finished in black with a matching black soft-top, this convertible is the third Bentley and fourth convertible in Arnold's garage, valued at over $320,000. Arnold has been spotted a couple of times hitting cafes in his Supersports Convertible.


Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is another standout convertible in Arnold Schwarzenegger's impressive collection. "The Terminator" himself was seen driving this Roadster as early as 2010. This SLS AMG Schwarzenegger owns is finished in white, featuring a striking contrast with its red soft top and red interior. Valued at an estimated $228,080, it holds the position as the third most expensive car in his garage. Yet, some sources suggest Schwarzenegger might have paid up to $540,000 for it.


And the Hummer Haven

No exploration of Arnold Schwarzenegger's car collection would be complete without delving into his unmistakable love for Hummers.

The Iconic H1 Slant Back

Arnold Schwarzenegger's fascination with the Hummer is well-known, stemming from his admiration for the military truck's robustness and presence. This admiration prompted him to campaign for a civilian version, leading General Motors to produce the Hummer H1, with Arnold being one of the first to own the H1 Slant Back model. His collection features several Hummers, but the H1 Slant Back, finished in desert brown and valued at approximately $100,000, stands out as particularly unique.


The origin of Arnold's affection for the Hummer traces back to his time filming "Kindergarten Cop," where the sight of an army convoy inspired him to request AM General (the manufacturer) to create a civilian model. His persistence paid off, and he became the proud owner of the first two H1s off the production line. While rumors have circulated that Arnold owns a Hummer in every color available, it's evident that he does favor variety in his collection. For example, he possesses a cream Hummer H1 that closely resembles the military's Humvees, equipped with a solid roof, doors, and a distinctive slant back.


The Military-Style Hummer H1 in Olive Drab

Adding to the uniqueness of his collection is a military-style Hummer H1 in olive drab. This particular Hummer, often seen on the streets of Los Angeles, lacks doors and features distinctive antennas, mirroring the design of actual military Humvees.


And the Hydrogen Hummer H2

During his tenure as Governor of California, Arnold took his passion for Hummers in a new direction with the Hydrogen Hummer H2, or H2H. In line with California's rigorous emissions standards, the H2H was a part of General Motors' initiative to explore hydrogen power's potential, aiming to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative. Schwarzenegger described the H2H as "a bold experiment" that underscored California's role in pioneering the vehicles of the future. Modified to run on hydrogen vapor, the H2H's only emission was water, highlighting a significant step towards environmentally friendly transportation solutions.


With that said we are concluding the amazing car collection of Arnold Schwarzenegger. At a glance we can say he has a very soft spot for convertibles, or maybe it is his habit of smoking cigars.

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FAQs

Was Arnold Schwarzenegger in an accident?

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been in several accidents throughout his life, the most recent one with a Toyota Prius while he was traveling in a Yukon SUV in 2022, but the most significant one Arnold Schwarzenegger experienced took place in 2001 when he was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle in Los Angeles. He collided with a vehicle that was turning left at an intersection, resulting in six broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and emergency open-heart surgery.

Did Arnold Schwarzenegger sell his Humvee collection?

Arnold Schwarzenegger sold most of his personal collection of Humvees and donated the proceeds to charity in 2017.

Did Arnold Schwarzenegger donate his salary to charity?

Arnold Schwarzenegger, during his time as governor of California from 2003 to 2011, did not accept a salary for his services. Instead, he donated his salary to various causes, including after-school programs for children and education initiatives.

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